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Duleep Trophy Final LIVE Score, East Zone vs South Zone Day 4: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Blunder Costs East Zone, Commentator Fumes On Air

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East Zone vs South Zone, Duleep Trophy Final Live: Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi failed to score big in East Zone’s second innings against South Zone, on Day 4 of the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai. Sooryavanshi departed for just 8, getting stumped out. After securing a 372-run lead, East Zone have reached 32/2 in 11 overs in their second innings, with skipper Ishan Kishan and Shikhar Mohan at the crease. Earlier in the day, East Zone bowled South Zone out for 336, taking the decisive first innings lead that could ensure they win the title if the match ends in a draw. South Zone captain Tilak Varma departed for 99, missing  out on a century by just one run. Resuming on 242/6, Tilak and Chama Milind (43) started the day off strong, but once the latter departed, four wickets fell in the space of 18 runs. In the first two days, East Zone captain Ishan Kishan laid the platform for his side with a superb 270, as they posted a total of 708. (Live Scorecard)

East Zone vs South Zone LIVE Score, Duleep Trophy 2026 Final Scorecard: Follow Live Updates from MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

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EU sports commissioner says FIFA is ‘damaging to football’

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The European Union’s sports commissioner has criticized world football’s governing body FIFA over its controversial and now-aborted plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Speaking to DW at his Brussels office, Commissioner Glenn Micallef labeled the plans “another episode in a series of poor governance decisions that excessively commercialize the sport,” adding: “It’s damaging to football.”

However, Micallef stopped short of calling on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign, amid growing pressure on him to step down. Asked whether FIFA was fit for purpose under Infantino, the commissioner insisted it wasn’t for him to decide.

“That’s a decision that belongs to national associations and federations,” Micallef said. “I hope that they will have the chance to have an open process where they can discuss these things, where they can ensure accountability and responsibility for these issues.”

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Infantino faces ethics complaint

Micallef’s comments come as the human rights group FairSquare submitted an updated complaint against Infantino to FIFA’s ethics committee, joined by more than 100,000 signatures as part of its “Reboot FIFA” campaign.

The complaint details eight instances, four of them new, in which Infantino allegedly broke FIFA’s ethics rules. These include the World Cup privatization plans and the reversal of US player Folarin Balogun’s red card ban. All of the instances are linked to Infantino’s relationship with US President Donald Trump.

In the complaint seen by DW, FairSquare state: “at a minimum, [Infantino] abused his power, violated his duty of political neutrality and his duty of loyalty in his efforts to ingratiate himself with the US president. The evidence that he sought to gain personally from this pattern of behaviour adds to the seriousness of the allegations.”

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Nicholas McGeehan, director of FairSquare, told DW that European football’s governing body UEFA — among Infantino’s fiercest critics — should get behind the complaint.

“I think [the ethics committee] is a paper tiger, but it is a mechanism that could be usefully deployed,” McGeehan said. “You have a mechanism within this organization that could be used to get this guy out. So why aren’t you supporting these complaints?”

 Donald Trump & Gianni Infantino at the 2026 World Cup Final
Gianni Infantino (left) and Donald Trump (right) have been close ever since the 2026 World CupImage: Tom Weller/dpa/picture alliance

World Cup for sale

FIFA’s plans to sell 20% of the World Cup’s commercial rights to private investors caused widespread outrage when they became public in July.

“Football is not for sale,” Micallef told DW. “Yes, football needs investment, but that investment does not mean that football has to sell itself. The FIFA leadership is there … to make sure that football grows and reaches more people, but not to profit from it. Football belongs to us, the fans.”

Despite the controversy, Infantino has confirmed he will stand for a fourth term as FIFA president next March. The governing body, which didn’t respond to DW’s request for comment, has closed ranks around its leader, saying previously that there was a “concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president.”

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With no sign of Infantino budging, McGeehan called on the EU to intervene, questioning the ability of sports organizations to regulate themselves.

“I think there are a lot of football supporters who are dreadfully concerned about the way the game is run, but think that there is no way to fix it,” McGeehan said. “And of course, there’s always a way to fix it, and the way to fix it is politics.”

Is FIFA breaking EU competition law?

FIFA’s role as both competition organizer and football’s global regulator has long raised concerns about a conflict of interest.

It is already the subject of a complaint to the European Commission’s competition watchdog over its control over the international match calendar. The complaint, filed by the umbrella group representing Europe’s domestic football leagues, alleges FIFA abuses its role to favor its own competitions. On Tuesday, the complaint was widened to include the women’s game.

Micallef, meanwhile, did not rule out further action.

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“The fact that sport is autonomous does not absolve it of its responsibilities under the law,” he said. “So I don’t exclude competition policy. Competition policy is a tool in our war chest, but I would much rather prefer to address these issues through dialogue than through competition lawyers.”

Pointing to the EU’s role last year in opposing Spanish and Italian league matches being played outside Europe — proposals heavily criticized by fan groups — Micallef expressed hope for change.

“The football community should never be underestimated. When those who are passionate about football and institutions come together and send a strong message, then we are a power to be reckoned with,” said Micallef. “We deserve proper governance. That’s not too much to ask.”

Matt Pearson contributed reporting to this article.

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Edited by: Jonathan Harding

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Ben Shelton stuns Carlos Alcaraz in late-night epic to reach US Open semi-finals

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Ben Shelton stunned Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set epic to storm into the US Open semi-finals on a late night in New York.

The American pulled off his greatest victory in his career to send the defending champion out after four hours and 31 minutes before the match concluded in the grand slam’s latest-ever finish at 3:35am ET.

Shelton, who prevailed 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6, delighted the home crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium to secure a third grand slam semi-final appearance in his career and just a second final four appearance at Flushing Meadows following his 2023 run.

Alcaraz, showing grit following his return from a nasty wrist injury, in a bid for an eighth slam and third title in New York had first blood after taking a nail-biting tiebreak.

But Shelton showed courage in front of a raucous home crowd, and the world No 9 took the following two sets (6-1, 6-3) to move to the brink of a stunning upset.

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But the marathon match, which started after 11pm ET following a lengthy run of matches leading up to the blockbuster quarter-final, was the latest finish in US Open history, beating a 2:50am ET conclusion in the 2022 meeting between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, entered a fifth set after the Spaniard ruthlessly claimed the fourth set 6-1.

After both men settled in the fifth, Shelton rallied with a gutsy hold to lead 4-3 before bringing up two break points in the eighth game to rock Alcaraz.

But the first slipped away after a backhand drifted long before the seven-time grand slam winner pummelled a forehand at the net to bring up deuce.

Ben Shelton, of the United States, hits a return against Carlos Alcaraz
Ben Shelton, of the United States, hits a return against Carlos Alcaraz (AP)
Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, hits a return against Ben Shelton, of the United States
Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, hits a return against Ben Shelton, of the United States (AP)

And Alcaraz held his nerve to move level at 4-4, letting out a roar as the match crept into a fifth hour.

But Shelton, behind his powerful serve, routinely delivered at more than 130mph, delighted the home crowd by holding to love and forcing Alcaraz to serve to stay in the match.

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He did so at the first time of asking before another swift Shelton hold pushed him to do so once again at 5-6 and the sleep-deprived crowd were soon gifted a 10-point tiebreak.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts against Ben Shelton of the United States
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts against Ben Shelton of the United States (Getty)
Ben Shelton celebrates against Carlos Alcaraz
Ben Shelton celebrates against Carlos Alcaraz (AP)

Alcaraz claimed the initiative by securing a mini-break at 5-3, but Shelton refused to fade, pulling level at five points apiece before hitting the front at 7-6 with a 146mph unreturned serve.

Shelton refused to pass up this opportunity, sending down an ace to clinch the tiebreak 10-7 and emerge victorious on an unforgettable night in New York.

Shelton now faces Frances Tiafoe, who overcame his own marathon contest, with the No 11 seed prevailing in five sets against Alex Michelsen.

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Gritty Vikings Lineman Stolen Away by AFC Team

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Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Houston Texans player holds onto his helmet from the sideline during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans boast a fantastic roster, in no small part due to some of the former Vikings players who are putting in work for DeMeco Ryans (an excellent coach). Can a former Vikings lineman help push Houston over the top?

Aaron Wilson does his reporting for KPRC2. The reporter can commonly be found commenting on league-level news but his main focus is as a Houston reporter. Check out the news about what’s taking place in his own backyard: “#Texans signed center Gavin Gerhardt to practice squad in addition to quarterback Mark Gronowski and released Dom Bailey and Ka’ena De Cambra.”

Vikings Lineman Gavin Gerhardt Snagged by Texans

Most expected the Minnesota Vikings to draft a center in the 2026 NFL Draft. What was surprising was that Minnesota waited until the 7th Round to do so.

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In that final round, Gavin Gerhardt was the choice. He was the center at Cincinnati, proving to be a strong leader and gritty player even if there were concerns about his upside. All along, the projection appeared to be of a player who would settle in as a depth lineman as a best case.

NCAA Football: Baylor at Cincinnati
Oct 21, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt (53) prepares to snap the ball against the Baylor Bears in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports – Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

During the cuts down to 53, the Vikings opted to move on from Gerhardt. Doing so wasn’t a surprise.

Afterwards, the move was made to keep Gerhardt on the practice squad. That call came within the context of learning that Michael Jurgens — a different 7th-Round lineman — got shuffled over to the IR. What was a three-headed monster at center got brought down to Blake Brandel on the active roster alongside Jurgens on the IR and Gerhardt on the practice squad.

Oh, and then Joe Huber proved he could be flexible, moving inward from his natural home at guard to snap the ball. Still, there appeared to be a need for more help at center.

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Nolan Teasley’s next step involved reinforcing the in-house talent along the offensive line. Doing so meant welcoming Trevor Keegan (a guard) and Nick Samac (a center) to the roster via waivers. Adding those two to the active roster meant feeling more liberated to fully move on from Gerhardt despite just welcoming him to town in April.

As a Texan, the former Vikings lineman will join forces with some other former Minnesota Vikings players. Most notable is edge rusher Danielle Hunter, who is still underrated. So, too, are guard Ed Ingram and corner Fabian Moreau putting in work for the AFC team with a legit chance at claiming the Super Bowl.

Blake Brandel in the 2024 playoffs for the Vikings
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) blocks for quarterback Sam Darnold (14) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

In Minnesota, the bulk of the news has focused on the presence of Kyler Murray at QB1. The former No. 1 selection is getting a chance to reinvigorate what has been a disappointing career. A touch obvious, perhaps, but the point to consider: getting the snap cleanly every single time is the sort of thing that a team only misses when it’s gone.

So, watch for how Brandel and Murray work together in Week 1 and onward from there. In an ironic way, the most encouraging development for the Vikings would involve seeing onlookers forget about the exchange between the C and QB.

The Vikings and Texans aren’t scheduled to play each other in 2026. Due to playing in opposite conferences, Minnesota could take on Houston for the Lombardi Trophy in February 2027.

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Gavin Gerhardt is listed at 6’4″ and 310, meaning he boasts a general build that’s similar to Ryan Kelly.


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Tiafoe gives Michelsen a hug, shoulder to cry on after US Open win

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Frances Tiafoe vs Alex Michelsen US Open quarterfinal

Frances Tiafoe, of the United States, right, and Alex Michelsen, of the United States, embrace after Tiafoe won their match during the quarterfinal round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

NEW YORK — Frances Tiafoe knew Alex Michelsen needed a shoulder to cry on.

So after handing his fellow American a crushing defeat in the US Open quarterfinals Tuesday, Tiafoe held Michelsen in a long embrace while the 22-year-old sobbed into his shoulder.

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“I really like Alex. I really, really do, and I just wanted to come up there and just dap him up,” Tiafoe said. “I didn’t think it was going to be as long as it was, but I understand the moment. He was definitely crying on my shoulders. Yeah, we just had some words for each other, and that was it.”

READ: Tiafoe comes back to beat Michelsen and reach US Open semifinals

Michelsen was playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal and was just a few points from winning it after taking the first two sets. The No. 11-seeded Tiafoe came back to win 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6), starting his turnaround after Michelsen failed to serve out the match with a 5-4 lead in the third set.

Michelsen said he didn’t speak much when they met at the net.

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“I was trying to keep it together and I didn’t do a good job of that,” Michelsen said. “He was saying a lot of nice personal things. ‘You’ll be there. When I’m older, you’re going to be here, and we’re going to play it again in this type of circumstance.’ All that good stuff. He’s a great guy for consoling me in that moment.”

This was the third pro match between the two, with Tiafoe winning both previous encounters. Michelsen said after his fourth-round victory that Tiafoe was an “unbelievable guy and a very good friend of mine,” and said similar after Tuesday’s defeat.

“I don’t think anyone else could have made me cry in that moment, to be honest,” Michelsen said.

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READ: Arthur Fils tops Tiafoe to claim first ATP Masters title in Cincinnati

Tiafoe is 28, one of the leaders of American men’s tennis and a fan favorite at the US Open, where he has reached his third semifinal. He said Sunday in looking ahead to the match that he had developed a good relationship with Michelsen.

Jessica Pegula said she watched the end of the match before she took the court for her quarterfinal victory over Emma Navarro.

“Just seeing Alex hug him at the end, I started crying in the locker room,” the No. 3-ranked American said. “It was so heartbreaking. My heart hurt so much.”

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Michelsen left the court with a towel on his head, raising his arm to acknowledge the cheers from the crowd. Tiafoe told those fans what he thought of Michelsen’s performance.

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“I mean, he easily could have won today so shout out to Alex Michelsen,” Tiafoe said.

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WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event Recap: Oba Femi vs. Bron Breakker Steals the Show

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Quavo, a rapper from Atlanta, kicked off the show with a live performance of his hit song ‘Backwards’. The crowd didn’t seem to care, but the pyro was nice.

Lil Yachty is entertaining, and it’d be nice to see him stick around. He had his entourage at ringside, and they got involved during the five-minute time limit.

Baron Corbin’s theme and presentation are awesome. It’s a shame the fans don’t really react to him at all.

Corbin bled from his left ear early on, but impressed against both challengers. He also hit his finisher twice but didn’t go for the pin against Lil Yatchy. Wise, since only one person has ever kicked out of ‘End of Days’.

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Trick winning might’ve been the wrong call. He doesn’t need the belt, and Corbin finds himself in No Man’s Land. Interesting to see how the US title scene fares going forward.

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Future of WWE (Oba Femi vs Bron Breakker ends in a No Contest)

Up until the finish, this was a top-five match of the year candidate in WWE

Oba delivered a nasty uppercut to Bron at ringside, but it was Breakker who came out looking like the bigger star.

Logan Paul entered down the ramp and was kicked out by the ref on the apron. Might be the fastest time a superstar has ever been ejected.

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Bronson Reed looks like a billion dollars after returning from being out for six months. He and Breakker hit their finishers on Femi multiple times.

A Storm AND Takeover is Coming (Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin defeat Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Tatum Paxley)

Tatum Paxley will be a STAR when she breaks out of this trio. Her dedication to this character is awesome, and she even had to take out all three of her opponents during the match.

Alexa Bliss may have botched a move to the turnbuckle, and overall, this match was sloppy at times.

When will WWE learn that putting Jade Cargill and Charlotte Flair in a ring together isn’t a recipe for success? Their chemistry is improving a little though.

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Tatum accidentally collided with Flair, who then got hit with Jaded and ate the pin. Looks like we are headed for a split down the line, but not sure who leaves the trio first.

The WrestleMania Main Event WWE Fans Deserved (Randy Orton beats Cody Rhodes)

Cody Rhodes caught Randy Orton sneaking into the ring from behind during Orton’s entrance, outsmarting his opponent

When Charles Robinson is the referee for a match, WWE fans know he’s taking a bump

A nice callback when Rhodes hits Orton with the steel stairs, reminiscent of when the Viper did that to him earlier in the year

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Both superstars hit their signature moves and finishers. Each also attempted the punt kick, but neither succeeded.

How many times is Cody Rhodes going to fall for the ‘please don’t hurt me, I’m your friend’ and proceed to lose? Happened with John Cena at WM 41, and here with Orton.

The harsh reality is WWE put all these matches on the card to please a hometown crowd, and they were desperate to get viewers. Who knows what’s next for Trick Williams, because Ricky Saints or Carmelo Hayes aren’t seen as worthy challengers. Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes are running it back, while Oba Femi and Bron Breakker will be next year. To sum it up, the last SNME of the year featured four matches that will likely happen again. It was an entertaining show, but they need to read the room and give their audience something new.

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The Vikings Spotted Researching Next Batch of Young Talent

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NCAA Football: College Football Playoff National Championship-Clemson vs Louisiana State
Jan 13, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) after scoring a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers second quarter in the College Football Playoff national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

GM Nolan Teasley claims that he loves process. In his most recent press conference, Teasley spent ample airtime talking about the process involved in the Vikings distilling the roster down to 53 players.

Part of that journey, Teasley explained, involved scouting work that goes back a long time prior to a late-August roster decision. So, the update that hit the football airwaves acts of corroboration of the approach rather than a surprise.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid, a leading draft expert, sent along a quick social media update about who was present at the weekend LSU and Clemson game: “17 NFL teams that are in attendance at Clemson/LSU: BUF, CAR, CLE, DEN, DET, GB, HOU, IND, JAX, LVR, MIA, MIN, NE, NO, NYJ, PIT, TEN. GMs that are present: Gutekunst (GB) and Sullivan (MIA).”

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Don’t miss the important three letters snuggled into the Reid update: MIN. The Vikings had a scouting presence at a marquee NCAA game.

The Vikings Kept an Eye on Clemson & LSU Talent

Recent years have seen the Vikings nourished by talent coming out of LSU.

Most notably, there’s Justin Jefferson, the (so-called) slot receiver who faced some uncertainty about his ability to lineup out wide in the NFL. How did that concern end up working out?

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Looking back a touch further could involve uplifting Danielle Hunter, the edge rusher who boasts the ideal build and abilities for hunting down quarterbacks. Other LSU players to have been chosen by the Vikings recently include S Jay Ward, DT Jaquelin Roy, and G Ed Ingram.

NCAA Football: College Football Playoff Semifinal-Oklahoma vs Louisiana State
Dec 28, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) reacts after his fourth touchdown during the second quarter of the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

As for Clemson, the recent track record isn’t so formidable.

The 2026 UDFA haul involved OT Tristan Leigh. He got cut before being stashed on the practice squad, but he has since been jettisoned. Next up for Clemson players would be CB Andrew Booth Jr., a talented but injury-prone corner who was a 2nd Rounder from that dreadful 2022 draft haul. In 2016, Minnesota snagged Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander in the 2nd, a corner who did play pretty spiffy football without ever becoming a dominant force.

What of the game over the weekend? Did anyone catch the Vikings’ eye?

— READ MORE: Gritty Vikings Lineman Stolen Away by AFC Team
— READ MORE: Vikings Say Goodbye to Promising Young Safety

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Lane Kiffin is now leading LSU, a decision that has created zero strong feelings and generated zero controversy. He snagged a decisive win over the weekend, overcoming the foe by a lopsided score of 51-10.

In a piece on Yahoo Sports, there’s a simple list of some of the LSU players who are projected to go in the 2027 NFL Draft. Among them are offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and tight end Trey’Dez Green. Other names get listed, as well.

As it relates to Clemson, a name to know is corner Ashton Hampton (Yahoo). Some may be skittish about opting for another corner from the same school. Do note, though, that finally landing a homegrown CB1 would do wonders for the Vikings. If Hampton could be that guy, then the Vikings would be foolish to overlook him due to a past Clemson corner not working out.

NFL: Preseason-Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) runs the ball in for a touchdown past Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports.

Lately, the football focus in the Twin Cities has involved the return of Harrison Smith alongside the upcoming start for Kyler Murray. Fans should obviously feel free to enjoy these things (at least until the inevitable heartbreak arrives). However, do so with the understanding that the grind has begun to prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Teasley, true to his word, is gleaning insight in preparation for what’s still a long way off.

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In Week 1, the Vikings will host the Packers for an early NFC North game.


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‘Threatens the entire system!’ NSW rebels against Cricket Australia over $1BN BBL privatisation plan

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‘Threatens the entire system!’ NSW rebels against Cricket Australia over $1BN BBL privatisation plan originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • New South Wales hit back hard at Cricket Australia’s BBL privatisation plan, warning it threatens grassroots investment across Australian cricket.

  • NSW claims four conditions agreed by all state chairs in June have not been met before CA pushed ahead with its decision.

  • Cricket Victoria fully endorsed the process while Queensland has concerns about the financial model and distribution structure.

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BBL privatisation fallout: Furious Cricket NSW hits out at Cricket Australia’s decision to sell Big Bash League stakes

New South Wales have come out swinging, releasing a stinging statement that accuses Cricket Australia of proceeding with its billion-dollar BBL privatisation plan without proper consideration and warned the move could leave cricket in their state, and across the country, financially worse off for years to come.

New South Wales have been the loudest voice against BBL privatisation throughout this whole process, and Tuesday’s announcement from CA didn’t change that.

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The state body runs two of the competition’s most commercially successful clubs, the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder, and has consistently refused to go down the private investment route with either of them.

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They’ve challenged CA’s financial projections, pushed for alternative funding models and argued repeatedly that there are better ways to grow the game without selling off ownership stakes to external investors.

“Cricket NSW is disappointed by Cricket Australia’s decision to proceed with introducing private investment into the Big Bash Leagues without alignment across Australian cricket,” they said in a statement.

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They made the grassroots argument clearly, suggesting that any redistribution of profits toward private investors comes directly at the expense of community cricket, the very foundation the whole system is built on.

“This decision risks leaving cricket in NSW and Australia strategically and financially worse off, with direct consequences for our ability to invest in grassroots cricket. Yesterday’s announcement threatens this system. The redistribution of profits to external investors reduces our ability to invest in community cricket, creating long-term impacts at all levels,” the statement said.

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MORE: Cricket Australia warns BBL private investors: Test summer anchored until 2032 as centrally contracted stars put red-ball first

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Marcus Stoinis Will Sutherland BBL

Marcus Stoinis Will Sutherland BBL

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The BBL privatisation process itself has drawn fire from NSW

NSW’s grievance isn’t just about the policy; it’s also about how CA handled the process of getting here.

They’ve made clear they raised concerns directly with the governing body, put forward an alternative pathway to strengthen the BBL, and backed their position with independent external advice. None of it, they say, was adequately addressed before CA moved ahead anyway.

They said: “The Cricket NSW Board is also disappointed by the process leading to this decision. We have raised concerns directly with Cricket Australia, proposed an alternative pathway to strengthen the Big Bash, and highlighted significant risks within the proposal, informed by high-quality external advice.”

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There’s also an eyebrow-raising political dimension to the announcement. The current CA chair, Mike Baird, is a former NSW board member.

MORE: Big Bash League team names, colours and branding: Will they change after BBL privatisation and franchise sale?

The public unveiling of the plan featured Pat Cummins, who is from NSW and has previously played for the Thunder, and Ellyse Perry, a player permanently attached to the Sixers. NSW didn’t comment on that directly, but the optics of NSW figures being used to promote a plan NSW opposes haven’t been missed.

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Perhaps most damaging is NSW’s claim that the four conditions all state chairs agreed upon back in June have not been satisfied before CA pressed ahead. 

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“Cricket NSW strongly believes in the future growth of the WBBL and BBL,” the statement said. “Both Leagues and all clubs are powerful drivers of participation and fan interest in cricket.”

MORE: BBL privatisation: Everything to know about Big Bash League’s historic move

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CA fires back with a promise of long-term benefits

Todd Greenberg pushed back on NSW’s concerns in a measured but confident tone. He insisted that private investment will generate long-term benefits for the whole of Australian cricket and pointed to a proposed future fund, to be built from proceeds of club licence sales, as the most reliable vehicle for funding grassroots cricket and elite pathways for generations ahead.

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“I think what I’ve learned in my short time in cricket, the federated model makes it pretty hard to align everyone’s interest at one point in time,” he said.

“And that’s what Cricket Australia’s leadership is. We have to at least get to some point … after all the analysis [to] make a decision. The board have made that decision. And that’s the job of Australian cricket, is to make decisions in the best interest of the whole sport.

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“Each state clearly has to make decisions in their best interest, but Cricket Australia need to make a decision [in the national] interest.”

MORE: BBL privatisation and what it means: Will we see IPL teams invest in Big Bash?

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The divide across the states reflects how complex this conversation really is. Cricket Victoria has given the process its full backing and will sell the Melbourne Renegades entirely.

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Tasmania and Western Australia are also broadly in favour of privatisation. Queensland isn’t opposed to the principle of bringing in private money but has raised concerns about the financial model and how the proceeds would be distributed.

South Australia, which pushed for the self-determination approach in the first place, has occupied the middle ground throughout. Meanwhile, NSW remains the clearest and most vocal opponent.

Melbourne Renegades BBL

Melbourne Renegades BBL

NSW’s BBL privatisation concerns deserve more than a dismissal

CA’s announcement has the hallmarks of a governing body that has decided the direction of travel and is hoping momentum carries everyone else along with it. That approach has a history of backfiring in sports administration.

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NSW’s argument that profits flowing out to private investors are profits not flowing into the participation base is a powerful one that doesn’t have a clean answer in CA’s current proposal.

The four-conditions issue is the one that should give CA the most pause. If state chairs collectively agreed on prerequisites for privatisation to proceed, and those conditions haven’t been met, announcing a sale process anyway looks less like bold leadership and more like unilateral action dressed up as a collaborative framework.

The ACA’s continued opposition strengthens NSW’s hand here. You can’t call this a properly endorsed process when the players’ association says they’re miles from agreeing to it.

Greenberg’s future fund idea is worth exploring, as it is essentially a ring-fenced vehicle for grassroots investment, which is built from privatisation proceeds, hoping to address the community cricket concern NSW is raising.

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But proposing it as a vague assurance rather than a concrete commitment won’t satisfy anyone who’s watched sports governing bodies promise community reinvestment and then spend the money elsewhere. NSW deserve a proper answer, not a holding statement.

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Dana White’s Contender Series 2026 Week 5 results: Quentin Pasley delivers vicious elbow KO

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It was another busy week on Dana White’s Contender Series. Three fights ended with violent finishes while the other two provided plenty of drama to the final bell. That’s why it was a difficult decision for UFC preisdent and CEO Dana White to make the call to award four contracts on Tuesday night. 

Quentin Pasley delivered the violence in the main event. Pasley, a highly touted light heavyweight prospect out of Connecticut, had just two pro fights on his resume heading into his matchup with Arlind Berisha. Pasley worked his grappling into side control on the ground before exposing Berisha’s head. That’s when he delivered two flush elbows to the head that knocked Berisha out cold on contact. It was immediately clear that White would award Pasley a contract.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Isaac Moreno battled past Reginaldo Junior for a tough decision win on all three scorecards. Moreno, a 28-year-old welterweight, entered off a pair of TKOs at the regional promotion Fury FC. It was a strong enough showing for White to award him a contract. 

Plus, the towering Martin Kozak scored a second-round TKO of Christian Echols on Tuesday to earn himself a contract. Kozak, the 6-foot-4 middleweight, battered Echols across the Octagon to impress White enough to give him a shot in the UFC. 

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And Christian Natividad pounded Colton Loud for a first-round TKO at flyweight. Natividad, who’s nicknamed “The Hawaiian Punch,” took the fight to Loud immediately with pressure before overwhelming Loud in the first round. He has just nine fights as a pro, but he already looks like he can compete with the top end of the flyweight division.

Dana White’s Contender Series Week 5 Results

Fighters receiving UFC contracts indicated by *

  • Quentin Pasley def. Arlind Berisha via first-round TKO (elbows) *
  • Isaac Moreno def. Reginaldo Junior via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) *
  • Martin Kozak def. Christian Echols via second-round TKO (punches) *
  • Apollo Gomes def. Kwon Won via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Christian Natividad def. Colton Loud via first-round TKO (punches) *

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Jon Rahm offers blunt answers on LIV-PGA Tour future

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