As the break-up between Ruben Dias and Maya Jama continues to find itself in the press, the Manchester City defender has stepped forward and released a statement

Ruben Dias has hit out at “unacceptable” claims that he has had an affair on his former girlfriend Maya Jama. The Manchester City defender and the Love Island presenter were together for around 18 months.

However, they parted ways a few weeks ago in a split which has regularly found itself in the newspapers. In his statement, Dias claimed his grandfather has “repeatedly” seen stories claiming the City defender has not been faithful to Jama.

This proved to be the last straw for the £65million defender, who took to social media and blasted any suggestion that he had cheated on the British television personality.

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He wrote: “I feel that when my 85-year-old grandad is asking me if I’ve cheated on my girlfriend, because he’s seen it repeatedly on the news, that’s where I draw the line on what’s acceptable and what’s not.

“Maya and I have always had a relationship built on mutual respect. No line was ever crossed in that regard.

“A lie told often enough can start to feel like the truth and for that reason I tell you that I didn’t cheat, nor did I ever have the intention or temptation to. I believe Maya deserves all the respect in the world.

“The reasons why we broke up are private and belong to us and we’ve both dealt with it in a very mature way. I’ve always chosen to remain silent on these matters as my personal life is my business only.

“But I also believe it’s wrong to lie to people and to portray an opposite image of someone just for clickbait. Respect me, respect Maya, and understand that not always one has to betray the other in order for a relationship to end.”

It’s widely believed they met at the MTV European Music Awards in Manchester in the tail-end of 2024. After dating for around 18 months, many of their followers noticed both parties had deleted any pictures of themselves together from social media.

At that time, a source, believed to be from an individual who is close to the pair, told the Sun the paid had come to a “crossroads”. They said: “Maya and Ruben had a wonderful time together and there’s still a lot of love and respect between them.

“But with both of their careers going into overdrive this summer, they realised that the relationship had run its course and it was better to separate.

“Maya is heading into an intense filming schedule and Ruben’s focus is fully on the World Cup, so they’ve decided to part ways.”

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Florida
This ranking is based on the Gators returning six of the top seven scorers — specifically Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Boogie Fland, Reuben Chinyelu, Urban Klavsar and Isaiah Brown — from a team that finished 27-8 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Kentucky transfer Denzel Aberdeen and 7-foot center Jones Lay. — 27-8
2

Duke
This ranking is based on the Blue Devils returning four of the top six scorers — specifically Patrick Ngongba II, Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer and Dame Sarr — from a team that finished 35-3 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski, Loyola Maryland transfer Jacob Theodosiou, five-star prospects Cameron Williams, Deron Rippey Jr., Bryson Howard and Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje. — 35-3
3

Michigan
This ranking is based on the Wolverines returning two of the top five scorers — specifically Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney — from a team that finished 37-3 and won the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella, Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, LSU transfer Jalen Reed, five-star prospect Brandon McCoy Jr., and four-star prospects Lincoln Cosby, Quinn Costello and Joseph Hartman. — 37-3
4

Illinois
This ranking is based on the Illini returning six of the top nine scorers — specifically Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovich, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, Jake Davis and Brandon Lee — from a team that finished 28-9 and advanced to the 2026 Final Four. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks, four-star prospects Quintin Coleman and Lucas Morillo and three-star prospects Ethan Brown and Landon Davis. — 28-9
5

UConn
This ranking is based on the Huskies returning three of the top seven scorers — specifically Braylon Mullins, Silas Demary and Jayden Ross — from a team that finished 34-6 and advanced to the championship game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Duke transfer Nikolas Khamenia, Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines, Stanford transfer Oskar Giltay, Wofford transfer Nils Machowski, Jacksonville State transfer Jaye Nash, Northern Arizona transfer Isaiah Shaw and four-star prospects Colben Landrew and Junior County. — 34-6
6

Michigan St.
This ranking is based on the Spartans returning five of the top eight scorers — specifically Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, Kur Teng, Jordan Scott and Cam Ward — from a team that finished 27-8 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke and four-star prospects Ethan Taylor, Carlos Medlock Jr., Julius Avent and Jasiah Jervis. — 27-8
7

Texas
This ranking is based on the Longhorns returning one of the top two scorers — specifically Matas Vokietaitis — from a team that finished 21-15 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by TCU transfer David Punch, Colorado transfer Isaiah Johnson, Tennessee transfer Amari Evans, Auburn transfer Elyjah Freeman, Saint Mary’s transfer Mikey Lewis, international prospect Mantas Laurencikas and four-star prospects Austin Goosby, Bo Ogden and Joe Sterling. — 21-15
8

Arizona
This ranking is based on the Wildcats returning two of the top five scorers — specifically Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov — from a team that finished 36-3 and advanced to the 2026 Final Four. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by North Carolina transfer Derek Dixon, Washington transfer JJ Mandaquit, five-star prospect Caleb Holt and four-star prospect Cameron Holmes and international prospect Endurance Aiyamenkhue. 1 36-3
9

Gonzaga
This ranking is based on the Zags returning three of the top five scorers — specifically Braden Huff, Davis Fogle and Mario Saint-Supery — from a team that finished 31-4 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Houston transfer Isiah Harwell, Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop and four-star prospects Luca Foster, Sam Funches and Jack Kayil. 1 31-4
10

Virginia
This ranking is based on the Cavaliers returning five of the top 10 scorers — specifically Thijs De Ridder, Sam Lewis, Chance Mallory, Johann Gunloh and Elijah Gertrude — from a team that finished 30-6 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by UC Irvine transfer Jurian Dixon, Saint Louis transfer Kalu Anya and four-star prospect Favour Ibe. 1 30-6
11

St. John’s
This ranking is based on the Red Storm returning two of the top eight scorers — specifically Ian Jackson and Ruben Prey — from a team that finished 30-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou, Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman, Columbia transfer Avery Brown, Mercer transfer Kyle Cuffe Jr., international prospects Quinn Ellis, Djordije Jovanovic and Lazar Stojkovic, and four-star prospect Theo Edema. 5 30-7
12

Arkansas
This ranking is based on the Razorbacks returning one of the top four scorers — specifically Billy Richmond III — from a team that finished 28-9 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospects Jordan Smith Jr., JJ Andrews and Miikka Muurinen, Furman transfer Cooper Bowser, Georgia transfer Jeremiah Wilkinson and four-star prospect Abdou Toure. 4 28-9
13

Iowa St.
This ranking is based on the Cyclones returning three of the top six scorers — specifically Killyan Toure, Blake Buchanan and Jamarion Bateman — from a team that finished 29-8 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Robert Morris transfer Ryan Prather Jr., Northwestern transfer Tre Singleton, Bradley transfer JaQuan Johnson, Kansas State transfer Taj Manning, Northern Iowa transfer Leon Bond III, four-star prospects Dorian Rinaldo-Komian, Jackson Kiss, Christian Wiggins and Donovan Davis, and three-star prospect Yusef Gray Jr. 1 29-8
14

Houston
This ranking is based on the Cougars returning three of the top seven scorers — specifically Joseph Tugler, Mercy Miller and Chase McCarty — from a team that finished 30-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by LSU transfer Dedan Thomas Jr., Kent State transfer Delrecco Gillespie and four-star prospects Arafan Diane and Ikenna Alozie and 1 30-7
15

Louisville
This ranking is based on the Cardinals returning one of the top five scorers — specifically Adrian Wooley — from a team that finished 24-11 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga, Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad, Arkansas transfer Karter Knox, Iowa transfer Alvaro Folgueiras, Dayton transfer De’Shayne Montgomery, USC transfer Gabe Dynes, former G League player London Johnson, five-star prospect Obinna Ekezie Jr., four-star prospect Boyuan Zhang and three-star prospect Isaac Ellis. 1 24-11
16

Tennessee
This ranking is based on the Vols returning two of the top 10 scorers — specifically Dewayne Brown II and Ethan Burg — from a team that finished 25-12 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris, Notre Dame transfer Jalen Haralson, Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames, Belmont transfer Tyler Lundblade, VCU transfers Terrence Hill Jr. and Christian Fermin, Loyola Chicago transfer Miles Rubin, Kennesaw State transfer Braedan Lue, four-star prospects Christopher Washington Jr., Ralph Scott and Manny Green, and three-star prospect Marquis Clark. 1 25-12
17

USC
This ranking is based on the Trojans returning three of the top five scorers — specifically Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas and Jacob Cofie — from a team that finished 18-14 and missed the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Christian Collins, four-star prospects Adonis Ratliff and Darius Ratliff, Georgetown transfer KJ Lewis, UConn transfer Eric Reibe, Colgate transfer Jalen Cox, Lindenwood transfer Jadis Jones and South Dakota transfer Isaac Bruns. — 18-14
18

Alabama
This ranking is based on the Crimson Tide returning four of the top 10 scorers — specifically Aden Holloway, Amari Allen, London Jemison and Keitenn Bristow — from a team that finished 25-10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Boise State transfer Drew Fielder, Kentucky transfer Brandon Garrison, NC State transfer Cole Cloer, Mississippi State transfer Jamarion Davis-Fleming and four-star prospects Qayden Samuels, Jaxon Richardson and Tarris Bouie. — 25-10
19

Purdue
This ranking is based on the Boilermakers returning five of the top nine scorers — specifically C.J. Cox, Daniel Jacobsen, Omer Mayer, Gicarri Harris and Jack Benter — from a team that finished 30-9 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by 2024 Ivy League Player of the Year Caden Pierce, and four-star prospects Luke Ertel, Jacob Webber and Sinan Huan. — 30-9
20

Miami
This ranking is based on the Hurricanes returning three of the top seven scorers — specifically Shelton Henderson, Dante Allen and Marcus Allen — from a team that finished 26-9 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Villanova transfer Acaden Lewis, Robert Morris transfer DeSean Goode, Georgia transfer Somto Cyril, Indiana transfer Nick Dorn, Saint Peter’s transfer Brent Bland and four-star prospect Caleb Gaskins. — 26-9
21

Indiana
This ranking is based on the Hoosiers returning one of the top eight scorers — specifically Trent Sisley — from a team that finished 18-14 and missed the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Notre Dame transfer Markus Burton, Villanova transfer Bryce Lindsay, Alabama transfer Aiden Sherrell, SMU transfer Samet Yigitoglu, Duke transfer Darren Harris, Georgia Tech transfer Jaeden Mustaf and four-star prospects Vaugn Karvala, Prince-Alexander Moody and Trevor Manhertz. — 18-14
22

BYU
This ranking is based on the Cougars returning two of the top eight scorers — specifically Robert Wright III and Khadim Mboup — from a team that finished 23-12 and advanced to the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Bruce Branch III, four-star prospect Dean Rueckert, Kentucky transfer Collin Chandler, Clemson transfer Jake Wahlin, Syracuse transfer Tyler Betsey and UC Riverside transfer Nate Pickens, the last of whom committed to BYU last May but missed the season with an ankle injury. — 23-12
23

N. Carolina
This ranking is based on the Tar Heels returning three of the top 11 scorers — specifically Jarin Stevenson, Isaiah Denis and Jaydon Young — from a team that finished 24-9 and advanced to the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas, Utah transfer Terrence Brown, NC State transfer Matt Able, international prospect Sayon Keita and four-star prospect Kevin Thomas. — 24-9
24

Vanderbilt
This ranking is based on the Commodores returning two of the top nine scorers — specifically Tyler Tanner and Chandler Bing — from a team that finished 27-9 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Nebraska transfer Berke Buyuktuncel, Washington State transfer Ace Glass, Auburn transfer Sebastian Williams-Adams, Colorado transfer Bangot Dak, Missouri transfer T.O. Barrett and four-star prospects Ethan Mgbako, Anthony Brown and Jackson Sheffield. — 27-9
25

Kansas
This ranking is based on the Jayhawks returning one of the top seven scorers — specifically Kohl Rosario — from a team that finished 24-11 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospects Tyran Stokes and Taylen Kinney, four-star prospects Davion Adkins, Trent Perry and Luke Barnett, Charleston transfer Christian Reeves, Toledo transfer Leroy Blyden Jr., Utah transfer Keanu Dawes and Radford transfer Dennis Parker Jr. — 24-11
26

Nebraska
This ranking is based on the Cornhuskers returning five of the top nine scorers — specifically Pryce Sandfort, Braden Frager, Ugnius Jarusevicius, Connor Essegian and Cale Jacobsen — from a team that finished 28-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Belmont transfer Sam Orme and four-star prospects Colin Rice and Jacob Lanier. — 28-7

Canelo Alvarez has named the fighter who he feels is most deserving of a passing-of-the-torch moment, perhaps not in the ring but rather in a non-combative sense.

As a supporter of fighters from his home nation, specifically, the 35-year-old is keen to see someone emerge as the next face of Mexican boxing.

Many would still regard Canelo as the leading star of Mexican boxing, even if his next outing, against WBC world super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli, is taking place in Saudi Arabia on September 12.

David Benavidez, meanwhile, is widely expected to become a key fixture on Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day weekends, especially when considering his star-making performance against Gilberto Ramirez earlier this month.

But instead of highlighting Benavidez as the man to follow in his footsteps, Canelo has suggested that Jaime Munguia deserves to inherit his metaphorical torch.

Munguia lost a unanimous decision to Alvarez in 2024, but has since joined forces with his countryman by training under head coach Eddy Reynoso.

This partnership proved particularly successful earlier this month, with the 29-year-old becoming a two-weight world champion by unanimously outpointing, and dethroning, Armando Resendiz for the WBA super-middleweight strap.

While speaking with Ring Magazine, Canelo highlighted his stablemate as a worthy candidate to take his torch.

“I would love to pass the torch to Munguia. Why not? He’s learnt a lot [under Reynoso]. He works very hard, and he’s a very good guy, so he deserves everything.”

While perhaps a hard-working athlete, eyebrows were certainly raised after Munguia returned a positive drugs test last year, only to be cleared of any wrongdoing by the relevant governing and sanctioning bodies.

Anyang JKJ Red Boosters’s Rhenz Abando during a game in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). –KBL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Rhenz Abando isn’t going anywhere just yet.

The Anyang JKJ Red Boosters confirmed on Friday that Abando has re-signed with the club for the 2026-27 season in the Korean Basketball League.

READ: KBL: Rhenz Abando back with Anyang Red Boosters

Abando was a key part of Anyang’s run this year, where they got eliminated in the semifinals at the hands of the Busan KCC Egis.

In the four-game semifinal series, the former Letran Knights standout averaged 10.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

For the season, Abando posted averages of 7.6 points and 3.7 rebounds while helping the Red Boosters finish with a 35-19 record.

Anyang finished as the second seed at the end of the preliminaries.

Abando wasn’t the only one who made moves in the KBL recently.

JD Cagulangan parted ways with Suwon KT Sonicboom to make way for Migs Oczon.

Meanwhile, Justin Gutang and Carl Tamayo both re-signed with the Seoul Samsung Thunders and Changwon LG Sakers, respectively.

Spanish tennis player Rafael Jodar has vehemently denied pushing a ball girl during his third-round victory at the French Open, an incident that sparked debate after footage circulated online.

The moment, captured between sets of his match against American Alex Michelsen on Friday, showed Jodar throwing a water bottle into his box just as a ball girl walked into his path. While social media footage appeared inconclusive, the girl momentarily lost her footing before regaining balance.

Jodar was quick to dismiss any suggestion of contact.

“I didn’t touch her,” he stated. “No, no, no. I could never do that.”

He explained that he was gesturing to his father, who was in his player’s box, to hand him items after a toilet break.

“I didn’t push her or anything. I was telling my dad to give me the things that he was going to give me after a toilet break when I was coming back,” Jodar clarified after the match.

“She was in the middle, so I think she was trying to get out of the way. She was going backwards, but I think she, like, fell, but not because I push(ed) her.”

The 27th seed attributed the ball girl’s stumble to the court cover.

“It was right behind her. So when she was walking backwards, she fell with that,” he said, emphasising his respect for the young helpers.

“I appreciate all the work that the ball kids are doing. I know it’s difficult with the heat and the conditions to stay there, so I appreciate. I could never, you know, push a ball kid.”

Despite the controversy, Jodar went on to secure a hard-fought 7-6 (2), 6-7 (5), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory, advancing to the fourth round of a major tournament for the first time in his career.

Following his win on Friday, Jodar will now face fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta in the next round for a place in the quarter-finals.

This year’s men’s tournament will see a new grand slam champion crowned after Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat by Joao Fonseca on Friday evening at Roland Garros.

American midfielder Brenden Aaronson had a good excuse to miss the U.S. World Cup team’s training session Friday — he was getting married.

The Leeds midfielder is marrying longtime girlfriend Milana D’Ambra, a daughter of Saint Joseph’s men’s soccer coach Don D’Ambra.

Aaronson, also a member of the 2022 U.S. World Cup squad, left camp after Thursday’s session and was due back in time for training Saturday.

A 25-year-old with Leeds in the Premier League, Aaronson is part of a well-known U.S. soccer family from Medford, New Jersey. His brother Paxten is with Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids and sister Jaden played for Villanova as a freshman last fall. Their father, Rusty, is sporting director of Real Futbol Academy in Medford.

The U.S. team allowed star Christian Pulisic to skip training to attend his Hershey High School prom on May 27, 2016, at the Hershey Hotel in Pennsylvania, then return for the following day’s Copa América match against Bolivia in Kansas City, Kansas.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Kagiso Rabada

NEW DELHI: The IPL 2026 Orange Cap and Purple Cap races witnessed another dramatic twist after Gujarat Titans defeated Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday to set up a summit clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Despite Rajasthan Royals crashing out of the tournament, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued to hold the Orange Cap with another breathtaking knock. The 15-year-old smashed 96 off just 47 balls in New Chandigarh, taking his tally to 776 runs from 16 matches this season.However, his heroic effort was not enough to take RR into the final.The biggest threat to Sooryavanshi’s Orange Cap now comes from Gujarat Titans’ opening duo of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, who once again starred in a crucial chase.Gill hammered a stunning century in Qualifier 2 to climb to second spot in the standings with 722 runs, while Sudharsan’s fluent half-century helped him move to third with 710 runs.With GT now advancing to the IPL 2026 final against RCB in Ahmedabad on Sunday, both Gill and Sudharsan will get one final opportunity to overtake Sooryavanshi in the race for the tournament’s highest run-scorer award.The top five run-getters list is currently dominated by batters from playoff teams. Sunrisers Hyderabad stars Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan occupy fourth and fifth spots respectively, with 624 and 602 runs.RCB batting icon Virat Kohli remains in contention as well. Kohli currently sits sixth with exactly 600 runs and could still make a late surge in the standings during the final.

IPL 2026 Orange Cap after GT vs RR

Rabada overtakes Bhuvneshwar in Purple Cap race

The Purple Cap standings also saw a major change after Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada delivered another impactful spell in Qualifier 2.Rabada picked up 2/35 against Rajasthan Royals to jump to the top of the wicket-takers’ chart with 28 wickets from 16 matches.The South African speedster now leads RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar by two wickets heading into Sunday’s title clash. Bhuvneshwar is second in the standings with 26 wickets and will have a direct chance to challenge Rabada in the final.Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Jofra Archer finished his campaign in third place with 25 wickets from 16 games.Chennai Super Kings pacer Anshul Kamboj occupies fourth spot with 21 wickets, while Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Eshan Malinga rounds off the top five with 20 wickets from 15 matches.

IPL 2026 Purple Cap after GT vs RR

With one match left in the tournament, both the Orange Cap and Purple Cap races remain wide open heading into what promises to be a blockbuster IPL 2026 final.

OKLAHOMA CITY — As the only unseeded team in the Women’s College World Series, Mississippi State softball is hoping to gain some extra luck from broccoli.

The vegetable has become the Bulldogs’ rally prop after a fan named Broccoli Guy started dancing while holding it at the Eugene Regional. Mississippi State embraced the fun trend and has brought broccoli to hold in the dugout for its games, beginning with the regional final.

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“We saw his energy, and I think he helped loosen the team up at the regional,” MSU coach Samantha Ricketts said of Broccoli Guy. “… I think he really represents the way that we go about our business. It’s just being true to ourselves and having fun.”

Mississippi State (43-20) is playing in its first Women’s College World Series and lost its opener against Texas Tech 8-0 in a five-inning run-rule game.

The Bulldogs will take on No. 2 seed Texas (47-12) on May 29 (6 p.m. CT, ESPN) at Devon Park in an elimination game.

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NCAA makes exception, allows broccoli at WCWS

Throughout the NCAA Softball Tournament, Mississippi State’s use of broccoli has been limited to the players in the dugout.

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However, that changed at the Women’s College World Series. Although outside food is on the list of prohibited items at Devon Park, the NCAA is making an exception for fans bringing in broccoli.

Who is Broccoli Guy?

Broccoli Guy’s real name is Jim Stewart Allen. He’s a sports fan from Washington who brings broccoli to games and dances in the stands. He’s been spotted at games for the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Storm, Seattle Kraken, Seattle Sea Wolves and the Washington Huskies.

Why is Broccoli Guy a Mississippi State softball fan?

Broccoli Guy started cheering for Mississippi State during the Eugene Regional of the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs brought broccoli to use as a good luck charm for their regional final game against Saint Mary’s. The Bulldogs won 5-0 and advanced to the super regionals for just the second time.

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Allen showed up again to support Mississippi State at Oklahoma during the super regionals. Before Game 3 against the Sooners, the Bulldogs posted pictures and videos of broccoli on social media, hoping it would bring them more luck. MSU won 6-0 to qualify for the Women’s College World Series for the first time.

Broccoli Guy GoFundMe

Charles Ammon, the father of MSU pitcher Leila Ammon, started a GoFundMe to help cover and reimburse Allen’s travel expenses over the last two weeks. Several MSU players and their parents have donated. MSU coach Samantha Ricketts donated $500. As of May 27, the fundraiser had received 129 donations totaling $5,475, surpassing its goal of $5,000.

“We wanted to continue to make sure he knew he was a big part of this journey for us,” Ricketts said of the donations. “… He’s a special ed teacher back in the Pacific Northwest, and just knowing what he was investing and giving up to be here, we wanted to do our part to help continue the run and get him into Devon Park this weekend.”

2026 Women’s College World Series schedule

All times CT

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• May 28

  • Game 1: Texas Tech 8, Mississippi State 0

  • Game 2: Tennessee 6, Texas 3

  • Game 3: Alabama 6, UCLA 3

  • Game 4: Nebraska 5, Arkansas 3

• May 29

  • Game 5: Mississippi State vs Texas Tech (6 p.m., ESPN2)

  • Game 6: UCLA vs Arkansas (8:30 p.m., ESPN2)

• May 30

  • Game 7: Texas Tech vs Tennessee (2 p.m., ABC)

  • Game 8: Alabama vs Nebraska (6 p.m., ESPN)

• May 31

  • Game 9: Game 5 winner vs Game 8 loser (2 p.m., ABC)

  • Game 10: Game 6 winner vs Game 7 loser (6 p.m., ESPN2)

• June 1

  • Game 11: Game 7 winner vs Game 9 winner (11 a.m., ESPN)

  • Game 12 (if necessary): Game 7 winner vs Game 9 winner (1:30 p.m., ESPN)

  • Game 13: Game 8 winner vs Game 10 winner (6 p.m., ESPN2)

  • Game 14 (if necessary): Game 8 winner vs Game 10 winner (8:30 p.m., ESPN2)

• June 3

  • Finals Game 1 (7 p.m., ESPN)

• June 4

  • Finals Game 2 (7 p.m., ESPN)

• June 5

  • If necessary, finals Game 3 (7 p.m., ESPN)

Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why does Mississippi State softball have broccoli in dugout at WCWS?

Novak Djokovic’s latest quest for a record 25th Grand Slam ended with a defeat to Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in the third round of the French Open on Friday.

The 19-year-old Fonseca rallied from two sets down for the second straight match to stun Djokovic, winning 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 after four hours and 53 minutes.

Fonseca is through to the last 16 of a major for the first time. He will next play two-time Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud or American 24th seed Tommy Paul.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)