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)
The New York Knicks are heading to the Eastern Conference Finals after completing a 4-0 sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers with a dominant 144-114 win in Game 4.
The Knicks were in control throughout the night and closed the series. Jalen Brunson finished with 22 points and 6 assists, while Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with 24 points.
New York now becomes the first team to book a place in the conference finals.
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In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves bounced back with a 114-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs to tie the series 2-2.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 36 points in a big performance at home, while Dylan Harper scored 24 for San Antonio.
The Knicks move on to the final while the Spurs and Timberwolves head into a crucial Game 5 with the series level.
Eric Lauer‘s time in Toronto may be coming to an end.
The team also placed slugger Addison Barger on the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation while recalling outfielder Yohendrick Pinango and pitcher Yariel Rodriguez.
Lauer, 30, has struggled in his second season with the Blue Jays, posting a 6.69 ERA over 36.1 innings.
He has also been critical of Toronto manager John Schneider’s usage of him, going so far as saying he “hates” coming out of the bullpen following an opener.
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Lauer entered Sunday’s game as the bulk pitcher behind a pair of openers, but coughed up six runs over five innings in a 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.
Barger was scratched from Toronto’s lineup Sunday with right elbow soreness just one day after missing a month due to a left ankle sprain.
He’ll be replaced by Pinango, who is listed as the 10th-ranked prospect in the Blue Jays organization, according to MLB. In 10 games played with the big club this season, Pinango is slashing .423/.444/.462.
In 22 games with triple-A Buffalo this season, Pinango is batting .288/.370/.488 with three homers and 13 RBI across 92 plate appearances.
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Pinango will bat second when the Blue Jays open a three-game set at home against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday at 7:07 p.m. ET / 4:07 p.m. PT on Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet+.
Meanwhile, Rodríguez has posted a 2.63 ERA while recording 25 strikeouts and nine walks in 13.2 innings across 11 triple-A appearances this season.
Rodríguez was one of Toronto’s most relied-upon relievers in 2025, posting a 3.08 ERA over 73 regular-season innings.
Despite the strong full-season totals, the six-foot right-hander struggled in the second half and post-season and threw just 2.2 innings for the Blue Jays in October.
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Rodriguez will also be active for the series opener against the Rays.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just one month away and the wait for squad announcements from all 48 qualified teams is now entering its most crucial phase. Football fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see which stars will make the final cut for the tournament to be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
With national teams preparing for training camps and warm-up matches, FIFA has already laid out the official timeline for preliminary and final squad submissions, giving players one last opportunity to secure their places for football’s biggest event.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 squad announcement deadlines
FIFA has fixed strict deadlines for all participating nations regarding player submissions for the tournament.
The first major date is May 11, when all teams must submit a preliminary squad list consisting of 35 to 55 players. Each squad must include at least five goalkeepers.
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Another important deadline is May 25, which is the final day for clubs to release players called up for international duty ahead of the World Cup.
National teams will then have a short window between May 25 and June 1 to confirm their final squads for the tournament. Each team can register between 23 and 26 players, including three goalkeepers.
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Although final squads are usually locked in after submission, FIFA regulations allow teams to replace players in case of serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before their opening match.
FIFA World Cup 2026 format
The 2026 edition will be historic as it will feature 48 teams for the first time, expanding from the previous 32-team structure.
The competition begins on June 11 and concludes with the final on July 19. The new format will divide teams into 12 groups of four teams each. Every team will play one game against other three teams from their group.
The top two sides from every group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will qualify for the round of 32. The tournament will follow the single-game knockout format used by FIFA in previous editions.
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Still no broadcast deal for India
Despite the tournament being just weeks away, FIFA is yet to officially confirm a broadcast partner for India for the 2026 World Cup.
The uncertainty has raised concerns among Indian football fans, especially after reports suggested that broadcasting negotiations remain unresolved due to high monetary demands from FIFA.
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India represents one of the largest television and streaming markets for major sporting events, making the delay a significant issue ahead of the tournament.
FIFA is expected to finalise regional broadcast agreements soon as preparations intensify for the biggest World Cup in history.
Marcus Rashford is keen to extend his stay at Barcelona beyond the end of the 2025/26 season, after enjoying an impressive loan spell in Spain
Barcelona would “love” to keep Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford if they can do a deal within their financial restrictions. That is according to former United star and La Liga expert Terry Gibson, who has claimed that Barca hope to retain Rashford’s services but are trying to do a deal with United “regarding his salary”.
Rashford, 28, joined Barca on loan from United last summer and has impressed since his move to Spain, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season.
Post-match, Rashford revealed he would like to extend his spell at Barcelona, though he admitted he is unsure what will happen this summer. Barca boast a £26million option to buy Rashford, but the Spanish side are delaying on triggering the permanent clause in his contract.
And Gibson feels that Barca are keen to keep Rashford but want to make sure another deal fits into their spending structure, with the club operating under strict financial restrictions with La Liga.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday, Gibson, who made 23 league appearances for United in 1986, said on Rashford: “I think if Barcelona have their way, they would love to have Marcus Rashford next season.
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“I see Barcelona’s position as a bit of a bargaining tool at the moment. I mean, they’re looking at possibly needing a centre forward if Robert Lewandowski leaves the club, so they need money for that transfer.”
The La Liga co-commenator added: “I think they’re probably trying to do a deal with Manchester United and Marcus Rashford regarding his salary. The way he’s played, the way he’s performed this season, he’s been really important to Barcelona. Lewandowski’s been injured, Ferran Torres has been out of form, Raphinha’s had lots of injuries, Lamine Yamal is injured at the moment.
“Marcus Rashford has been fit all season. He’s been a really important part of the squad that has won the league title. He capped it off last night with a really good performance and a spectacular free kick to open the scoring.
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“I think it’s clear Marcus Rashford wants to stay and I totally get that. He looks like he’s enjoying his football. He looks like he’s enjoying living in Barcelona. As I say, he’s a popular team-mate, a really important part of the squad. But I think Barcelona, we know what their financial implications are and I think if they can do a deal with Manchester United, I think they would love to keep him.”
Rashford has been in stellar form for Barca in recent weeks, scoring four goals and adding one assist in their last six La Liga matches. Has played a key role in Hansi Flick’s side retaining the Spanish top-flight title for a second successive season, and claimed he would remain at Camp Nou if he was a “magician”.
The Wythenshawe-born ace has reiterated that signing for Barca was his dream move and he would stay at the club if it was his choice. “I don’t know. I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay. So we will see,” Rashford said in the mixed zone, following Barca’s El Classico win against Real on Sunday.
Rashford and Barcelona are next in action when they face Alaves on Wednesday. The Catalan outfit then host Real Betis before making the trip to Valencia to end the season.
Owa Retamar is back as import with Visakha VC in Cambodia.–Photo from Visakha
MANILA, Philippines — Owa Retamar returns for a second tour of duty with Visakha VC in the Techo Volleyball Cambodia League (TVCL) 2026 from May to July.
Retamar arrived in Cambodia on Monday, according to the club and handler, VP Global Management.
The Alas Pilipinas setter is eager to lead Visakha to a better finish after winning bronze in the 4th Sar Kheng Cup.
“I’m happy to be back here because I had a really good experience with the team the last time. We were able to finish third before, so now our goal is to achieve something even better,” Retamar said in Filipino.
“The fans here in men’s volleyball are also very warm and supportive. The energy they give every game really motivates you to perform well.”
The former UAAP Finals MVP and Best Setter out of National University looks forward to integrating himself back into the offensive system of Visakha in a more competitive field, where his club settled for runner-up finishes in the past editions.
“In this league, teams are allowed more than one import, so we expect every game to be even tougher. We just need to adjust quickly when it comes to chemistry and preparation,” said Retamar.
“Work starts immediately for me. I’m getting back to work as early as tomorrow.”
Retamar continues to bring his act in international play since leading Alas in last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship and bronze medal finish in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
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Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) runs the ball against Washington Commanders cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (34) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Washington Commanders announced Monday that they have re-signed cornerback Antonio Hamilton to a one-year deal.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Hamilton, 33, appeared in 15 games (one start) in his first season with the Commanders in 2025, recording 18 tackles, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
A former undrafted free agent out of South Carolina State, Hamilton has played 10 seasons for the then-Oakland Raiders (2016-17), New York Giants (2018-19), Kansas City Chiefs (2020), Arizona Cardinals (2021-23), Atlanta Falcons (2024) and Commanders.
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He’s appeared in 124 career games (19 starts), amassing 197 tackles, two interceptions, 27 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one tackle for loss.
Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) greets Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) on the field after the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
John Harbaugh gets a shot at a statement in his first regular-season game as head coach of the New York Giants.
The NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys and Giants are set to square off in Week 1 in primetime on Sept. 13, the eighth time in 15 seasons they open the regular season in a head-to-head matchup.
The “Sunday Night Football” game will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., where the Giants defeated the Cowboys for the first time since 2020 last season.
The NFL is releasing the full 2026 schedule on Thursday. Giants-Cowboys is among marquee games confirmed ahead of the release date.
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Dallas dominated the series with the Giants in recent years by sweeping both regular-season matchups four consecutive years before New York took a game (34-17) from the Cowboys last season. The Cowboys earned a split with a 40-37 overtime win which was sent to OT by Brandon Aubrey’s 64-yard field goal.
Harbaugh was hired as head coach of the Giants after being fired by the Ravens.
After a trade deadline period that was dominated by the Greek superstar’s name bandied about, only for nothing to happen, the NBA’s off-season looks primed to be swallowed up by talk of Antetokounmpo trade discussion.
According to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday, the Milwaukee Bucks are now “open for business” on trade calls for the two-time league MVP.
Antetokounmpo has said repeatedly that he likes playing in Milwaukee but wants to play for a franchise committed to competing for championships. The Bucks went 32-50 this season to snap a string of nine straight playoff appearances.
The Bucks can offer Antetokounmpo a four-year, $275-million contract extension in October. If Antetokounmpo doesn’t sign, he could become a free agent after next season.
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Milwaukee co-owner Jimmy Haslam would like the matter settled long before October and spoke Wednesday as though the decision rests with the Bucks as much as it does with Antetokounmpo.
“We never had any problem communicating directly with Giannis — at all — and always knew where he stood,” Haslam said. “And I think he always knew where we stood. We’ve had those kind of conversations since the season was over. … So, sometime over the next six or seven weeks, we’ll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us, or he’s going to play somewhere else. And Jon and Taylor, along with (co-owner) Wes (Edens) and myself will make that call, and we understand the gravity of that call.”
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 13-season career with the Bucks. The 31-year-old Milwaukee’s franchise leader in a slew of statistical categories, including games played, minutes played, total points, total assists and total rebounds.
Last season, he averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game in an injury-plagued season that saw him play just 36 games.
After Los Angeles wildfires devastated his home, mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt released a powerful Mother’s Day video that has gone viral. Samantha Ettus, an activist who also lost her home in the Palisades fires, explains why she’s backing Pratt against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Ettus critiques Bass’s management of the city’s escalating homelessness crisis and slow rebuild efforts, with only 30 of 16,000 structures reconstructed.
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Magic Johnson broke away from his former Los Angeles Lakers boss on Monday and endorsed Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Bass posted a video of Johnson’s endorsement on her social media. Johnson’s support of Bass came after Jeanie Buss appeared to back Spencer Pratt in the race.
Magic Johnson attends the unveiling of a statue honoring former Lakers coach Pat Riley at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 2026.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Johnson said his 30-year friendship with Bass and her actions on homelessness and lowering the homicide rates were part of the reasons why he endorsed her.
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“She’s doing a tremendous job. Mayor Bass has to have a second term and I’m excited to say that,” Johnson said. “Listen, you took on a tough job here and you’ve done a fabulous job and all of us appreciate your effort and what you’re doing and we look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things that you have in store – your vision for the city.”
Jeanie Buss, CEO and co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, holds a new team jersey during a 2021 event.(Allen J. Schaben/LA Times via Getty Images)
Johnson didn’t mention one of the sticking points that has allowed Pratt to gain support in the race – Bass’ handling of the 2025 wildfires that led to at least a dozen deaths and billions in damage.
Pratt has continued to needle Bass over her response to the wildfires.
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Buss appeared to show support for Pratt last month when she donated $1,800 to his mayoral campaign, according to FOX 11 in Los Angeles. It’s the maximum donation allowed by law.
Former reality television star Spencer Pratt is running against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the race to lead the second-largest city in the country.(Roy Rochlin/Getty Images and Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)
Nigeria Premier Football League club Abia Warriors have suspended Technical Adviser Imama Amapakabo and Chief Coach Bethel Oji after the team’s recent poor results.
The club announced the decision in an official letter signed by chairman John Sam Obuh on May 11, 2026.
According to the club, the suspension followed alleged acts of insubordination by the two coaches during the FA Cup semi-final against Ahudiyannem FC and the league game against Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, which ended in a 2-0 defeat.
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Abia Warriors said the coaching crew failed to follow instructions and advice from the management concerning changes to the team line-up in both matches.
The club added that the actions of the coaches led to defeats that embarrassed the club and the people of Abia State.
Both officials have now been suspended from all club activities while investigations continue.
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Abia Warriors also confirmed that former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu and his assistants have been asked to take charge of the team immediately until further notice.
The club advised the suspended coaches to cooperate fully with the investigation panel whenever they are invited.
A general view of U.S. Bank Stadium and the nearby Viking ship display is shown on Sep. 23, 2018, in Minneapolis before the Minnesota Vikings hosted the Buffalo Bills. The stadium has served as the franchise’s home since 2016 and remains one of the NFL’s most recognizable modern venues because of its angular glass design and downtown Minneapolis setting. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.
The last time a non-quarterback won the MVP award was 14 years ago, a man by the name of Adrian Peterson. And as of 2026, Peterson has earned placement in the Minnesota Vikings’ Ring of Honor.
Minnesota just made an obvious franchise decision official.
The Vikings surprised Peterson this week, enrolling fellow ROH and Hall of Famer John Randle to deliver the news.
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Peterson’s Place Among Vikings Greats Is Locked In
What’s your favorite Peterson moment?
Adrian Peterson runs against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 30, 2012, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis during one of the defining performances of his MVP season. Peterson powered the Vikings into the postseason that afternoon, finishing just short of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record while cementing one of the greatest campaigns by a running back in NFL history. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.
Peterson to Vikings’ ROH
It’s official, as The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis wrote Monday, “The Minnesota Vikings will induct legendary running back Adrian Peterson into the team’s Ring of Honor during the 2026 season, the team announced Monday. Peterson, a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, will join fellow running backs and past honorees Chuck Foreman and Bill Brown.”
“The franchise surprised Peterson with the news last week. The 41-year-old had initially been invited to speak to the team’s rookies, but fellow Vikings legend John Randle shared the news with Peterson in a private moment. Peterson is the 29th inductee into the Vikings’ Ring of Honor. He will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.”
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Carve out about four minutes to watch this social media masterclass. You won’t regret it:
Peterson Weighs In
The secret was well-kept. The Vikings caught Peterson totally off-guard. He even had to put on a tough-guy facade, fighting back tears that, for some reason, he didn’t want on camera.
“I feel blessed that my name will go up there with the greatest of greats to play in this organization. It’s just a blessing — a constant reminder for me of how God is and how hard work pays off. Not only just hard work, but how you treat people, how you deal with people, the relationships that you build,” Peterson said after the surprise.
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“That all comes into play when you’re honored to this magnitude. It feels amazing. It took everything in me to hold the tears back. I’m not really an emotional guy, but this is awesome. It’s just awesome.”
The Career Accomplishments
As a member of the Vikings, Peterson played 123 games, totaling 11,747 rushing yards and 97 rushing touchdowns, with an average of 4.9 yards per carry.
He later bounced around the NFL quite a bit, refusing to retire quietly, and banking 14,918 rushing yards and 120 rushing touchdowns from 2007 to 2021. With Derrick Henry lurking in 10th place, Peterson ranks fifth all-time in rushing yards, besting Henry by 1,900 yards, which is probably two more years for Henry if injuries don’t slow down his pace.
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Adrian Peterson acknowledges the crowd on Dec. 29, 2013, following the final game ever played at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Peterson became one of the defining faces of the Vikings during the stadium’s later years, helping produce multiple playoff appearances and several historic rushing performances before the franchise eventually moved into U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.
Peterson also ranks fifth all-time in rushing touchdowns with 120, topped by Henry last season (122).
The Vikings’ legend also still holds the league’s single-game rushing record with 296 against the San Diego Chargers in 2007. That record may not be broken.
Here’s Peterson’s full career resume:
Minnesota Vikings (2007–2016)
New Orleans Saints (2017)
Arizona Cardinals (2017)
Washington Redskins (2018–2019)
Detroit Lions (2020)
Tennessee Titans (2021)
Seattle Seahawks (2021)
Interesting caveat: Peterson crossed paths with current Vikings skipper Kevin O’Connell in Washington in 2018 and 2019, though the pair had no shared connection to the Vikings at the time.
The Full ROH List
Peterson’s inclusion in the Ring of Honor brings the roster to 29. Here’s the group:
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Jared Allen
Matt Blair
Bill Brown
Joey Browner
Bobby Bryant
Jerry Burns
Cris Carter
Chris Doleman
Dennis Green
Carl Eller
Jim Finks
Chuck Foreman
Bud Grant
Steve Jordan
Paul Krause
Randall McDaniel
Randy Moss
Alan Page
Adrian Peterson
John Randle
Korey Stringer
Scott Studwell
Ahmad Rashad
Fran Tarkenton
Mick Tingelhoff
Kevin Williams
Ron Yary
Who’s next for the Ring of Honor after Peterson? Probably one of these men:
VikingsTerritory will post formal details of the induction as they become available — probably when the game-by-game schedule is released later this week.
Adrian Peterson carries the football against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 28, 2010, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Peterson spent a decade terrorizing NFL defenses with the Vikings, building a Hall of Fame resume through explosive runs, physical rushing style, and multiple seasons that placed him among the league’s most dominant offensive players. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports.
Vikings owner Mark Wilf on the induction: “From the moment we selected Adrian in the 2007 NFL draft, he proved to be a transformational player for the Minnesota Vikings. His historic 2012 MVP season will be rightfully remembered by fans, but Adrian’s consistent production over 10 seasons in Minnesota is what firmly established him as an all-time Viking and one of the greatest to ever play this game.
“It will be a privilege to welcome Adrian into the Vikings Ring of Honor this year, and we know it’s a matter of time before we are also celebrating his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
Peterson turned 41 in March.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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