NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya battled cramps on a difficult Raipur surface where stroke-making remained challenging throughout the thrilling IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians in Raipur. Krunal anchored RCB’s tense chase with a fighting 73 while wickets kept falling regularly at the other end. Battling cramps in the latter half of his innings, the left-hander combined resilience with calculated aggression to keep RCB alive before Bhuvneshwar Kumar sealed the tense chase with a six in the final over.His innings was applauded by many fans, cricketers and former cricketers as well.
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Krunal Pandya opens up on match-winning knock and RCB’s playoffs push
But former Chennai Super Kings and India batter Subramaniam Badrinath grabbed attention for a comment he made during the RCB vs MI match.As Krunal struggled in pain due to cramps and fell to the ground holding his leg during the game, Badrinath jokingly remarked that he would have thought about “letting him die”.“Look there, he already had a cramp in his leg… it’s as if the opposition said, ‘Hey, you die from that cramp!’ – but even then, it’s okay (Rickleton helped him),” Badrinath said while watching Krunal fall due to cramps.Badrinath’s commentary during the match did not go down well with fans, with the former cricketer facing criticism on social media.After RCB’s win, Krunal also spoke to the broadcasters.“Obviously, later on, cramps were very, very painful. I mean, it started from calf, hamstring, glutes and both legs. I was cramping,” Krunal said after the game. “But again, I was very clear that I’m not going to go out. I’ll fight through that pain, and I’ll make sure that whatever I can contribute for the team, I’ll do it.”“Plus, this was a very, very crucial game for us. Especially at the fag end of the tournament, every game matters,” he said.“So it was very clear that I’ll fight through that pain and make sure that whatever and whichever way I can contribute, I’ll contribute in that.”
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What was the most impressive aspect of Krunal Pandya’s performance?
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When asked how he managed to continue despite severe cramps, Krunal said it came down to mentality and his ability to remain focused in pressure situations.“I mean, sheer willpower, I’ll say,” he said. “Again, if you see over a period of time how I’ve played my cricket, I’ve always played without giving up, and I always cherish those tough situations. It was sheer willpower and courage that I did not want to give up,” he added.
Classic Gem’s performances in her debut season alongside trainer Dom Sutton have been strong enough to support entries in more Black Type fixtures, but the Flemington-based handler is scaling back ambitions to achieve her debut victory.
The Maurice-sired three-year-old is set to pursue her maiden success at Flemington this coming Saturday.
Originally with Wendy Kelly after fetching $170,000 at Inglis Premier as a yearling, Classic Gem transferred to Sutton and associates post her fourth in last season’s Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m), with her three current campaign starts yielding no finish beyond fifth.
Sutton approves of his investment, eagerly awaiting her name alongside a win.
“I think she’s already added value to what we paid for her,” Sutton said.
“Half the job is done, we just need her to go and win a race now.
“She’s multiple Stakes-placed, she’s run fourth in two Oaks and ran second in a Group 3 first-up for us down here.
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“I think she can win a Listed race, but if she can win any race she’s going to be valuable as a broodmare.”
Although tempted by this weekend’s $300,000 Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at Flemington, Sutton prefers dropping back to the 2000m three-year-old race on the card.
On a rating of 78, she placed second in the ratings list among 35 for that event, only behind Different Gravy rated 80.
It will be her initial appearance since April 11’s ATC Oaks, kept sharp by an 1100m second at Werribee jumpout May 1, with Sutton noting positives for Saturday.
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“We did have her in (last weekend) over in Adelaide but after the trip to Sydney, where she had the back-up into the Oaks up there, I think putting her on a truck and travelling her again probably wasn’t the right move,” Sutton said.
“So, we just kept her home. She’s had five weeks between runs, freshened up well and I like her at Flemington. I think Flemington is a lot better track for her than Morphettville.”
For the latest racing betting markets on Classic Gem’s Flemington showdown in 2026, check out trusted platforms.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 10: Miles McBride #2 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks celebrate after McBride’s 3-pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Laia Codina will leave Arsenal Women when her contract expires at the end of the season.
The Spanish defender joined Arsenal from FC Barcelona Femení in 2023 and made her debut against Manchester United Women in the Women’s Super League.
During her time at the club, Codina made 58 appearances and scored four goals.
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She was part of the Arsenal squad that won the League Cup in her first season, coming on at half-time in the final against Chelsea Women as Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory.
Codina also helped Arsenal win the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2025 and the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in 2026.
In a statement, Arsenal thanked the defender for her contribution during her time in north London and wished her well for the future.
Barred from competitions by the WFI, wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Monday sought to clear the air over her eligibility status, asserting that both the International Testing Agency (ITA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had cleared her to resume competition from January 1, 2026. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has declared her ineligible under WADA’s Rule 5.6.1 relating to retired athletes returning to competition.
The former World Championships medallist arrived here for the National Open Ranking Tournament, and met WFI president Sanjay Singh after the federation refused to allow her participation, maintaining that disciplinary proceedings against her were still pending.
Vinesh said she had only missed one whereabouts filing and had never committed any anti-doping violation.
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“If I had violated any rule, then NADA India would have given me a show-cause notice. Or they would have banned me. Or WADA would have given me a show-cause notice,” she told reporters after the meeting.
“I had missed one whereabouts. And there are three of them. I had become a mother at that time. I had an assembly session. I forgot to update. I even apologised to WADA for that. They gave me a clean chit. They told me that I can participate in any international event,” she said.
Vinesh said she had informed WADA about the circumstances and was subsequently cleared to compete.
The WFI, however, had cited WADA’s rule 5.6.1, which deals with conditions for retired athletes returning to competition, to declare her ineligible for domestic events till June 26, 2026.
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Questioning the federation’s stand, Vinesh said international authorities had already accepted her eligibility.
“And here they are saying that they are not satisfied with anything. If I can participate internationally, then you can also be satisfied with the International Federation that I can play,” she said.
She later posted a letter from ITA on her ‘X’ page, revealing that on July 3, 2025 an official conveyed an apology declaring that she can resume competitions from January 1, 2026.
ITA manages anti-doping programme of United World Wrestling (UWW), the international body for the sport. The wrestler further revealed that she had undergone doping tests even after being cleared and had returned negative results.
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“Even after that, I got my doping test done twice. It’s not like I came to the competition after avoiding my doping test. I got my doping test and came clean.” “I have always been clean in sports. And I am not taking anyone’s right. I am completely clean,” she asserted.
Vinesh maintained that she was only seeking a fair opportunity to compete and prove herself on the mat.
“I want a fair chance for myself. People were saying earlier (during protest at jantar mantar) that they don’t want to give a trial. I am still saying the same thing.
“After giving a trial, whoever is best in India, let it be decided on the mat. If you don’t even allow me to get on the mat, then how will it be decided who has worked harder,” she said.
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WFI issued a statament, saying that “Vinesh Phogat was provided full security from the moment she arrived.” “As witnessed by everyone present, she met the officials and was informed about her ineligibility to participate, as per the rules and procedures in place. She freely interacted with the media and was not stopped or interrupted anywhere, following this, she left the venue peacefully.
“WFI treats every player equally, and player welfare and security remain our highest priorities. From her arrival in Gonda to her departure from the venue, complete security and support were extended to her at every step,” the WFI statement said.
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IPL 2026 News | RCB Outplay CSK For 2nd Win On Trot, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co Suffer 3rd Loss
There’s officially no doubt about it: For the next seven days, Philadelphia is a golf town.
Thanks to the Sixers, who saw themselves out of the NBA playoffs in a sweep at the hands of the I-95 rival Knicks, the runway is officially clear for major championship golf’s grand return to Philly this week. Aronimink Golf Club, one of Philly’s plethora of golden-age, generally beloved golf clubs, will play host to the latest edition of the PGA Championship.
Last year, the golf world saw Philly’s golf bona fides when it felt like half the city showed up to Philadelphia Cricket Club for the Truist Championship, which was rescheduled to Philly to make space for the PGA at Quail Hollow. Now, the big show itself is in town, and catching the golf world at a time when the intrigue is at an all-time high. So before you watch this weekend (on CBS or ESPN), and before the spin of the big week sinks its teeth into you, let’s run through the biggest stories worth paying attention to.
8 biggest PGA Championship storylines
8. What the hell is happening with LIV?
The golf world has lapsed into a state of prolonged confusion about the broader machinations of LIV in the wake of the Saudi retreat. But the questions are only getting louder. Case in point: My colleague Alan Bastable’s interview with LIV CEO Scott O’Neil from LIV Virginia, in which the head of the embattled league admitted they were still owned almost entirely by the Saudis, and did not comment on whether that meant the Saudis retained decision-making control over potential future investors in the league.
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The questions will surely continue for the weekend in Philly, where — much like the U.S. Open at LACC just a few short years ago — the action has already been set against the backdrop of broader LIV confusion.
7. What’s happening with LIV’s star players?
The funny thing about major weeks in the LIV era is that they serve as some of the few times that everybody in the golf world mingles. This week, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau will be in the same place as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth. Presumably, they’ll find some things to talk about regarding the current state of affairs.
Of course, the stakes for Aronimink aren’t exactly Yalta, so we probably shouldn’t be expecting any tectonic movements in the golf world to emerge from PGA week, but rest assured, people will be talking.
6. What’s happening with *the rest* of LIV’s players?
Nobody will be losing sleep about the long-term competitive prospects of players like Talor Gooch, who surrendered his major championship future at arguably his career’s highest watermark for a LIV contract, and now has his very own team (OKGC, nee Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC). But perhaps we oughta be thinking about him!
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Gooch is one of a handful of players from the LIV midfield who could be disproportionately impacted by the radical change likely coming to the league in the next 12 months. Unlike Rahm and DeChambeau, who will have sponsors and major-championship invites and competitive futures no matter what happens to LIV, players like Gooch sacrificed their status for the chance at life-changing money. Fortunately, they got their paydays. Unfortunately, their futures are now in greater question than ever before.
Ironically, Gooch (whose martyrdom around some of the major championship drama of the early LIV days earned him some flak) won’t be in the field this week at the PGA after receiving a special exemption in 2024. It’s a fitting glimpse into the state of the LIV midfield, and it raises the stakes on those who did make it into the field at Aronimink to show well. The tournament could have future employment potential at stake.
5. The year of Rory?
Last year, I remember being struck by the vision of Rory McIlroy, who arrived at the PGA Championship. After his thrilling win at Augusta National, I figured McIlroy would be floating on air — and carrying the kind of calm of someone without anything left to prove. It led me to predict that he’d win a bunch more majors, perhaps as soon as 2025.
Then he showed up at Quail Hollow looking cantankerous, abrasive and generally peeved. He never quite moved on from that worldview for the rest of the ’25 major season.
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It wasn’t until he arrived at Augusta National for the first time as champion that the switch flipped. McIlroy arrived in 2026 at the Masters with all of the quiet, self-assured confidence I assumed I’d see from him in Quail Hollow. Then he won his second green jacket, and talked about resetting after feeling as if the grand slam was his career’s final “destination.” He said he’s found new hunger and enthusiasm in competing in the majors in this stage of his life — and if that’s true, this week could provide confirmation of a new kind of Rory.
4. Where art thou, Scottie?
Far be it from me to suggest that Scottie Scheffler is not playing great golf. He’s still the No. 1 player in the world. He’s still the biggest threat to win every tournament he plays in. He’s still pretty good at playing a really, really hard sport — as he often reminds us with a chuckle.
But Scottie Scheffler has not been the same untouchable force in 2026 that he was in most of 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
A couple of thoughts on that: 1. It’s not inherently a bad thing that this is true — Scheffler would have to be the greatest golfer in history to survive half a decade without a single lull in his game, and even then it might be unrealistic to think. 2. It’s not as if Scheffler’s “fall off” has been pronounced: DataGolf’s world rankings still have him as the best player in the world by three-quarters of a shot. 3. It’s still early in the season — early enough that a victory would quickly remove these conversations in their entirety.
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In other words, Aronimink is Scottie’s chance to make us all shut up.
3. Forever Young
Hard to picture a player who better fits the profile of a winner this week than Cam Young, a burly northeasterner playing a burly northeast golf course. Young has been playing the best golf of his life in 2026, grabbing wins at the Players Championship and Doral en route to a career-best OWGR rank of World No. 3.
He profiles as the kind of ball-striker to win at least one major championship in his career, and his recent success in normal golf tournaments and major championships suggests his game is peaking in time for this week. This is a storyline worth monitoring.
2. New leadership
If you’ve only been paying attention to golf’s myriad other existential shakeups, it’s possible you’ve missed the leadership challenges happening at the PGA of America, where new CEO Terry Clark will preside over his first major championship since taking over for the brief tenure of Derek Sprague.
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Clark has his plate full already at the PGA of A, including addressing matters of the golf ball rollback, the PGA Championship’s role in the greater golf hierarchy, the development of a true championship identity and the path to avoiding the persistent rake-steps that have dominated the governing body’s last several years ($800 Ryder Cup tickets and World No. 1 player arrests among them). We’ll get our first glimpse at his governing philosophy during a presser this week, and we’ll be paying close attention to what comes next.
1. Philly, baby!
Philadelphia is one of pro golf’s most overlooked cities, and there’s no really good reason for it. There might be no metro area in the United States with a better combination of great golf courses and rabid golf fans. The city will play a major role in the fun this week, and hopefully make a good case for golf in a regular major-championship rotation.
Thomas earned a pair of wins on the mound for Dartmouth against Bridgewater-Raynham and Barnstable, allowing a combined 5 earned runs on 12 hits with 10 strikeouts. She also went 1-for-5 at the plate against Barnstable with 4 RBIs.
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Previous winners were GNB Voc-Tech’s Leah Perez and Khloe Pereira, New Bedford’s Brylee DeDeus and Old Colony’s Abby Norton.
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The winner of the Preseason Softball Player of the Year poll was Old Colony’s Madison Canton with more than 10,000 votes (50%).
Each week during the regular season, we will highlight the top performances.
Editor’s note: Voting will end at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 17.
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Ashlyn Bogdan, Apponequet
Bogdan hit her first career home run against Old Rochester. She also went a combined 4-for-7 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and an RBI against New Bedford and Fairhaven.
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Abby Burnap, Apponequet
In a pair of games against Fairhaven and Old Rochester, Burnap went a combined 6-for-8 with 3 doubles, 4 runs scored and 5 RBIs.
Marissa Kelly, Apponequet
In three games, Kelly went a combined 6-for-12 with a pair of home runs, 6 RBIs and 5 runs scored.
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Kate Suneson, Apponequet
Suneson went a combined 3-for-4 with 2 walks, 2 RBIs and 4 runs scored against New Bedford and Old Rochester.
Reese Taylor, Apponequet
In a win over New Bedford, Taylor threw a no-hitter, striking out 9 with no walks over 7 innings. She also pitched the Lakers to a win over Old Rochester, allowing no earned runs on 1 walk and 1 hit with 11 strikeouts, and a win over Fairhaven, allowing 2 earned runs on 2 walks and 5 hits with 8 strikeouts.
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Alaina Chasse, Bishop Stang
Chasse pitched 5 innings, allowing 3 hits and no walks with 10 strikeouts in a win over Barnstable.
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Olivia Megna, Bishop Stang
Against Dartmouth, Megna, a freshman, was 2-for-2 with a walk and her first home run.
Kasey Pomfret, Dartmouth
Pomfret picked up a pair of wins on the mound over Bishop Stang and Hingham as she allowed a combined 3 runs on 8 hits with 3 walks and 7 strikeouts.
Emma Silva, Dartmouth
In a pair of games against Bishop Stang and Hingham, Silva had a combined 5 hits.
In a loss to Case, Furtado went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in the first inning and had a diving catch in center field.
Brianna Pierce, Fairhaven
Pierce threw a no-hitter with 9 strikeouts and 1 walk over 5 innings against Durfee. She also went 2-for-2 at the plate with a pair of doubles. In a pair of losses to Apponequet and Case, Pierce had a combined 21 strikeouts. She also had a home run at the plate against Apponequet.
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Stella Zangao, Fairhaven
In a win over Durfee, Zangao went 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and 4 RBIs.
Janiah Cooper, GNB Voc-Tech
Cooper had a combined 4 hits in a pair of games against Old Rochester and New Bedford.
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Akiira’Ley Vazquez, GNB Voc-Tech
In three games, Vazquez had a combined 25 strikeouts, including 11 against Old Rochester. She also had a pair of home runs and 4 RBIs against the Bulldogs.
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Belle Almeida, New Bedford
In a 2-1 win over GNB Voc-Tech, Almeida had a single and scored a run.
Maura McEvoy, New Bedford
McEvoy picked up a win over GNB Voc-Tech, allowing 1 unearned run on 5 hits and 2 walks with 9 strikeouts. She also had the go-ahead RBI with a double in the sixth inning. She also pitched a 6-hitter against Apponequet with 2 strikeouts, 2 walks and 4 runs (2 earned).
Madison Caton, Old Colony
In three games, Caton had a combined 5 hits, 11 runs scored and 10 RBIs.
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Sharon Delancey, Old Colony
In three games, Delancey had a combined 20 strikeouts on the mound. She also went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double, triple, RBI and run scored against South Shore Voc-Tech.
Leah Robitaille, Old Colony
Robitaille went a combined 11-for-15 with 4 doubles, a triple, 5 runs scored and 11 RBIs.
Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
NEW DELHI: Two young batting sensations – Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – have taken the IPL by storm in no time. With fearless strokeplay, effortless six-hitting and breathtaking strike rates, the duo has emerged as the face of a new generation of ultra-aggressive T20 batting.While Sooryavanshi has been dismantling bowling attacks for Rajasthan Royals, Priyansh has been doing the same at full throttle for Punjab Kings. Their explosive starts in the powerplay have stunned opponents and thrilled fans across the tournament.
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Sairaj Bahutule reacts to another Punjab Kings defeat, dropped catches and more
The impact of the two youngsters is reflected in a remarkable stat. Sooryavanshi currently tops the list for most 50-plus scores in overs 1-6 among Indian batters in IPL history with four such scores, while Priyansh Arya follows closely with three. Priyansh added another explosive knock to his growing reputation with a 24-ball fifty against Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala during IPL 2026.Priyansh Arya’s fearless approachPriyansh carried his explosive form from the Delhi Premier League into the IPL and quickly became one of Punjab Kings’ biggest success stories. Bought for INR 3.8 crore from a base price of INR 30 lakh, the uncapped left-hander emerged as PBKS’ third-highest run-scorer in IPL 2025.He formed a dangerous opening partnership with Prabhsimran Singh and lit up the tournament with fearless strokeplay. Priyansh smashed the fifth-fastest century in IPL history — a 39-ball hundred against Chennai Super Kings – along with two fifties in his debut season.In IPL 2026, Priyansh has continued his stunning rise, scoring 336 runs in 10 matches at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 231.72, including 32 sixes. Across two IPL seasons, he has already amassed 811 runs in 27 matches with 57 sixes to his name.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid riseAt just 13 years old, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player ever to earn an IPL contract when Rajasthan Royals bought him for INR 1.1 crore ahead of IPL 2025. A year later, he created history again by becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket.The teenage sensation hammered 101 off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans, bringing up his hundred in only 35 deliveries — the second-fastest century in IPL history.In IPL 2025, Sooryavanshi scored 252 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 206.55. He has taken things to another level in IPL 2026, scoring 440 runs in 11 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 236.55, including 40 sixes already this season.Overall, the RR youngster has smashed 692 runs in 18 IPL matches at a staggering strike rate of 224.67, with two centuries and three fifties.Before his IPL heroics, Sooryavanshi had already represented India Under-19 and scored a 58-ball century against Australia Under-19. He also played a key role in India’s run to the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2024 final.
Aug 27, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Taylor Heinicke (6) dives for a game-winning two-point conversion during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Heinicke never took a regular season snap for the Minnesota Vikings, but once upon a time, he felt like an offshoot solution for the future. A decade later, Heinicke has decided to retire.
Minnesota never saw the full Heinicke story, but the old Vikings QB built one anyway.
Heincke didn’t sign anywhere for the 2025 season, a hint that he wouldn’t be back, and that suspicion was confirmed last week.
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Heinicke’s Strange NFL Ride Started in Minnesota
It’s the end of the road for Heinicke after nearly 30 starts in the big leagues.
Taylor Heinicke scrambles during preseason action for the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 29, 2015, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington against the Dallas Cowboys. Heinicke entered the league as an undrafted quarterback and spent multiple seasons developing in Minnesota before later resurfacing with several NFL teams around the league. Minnesota defeated Dallas 28-14 that evening. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports.
Heinicke Retires.
That’s a wrap for Heinicke. ESPN’s John Keim wrote Thursday, “Quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who became a fan favorite during his two-plus seasons with the Washington Commanders, announced the end of an improbable NFL career Thursday. Heinicke, 33, posted a message to Instagram thanking those who supported him throughout his seven-year NFL career in which he spent time with seven franchises — appearing in games for five of them.”
“Heinicke was released in August by the Los Angeles Chargers and went unsigned for the rest of the season. He played four games with the Chargers in 2024, attempting five passes.”
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Heinicke personally noted on his decision, “Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life… Excited for this next chapter of my life.”
Time in MIN
The Vikings signed Heinicke as an undrafted free agent in 2015, where he eventually secured the QB3 job behind Teddy Bridgewater and Shaun Hill. He remained with Minnesota until September 2017, then played for the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, and Atlanta Falcons. His career also included a stint in the XFL with the St. Louis BattleHawks in 2020.
During his tenure in Minnesota, Heinicke became known for a notable off-the-field incident that severely hampered his career. He suffered a significant setback with the Vikings after he reportedly kicked through a glass door when locked out of a friend’s apartment, sustaining a serious leg injury. Consequently, he never played a regular season snap for the Vikings before the aforementioned departure to Houston in 2017.
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Career Resume
Heinicke saw action in 42 career games from 2017 to 2024, with 29 starts, while his teams went 13-15-1 and his watch. He tallied 6,663 passing yards, 42 total touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. Per efficiency and according to EPA+CPOE, his best historical comparisons are Matt Cassel and Justin Fields.
Teddy Bridgewater and Taylor Heinicke share a moment after Minnesota Vikings minicamp practice on Jun. 15, 2016, in Minneapolis. The Vikings spent several years grooming young quarterbacks behind the scenes during the Mike Zimmer era, with Heinicke operating as a developmental backup alongside Bridgewater and veteran Shaun Hill throughout portions of the offseason program. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
Over a 17-start sample, Heinicke averaged this statline for context:
3,602 Passing Yards
25 Total TDs
16 INTs
62.5 Completion %
Here’s his full resume by team:
Minnesota Vikings (2015–2017)
New England Patriots (2017)
Houston Texans (2017)
Carolina Panthers (2018)
St. Louis BattleHawks (2020)
Washington Commanders (2020–2022)
Atlanta Falcons (2023)
Los Angeles Chargers (2024)
Best Memory?
Heinicke started one playoff game in his career. He led the Commanders in the postseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Tom Brady’s team — in the 2020 Wildcard Round, losing by a score of 31-23.
But in the contest, Heinicke looked like he belonged, delivering 306 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Commanders featured three other quarterbacks that season: Alex Smith, Dwayne Haskins, and Kyle Allen. By happenstance, Heinicke got the tap on the shoulder for the playoffs and damn near knocked off Brady’s Buccaneers.
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Brady and Co. would eventually win the Super Bowl handily over the Kansas City Chiefs.
SI.com‘s Joanne Coley on Heinicke: “Heinicke’s football career was not easy. After a standout college career at Old Dominion University, he went undrafted in 2015 and spent several years bouncing around the league. He had short stints with the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings, mostly as a backup quarterback.”
“Everything changed later that year when Washington called him late in the season. Heinicke was unexpectedly thrust into the starting role for a playoff game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the loss, Heinicke delivered one of the most memorable performances fans would remember.”
Taylor Heinicke celebrates after a Washington Commanders touchdown on Dec. 24, 2022, during a road matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Heinicke carved out one of the NFL’s more unusual quarterback journeys, eventually becoming a respected spot starter after entering the league as an undrafted player years earlier. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings saw Heinicke a couple of years later when he led the Falcons — the game when Joshua Dobbs Mania took hold.
Coley added, “He threw for more than 300 yards, including a diving touchdown at the goal line that instantly became one of the franchise’s most iconic playoff moments. That game helped turn him into a fan favorite in Washington.”
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“Heinicke started 15 games in 2021 and helped lead Washington to several key wins during his time with the team, including a 2022 Monday Night Football victory over the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.”
Heinicke also borrowed former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ chain gimmick in 2022:
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
NYON, Switzerland — German referee Daniel Siebert was picked Monday by UEFA for the Champions League final after FIFA left him off its World Cup list.
The game between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain on May 30 at Puskas Arena in Budapest will be Siebert’s 10th in the Champions League this season — and the third straight round he will have worked an Arsenal match.
Siebert handled Arsenal’s 1-0 wins at Sporting Lisbon in the quarterfinals first leg, and at home to Atletico Madrid in the semifinals second leg.
He refereed PSG once this season, in a league phase game at Athletic Bilbao that ended 0-0.
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In his nine Champions League games this season Siebert has shown two red cards and awarded just one penalty kick.
Players are not the only members of Ohio State football getting work done before the 2026 season.
On May 9, Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia posted a photo on Instagram in a neck brace and lying on a hospital bed, wearing his signature flat cap with a smile.
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“Off-season repairs aren’t just for players. Massive thanks to Dr Viljoen and the Neurological Specialty Care team for taking care of me. Incredible group! So blessed and thankful for you,” Patricia wrote in the post.
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Patricia did not reveal details. He thanked Dr. Stephanus Viljoen, an Ohio State neurosurgeon specializing in spinal surgeries and back pain, according to his OSU profile.
The German official has been appointed by the Uefa Referees Committee and will be tasked with officiating one of the biggest games in football at the Puskas Arena on Saturday, 30 May.
The 42-year-old has 11 years of experience since beginning his career in 2015 and brings experience from nine Uefa Champions League matches from this season alone.
Siebert was the referee in the quarter-final first leg between Sporting Lisbon and Arsenal, one of two games officiated this term with the Gunners, who ran out 1-0 winners on that night.
He was also in charge in the semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, another 1-0 win for the Gunners, which will appeal to Gunners fans ahead of the match.
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Siebert is yet to show a yellow card to an Arsenal player, and has shown just three yellow cards across both matches. While he has also officiated one PSG match this season; the goalless draw at Athletic Bilbao in December, where he brandished four yellow cards.
Siebert averages more yellow cards on average overall, with 4.44 per game from nine games in the Champions League this term, according to Who Scored, and 0.22 red cards per game. That’s up from his Bundesliga average, from 15 games this term, with 3.20 yellow cards per game and 0.13 red cards per game.
Further experience comes from last year’s Uefa Europa League semi-final between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao, and he also officiated two games at the Uefa Euro 2024 and three games at Uefa Euro 2020.
Atletico Madrid’s Robin Le Normand speaks to Referee Daniel Siebert (AP)
Following Arsenal’s victory over West Ham, and the high-profile VAR incident that ruled out Callum Wilson’s equaliser for the Hammers, Mikel Arteta has publicly confessed his admiration for the pressure officials operate under.
Notably Chris Kavanagh and how he observed 17 replays over four minutes and 17 seconds before deciding to rule out the goal due to Pablo’s arm impeding David Raya.
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“When I had to be critical, I have been,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “Today I have to congratulate them [VAR]. You needed a lot of courage and bravery to stand out and give the opportunity to the referee to have a look at the action.
“When you see the picture, there is no question that it is a clear foul. They were very brave. The action deserved that. In my opinion, it is very clear. They are the rules and we ask for consistency.”
Referee Daniel Siebert gestures during Sporting v Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals (Getty Images)
Uefa Champions League final 2026 refereeing team
Referee: Daniel Siebert (Germany)
Assistants: Jan Seidel and Rafael Foltyn (both from Germany)
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