If you are excited about the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback changes in 2026, mainly the addition of Kyler Murray, CBS Sports does not share your enthusiasm. That website ranked Minnesota’s quarterback group as the NFL’s seventh-worst heading into the summer.

Minnesota’s quarterback group has risk, but calling it one of the league’s worst feels premature.

It’s the latest evidence to suggest that Murray’s stock is at its lowest.

Murray’s Track Record Makes the Ranking Hard to Defend

Seventh-worst? Really?

CBS Sports: Vikings QB Room Isn’t Good

Garrett Podell of CBS Sports decided seventh-worst for the Vikings’ QB room ranking, explaining, “One would think the Minnesota Vikings’ signing of two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray would keep them off this list, but that’s not the case. Murray earned his Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021. That’s a lifetime ago in NFL years. From 2022 to 2025, Murray missed 30 of his possible 68 games.”

“In the five games Murray played for the Cardinals in 2025, he averaged a career low 227.0 total yards per game. Recent first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was the worst quarterback in the NFL in 2025, which sparked the signing of Murray. McCarthy’s performance was simply incredible considering the offensive ecosystem under 2024 Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell.”

Murray is in town on a contract worth $1.3 million. The Cardinals are paying him to play for the Vikings.

“Despite an electrifying supporting cast, McCarthy ranked dead last in the league in completion percentage (57.6%), touchdown-to-interception ratio (11-12), and passer rating (72.6). Murray could rediscover his early career form with Minnesota,” Podell continued.

“Murray is one of just four players in NFL history with 20,000-plus passing yards (20,460) and 30-plus rushing touchdowns (32) through his first seven seasons, joining Josh Allen, Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. Week 1 starter: Kyler Murray.”

Little Faith in Murray, McCarthy, and Wentz

Vikings fans are enthused about this year’s quarterback trio, primarily because the franchise finished 2025 with a 9-8 record, despite posting the NFL’s fifth-worst quarterback performance per Dropback EPA/Play. Adding Murray feels like a serious remedy to an even graver malady.

It’s just that the NFL populace doesn’t agree yet. It has to see Murray thrive in Minnesota to believe it. After all, a team as lowly as the Arizona Cardinals got rid of Murray in favor of Jacoby Brissett and Carson Beck. That’s pretty damning.

Minnesota now has a quarterback with something to prove in Murray, a man with upside in the 23-year-old McCarthy, and a gritty veteran named Wentz in case the other two flounder or get hurt.

The Sam Darnold Lesson

In 2024, the Vikings signed Darnold from free agency, and fans groaned. The club was really going to embark on the Kirk Cousins afterlife with Darnold, who was certifiably the butt of jokes at the time? Indeed, they were.

That offseason, though, Minnesota knew what it was doing, even if folks groused when Darnold signed on the Vikings’ dotted line. He’d later post 35 touchdowns in Minnesota, fully reclaimed his career, and after the Vikings were done with him, he went on to win a Super Bowl with the 2025 Seattle Seahawks.

Compared to Darnold, Murray starts his post-Cardinals adventure with much more proven production. Murray isn’t a punchline like Darnold was two years ago. Perhaps it’s not the best time to write off the Vikings’ decision-makers before seeing Murray’s time unfold. If they struck oil with Darnold for a season, there’s no reason to believe Murray can’t achieve the same outcome.

Browns Take the Cake as the Worst

Who has the quarterback situation in football? That’s the Cleveland Browns, says Podell.

He wrote, “There is no quarterback room more chaotic than that of the Cleveland Browns. There’s the husk of Deshaun Watson, a quarterback who tore his Achilles in 2023 and once more in his rehab process in 2024, set to enter the final season of his five-year, $230 million fully-guaranteed contract in 2026.”

“Then you have the lightning rod that is 2025 fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, the son of Deion. Despite being blitzed on 24% of his dropbacks since his NFL debut in Week 11, Sanders faced pressure on 51% of his dropbacks, the highest such rate in the league. Dillon Gabriel, a 2025 third-round pick, started in Weeks 5-11 for the Browns.”

All signs point to Watson starting for Cleveland in September.

“Then, there’s 2026 sixth-round pick Taylen Green, a player with so much athletic potential that fans are begging him to switch to wide receiver. It’s the final year of Watson’s contract, and if he can still move around after two Achilles tears, he’s the quarterback who has experienced the most NFL success with three Pro Bowl selections,” Podell concluded.

The Vikings’ first regular season game is less than 16 weeks away, when Murray can deconstruct the CBS Sports narrative.

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

Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson (second from left) and Justin Brownlee mix it up with the Rauin or Shine duo of Adrian Nocum and Jaylen Johnson. —MARLO CUETO

Scottie Thompson once again proved why Barangay Ginebra continues to lean on him in big moments.

Thompson fired 25 points and sparked a decisive second-half turnaround as Ginebra defeated Rain or Shine, 103-98, on Sunday night to seize a 2-1 lead in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series at Mall of Asia Arena.

The veteran guard knocked down five three-pointers and added seven rebounds, two assists and three steals as the Gin Kings recovered from an eight-point halftime deficit and withstood a late Rain or Shine rally before a crowd of more than 13,000.

“There’s nobody better than a guy who comes out and does his job literally every game,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said of Thompson. “He does all the stuff that no one else wants to do. It’s amazing to watch day in and day out.”

Wednesday game

Justin Brownlee delivered 24 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, while RJ Abarrientos chipped in 17 points and five assists despite ditching a protective mask after suffering a nose injury earlier in the series.

Ginebra can move within a victory of another Finals appearance when the best-of-seven series resumes Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

And Thompson should play a key role in that match, too. Cone knows, having watched the do-it-all guard work hard even during practice.

“I’ve had the opportunity for 10 years to watch him do that every day, every game,” Cone said. “He just comes to work every day.”

“I tell you, he does it every practice, too. He comes out and he does his job. He does all the stuff that no one else wants to do. It’s just amazing to watch that day in and day out,” he added.

Thompson is averaging 19 points on 51-percent shooting while also contributing 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and one steal per game in the semifinals.

Rain or Shine looked poised to regain control of the series after a blistering start led by Andrei Caracut, who scored all 15 of his points in the opening quarter on five three-pointers.

‘Explosive diarrhea’

The Elasto Painters also welcomed back Caelan Tiongson, who saw action after battling what coach Yeng Guiao described as “explosive diarrhea.”

Tiongson and Jaylen Johnson scored 23 points each and helped Rain or Shine build an early cushion, but Ginebra gradually turned the game around behind Thompson’s outside shooting and Brownlee’s steady playmaking.

Tjompson orchestrated Ginebra’s rally in the third and, when Rain or Shine rallied late in the game, hit timely shots that sealed the victory. INQ

Claressa Shields has threatened to take legal action and made an accusation of defamation in a fiery onslaught on social media.

Such allegations stem from the altercation between Shields and Alycia Baumgardner earlier this month, where both fighters were seen trading barbs in a hot-tempered exchange.

This took place during a Most Valuable Promotions Netflix event, headlined by Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano, where Jake Paul’s promotional outfit delivered a series of MMA contests.

But while action took place inside the cage, there was also a confrontation between two high-profile women’s boxers inside the VIP area.

Video footage appears to show Shields slapping Baumgardner following their war of words, to which MVP have responded by banning the ‘GWOAT’ from future events.

In an official statement, MVP described the incident as a physical “attack”, while Baumgardner wrote in her own statement that Shields’ behaviour was “unprovoked”.

It is important to highlight, too, that Baumgarner is signed to the flagship promotional organisation for women’s boxing, while Shields is still being promoted by Dmitry Salita.

Regardless of their allegiances, though, Shields has said in a social media clip that she plans to sue both MVP and Baumgardner.

“MVP does not run boxing, so let’s wrap that s*** up. I’m not banned from boxing. Actually, I have a huge fight announcement coming soon.

“Both of MVP and Baumgardner’s statements were lies – that is defamation.

“For those who saw the video of Baumgardner threatening me, telling me ‘I’ll beat your ass right now’, that is a threat.

“You saying everything that happened was completely unprovoked – that’s a lie. Now that I’m looking at statements, and I’m seeing people lie, it’s okay because I’m not gonna handle it with the law; I’m gonna handle it with the court.

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“Ya’ll gonna get sued for defamation.”

As a five-weight world champion, Shields is regarded alongside Katie Taylor as the greatest female fighter of this generation, if not of all time.

Tributes continue to pour in from across the sporting world following Pep Guardiola’s emotional farewell as Manchester City manager, with basketball legend Michael Jordan and NBA champions Boston Celtics among the high-profile names celebrating the Spaniard’s legacy.

Jordan stunned fans during City’s farewell event after appearing in a special tribute video congratulating Guardiola on what he called an “unbelievable career.”

“Hey Pep, this is Michael Jordan,” the six-time NBA champion said.

“I just want to congratulate you on an unbelievable career. Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links (golf). And keep them straight.”

The Boston Celtics also joined the tributes on social media, posting:

Congrats Pep on a legendary run at @ManCity pic.twitter.com/ScbJWpGvsH

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 24, 2026

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The NBA champions’ connection to Guardiola runs deeper than a congratulatory message.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has repeatedly credited Guardiola for influencing his coaching philosophy during Boston’s championship-winning run. Mazzulla, a known admirer of Manchester City’s tactical structure and team culture, previously visited Guardiola in Manchester and maintained regular contact with the City boss during the Celtics’ title campaign.

After winning the NBA Finals, Mazzulla openly admitted Guardiola helped shape some of Boston’s tactical ideas.

“Pep helped me in transitions and how to move guys,” Mazzulla said while discussing how Boston solved Dallas’ defense during the Finals.

Mazzulla also praised Guardiola’s emphasis on “competitive joy” and togetherness, concepts he later implemented inside the Celtics locker room during their championship season.

The admiration between both coaches became one of the most fascinating cross-sport relationships in recent years. Guardiola attended Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Boston in 2024, while Mazzulla spent time observing Manchester City training sessions and exchanging ideas with the legendary football manager.

Guardiola’s influence has long stretched beyond football, with coaches from basketball, American football, rugby, and other elite sports often citing his leadership, tactical innovation, and team-building methods as inspiration.

The farewell celebration itself became a global sporting event, featuring emotional speeches, tributes from former players, celebrities, and musicians including lifelong Manchester City supporter Noel Gallagher.

After nearly a decade in charge, Guardiola departs Manchester City having transformed the club into one of football’s greatest modern dynasties — winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic trophies, and delivering the club’s first UEFA Champions League crown.

And judging by the tributes arriving from every corner of sport, Guardiola’s impact may ultimately be remembered as far bigger than football itself.

Former Major League Baseball All-Star Wander Franco will avoid prison despite being found guilty for a second time on charges of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor. A Dominican Republic judge granted the 25-year-old shortstop a judicial pardon.

The decision overturned Franco’s original June 2025 conviction, in which he received a two-year suspended sentence.

The charges against Franco stemmed from a months-long relationship the ex-MLBer had with a 14-year-old girl beginning in December 2022, when the former top baseball prospect was 21 years old. The court ruled that while Franco was criminally responsible for his actions, he was also the victim of an extortion and blackmail scheme allegedly orchestrated by the minor’s mother.

Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays watches the game during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Aug. 12, 2023. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco sits in court during his trial on charges of sexually abusing a minor in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on June 2, 2025. (Ricardo Hernandez/AP)

Prosecutors pushed aggressively for a five-year prison sentence for the Tampa Bay Rays star, but the court ultimately handed its harshest punishment to the minor’s mother. Investigators previously uncovered more than $100,000 in cash during raids on her home tied to Franco.

DOMINICAN APPEALS COURT GRANTS NEW TRIAL FOR CONVICTED MLB STAR WANDER FRANCO IN SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

The mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering and commercial sexual exploitation.

During the proceedings, prosecutors detailed how she allegedly used her daughter as a financial commodity, extracting thousands of dollars from the wealthy MLB player in exchange for consenting to the relationship.

While Franco avoided jail time, his pro baseball career in Major League Baseball is long over. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021.

Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on before the game against the Minnesota Twins at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Fla., on June 8, 2023. (Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Franco has not appeared in an MLB game since August 2023, when allegations involving the minor first exploded on social media.

He was later placed on administrative leave before MLB moved him to its restricted list, freezing both his salary and service time.

RAYS NIXING NEW STADIUM DEVELOPMENT; TEAM REMAINS COMMITTED TO REACHING ‘BALLPARK SOLUTION’

Under U.S. immigration law, the case likely qualifies as a “crime involving moral turpitude.”

Because Franco was not fully exonerated, immigration experts believe it will be nearly impossible for him to secure the work visa necessary to resume his Major League career.

Dominican baseball star Wander Franco gestures during his trial in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on June 26, 2025. Franco received a two-year suspended sentence after being found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage girl. (Luis Tavarez/AFP)

The sentence also gives the Rays significant leverage financially.

With roughly $160 million remaining on Franco’s contract, the organization is under no obligation to pay him if he cannot obtain a visa or report to the team.

The Rays could also attempt to void the remainder of the deal under morality clauses commonly included in professional sports contracts.

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Major League Baseball’s independent investigation under its Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy remains ongoing.

MLB previously said it was waiting for the Dominican Republic’s legal process to conclude before issuing formal disciplinary action.

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Monday that her country has “no issue” with hosting Iran‘s World Cup team, following the squad’s decision to move its training base from the United States to Mexico for the summer soccer competition.

The team is still scheduled to play its matches in the U.S., but its new base has been relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, situated just south of San Diego, California, as confirmed by Iran’s soccer federation.

President Sheinbaum clarified at a news conference Monday that she was told by a FIFA representative that the U.S. was reluctant to have the Iranian soccer team spend time outside of their scheduled games on U.S. territory.

“The United States doesn’t want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States,” Sheinbaum told reporters. She said a FIFA representative had then asked, “Can they stay overnight in Mexico?”

“And we said, ‘Yes, no problem. We have no issue with that’,” she said.

Iran’s soccer team is slated to play matches in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and against Belgium six days later, before facing Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

Before the war broke out, the team was originally planned to set up its base in Tucson, Arizona. But with tensions simmering, Iran’s team moved its base to Tijuana in Mexico, Sheinbaum said, confirming an announcement by the Iranian federation over the weekend. The federation said the Iranians had received approval from FIFA, though it has not confirmed the move.

Teams use base camps to train before and after matches. This year’s World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The possibility of a move had simmered for months in the uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East and security concerns. U.S. sanctions on Iran were likely to only make the team’s stay in the U.S. more complex.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement on Monday that President Donald Trump had made it clear the Iranian team was welcome to participate in the tournament.

The department’s statement did not address where the team might stay, or Sheinbaum’s comments.

Sheinbaum said that her government was working with FIFA to hash out all the details before the competition.

Lionel Messi was substituted during Inter Miami’s latest Major League Soccer match because of “muscle fatigue” in his left hamstring, his club said on Monday.

There had been fears that the 2022 World Cup winner had suffered an injury during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union.

However, the MLS club announced that medical tests showed that it was nothing more than “an overload associated with muscle fatigue”.

“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” Inter Miami said.

Having set up two of Miami’s four first-half goals on Sunday, Messi clutched his leg in the 73rd minute after taking a free-kick and was immediately withdrawn in the team’s final game before the World Cup break.

The 38-year-old went straight down the tunnel but appeared to be walking normally.

“He really was fatigued,” Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the game when asked about Messi’s condition. “He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.”

Messi has not formally confirmed he plans to play for defending champions Argentina in the World Cup, which begins on 11 June.

However, he is widely expected to make a record-equalling sixth appearance at a World Cup, with the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Argentina’s squad is due to be named next week, with their opening game against Algeria on 16 June.

Since moving to Miami in 2023, the Barcelona legend and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has carefully managed his workload but has still spent spells out of action with hamstring issues.

He has 12 goals and eight assists in 14 MLS games this season, only one behind the leader in each category, having scored a league-leading 29 goals and assisted 19 times in 28 games during the 2025 regular season.