A lifelong New York Yankees fan is asking the people of California to make him their next governor. 

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who grew up in the heyday of the 1970-80s Yankees-Dodgers rivalry, admitted he had mixed emotions when Shohei Ohtani and company beat his childhood team in the 2024 World Series. 

“I did [celebrate]. I was sad because I wanted the Yankees to win, but at the time, as a baseball fan I also noticed the Dodgers were a better team. The Dodgers deserved to win and I was very happy to be from the Los Angeles area,” Bianco told Fox News Digital. 

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Around that same time, Bianco watched one of his Republican colleagues, and a staple in the 70s-80s Dodgers-Yankees rivalry, former Dodgers star Steve Garvey, make a run at a U.S. Senate seat in California. Bianco campaigned with Garvey. But Garvey came up well short against Democrat incumbent Adam Schiff that year.

Now, Bianco, who is currently a frontrunner for the California governorship in many 2026 polls, believes that two years of Democratic leadership since Garvey’s failed run has only strengthened the case for voting Republican in the Golden State.

“We’re in a little bit worse off scenario than we were in 2024,” Bianco said. “Californians are realizing that politics are corrupt, our state government is corrupt, and crime is really out of control.” 

And sports hasn’t been spared any concerns in the state.

With the Winter Olympics now over, and the Summer Olympics coming to Los Angeles just over two years from now, anxiety has mounted over the feasibility of the city being able to host the games, due to crime rates, homelessness, damage from the 2025 wildfires, and rising taxes. 

And on the youth front, the state faces an ongoing wave of biological male transgender athletes competing in girls’ high school sports, as California leadership has refused to comply with President Donald Trump’s mandate to ensure only female athletes compete in girls’ sports. The state’s refusal has prompted a Department of Justice lawsuit, multiple federal investigations, as dozens of California girls facing life-changing trauma, with some filing la”wsuits of their own. 

Bianco thinks he has solutions for both issues. 

The 2028 LA Olympics

As a sheriff, Bianco believes that if Los Angles was set to hold the Olympics this summer, in the city’s current state, it would not be possible to do so. 

“No, I don’t think so,” Bianco said of the city being able to host the games if they occurred this year. 

“Everyone’s wondering how they’re going to arrange the Olympics… we don’t have the money to dedicate to this, we don’t have the updated resources to dedicate to this, for transportation or even housing… I think it is absolutely embarrassing… I think the U.S. is going to have an amazing Olympics, but for the city of Los Angeles it’s certainly not a proud moment.” 

Bianco pointed to financial mismanagement and alleged fraud in the state government.

Los Angeles continues to experience one of the nation’s largest homeless populations, with approximately 72,000+ individuals, driven by severe shortages in affordable housing and high rent, per the LA Homeless Services Authority. 

Bianco warned of what he expects Democrat leadership would do if they remain in power when the Olympics comes around. 

“They will go in at the last minute, and they will forcibly remove all of them and it’s not like they remove them, they just force them to the outskirts away from the perimeters of where these events are going to be,” Bianco said. “It’s not good for anyone, it’s not good for those events, it’s not good for those neighborhoods, it’s certainly not good for the people who are homeless.”

Bianco said a more feasible solution would require possibly years of resource re-allocation, which he hopes to take on as the state’s next governor. He would eliminated funding to 

“We will have a year, possibly a year and a half to two years, to make sure we address the homeless situation, and I guarantee you that’s enough time,” Bianco said. 

“It really isn’t homeless, it’s not homes, it’s drug and alcohol addiction, combined with mental health issues. And we have to be honest and we have to start addressing it for what it is. So you eliminate all the money going to the non-profits and NGOs that’s being wasted, abused and funneled back into politics. You stop that immediately.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a republican candidate for California governor, stops to speak with a woman during a tour of Skid Row in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.  (Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

“You put a small portion of that into the drug and alcohol rehab and the mental health rehab, and the centers that treat both. Because right now those don’t exist. I can almost guarantee you that we can address 90% of the homeless issue that we see on the streets within the first year. Within the second year, we can have it all gone.” 

There is also an issue of financial strain on athletes coming into the state.

Bianco pointed to the recent Super Bowl in Santa Clara, and the financial burden that hit the players who competed in it simply because they had to pay California taxes.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold lost approximately $71,000 due to California’s strict “jock tax”. While earning a $178,000 winner’s bonus, the week spent in California for Super Bowl LX triggered high state taxes on his, amounting to roughly $249,000, as the tax applies to prorated earnings from his three-year, $105 million contract. 

For the Olympic athletes coming to the city in 2028, especially Americans, many of whom make far less than the average NFL player, Bianco worries how the state’s current tax system could put them at a disadvantage due to financial constraints. 

“It’s going to seriously affect them with the cost of living here,” Bianco said. “They don’t make a lot of money… it’s astronomically more expensive than any place across the country, so it’s going to be detrimental for those people.”

Bianco has proposed eliminating the state income tax, intending to replace lost revenue with income from oil production. He has also stated that as governor, he would eliminate the gas tax and oppose a “mileage tax.”

“Taxes are hurting everyone,” Bianco said. 

Trans athletes in girls’ sports

California has been the nation’s biggest hot bed for high school and college scandals involving biological male trans athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports. 

Current California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he believes males in female sports is “deeply unfair” but hasn’t taken any steps to address. Newsom’s office provided a statement to Fox News Digital in September, suggesting the issue is beyond his control and responsibility. 

“For the law to change, the legislature would need to send the Governor a bill. They have not,” part of the statement read. 

Bianco said Newsom’s office is not telling the truth.

“Every time he opens his mouth he’s not telling the truth. He’s telling his version of what he wants you to believe… The reality is the governor is the top executive officer in this entire state and he sets the rules” Bianco said. 

“That’s the governor lying to push the blame onto somebody else because he doesn’t want to be held responsible for what’s happening in our schools and our girls, because he wants to be president, and he knows the majority of the country is never ever ever going to vote for him knowing that he won’t stop this, so he’s blaming someone else.” 

Bianco said he would use “force” as governor to ensure that girls’ sports are protected.

“You force people to not,” he said of how to handle schools letting males in girls’ sports. “In our high schools and in our school system, if they are going to allow it, we will not fund that. We will not fund the school, we will not provide them with their money.” 

But preventing the issue from persisting is only half the battle. The fact is, the issue has persisted in California now for several years, and the state and many residents are dealing with the aftermath. 

Young male children in California have even been transitioned at schools, without their parents’ permission, and later placed on girls’ sports teams and in thier locker rooms.

UFC LEGEND ENDORSES PRO-LAW ENFORCEMENT PICK FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR: ‘WE NEED HIS STRENGTH’

Now, the state faces a lawsuit from the DOJ over its policy, while many schools face individualized lawsuits for related incidents. 

Bianco believes he could “easily” settle the DOJ lawsuit simply by complying with Trump’s mandate. 

But the individual incidents may require more steps, according to Bianco.

In Bianco’s home county of Riverside, two separate lawsuits have been filed against school districts. 

A major state-funded university, San Jose State University, has been found by the U.S. Department of Education to have violated Title IX in its handling of a transgender volleyball player from 2022-24, and faces a lawsuit from former athletes and a former coach over the same issue. 

Bianco believes the young women who have been affected by it are deserving of financial compensation, compensation from the schools and compensation directly from the state.

“Some [girls] have been seriously injured, and some were just emotionally traumatized. The schools should be paying for that. The state government should be paying for that,” Bianco said. “Our civil process allows for monetary remedies for situations like this, and they should be getting tons of money, because they have seriously been victimized.

“There certainly has to be those arrangements made for those lawsuits, those girls that are suing… you have to settle it… or you’re going to pay big money. So they are going to get money out of this and they should. They were wronged, they were deeply wronged.” 

Under the current system, thousands of California school employees are legally required to be complicit in the system that allows trans athletes in girls’ sports, but also the system that allows males to gender transition without their parents’ consent or knowledge.

Some school employees have been fired for refusing to be complicit. 

Bianco has a message for all school employees about how to handle this issue. He encourages school employees to, in the short term, risk their employment by not complying with state laws.

“Stand up and do the right thing,” Bianco said to the state’s school employees. “Thank God we have teachers that are standing up for that, and they’re doing the right thing, and they’re absolutely refusing, and they’re being fired. Take the badge of honor. Because then you sue, like these teachers are doing it, and now we’re finding that they’re winning… 

“Your job as an adult is to protect our kids.” 

Bianco also warned of consequences to the school employees that do comply if he becomes governor.

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“Absolutely,” Bianco said when asked if he would support consequences to school employees who are complying with the state law on trans athletes in girls’ sports and gender transitions for minors. 

“Elected officials are only afraid of one thing, and that’s not getting elected again, and when they know they’re not going to get elected again because they’re harming our girls or they’re not protecting our kids, they’re going to finally be forced to do the right thing, and we’ll make sure these changes are taken care of.” 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Related Article

NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus is known for cashing in big on behalf of his clients, and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has hired him, with free agency two weeks away. Rosenhaus’s nickname is “The Shark,” so Pace Jr. has quite the asset on his side for March.

Pace’s move to Rosenhaus adds juice to his RFA outlook and keeps Minnesota’s plans worth monitoring.

No one is sure whether Pace Jr. will be back in Minnesota, but the Rosenhaus hire may signal a new chapter.

Reading the Tea Leaves on Pace’s New Representation

It’s another little hint for free agency.

Pace Jr. Hires Rosenhaus

Rosenhaus’s agency kept it pretty straightforward late last week, tweeting, “Welcome to the Family, Ivan Pace Jr.”

Here’s the official tweet:

Rosenhaus also notably announced relationships with Vikings free-agent safety Tavierre Thomas and former Vikings defender Reddy Steward, who played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.

A Future Totally Up in the Air

Pace Jr.’s diminished role was already apparent before the 2026 offseason.

After promising rookie and 2024 seasons, Pace saw his playing time decrease as Eric Wilson solidified his position. The emergence and steadiness of Wilson further reduced Pace’s opportunities, a shift accelerated by Pace Jr.’s early-season missed tackles. Wilson’s consistent performance kept him atop the depth chart.

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The decline came at an unfortunate time for Pace. After starting 27 games over his first two seasons (2023-2024) and earning a strong 77.1 PFF grade as a rookie, his performance dipped in 2025, resulting in a 42.3 grade and hindering his chances of an early contract extension.

As a restricted free agent, Pace remains under the Vikings’ control. However, the team’s defensive success with Wilson in a larger role provides them with options regarding Pace’s future.

Pace will undoubtedly seek to regain a more prominent role. Minnesota retains the flexibility to retain him should their linebacker plans change, and the coming weeks should clarify whether his reduced role will persist.

Our Kyle Joudry noted on Pace Jr. last month, “Ivan Pace Jr. is capable of being an attacking ‘backer on defense and a nice part of special teams coverage. He may need to pursue those abilities with a different team. The undrafted talent quickly earned a promotion in the Twin Cities during his rookie season of 2023.”

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“Seeing him get sent on blitzes aplenty in Minnesota made sense from within a Brian Flores defense with a deficit of pass rushers (and talent more broadly). The 2024 and 2025 seasons, though, have seen reinforcements arrive for Coach Flores. The tactician calling the shots on defense minimized Pace’s role, seemingly tipping the team’s hand in the process. Look for the RFA to get moved out in a trade. A Day 3 draft selection should be the expectation.”

Possible Pace Jr. Destinations

Two weeks ago, we speculated on potential landing spots for Pace Jr. in 2026, identifying teams that align with his skill set and estimating his market value.

Washington is a strong contender because of its familiarity with him. The Commanders’ new defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones, previously worked with Pace Jr. in Minnesota and understands his capabilities, a connection that could be significant when considering restricted free agents in their prime.

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New England is another logical fit, largely because of its coaching staff. Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith held the same position in Minnesota when Pace Jr. was beginning his career, giving him insight into how Pace Jr. integrates into a defense.

Jacksonville, Dallas, and Cincinnati are also potential destinations. Cincinnati has a hometown advantage that could influence negotiations if the Bengals decide to bolster their linebacker depth with a local dude.

VikingsWire‘s Andrew Harbaugh on Pace Jr.’s free agency: “Pace Jr. saw his role diminish in 2025 with the emergence of Eric Wilson in the linebacker unit. Pace still has some juice as a pass rusher if they decide to go that route and bring him back.”

“It is hard to imagine him coming back to be a part of the linebacker group after seeing how he was in coverage and run support, but the pass-rushing juice is certainly there. A one-year deal would make sense to see what he can do, but time will tell on that front.”

Other Rosenhaus Clients

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Rosenhaus’s client list is huge; let’s get that out of the way. And among names that Vikings fans might recognize, here’s a peek:

• Abdul Carter
• Jalen Carter
• Nico Collins
• Christian Darrisaw
• Jonathan Greenard
• Javon Hargrave
• Aaron Jones
• Josh Metellus
• Chris Olave
• Josh Sweat
• Andrew Van Ginkel
• Kyren Williams

Rosenhaus also notably represented Rob Gronkowski and Terrell Owens in the past.

Pace Jr.’s free agency will heat up in two weeks when “legal tampering” gets underway on March 9th.

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Free bets are available across UK betting sites for new and existing customers, though value varies widely depending on odds, expiry and restrictions.

At The Independent, our experts have done the hard work to find the best free bet offers through our impartial, detailed analysis, with the aim of providing users with relevant information on the best betting sign up offers that include free bets.

Our evaluations focus on the accessibility, flexibility, fairness, key terms and conditions and availability, ensuring our recommendations are reliable offer low minimum stakes, plenty of options for using free bets and clear T&Cs.

Every site that we recommend is licensed and regulated by the UKGC too, ensuring that users can rest assured that they are using a trusted site when claiming free bet offers.

Free bets can be claimed from betting sites by new and existing customers, allowing bettors to bet without risking their own money.

Terms and conditions are attached to free bets and betting offers. Usually, bettors must deposit or stake a qualifying amount to claim a free bet, which can be used on selected sports and events.

Wagering requirements can be attached to free bet offers, which means winnings must be played through a set number of times before you can withdraw funds as cash, but this is more common on casino sites.

Types of free bets

Free bets are straightforward to use for customers, although the way they can be deployed may differ depending on your chosen bookmaker.

Usually, betting sites will have a box or toggle on your bet slip that users can tick or move to confirm free bets on their bet.

An important note. If your bet wins, you only keep the profit, the free bet stake itself isn’t returned.

Bookmakers may require you to use free bets in precise portions, such as £5 or £10, while others will allow you to bet with amounts of your choosing until you’ve used up your balance.

Here are the standout betting offers on the market for users broken down into strength of category.

Ladbrokes – Best low-stake free bet offer

The Ladbrokes sign up offer provides the best value betting sign up offer for new customers, with users able to unlock £30 in free bets from just a £5 stake.

Users only need to place a qualifying wager on a sport with 1/2 odds, which is one of the lowest thresholds for welcome offers online, with the added freedom of being able to be on any sport.

There’s plenty of flexibility where to place your qualifying bet on both sports and bet types. There’s also 14 days to secure this betting offer after signing up.

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Once your qualifying bet has settled, Ladbrokes pay out £30 in free bets in 6 x £5 installments within 24 hours.

Users will also find flexibility regarding these free bets with 4 x £5 free bets available to use on any sport, with a further 2 x £5 free bets are reserved for football bet builders.

We rate it as the best £5 deposit betting site on the market, with a return 600% return on your deposit and bet. For first-time bettors there are few betting sign up offers online that can match this value.

Betano – Best football free bets

Betano is the best option for punters looking for free bets at leading football betting sites, with the Betano sign up offer providing £50 in free bets with an initial wager of just £10 (an excellent return for a low entry stake).

The offer includes a straightforward qualifying bet with minimum odds of evens and no accumulator required, while the 30-day expiry on free bets gives users flexibility, with plenty of time to use bonuses.

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This new betting site provides great variety on its football markets – from match odds and BTTS to goalscorers, correct scores and much more – and users will also find regular offers and promotions once signed up to the site.

Tote – Best for horse racing free bets

The Tote sign up offer is an excellent choice for horse racing fans, with a £10 bet returning £30 in racing value – a strong 3x reward for such a low qualifying stake.

The offer provides £20 in Tote Credit for horse racing – which is ideal for pools, exotics, and Tote-only markets – as well as £10 in free bets to use on the sportsbook, offering plenty of flexibility for new customers.

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The qualifying bet simply need to be a £10 wager on any sport (with some exclusions, though win, place, or pool bets all count) at odds of evens or greater, and winnings are fully withdrawable, with Tote Credit profits available to be cashed out, keeping risk low.

Tote also guarantee boosts payouts paid at SP or better, adding an extra upside for horse racing bettors and making Tote the best choice among horse racing betting sites.

Bet365 – Best for moneyback as a free bet

Bet365 have recently launched its moneyback specials across a number of sports, including football and horse racing, as well as a range of major events.

Customers can wager up to £10 and will receive their stake back in free bets back if their bet fails. The system is simple for claiming the betting offer, with users ticking the ‘Money Back As Free Bets’ box on their bet slip to qualify.

Free bets are usually credited within a matter of hours, but it can take up to 24 hours. Free bet credits can be used anywhere on one of the best betting sites in the business with no limit on where and how your credits can be spent.

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Bet365 moneyback specials are most common on football, and notably the Premier League where the highlight games of the week are covered with a moneyback special notably on Saturday and Sunday evenings, although Champions League and Europa League midweek games have also featured this betting offer.

The nuts and bolts of the requirements are as follows. Customers must place a qualifying bet builder on the eligible game or event, with bet builders needing only evens (2.0) or higher odds.

Bet365 also attaches its Sub Play On feature on football bet builders in conjunction with the moneyback special, which keeps bets alive even if a player is subbed.

Virgin Bet – Best free bet club

Existing customers can use the weekly Virgin Bet rewards club to claim £5 in free bets for placing qualifying accas.

Users only need to opt-in on the promotion before placing four £5 accas with odds of 2/1 or greater between Monday to Sunday, making these qualifying stakes smaller than most rival free bet clubs.

Virgin Bet have an extremely low minimum odds requirement to use your free bet at 1/100.

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You’re spoiled for choice, and better yet, there are no restrictions where you can use your bonus.

In addition, the seven-day expiry gives plenty of time to use the bonus, meaning the free bet club offers huge flexibility.

After the qualifying bets have settled, Virgin Bet pays out the £5 free acca bet into your account and to activate the free bet offer, simply use the toggle on your bet slip to use up the credits.

Here are the latest betting sign up offers and free bets available for today’s major sporting events.

Below, we’ve provided some detail on common traps that users can fall into when claiming free bets:

Stake not returned on free bets

Not all free bet offers return the original stake if your bet wins. For example, a £10 free bet at 3/1 pays £30 profit, not £40; always factor this in when comparing headline free bet amounts.

Short expiry windows

Free bets usually expire within 5-7 days of being credited, and occasionally less. Unused free bets are removed automatically once they expire, so casual or infrequent bettors can lose value this way.

Remember to always check the expiry date as soon as the free bet is added.

Bet builder or market restrictions

Some free bets are limited to certain types of use. For example, some are football bet builders only, accumulator bets or bets fixed to specific sports, leagues or events. These restrictions reduce flexibility and can increase risk.

Bet builder-only free bets often require multiple selections to win, meaning long odds, and it is the same with accas. Remember to check eligible markets before placing your qualifying bet.

Minimum odds requirements

Betting offers may require minimum odds on either the qualifying bet or the free bet itself, and sometimes both. Higher odds thresholds can push bettors toward riskier selections, while a smaller free bet with low odds requirements can offer better value.

Cash-Out and In-Play exclusions

Remember that cashing out a qualifying bet often voids eligibility for the offer. Some free bets also cannot be used on in-play markets.

These exclusions are commonly hidden in the T&Cs, so avoid cashing out unless you’re sure it won’t affect the promotion.

Wagering requirements and bonus conditions

Wagering is uncommon on free bets, but it is not unheard of. Some promotions attach extra conditions to winnings or follow-on bonuses instead.

Offers requiring winnings to be wagered multiple times reduce real value, while simpler “bet and get” free bets are usually the safest option.

How The Independent rates and reviews free bets

Before a bookmaker makes our list of free bet offers, they must meet key criteria to ensure a high-quality betting experience.

1. Licensing

Only sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence are considered on our list of recommended operators.

The UKGC ensures fair play and consumer protection, working alongside independent testing agencies like eCOGRA. If a bookmaker isn’t regulated, it’s not safe – anyone can verify a licence via the UKGC register.

2. Security

Every bookmaker we recommend must implement high-quality security measures such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.

3. Reputation

Reputation also plays a role – established brands like Betfred, William Hill and Bet365 consistently rank highly with us, but we also highlight new, reputable operators such as BetMGM when their free bet offers meet our expectations.

4. Mobile

With most bets now placed on phones and tablets, mobile betting functionality is essential.

Bookmakers with dedicated betting apps that mirror the desktop experience are given preference, and we also consider user app reviews from the Apple and Google Play stores.

5. Experience

The customer experience is equally crucial – we rigorously test bookmaker support channels, favouring those that provide fast, effective resolutions.

Ultimately, our rankings focus on the quality of the free bet offers, but we also take into account matters including odds restrictions, timeframe to both unlock free bet offers and use your bonus funds, wagering requirements and available payment methods.

6. Value

Operators that provide valuable betting sign up offers, competitive terms, and ongoing free bet promotions for returning customers get the highest ratings.

If you decide to engage with any of the online betting sites highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets and betting sign up offers.

When betting, always assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose. Even free bets still involve a level of risk.

The same applies if you’re using new casino sites, slot sites, poker sites or any other form of gambling.

Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.

If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:

Can you withdraw free bets?

No, it is not possible to withdraw a free bet. It must be used according to the terms and conditions of the free bet offer or it will be forfeited.

Can you cash out free bets?

In most cases, bookmakers will not allow punters to cash out a free bet before the bet has run its course, so you will likely have to wait for your bet to settle before receiving any winnings.

Do Bet365 give free bets?

Yes, Bet365 are one of the best betting sites for free bets. They have a bet £10 get £30 welcome offer, and several ongoing free bet promotions under their ‘offers’ tab.

What does money back in free bets mean?

This means you can get a refund on your stake, but not as withdrawable cash – only as a free bet, meaning you have to stake the same cash again on a different bet.

What betting sites give free bets without deposit?

Few bookmakers hand out free bets for nothing, but you can earn free bets by entering free-to-play prediction games on Bet365, BetVictor, NetBet, Betway, Betfred, Ladbrokes, Coral and BetMGM.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

West Indies’ players after their win against Zimbabwe. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Anil Kumble believes West Indies have shown they possess the qualities needed to win the T20 World Cup at the business end, while warning that India now face a difficult road to the semi-finals after their heavy defeat to South Africa.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!West Indies sent a strong message to the rest of the field with a dominant 107-run demolition of Zimbabwe, piling up a staggering 254/6 before bowling their opponents out for 147. The performance impressed Kumble, who said the Caribbean side demonstrated a clear understanding of how to succeed in knockout-style situations.

“The West Indies understand what it takes to win at this stage of the tournament. The left-arm spinners were outstanding. Gudakesh Motie bowled brilliantly. In this format, finger spinners often try to stay away from the batter’s hitting arc, but Motie and Hosein were different,” Kumble said on JioHotstar.He also singled out Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive 34-ball 85 as the turning point. “Shimron Hetmyer has long been a finisher and knows how to clear the boundaries. He has the power and the temperament. What stands out is that he doesn’t settle for quick cameos of 20 or 30. He converts them into substantial scores. Had he fallen for 30, perhaps the West Indies wouldn’t have reached 254,” Kumble explained.

Kumble added that Rovman Powell’s calculated assault made the total even more formidable. “Powell is again a proven power-hitter. He took his time initially, but once he settled, he was unstoppable.”Turning to India’s situation, Kumble admitted the margin and manner of their loss to South Africa had made things complicated. “Every game counts at this stage. India suffered a significant loss… The key question now is whether they can bounce back strongly.”He stressed that India must now win big. “India needs to win convincingly, much like the West Indies did… The primary focus should be on winning both matches.”

MUMBAI: The brief to Shimron Hetmyer in this tournament is clear: take on the opposition bowlers and put them under pressure. That highrisk approach has its pitfalls but when the opposition offers chances, the threat of failure diminishes.

On Monday, Zimbabwe dropped Hetmyer twice and the left-hander made them pay with a blistering 34-ball 85, helping West Indies pile up 254/6 — the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history — in their opening Super Eights match at the Wankhede Stadium.

In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs, losing by 107 runs. For West Indies, the wreckers-in-chief were the spin duo of Gudakesh Motie (4/28) and Akeal Hosein (3/28), who shared seven wickets between them.

Around 20,000 fans watched in awe as Hetmyer dismantled the Zimbabwe attack. By the time he was done, the 29-year-old had struck seven fours and as many sixes, with 70 of his 85 runs coming in boundaries. He took his tally to 17 sixes in five matches, equalling the record for most sixes in a T20 World Cup edition set by his former teammate Nicholas Pooran in 2024. The 19 sixes hit by West Indies matched the record for the most in a T20 World Cup innings.

Hetmyer walked in during the third over and began with a classy flick to deep midwicket. West Indies were initially checked by Zimbabwe’s new-ball pair of Richard Ngarava (2/47) and Blessing Muzarabani (2/42), reaching 55/2 at the end of the Powerplay. Then came the onslaught.

Hetmyer struck five sixes in six balls, racing from 23 off 13 deliveries to 53 off 20. The Rajasthan Royals batter smashed two sixes off the final two balls of Graeme Cremer’s (1/38) first over and followed that with three more maximums in Sikandar Raza’s (0/52) over, taking 33 runs off just nine balls from the Zimbabwe captain.

He brought up a 19-ball halfcentury, breaking his own record for the fastest T20 World Cup fifty by a West Indian — eclipsing the 22-ball effort he had produced against Scotland at Eden Gardens earlier in the tournament.

Zimbabwe were left ruing missed chances. Tashinga Musekiwa dropped Hetmyer twice — first when he miscued a Muzarabani short ball straight to long leg early in his innings, and again when he was on 70, top-edging Brad Evans to deep midwicket. Musekiwa gestured that he had lost the ball in the lights, but the frustration of his teammates said it all.

Tyson Fury returns to action in six weeks against Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov, and fellow Brit — and former Makhmudov opponent — Dave Allen has warned “The Gypsy King” not to underestimate the challenge.

Fury last fought in December 2024, when he suffered a second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, before announcing his fifth retirement from the sport. However, 37-year-old now has his sights set on becoming boxing’s fifth three-time heavyweight champion.

For his comeback, Fury has opted to take on Mozdok-born knockout artist Makhumdov, who has gone the distance just twice despite 23 bouts to his name.

One of those contests came four months ago on British soil in Sheffield, where the 36-year-old spoiled the party for Dave Allen with a unanimous-decision win in front of a raucous pro-Allen crowd.

In April, ‘The Lion’ will ironically step foot into the den of his opponent once again, as he seeks a shock win over Fury in London. Speaking to Seconds Out, Allen admitted that Makhmudov’s punch power could see him ‘flatten’ Fury, especially if 14 months of inactivity has caused the home fighter to decline.

“He hits really hard, he does hit really hard. If he hits Tyson, he will flatten Tyson, but he has to hit him, which is not an easy feat.

“I think that it is a good match, it is an interesting match because Makhmudov really does hit hard enough to hurt him.

“I think it depends, if Tyson is as good as he was when he last saw him then I think Tyson will win.”

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Fury-Makhmudov takes place on Saturday, April 11, and will be available to watch live on Netflix.

The Army-Navy Game, which has been held on the second Saturday of December since 2009, has been at the center of recent discussions with regard to College Football Playoff expansion and scheduling due to its unique placement on the regular-season schedule. In a departure from recent tradition, Army coach Jeff Monken said he would like to see the historic rivalry game move up a week to pave the way for the CFP to start earlier.

The rivalry series, dubbed “America’s Game,” holds its contests the week after conference championship games to retain its own timeslot. The pageantry and tradition involved with one of college football’s most storied rivalries has long justified the separate window. But amid calls for the season to wrap up earlier than late-January, Monken said moving the Army-Navy Game back to Thanksgiving weekend is necessary.

“There’s not an appetite for the college football season to go all the way to the end of January,” Monken said to The Athletic. “There’s a real hope that we can get this thing into one semester, and have the championship game around Jan. 1, which I think would be awesome.”

Because the CFP avoids broadcast competition with the NFL and prioritizes giving teams a full week between games, the playoff schedule for the next two years comes with lengthy layoffs (nearly two weeks between rounds) and national championship games scheduled for Jan. 25 and Jan. 24. Playoff expansion from four teams to 12 only led to the season extending deeper into the winter.

If the Army-Navy Game were to move back to Thanksgiving weekend, or even to conference championship week, the CFP could begin a week earlier and thus prevent such late winter championship games.

Any proposal to move the annual contest from its protected window would likely receive pushback. President Donald Trump last month said that he plans to sign an executive order which would prevent any football games from going head-to-head with the Army-Navy Game. That came after the now-defunct LA Bowl kicked off a half hour after the start of the 2025 installment.

“I think Army-Navy is a huge part of the history of college football, and what it is today, even,” Monken said. “Give us a four-hour block on Thanksgiving, or on Friday of Thanksgiving, or on Saturday of Thanksgiving, and give us a four-hour block, and just say nobody else plays during this four-hour block. That’s still protecting the game.”

The Army-Navy series began in 1890, and the football game has been contested every year since 1930. Navy holds a 64-55-7 all-time advantage and won the last two meetings, including a 17-16 thriller last season.

CBS Sports has held the broadcast rights for the Army-Navy Game since 1996 and will continue to air the game on its networks through 2038. The 2026 meeting will take place on Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as part of commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick lauded Benjamin Sesko’s exemplary attitude after the striker emerged from the bench to net the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Everton.

The Slovenia international’s late strike marked his third goal in four appearances, maintaining Carrick’s unbeaten start across his six matches in charge.

Despite his impactful contributions, which include two winners and a crucial equaliser, the £66million summer signing is yet to secure a starting spot under Carrick.

Sesko, 22, has now scored six times in his last seven outings. Carrick acknowledged the external focus on the situation but insisted there was no issue between them.

“I get why everyone’s talking about it and making a bigger deal of it, but I’ve got a really good relationship with Ben,” Carrick stated.

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“I’ve got no problem with Ben and he hasn’t got an issue. He obviously wants to play, but I can’t speak highly enough of how he’s been and the work he’s putting in and his attitude to come on and do what he’s done again.

“We’ve had some really good conversations and he’s in a really good place, and part of us is helping him take his steps in development and growing him as a player.

“Sometimes that’s little steps, sometimes that’s bigger steps and he’s taken some huge steps recently. That’s great to see.”

Carrick also reserved praise for goalkeeper Senne Lammens, whose performance secured United’s first away league clean sheet since March.

“For me a goalkeeper has to be reliable, be trustworthy,” he explained. “Instead of creating chaos, you want him to take the chaos away and calm things down. I think Senne does that.”

Everton manager David Moyes admitted his side’s attempts to unsettle Lammens with a barrage of corners in the second half proved futile.

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Moyes was effusive in his praise for the United stopper, saying: “The goalie was bloody brilliant. The save he made from Michael Keane, the way he dealt with the corners.

“We hoped somewhere we’d have got a nick on one of them with the pressure we had in those situations. I thought we would get one, but we didn’t. For me he was the best player on the pitch.”

The defeat means Everton have now won just four of their 14 Premier League fixtures at their new stadium. Moyes conceded his team is still adjusting to their new surroundings.

“I think there is probably a change – other teams come here and enjoy it,” he remarked.

“There are things about it which are different and we have to get used to. But I think our games are better than at Goodison. Our team is better this year and it wasn’t as if we were winning every game at Goodison, to be honest.”

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore passed away on Saturday, February 21, a death widely reported as a tragic suicide. And as the team’s players, coaches, staff, owners, and fans mourned Moore’s passing, Vikings defender Jonathan Greenard used his social media microphone to remind the world that players see the same tweets as you.

Greenard urged caution online while Minnesota offered support following the sudden passing of wideout Rondale Moore.

Greenard was sure to emphasize that athletes are humans, too.

A Message Echoes across a Grieving Locker Room

Think before you type and send, Greenard says.

Moore Dead at 25

NFL.com reported Saturday night, “NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore, who played most recently for the Minnesota Vikings, was found dead Saturday night in Indiana, authorities said. He was 25. Police said Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Moore was found dead in the garage of a property in his hometown of New Albany, police chief Todd Bailey said. The death remains under investigation.”

“Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin did not share additional details on the circumstances of Moore’s death but said there was no threat to the public and an autopsy would be conducted Sunday. Moore, a receiver and return specialist drafted in the second round out of Purdue University, spent his first three years in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals.”

Back in the summer of 2024, Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson died in a Maryland car accident, and the tragedies have not relented for the franchise.

Greenard’s Tweets

For starters, Las Vegas Raiders safety Jamal Adams tweeted, “I’m not jumping to conclusions, but let me say this. Fans and media be quick to label a player ‘injury prone.’ We don’t choose to get hurt… sometimes shit just happens. Y’all don’t see the rehab, the pain, the mental drain it causes. That process can make you lose yourself. This shit is real. No matter how much support you get, you still gotta fight that battle alone. Prayers up for Rondale Moore and his family. He was a baller, no question.”

Greenard retweeted the Adams tweet and commented, “Ppl legit will say the most craziest things tryna be funny on this app. Then turn around wondering why the players mentals are COOKED. Players see ALL the tweets just like yall do bc WE ARE HUMAN JUST LIKE YALL. Algorithms will flood your page w BS that other ppl try to bring you down with.”

“This isn’t all on the media but they play a part. Especially these bot pages. Use that block button and go pray for clarity on your identity fellas. We got too much life to live than to succumb to the negativity in our most vulnerable periods of time.”

It’s a familiar line of defense: fans often treat football players like Roman gladiators; they’re just humans and mortals like you.

Other Players Agree

J.J. Watt, a teammate of Moore in Arizona, tweeted, “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this. There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.”

Hollywood Brown: “Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago. You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.”

Kyler Murray posted on Instagram, “Just spoke to you bro. Blessed to have been able to share this life with you. I pray you’re in a better place now Ra.”

The NFL Players Association released this statement: “In moments like this, we are reminded of how much our players carry, on and off the field. To our members: Please know that support is always within reach. Check on your teammates and prioritize your mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to take advantage of the many confidential resources and services available to you through the NFLPA.”

Statement from the Vikings

The Vikings issued this statement: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings.”

“We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time.”

The day after Moore’s death, former Vikings defensive back Ronyell Whitaker also passed away at the age of 46. He played for the Vikings in 2006 and 2007.

Moore was the Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year in 2018.