Amid a seven-game losing streak and two wins in their past 13 games, the Chicago Cubs have placed starting pitcher Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his right middle finger.

In his 10 starts this season, Cabrera has compiled a 4.00 ERA with 47 strikeouts and 20 walks in 50 innings. That strikeout total is tied with Jameson Tallion for the second-most among Cubs starters behind Shota Imanaga’s 61.

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Cabrera, 28, left his start last Wednesday in the fourth inning after throwing 61 pitches, 32 of them for strikes. He allowed four runs (three unearned due to errors on Carson Kelly and Pete Crow-Armstrong) with four hits and two walks in a 5-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

A couple of weeks ago, the Minnesota Vikings announced Adrian Peterson’s induction into the franchise’s Ring of Honor. He spent a decade with the club and, in some instances, carried the offense for entire seasons.

Peterson revealed that tension with Zimmer escalated after the star running back attempted a late-season return from a major knee injury in 2016.

In his final three seasons with the organization, Peterson played under head coach Mike Zimmer, who was eventually fired after the 2021 season. It turns out Zimmer and Peterson didn’t particularly like each other, the runner revealed in an appearance on the Ed Block CourageCast podcast.

The back’s time in the Twin Cities ended when the franchise didn’t pick up an option in his contract, which sent him to free agency. He then bounced around for a few years.

Peterson said, “The reason I say this — and a lot of people know the inside of things that go on — but, for me, when I left, me and the head coach kind of bumped heads a little bit. Because I just felt disrespected. So, for me, when I look back at it, I think I could have — I know I could have — handled it a different way, and maybe that doesn’t happen. Maybe they don’t go shopping, trying to find someone else. So, I wasn’t shocked when it ended up happening.”

After moving on, the Vikings paired Peterson’s backup, Jerick McKinnon, with free agent Latavius Murray and rookie second-rounder Dalvin Cook. They formed one of the strongest backfields in the NFL, though they only had four games together until Cook tore his ACL in Week 4.

Peterson didn’t have a problem with the Vikings, but Zimmer certainly irritated him, “Honestly, just leaving there, I felt disrespected by the head coach in particular. Not the organization or anything like that. It was the head coach. Me and him had a few words, respectfully.”

At the time, the Vikings would’ve owed Peterson $18 million, had they exercised his option. He turned 32 in the 2017 offseason. That salary would make him the third-highest paid runner in today’s league, behind Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. Mind you, the salary cap nine years ago was roughly half of today’s, and only a pair of backs in 2017 made more than $7 million that year.

Peterson came off a season in which he suited up only three times. He registered 72 rushing yards in 2016, as a torn meniscus sidelined him for most of the year. That’s when his feud with Zimmer started.

The future Hall of Famer explained, “I tore like 90% of my meniscus. My options were to do the repair, and it was a 40% chance that it wouldn’t heal. Or I could cut it out and go through the healing process, and at some point I would be bone-on-bone.”

“So, that happened and I opt to have the surgery and to do the repair. It was that game plan that I envisioned, and I wasn’t really listening to what everybody else had to say about it, outside of the professionals’ opinions, as far as my options. But, as far as the healing process, I think totally different. So, I’m just like, ‘You know what? I can come back, man.’ Normally, typically, that would end somebody’s season, and I was like, ‘I can come back.’”

Vikings fans might remember some meniscus anatomy from the J.J. McCarthy saga in 2024. In short, there are two options: the so-called trim and the repair. The former costs a few weeks or a month, the latter generally ends the season. Anthony Barr, early in his career, did the trim, while Irv Smith or McCarthy did the repair. The shorter recovery time is a trade-off that comes with potential long-term risks.

Peterson suffered his knee injury in Week 2, which is why he thought he could fix his meniscus and still return that season because, well, he was a player who had previously shown that he heals differently than most humans.

The 2012 MVP returned in Week 15, a must-win game against the Colts. It turned out to be a blowout loss and Peterson logged 22 yards that day. After the game, with nothing to play for, the Vikings shut down Peterson for the remainder of the season, which Zimmer didn’t like.

Peterson continued, “During that time that I came back, I want to say we had a home game against the Colts, and it was a situation where if we win that game, we had a chance to win out and go to the playoffs. So, here I am at the time, this is the last year of my contract. I could have easily sat it out and seen what would happen going into the next season. That’s what I could have done. But, me being the type of person that I am, the competitor that I am, I’m all for it. I want to get out there and I want to play.”

“So, I got out there and went through it, and we end up losing the game. We end up losing the game and I think we had a zero percent chance of making (the playoffs). At this point, it’s time for me to shut it down. It was time for me to go ahead and rest and see what happens next year. Coach (Zimmer), it rubbed him the wrong way that I made that decision. That’s where we had a couple words. He said some things that was disrespectful, challenging me as far as being a competitor, and just my whole being.”

The 8-8 Vikings didn’t make the playoffs after starting 5-0. Peterson’s final campaign in purple didn’t go according to plan. Under Zimmer, his league-leading rushing season in 2015 (1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns, both of which led the league) was sandwiched between two lost years. He was suspended for all but one contest in 2014 and played only three games in 2016.

Unfortunately, they had only one full season together. Zimmer’s run-first idea of playing offense would’ve meshed well with the explosiveness Peterson displayed throughout his career when healthy. Though he overall had a respectable tenure in Minnesota with a 72-56-1 record, the way he led the team and treated people within the building was not always appreciated by everyone.

“But, you know, it is what it is. Everything happens for a reason. I went on and played a couple more years. Blessed to be a part of some other great organizations. My kids were able to travel and see the world,” Peterson concluded.

Peterson spent ten years with the Vikings, leading the franchise in rushing yards and touchdowns by a wide margin. After his exit, he played in New Orleans, Arizona, Washington, Detroit, Tennessee, and Seattle.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.

Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt

West Ham United have been relegated from the Premier League despite beating Leeds United 3-0 on the final day of the season at the London Stadium.

The Hammers needed both a win and a defeat for Tottenham Hotspur against Everton to stay in the Premier League.

However, Tottenham held on for victory, which confirmed West Ham’s relegation to the Championship after 14 straight seasons in the top flight.

West Ham struggled to find their rhythm in the first half as the hot weather appeared to slow the game down. Their situation also became more difficult after Tottenham took the lead against Everton.

The breakthrough finally came in the 67th minute when Taty Castellanos headed home Jarrod Bowen’s corner at the back post to give the hosts the lead.

Bowen later added a second goal with 11 minutes left, firing a fine angled shot into the far corner.

Substitute Callum Wilson sealed the win in stoppage time with West Ham’s third goal of the afternoon.

Despite doing their part, West Ham could not avoid relegation as Tottenham secured the result they needed to remain in the Premier League.

The relegation means West Ham will play in the Championship for the first time since the 2011/2012 season.

Leeds, meanwhile, ended their campaign in 14th place after suffering their first defeat in nine matches.

Dev Kumar Meena (ANI Photo)

Dev Kumar Meena and Kuldeep Kumar produced one of the standout moments of the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition after both athletes broke the national pole vault record during a dramatic contest on Sunday. Representing Madhya Pradesh, the two training partners cleared 5.45m, improving upon the previous national record of 5.41m that had recently been set by Kuldeep Kumar in Bhubaneswar. Despite both athletes achieving the same height, Dev Kumar Meena clinched the gold medal through countback rules, while Kuldeep settled for silver. In pole vault and high jump events, countback is used to separate athletes tied at the same height by checking who cleared the mark in fewer attempts during the competition. The result marked a huge milestone for Indian athletics, with both vaulters also comfortably breaching the Athletics Federation of India’s Commonwealth Games qualification standard of 5.25m for the 2026 edition. After the event, Dev Kumar highlighted the healthy rivalry and friendship between the pair. “It was a good day for us and we will continue to push each other to further raise the bar in future,” he said. While the spotlight on Saturday belonged largely to sprinters, Sunday’s action was dominated by field events and several impressive performances across disciplines. Murali Sreeshankar secured gold in the men’s long jump with an effort of 8.08m, surpassing the Commonwealth Games qualification mark of 8.05m. In the men’s high jump, Sarvesh Anil Kushare delivered another standout display by clearing 2.28m to win gold and qualify for the Commonwealth Games. His jump also equalled the meet record previously set by Tejaswin Shankar. Kushare even attempted 2.30m in an effort to better the national record of 2.29m, but failed to clear the height in all three attempts. Silver medallist Aadarsh Ram also crossed the CWG qualification standard after managing 2.22m. Meanwhile, national record holder Tejas Shirse dominated the men’s 110m hurdles final. Representing Reliance, Shirse clocked 13.50 seconds to win gold and improve his own meet record of 13.61 seconds, although he narrowly missed the Commonwealth Games qualification timing of 13.39 seconds. Earlier in the day, Ravina claimed gold in the women’s 10,000m race walk after clocking 44:29.66 seconds, comfortably going under the CWG qualification standard of 44:44.58 seconds. Other gold medallists included Dharamraj Yadav in the men’s discus throw and Manpreet Kaur in the women’s hammer throw, while Nandhini K won the women’s 100m hurdles title.

Betting on the Indy 500 is not only popular among racing fans, but it’s also a pastime for casual bettors and sports fans alike. The 110th edition of the Indianapolis 500 is set to get underway from the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24. Tabbed as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indy 500 will attract a massive handle at online betting sites. Betting on the Indy 500 requires the latest information, and this comprehensive 2026 Indy 500 betting guide provides all the info you will need to place smarter bets.

Forming an Indy 500 betting strategy can help you form a detailed plan with nine previous winners in the 2026 Indy 500 field. According to the latest 2026 Indy 500 odds, Alex Palou, the defending champion, is the +250 favorite after winning the pole position. Other notable Indy 500 contenders include Pato O’Ward (+650) and Conor Daly (+750). Claim the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $100 in bonus bets instantly after your first $5 wager: 

The green flag drops at 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, and if you’re wondering how to bet on the Indy 500 or where to bet on the Indianapolis 500, our 2026 Indy 500 betting guide highlights some of the best Indy 500 promo codes, including the FanDuel promo code, DraftKings promo code and bet365 bonus code. You can use these sign-up bonuses to significantly boost your bankroll, and we’ll also offer an intro to Indy 500 wagering that gives you everything you need to know before you begin Indy 500 betting. Bet the Indianapolis 500 at FanDuel Sportsbook, where new users get $150 in bonus bets if your first $5 wager wins:

How to bet on the 2026 Indy 500

If you’re looking for how to bet on the 2026 Indianapolis 500, online sportsbooks are likely your most convenient answer. Online sports betting apps are now legal in more than 30 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and it’s easy to sign up for online betting sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Caesars, BetMGM and Fanatics Sportsbook. All of those top sports betting apps are also currently offering sportsbook promos that could help you boost your bankroll ahead of the 2026 Indy 500. Here are the top 2026 Indianapolis 500 betting sites:

2026 Indianapolis 500 odds

Here is the field for the 110th running of the Indy 500. There were 33 drivers who qualified for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 at “The Brickyard” and they’ll do 200 laps around the 2.5-mile rectangular oval. Click on the odds (via FanDuel) to wager now.

Indy 500 betting: Alex Palou

With a victory on Sunday, Palou will become the seventh driver to win the Indianapolis 500 in back-to-back years. He’s seeking to be the first driver to win the Indy 500 from the pole position since Simon Pagenaud in 2019. Palou enters the Indy 500 full of confidence after finishing inside the top five in five of his last six races, which include three victories. Palou won a career-best eight races last year, including the Indy 500. He’s in a strong position to go back-to-back at the Indy 500 after winning the pole for the second time in his career.

Indy 500 betting: Pato O’Ward

Pato O’Ward will make his seventh start at the Indy 500, and he’s finished in the top three in three of his last four Indy 500 runs. O’Ward finished third last year and placed second in 2022 and 2024. He finished second in the IndyCar standings last year for his third straight top-five finish. O’Ward has finished no worse than seventh in the IndyCar standings in each of the previous six seasons. He’s sixth so far this year with four top-five results in six starts.

Indy 500 betting: Conor Daly

Conor Daly is set to make his 13th start in the Indy 500, and after some rough showings in his earlier starts in the marquee race, Daly has become one of the most consistent Indy 500 performers in recent years. The 34-year-old has finished in the top 10 in four straight Indy 500 runs, including eighth last year.

Indy 500 betting: David Malukas

The 24-year-old is a first-year member of Team Penske, driving the No. 12 Chevrolet. David Malukas finished second at last year’s Indy 500 in just his third start in the event. He just missed a top-10 finish overall last year, placing 11th in the IndyCar standings. He’s off to a strong start this year, though, currently third in the standings. He’s finished no worse than seventh in five straight races, and he’s coming off placing second on a road course in the Grand Prix of Indianapolis in his last start May 9. David Malukas

Indy 500 betting:  Alexander Rossi

Alexander Rossi suffered what’s described as a minor finger and ankle injury from a three-car crash during Monday’s practice run, but he’s expected to race in the 2026 Indy 500. Rossi had his streak of three straight top-five finishes at the Indy 500 snapped last year, partly due to mechanical issues, but the eight-time IndyCar winner is one of the most successful drivers in the Indy 500 driver pool. Rossi has six top-five finishes and seven top-10 results in 10 career Indy 500 runs. He’s finished in the top 10 in four of six starts this season.

Indy 500 betting: Scott McLaughlin

Scott McLaughlin never truly had a chance to compete at last year’s Indy 500, crashing during the warm-up and unable to race in the main event. He’s since called that “the worst day of my life” as he was unable to chase down a white whale of winning an Indianapolis 500. McLaughlin is winless in five Indy 500 runs. He was on the pole in 2023 before finishing sixth, which is the only time he’s even finished inside the top 10 at the Indy 500. The motivation is certainly there after losing his opportunity last year before the race even started for the Team Penske driver.

Indy 500 betting: Josef Newgarden

Josef Newgarden is a two-time IndyCar champion (2017, 2019) and he’s also a two-time Indy 500 winner (2023, 2024). Mechanical issues played a role in his inability to three-peat last year, but still, Newgarden has seven top-10 finishes over his last 11 Indy 500 runs. He’s the winningest American driver in IndyCar history with 33 victories, including taking the Grand Prix of Phoenix this year. He won multiple IndyCar races for eight straight years from 2017 to 2024. This marks his 15th Indy 500 start as one of the most proven drivers on the track.

Indy 500 betting: Santino Ferrucci

Santino Ferrucci is set to make his 100th IndyCar start on Sunday. He’ll start in fifth place for the 2026 Indianapolis 500, driving the No. 14 Chevrolet for AJ Foyt Racing. He’s made seven starts at the Indy 500, placing in the top 10 in all seven of his starts. He also has three top-five finishes as well.

Indy 500 betting: Felix Rosenqvist

Felix Rosenqvist finished fourth at last year’s Indy 500, and he’s coming off a recent second-place result in Long Beach on April 19. He finished a career-best sixth in last year’s IndyCar standings and will drive the No. 60 Honda for Meyer Shank Racing.

Indy 500 betting: Scott Dixon

Scott Dixon returns for his 26th IndyCar season and he’s second all-time in IndyCar victories (59). The 45-year-old holds a record six IndyCar championships, most recently winning in 2020. The 2008 Indy 500 champion is set for his 24th Indy 500 start, and he has nine top-five finishes and 14 top-10 results in this race. His experience and career success always make him a popular Indy 500 betting option as one of the sport’s all-time greats. 

Indy 500 betting promos and bonus offers

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BetMGM Sportsbook: Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses

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Indy 500 history

The Indianapolis 500 is an annual race held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and is commonly referred to as “the greatest spectacle in racing.” The Indy 500 was first held on May 30, 1911. Arguably the biggest event on the IndyCar calendar, the Indy500 has taken place on the Sunday before Memorial Day since the 1970s. 

Four racers share the record for the most Indy 500 victories with four, including Hélio Castroneves, A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser. Foyt also has the most career Indy 500 starts with 35. Castroneves holds the longest span between wins at 20 years, after securing his first Indy 500 victory in 2001 and his most recent in 2021. Unser’s win in 1987 made him the oldest driver to win the Indy 500 at 47 years and 360 days old. 

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Indy 500 betting options and wagers

Win

This is simply a bet on which driver will win the race. You only get paid if your driver finishes first.       

Place

This gives a little buffer room for bettors, as you cash your ticket if your driver finishes first or second. However, the payout for first is not as good as a win bet.         

Show

Like horse racing, a show bet covers a top-three finish, but the price is worse than a win or place bet.        

Top finishes

There are various types of top finishing bets, including top five and top 10. The favorites generally have heavily juiced odds to finish in the top five or top 10. 

Matchups

Matchup bets pit two specific drivers against each other, and whichever driver finishes ahead of the other one is the winner of the prop. Sportsbooks decide which drivers to feature in these matchups.        

Winning manufacturer

Bettors can choose between Chevrolet and Honda for the winning manufacturer. This is a common offering across major sportsbooks, so there is a chance to price shop for the best line.           

Winning car number

There are multiple over/unders to choose from for winning car number, with some examples being 9.5, 10.5 and 15.5. Bettors can also choose an exact range of numbers, such as 1-6 or 13-24, for a bigger payout.         

Winning team

This is a bet on which team will win the race, with Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske being two of the most popular choices. 

Lap props 

There are multiple types of lap props, such as the over/under for most laps led by a driver or the speed of the fastest lap.        

Groups

If bettors want to target a specific driver to perform well, groups are a great option. These usually split drivers into groups of four, and the winner is generally available at a plus-money payout.        

Forecast

Much like an exacta in horse racing, a straight forecast gives bettors a chance to pick the top two finishers in the correct order. There are also dual forecasts, where bettors just need to pick the top two finishers in any order, but the payout is not as high as a straight forecast.         

Race props

We have covered some of the popular Indy 500 props, but there are other ones as well. Some of the options include number of lead changes, average speed of the race, grid position of the race winner and the winning nationality.  

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Indy 500 past winners 

2025: Alex Palou (Ganassi)
2024: Josef Newgarden (Penske)
2023: Josef Newgarden (Penske)
2022: Marcus Ericsson (Ganassi)
2021: Helio Castroneves (Meyer Shank)
2020: Takuma Sato (Rahal Letterman)
2019: Simon Pagenaud (Penske)
2018: Will Power (Penske)
2017: Takuma Sato (Andretti)
2016: Alexander Rossi (Andretti-Herta)
2015: Juan Pablo Montoya (Penske)
2014: Ryan Hunter-Rea (Andretti)
2013: Tony Kanaan (KV)
2012: Dario Franchitti (Ganassi)
2011: Dan Wheldon (Bryan Herta)
2010: Dario Franchitti (Ganassi)
2009: Helio Castroneves (Penske)
2008: Scott Dixon (Ganassi)
2007: Dario Franchitti (Andretti-Green)
2006: Sam Hornish Jr. (Penske)
2005: Dan Whelson (Andretti-Green)
2004: Buddy Rice (Rahal Letterman)
2003: Gil de Ferran (Penske)
2002: Helio Castroneves (Penske)
2001: Helio Castroneves (Penske)
2000: Juan Montoya (Chip Ganassi)
1999: Kenny Brack (AJ Foyt)
1998: Eddie Cheever Jr. (Cheever)
1997: Arie Luyendyk (Treadway)
1996: Buddy Lazier (Hemelgarn)
1995: Jacques Villeneuve (Green)
1994: Al Unser Jr. (Penske)
1993: Emerson Fittipaldi (Penske)
1992: Al Unser Jr. (Galles-Kraco)
1991: Rick Mears (Penske)
1990: Arie Luyendyk (Doug Shierson)
1989: Emerson Fittipaldi (Patrick)
1988: Rick Mears (Penske)
1987: Al Unser (Penske)
1986: Bobby Rahal (Trusports)
1985: Danny Sullivan (Penske)
1984: Rick Mears (Penske)
1983: Tom Sneva (Bignotti-Cotter)
1982: Gordon Johncock (STP Patrick)
1981: Bobby Unser (Penske)
1980: Johnny Rutherford (Chaparral)
1979: Rick Mears (Penske)
1978: Al Unser (Chaparral)
1977: A.J. Foyt (AJ Foyt)
1976: Johnny Rutherford (Bruce McLaren)
1975: Bobby Unser (All American Racer)
1974: Johnny Rutherford (Bruce McLaren)
1973: Gordon Johncock (Patrick)
1972: Mark Donohue (Roger Penske)
1971: Al Unser (Vel’s Parnelli Jones)
1970: Al Unser (Vel’s Parnelli Jones)
1969: Mario Andretti (STP Corp)
1968: Bobby Unser (Leader Cards)
1967: A.J. Foyt (Ansted-Thompson)
1966: Graham Hill (Mecom)
1965: Jim Clark (Lotus)
1964: A.J. Foyt (Ansted-Thompson)
1963: Parnelli Jones (JC Agajanian)
1962: Rodger Ward (Leader Cards)
1961: A.J. Foyt (Bignotti-Bowes)
1960: Jim Rathmann (En-Paul)
1959: Rodger Ward (Leader Cards)
1958: Jimmy Bryan (George Salih)
1957: Sam Hanks (George Salih)
1956: Pat Flaherty (John Zink)
1955: Bob Sweikert (John Zink)
1954: Bill Vukovich (Howard B Keck)
1953: Bill Vukovich (Howard B Keck)
1952: Troy Ruttman (JC Agajanian)
1951: Lee Wallard (Murreil Belanger)
1950: Johnnie Parsons (Kurtis Kraft)
1949: Bill Holland (Lou Moore)
1948: Mauri Rose (Lou Moore)
1947: Mauri Rose (Lou Moore)
1946: George Robson (Thorne)
1945: N/A
1944: N/A
1943: N/A
1942: N/A
1941: F Davis – M Rose (Lou Moore)
1940: Wilbur Shaw (Boyle)
1939: Wilbur Shaw (Boyle)
1938: Floyd Roberts (Lou Moore)
1937: Wilbur Shaw (Wilbur Shaw)
1936: Louis Meyer (Louis Meyer)
1935: Kelly Petillo (Kelly Petillo)
1934: Bill Cummings (HC Henning)
1933: Louis Meyer (Louis Meyer)
1932: Fred Frame (Harry Hartz)
1931: Louis Schneider (BL Schneider)
1930: Billy Arnold (Harry Hartz)
1929: Ray Keech (MA Yagle)
1928: Louis Meyer (Alden Sampson II)
1927: George Souders (William S White)
1926: Frank Lockhart (Peter Kreis)
1925: Peter De Paolo (Duesenberg)
1924: L Corum – J Boyer (Duesenberg)
1923: Tommy Milton (HCS Motors)
1922: Jimmy Murphy (Jimmy Murphy)
1921: Tommy Milton (Louis Chevrolet)
1920: Gaston Chevrolet (William Small)
1919: Howdy Wilcox (IMS Corp)
1918: N/A
1917: N/A
1916: Dario Resta (Peugeot)
1915: Ralph DePalma (EC Patterson)
1914: Rene Thomas (Louis Delage)
1913: Jules Goux (Peugeot)
1912: Joe Dawson (National Motors)
1911: Ray Harroun (Nordyke & Mermon)

Indy 500 records 

• A.J. Foyt has the most career Indy 500 starts with 35

• Scott Dixon has the most laps led in Indy 500 history with 665 

• The largest margin of victory is 13 minutes, 8.40 seconds by Jules Goux in 1913

• Hélio Castroneves has the longest span between victories at 20 years (first win in 2001, most recent win in 2021)

• Troy Ruttman is the youngest Indy 500 champion at 22 years and 80 days (1952)

• Al Unser is the oldest Indy 500 champion at 47 ears and 360 days (1987)

• Team Penske has picked up the most Indy 500 wins with 20 

Below is a list of drivers with two or more Indy 500 victories:

• Hélio Castroneves (4)
• A.J. Foyt (4)
• Rick Mears (4)
• Al Unser (4)
• Dario Franchitti (3)
• Louis Meyer (3)
• Wilbur Shaw (3)
• Mauri Rose (3)
• Johnny Rutherford (3)
• Bobby Unser (3)
• Emerson Fittipaldi (2)
• Gordon Johncock (2)
• Arie Luyendyk (2)
• Tommy Milton (2)
• Juan Pablo Montoya (2)
• Josef Newgarden (2)
• Takuma Sato (2)
• Bill Vukovich (2)
• Rodger Ward (2)
• Dan Wheldon (2)
• Al Unser Jr. (2)

The sporting world is set for one of its most controversial experiments yet as the inaugural Enhanced Games take place in Las Vegas this weekend.

Unlike the Olympics or World Championships, athletes competing at the Enhanced Games are allowed to use certain performance-enhancing substances under medical supervision, a concept that has sparked fierce global debate and earned the event the nickname “Steroid Olympics.”

The competition will feature events in track, swimming, weightlifting and strongman disciplines, with 42 athletes reportedly set to compete at a specially-built indoor arena at Resorts World.

What makes the Enhanced Games different?

The biggest difference between the Enhanced Games and traditional elite sport lies in its anti-doping policy. Athletes competing in the event are permitted to use substances that are banned under rules set by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), provided those substances are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Organisers argue that the Games embrace “science, innovation, and measurable performance enhancement under regulated conditions,” while critics believe the event threatens the integrity and safety of modern sport.

Enhanced Games co-founder Christian Angermayer defended the concept, saying: “We’re only allowing medically approved drugs with a doctor together.” He also insisted that the organisers believe the model is safe under controlled conditions.

Who created the Enhanced Games?

The idea reportedly came from Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza after observing steroid use in gyms across the United States.

The project later attracted major investors and business figures, including biotech billionaire Christian Angermayer and investment banker Maximilian Martin, who now serves as chief executive.

  Why are athletes joining?

Organisers claim the Games offer athletes greater financial rewards and more freedom over their bodies compared to traditional sporting systems. A total prize pool of $25 million is reportedly on offer, with athletes able to earn up to $1 million for breaking recognised world records.

Supporters of the event also argue that current anti-doping systems are ineffective and that regulated enhancement may be safer than underground doping practices.

Angermayer criticised the current sporting structure, saying: “The IOC makes billions literally on their back, they should share these billions with the athletes.”

Which British athletes are competing?

Among the most high-profile names participating is Ben Proud, the Olympic silver medallist in the 50m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Proud retired from international swimming in 2025 before joining the Enhanced Games project, fully aware that it would effectively end any return to elite Olympic competition.

Speaking about his decision, Proud said: “I realise I’m giving up a lot.”

Other British athletes involved include swimmer Emily Barclay and sprinter Reece Prescod, both of whom also stepped away from traditional international competition.

Which global stars are taking part?

The athlete lineup also includes several Olympic medallists and world champions. One of the biggest names is American sprinter Fred Kerley, an Olympic silver and bronze medallist in the 100m.

Australian swimmer James Magnusson, Ukrainian swimmer Andriy Govorov and American Olympic champions Cody Miller and Hunter Armstrong are also expected to compete.

Greek-Bulgarian swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev previously recorded a 50m freestyle time under Enhanced Games conditions that was faster than the official world record, although it was not recognised officially.

Why are the Games facing criticism?

The backlash from anti-doping agencies and sporting bodies has been severe.

UK Anti-Doping chief executive Jane Rumble strongly criticised the event, stating: “There is no safe way to dope.” She added that the Games “fly very much in the face of fair play.”

International Olympic Committee described the concept as “dangerous and irresponsible,” while World Athletics president Sebastian Coe reportedly labelled the idea “moronic.” USADA chief Travis Tygart also dismissed the event as a “Clown Show.”

The bigger debate around the Enhanced Games

At the centre of the controversy is a wider debate about fairness, athlete welfare and the future of elite sport. Supporters believe scientific enhancement under medical supervision could improve athlete recovery and create a new era of human performance.

Critics, however, argue that allowing performance-enhancing drugs undermines the very foundation of fair competition while exposing athletes to long-term health risks.

Whether the Enhanced Games become a lasting alternative to traditional sport or remain a controversial one-off experiment may depend entirely on what happens in Las Vegas this weekend.

Marta Kostyuk’s first-round win at the French Open became one of her toughest matches after she found out beforehand that a missile almost hit her parents’ home in Ukraine.

Kostyuk, who has not shaken hands with Russian players since the 2022 invasion, fought back tears after beating Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 on Court Simonne-Mathieu on the opening day of the clay-court Grand Slam at Roland Garros.

Read moreNo Alcaraz, no party? Five reasons not to miss this year’s French Open

“I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career,” the 15th-seeded Kostyuk said. “This morning, 100 meters away from my parents’ house, the missile destroyed the building and it was a very difficult morning for me … I didn’t know how I would handle it, I’ve been crying part of the morning.”

She received a message at 8am and could not stop thinking what could have happened.

“I felt sick,” she said. “If it was 100 meters closer, I probably wouldn’t have a mom and a sister today.”

Her mother, sister and great aunt were in the house at the time of the strike, she said, among 17 people in total, so her relief was enormous that no one was injured.

“I don’t want to think what I would do if something worse happened, but I knew that this is the day to go out and play,” she said. “It didn’t cross my mind today that I shouldn’t go out, because, you know, at the end of the day, everyone is alive.”

After the match, she thanked fans and received an ovation. Then she explained how she found the emotional and mental resources to play.

“I think it’s important to keep going. My biggest example is Ukrainian people, I woke up in the morning today and,” the 23-year-old Kostyuk said, becoming tearful before repeating and finishing the sentence. 

“I looked at all these people who woke up and kept living their life, kept helping people who are in need,” she said. “I knew a lot of Ukrainian flags would be here today and a lot of Ukrainian people would come out, support. My friends from Ukraine came as well.”

When Kostyuk first served for the match at 5-1 she got broken. But she served it out on her next opportunity and waved to fans holding up a Ukraine flag in the upper deck.

One of several spectators wrapped in the blue-and-yellow colours of Ukraine, 35-year-old Viktoria cheered from the stands: “When the girls play and win matches here at Roland-Garros, it’s a gift to our families and our people back home.”

Kostyuk next plays unseeded American Katie Volynets and Kostyuk’s countrywoman Elina Svitolina – a recent winner at the Italian Open in Rome – faces Anna Bondar on Monday.

Svitolina ⁠is among the contenders for the French Open title after triumphing last week at the Italian Open, where she outlasted defending Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff in the final.

The seventh seed, who took a maternity break in 2022, has had to work her way back from a ranking that year of No. 236. Her return to the highest level has been a source of inspiration for many female players – and for her war-torn home nation too.

Read more‘Last French player standing’: Roland Garros crowd adopts Ukraine’s Svitolina

She and Kostyu leads a group of seven Ukrainians in the top 100 of the women’s rankings.

“Taking in consideration the war and everything, what’s happening in our country, I think it’s great inspiration for (the) younger generation,” Svitolina said on the eve of the tournament. “It shows that it is possible. Especially for girls back in Ukraine, it’s a great example.” 

(FRANCE 24 with AP)

Geoff Molson did not build his wealth the way most billionaires do. He inherited a name that had been synonymous with Canadian business for generations, spent years working through the family brewing empire, and then made a single defining move in 2009 that changed the scale of what the Molson name meant in sport. Buying the Montreal Canadiens was not just a business decision. For a family that had owned the team before, it was something closer to a homecoming. The numbers since have been extraordinary.

The Investment That Changed Everything

When Molson completed the purchase of the Canadiens from George Gillett Jr. in 2009, the price was $575 million. That was already a significant sum for a hockey franchise at the time. What has happened to the value since then is the kind of return that makes the original figure look modest in hindsight. 

According to Sportico’s most recent NHL franchise valuations, the Canadiens are now worth $3.3 billion, placing them third in the league behind only the Toronto Maple Leafs at $4.25 billion and the New York Rangers at $3.65 billion. The franchise value has nearly sextupled since Molson took over. 

Even through a full rebuild, revenues have kept climbing. The Canadiens brought in $257 million during the 2021-22 season, then $300 million the following year and $318 million the season after that, placing them among the top five revenue-generating franchises in the entire league.

Part of what underpins that valuation is what Molson owns beyond the team itself. Groupe CH, the holding company he leads as president and CEO, owns the Canadiens, the Bell Centre, the entertainment division Evenko, and L’Equipe Spectra, which he added to the portfolio in 2013. The Canadiens are the centrepiece, but the broader business is considerably larger. 

One transaction gave a rare public window into what pieces of that business are actually worth. When minority owner Michael Andlauer sold his 10 percent stake in the Canadiens after purchasing the Ottawa Senators, that transaction was completed at a record $2.5 billion enterprise valuation for the team as a standalone franchise. The Molson family exercised their right of first refusal to buy back that stake. 

Beyond The Canadiens

Molson grew up in Montreal and spent the earlier part of his career moving between the family business and corporate roles elsewhere, including a stint at Coca-Cola and a consulting position at CSC, before returning to Molson Brewery as vice president of marketing ahead of the Canadiens purchase. 

His personal honours reflect a standing that goes beyond sport. He was made a knight of the National Order of Quebec in 2019 and appointed to the Order of Canada in 2021, two of the country’s most significant civilian honours. 

His most recent business move has taken him into a new sport entirely. Molson joined the Toronto Tempo’s ownership group in September 2025, drawn partly by a long-standing interest in women’s basketball and a belief that the WNBA’s expansion into Canada was worth backing. The Tempo’s inaugural 2026 season includes two regular-season games at the Bell Centre in Montreal, a direct result of his involvement.