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Luke Littler gets better of Luke Humphries to regain Premier League crown

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Tearful Luke Littler beat great rival Luke Humphries in a final-leg decider to regain his Premier League crown and pocket a £350,000 jackpot.

World number one Littler was subjected to more pantomime booing and whistling from the 16,000 crowd at London’s O2 Arena.

But the 19-year-old shrugged off the jeers which have followed him around recently to reclaim the title he lost to Humphries in last year’s final.

It was the third straight meeting between darts’ top pair in the final, and it was Warrington thrower Littler who came from 6-3 down to edge a thriller 11-10.

Add in his record-equalling six nightly wins over the 17-week marathon and Littler has raked in an eye-watering £410,000.

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“It’s been a rollercoaster,” he said. “The first four weeks I was bottom of the table. I had to pick myself up, had some tough times.”

The youngster then had to stop speaking as welled up with emotion, and Humphries explained: “It shows what it means to us as players, on the road for 16, 17 weeks, it’s hard work.”

Littler had earlier squandered six match darts as he let a 9-4 lead slip in a bad-tempered semi-final against Gerwyn Price.

There was a flashpoint midway through the 15th leg when Price, not on a finish, scored 170 and gave the crowd the reeling in the ‘big fish’ gesture with Littler already throwing.

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Referee Huw Ware gave Price a ticking-off at the end of the leg before the fired-up Welshman apologised to Littler.

However, the 41-year-old repeated the gesture at his very next visit after hitting 180, although this time he was well out of his opponent’s eyeline.

Price carried on reeling in Littler, but ‘The Nuke’ held his nerve to take the deciding leg for a 10-9 victory, his ninth consecutive win against the former rugby player.

Humphries, 31, had seen off 2021 winner Jonny Clayton 10-9 in s see-saw second semi-final.

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‘Cool-Hand’ led 6-2, only for Clayton to find the form which earned him four nightly wins and roar 9-7 ahead.

Humphries levelled the match at 9-9 with a 121 check-out, and then missed a match dart at bull.

But as Clayton threw for double 16 to win, he appeared to be put off by a whistle from the crowd allowing Humphries to step up and finish the job.

The Welsh number one was clearly annoyed as he gestured towards the crowd before walking offstage.

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Odisha to host World and Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028 | Other Sports News

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In another major boost to Odisha’s growing stature as a global sporting destination, the state has been awarded the hosting rights for the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2028.

 


The decision was taken during the Asian Athletics Council meeting in Hong Kong on Wednesday, further cementing Bhubaneswar’s emergence as one of India’s premier international sports hubs.

 

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The championship is expected to be staged at the state-of-the-art indoor athletics facility at the Kalinga Stadium complex in Bhubaneswar, which has already been selected to host the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028.

 


The Asian championship will serve as a major preparatory event ahead of the global competition scheduled that year. Apart from Odisha, Chandigarh will also host the Asian Relays 2028.

 
 

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Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the development as a proud moment for both Odisha and the country, stating that the state has once again demonstrated its capability to host world-class sporting events.

 


“Odisha has strengthened its position as a host for global sporting events. It is another feather in Odisha’s cap in the realm of global sports,” the chief minister said while congratulating Indian athletics and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

 

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The Asian Athletics Council’s decision comes at a time when Odisha has steadily expanded its reputation from being India’s hockey capital to a broader international sporting centre. Over the last decade, the state government has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, athlete development and event management capabilities.

 


Bhubaneswar first entered the global athletics map when it hosted the Asian Athletics Championships in 2017, an event remembered for the emergence of Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra on the senior continental stage. Since then, Odisha has hosted several marquee international tournaments, particularly in hockey, including back-to-back editions of the Men’s Hockey World Cup, FIH Pro League matches and junior world events.

 

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The state has also emerged as a preferred destination for athletics competitions. Last year, Bhubaneswar hosted a World Athletics Continental Tour bronze-level event that drew more than 200 athletes from different countries. Earlier this year, officials of the Asian Athletics Association inspected the indoor athletics track at Kalinga Stadium before recommending the venue for the continental championship.

 


“The decision to award Odisha back-to-back major athletics events is being seen as recognition of the state’s world-class sports infrastructure and organisational capabilities. The upcoming championships are expected to attract elite athletes from across Asia and significantly enhance India’s visibility in global athletics,” said an official of the Sports and Youth Services Department.

 

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Apart from international tournaments, Odisha has established high-performance centres in collaboration with global sporting bodies and former international athletes across disciplines such as athletics, hockey, swimming, shooting, badminton, football, gymnastics and weightlifting.

 


“Odisha’s consistent investments in sports ecosystems, training facilities and grassroots development have played a key role in transforming the state into a major sporting destination,” the official added.

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J.J. McCarthy Opens Up about His Role in QB Battle

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Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy speaks to reporters after OTA practice at TCO Performance Center.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy addresses reporters following OTA practice, May 27, 2026, at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. McCarthy discussed the depth of Minnesota’s quarterback room, offseason training work, and building chemistry with veteran quarterback Kyler Murray as the Vikings continued organized team activities during the spring program. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is battling for his job in Year No. 3 — and he knows it. The 23-year-old opened up on Wednesday, the second day of organized team activities (OTAs), telling reporters there was no awkwardness between him and newly signed passer Kyler Murray.

McCarthy acknowledged that the quarterback battle is … a quarterback battle.

Minnesota’s QB Competition Gets Its First Real Public Framing

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy speaks to reporters during College Football Playoff National Championship media day in Houston.
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy speaks with reporters during media day ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship on Jan. 6, 2024, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. McCarthy discussed preparation for Washington and the pressure surrounding Michigan’s title pursuit before one of the biggest games of his collegiate career. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports.

McCarthy on Murray and the Battle

Reporters immediately picked McCarthy’s brain about the quarterback battle and Murray; they wasted no time.

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McCarthy replied, “It’s just like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us. Awkwardness? It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room. That’s just kind of how it is. I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness. It’s a true competition.”

“That’s what I was told, but at the end of the day, it matters what I do out here every single day, and that’s what I’m focused on. The organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room, and they feel like they made that decision. All I’m thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season, that last quarter of the season, and continuing to be the best version of me every single day.”

McCarthy has missed 73% of all starts through two seasons due to injury, but looked sharp in December and January last season.

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Asked if he was disappointed by the Murray signing, McCarthy said, “Then I would be disappointed if the rain fell. That’s out of my control. At the end of the day, I just gotta focus on what I can do to be the best quarterback for this football team.”

“I have a drive that’s been driving me since 5th grade when I decided to be at this level, perform really well at this level, that’s the same drive that’s running through me today.”

Murray’s Thoughts

Media members caught up with Murray, as well, and he said about the quarterback situation, “It’s new territory for me; I’ve never really expected to be in this situation. Now that I am here, you can’t draw it up any better. I’m blessed, I can’t wait to put the jersey on and embrace this whole situation. My confidence is unshakeable. You won’t see me waver.”

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“Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so any way I can help him, obviously I’ll give him any knowledge that he needs. We’re both competitors, and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”

It’s a first-of-its-kind arrangement for Murray; he never battled for a job as a member of the Cardinals. In theory, the duel should bring out the best in each competitor.

Both Looked Sharp

On Day No. 1 of festivities, in addition to getting in front of microphones, both men played well in Eagan.

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looks on during pregame warmups before facing the Los Angeles Rams in Glendale. J.J. McCarthy
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray surveys the field during pregame warmups before a divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Sep. 15, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Murray prepared for another NFC West battle as the Cardinals looked to defend home turf against one of their longtime division rivals early in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images.

Murray appeared to build immediate chemistry with his pass-catchers, and he’s obviously been in the league for seven years, so his weapons know his reputation. McCarthy showcased some refined mechanics, taming his “leg whip” that fans skewered throughout the 2025 campaign. The young signal-caller put in work all offseason to improve his mechanics, and at least for a day, the Eagan footage showed positive results.

The overall review? Murray and McCarthy looked great.

A Summer Filled with Entertainment

Fans reacted to Murray and McCarthy’s musing and throws rather emphatically — on the first day of OTAs. The battle will persist all summer, so you can look forward to three months of this grind.

Some even called McCarthy’s commentary “immature,” though that opinion was in the eye of the beholder. Others noted Murray’s height — lack thereof — as if that were a new storyline. The long takeaway? If the competition was scrutinized that heavily on the first day of OTAs, the summer won’t lack entertainment.

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Kevin O’Connell and Nick Sirianni speak on the field after a preseason game between the Vikings and Eagles in Philadelphia. J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni following preseason action on Aug. 24, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The two NFC head coaches shared a brief postgame conversation after Minnesota wrapped up its preseason schedule ahead of final roster decisions and regular season preparations. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images.

Oddsmakers expect Murray to win the QB1 job. He has approximately -1000 odds to do so, which are quite overwhelming.

The Vikings’ first regular season game is on September 13th against the Green Bay Packers, and if Murray is under center, he’ll face his former head coach, Jonathan Gannon, who now serves as the Packers’ defensive boss. The two were tight down in Arizona and will square off right away in their subsequent NFL chapters.


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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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Blue Jays’ Mantiply to have arthroscopic surgery on left knee, Cease improving

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The Toronto Blue Jays could be without Joe Mantiply for longer than initially thought.

The decision was made after Mantiply received a second opinion. The procedure is to clean up some damage, there is no operation date or recovery timeline yet, and Blue Jays manager John Schneider said it isn’t season ending, Zwelling added.

The 35-year-old initially re-signed with the Blue Jays to a minor-league deal in March and saw his contract get selected in April.

In 17 appearances with Toronto, Mantiply has posted a 2.04 ERA with 16 strikeouts.

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Mantiply was placed on the 15-day injured list with left knee inflammation on May 19.

Cease is feeling better after playing catch and the team is hopeful he will throw a bullpen this weekend. The 30-year-old hit the 15-day injured list on Monday after suffering a mild hamstring strain.

The hard-throwing righty leads the American League with 92 strikeouts, also boasting a 3.05 ERA over 11 starts.

Bieber, meanwhile, is progressing in his recovery and will continue his rehab assignment with the Dunedin Blue Jays on Sunday.

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The 30-year-old right-hander entered spring training with arm fatigue and ultimately started the season on the injured list with right elbow inflammation. He pitched his first rehab start in the Florida Complex League on Monday, working two shutout innings.

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Justin Jefferson Gets Dragged into Bizarre Feud

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Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson runs after the catch against the Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) turns upfield after making a reception against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sep. 21, 2025, during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Jefferson accelerated into open space following the catch as Minnesota’s offense leaned on its star playmaker in an early-season home matchup against Cincinnati. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson did absolutely nothing to partake, but the 26-year-old found himself caught in the crossfire this week of a strange beef between former NFLer Leonard Fournette and ex-coach Jay Gruden.

Gruden claimed he urged the Jacksonville Jaguars to draft Jefferson in 2020, but they did not listen.

Jacksonville’s Draft Regret Apparently Still Follows the Jefferson Conversation

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during a game in Oakland. Justin Jefferson
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette carries the football against the Oakland Raiders on Dec. 15, 2019, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The matchup marked the Raiders’ final game at the historic stadium before the franchise relocated to Las Vegas for the 2020 season, while Jacksonville escaped with a narrow 20-16 road victory. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Fournette Cooks Gruden

Fournette said about Gruden on the 4th and South podcast, “We didn’t see eye to eye at all. To me, he was somebody that was kind of hard to read. I’m just being real; he’s a fu*king ashole. To do all that and to find out afterward, years later, that he didn’t want me there, that’s kind of… that’s a sh*tty situation.”

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“People gotta understand that business, there’s so many fake people, and it’s so hard to find certain coaches to be real, and they do have them in there, but it is hard as hell to find them.”

Fournette last played in the NFL in 2023.

He continued, “And I just think, based on our relationship, by me coming in that year, and yeah, I got cut, was that 2019 or 2020. Yeah, 2020. I came here, did everything right, and I think I just feel like he kind of faked it with me the whole way, meaning, ‘Lenny, you’re doing everything right, da da da da. You know you’re the best back we got.’”

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Gruden: Well, I Wanted JJets

Gruden, who served as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator in 2020, the season mentioned by Fournette, found a tweet detailing Fournette’s thoughts and retweeted, “Damn. Leonard. If anyone listened to me, we would of taken Justin Jefferson with one of our two first round picks :).”

Instead, and evidently contrary to what Gruden recommended at the time, Jacksonville drafted cornerback C.J. Henderson and defensive tackle K’Lavon Chaisson during that draft, two men who turned out to be mid-level contributors and nowhere near approaching Jefferson’s tier of stardom.

Gruden lasted just one season in Jacksonville, was hired by the Los Angeles Rams as a consultant in 2022, and has been left for dead in NFL-speak since. He’s mostly known for engaging in Twitter (X) feuds these days, so his tweet about Fournette and Jefferson was on brand.

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A Bizarre Clapback

About the tweet … it also didn’t make much sense. Fournette criticized Gruden for saying one thing and doing another—basically, claiming his personality is unkind and inhospitable.

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Jay Gruden watches replay footage during a game against the Indianapolis Colts in Jacksonville. Justin Jefferson
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Jay Gruden watches replay footage during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts on Sep. 13, 2020, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Gruden oversaw Jacksonville’s offensive operation during the season opener as the Jaguars worked to establish rhythm and consistency against an AFC South division rival early in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports.

Gruden’s response? “I would’ve drafted Justin Jefferson.”

What merit does the rebuttal have? Was he hoping to prove that he was even more of a jerk? If so, mission accomplished. One might think Gruden would use the opportunity to tell his side of the story, clear his name, or settle the beef with Fournette.

Instead, Gruden strangely mentioned his draft recommendation for Jefferson. Who cares?

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Black and Teal‘s Carlos Sanchez noted on the new beef, “Jay Gruden was one and done with the Jaguars. He was hired in 2020 to kickstart the Jaguars offense, but his unit ranked 30th in points scored and 28th in total yards. Granted, he didn’t have much talent to work with. Couple that with the fact that Gardner Minshew regressed after an encouraging rookie campaign, and it’s easy to see why he came up short.”

“That said, Gruden played a role in Jacksonville’s 1-15 record that year, so he most definitely deserved to get the boot. Nevertheless, it was still baffling to see the Jags move on from Playoff Lenny even though he was still on his rookie deal. Fast forward to 2026, and Fournette has opened up about the reason that led to his departure from Jacksonville.”

Gruden Right if Telling the Truth

On the other hand, if Gruden is telling the truth, drafting Jefferson, indeed, would’ve been the wiser choice for the Jaguars — or any team, besides the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, who rightly picked Joe Burrow at No. 1.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson poses after receiving AP Offensive Player of the Year honors in Phoenix.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson poses after winning AP Offensive Player of the Year on Feb. 9, 2023, during NFL Honors at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona. Jefferson earned recognition following a dominant season that cemented his status among the NFL’s premier playmakers and further elevated expectations surrounding Minnesota’s high-powered offense. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Jefferson is forging a path to the Hall of Fame and is the face of the Vikings franchise. It’s pretty convenient to say, “I would’ve picked Jefferson” six years later, but if Gruden isn’t lying, well, he was right.

You can follow Gruden and all his zany Twitter takes here. If you enjoy the NFL in Jerry Springer mode, there’s no better Twitter page from a former coach’s standpoint.

The Jaguars open the 2026 regular season at home against the Cleveland Browns in 15 weeks.


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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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Canadian University Sues YouTuber Fique Ayub After Viral Curry Prank Leaves Professor Reportedly Traumatized | US Streamers

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Fique Ayub is once again facing serious legal trouble after another prank video crossed the line online. Ontario Tech University in Canada has filed a lawsuit against the YouTube creator, accusing him of disrupting lectures, throwing curry at students, and damaging university property during a prank called “catch the curry.” According to Dexerto and the National Post, the university is now seeking at least $50,000 in damages along with profits connected to the videos, saying the incidents deeply disturbed both students and professors.

The situation became even bigger because Ayub had already made headlines earlier this year after being arrested for yelling “gun” inside a movie theater during another prank video. Now, with multiple controversies surrounding the creator, the lawsuit is drawing fresh attention to how far content creators are willing to go online just for views and viral reactions.

According to Ontario Tech University, one of the first incidents happened in October 2024. The school claims Ayub interrupted a lecture while speaking in an exaggerated Indian accent and asking mocking questions before pulling out a portable stovetop hidden inside his backpack and cooking curry during class.

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The university said things escalated even more in October 2025 when Ayub allegedly returned for another prank. According to court claims shared by the National Post, he interrupted another lecture, announced he would teach his own class, and started throwing curry at students and onto the lecture hall ceiling during a game called “catch the curry.”

Ontario Tech also claimed tensions inside the classroom nearly became physical because students wanted the lecture to continue normally. The professor involved reportedly described the entire experience as “traumatizing.” The university later received a court injunction stopping Ayub from entering campus and was awarded $44,000 in legal costs by Ontario Superior Court Justice Susan Healey.

Fique Ayub Says Prank Videos Are Exaggerated Comedy As Lawsuit Demands Video Profits

Even as the lawsuit moves forward, Ayub has strongly denied several of the university’s allegations. In his statement of defence, he argued that his videos are exaggerated, heavily edited, dramatized, and created only for comedy and satire. He also denied claims that the university deserves profits connected to the content.

According to the defence statement, Ayub’s channel is reportedly managed by an acquaintance living in Pakistan and is not operated for financial gain. The filing stated, “Creating content is a hobby which he does with a bona fide intention of making his viewers happy and entertaining them.”

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Still, this controversy is becoming part of a much larger trend involving prank creators facing serious consequences. Earlier this year, streamer Johnny Somali received prison time in South Korea over disruptive livestreams, while Kick creator Jack Doherty and TikTok prankster Heston James have also faced legal trouble connected to public disturbance content.

The lawsuit against Ayub is now raising bigger questions about internet culture and where entertainment should stop. For many people, the issue is no longer just about a prank video. It is about whether creators chasing viral moments should be held responsible when classrooms, businesses, or public spaces are disrupted for online content.

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Arsenal and Germany’s man for the big moment

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At 26 years old, Kai Havertz has more experience than most.

The former Leverkusen man has a history of game-winning goals. His most famous is perhaps his Champions League-winning goal for Chelsea against Manchester City in 2021. It was a goal that denied Pep Guardiola and gave Thomas Tuchel glory. For Havertz, it wasn’t the only one though. A year later, he scored an extra-time penalty to win the Club World Cup for Chelsea. This season, Havertz scored the injury-time winner for Arsenal in the League Cup semifinal against his former team.

His injury-time winner against Sporting in the Champions League quarterfinals was decisive for Arsenal and their run to the final. And against Burnley, although fortunate to avoid red for a poor tackle, his header set up Arsenal’s Premier League title that was confirmed soon after, following Manchester City’s draw. In short, pressure is no problem for the Germany forward.

This is made all the more impressive by how much time he has missed with injury. On the opening day of the season, Havertz picked up a knee injury that saw him out for most of the first half of the campaign. Not long after his return, he picked up a muscle injury. Many players might have struggled to have delivered so quickly with so much on the line, but Havertz is not most players. The German has been back in regular action since March, and swiftly reminded onlookers of why is the man for the big moments.

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“That’s what kept me alive every single day,” Havertz told Viaplay after winning the Premier League. “I have to be honest, some days I was in some dark places for sure, but I woke up every morning and just tried to work hard to be back as soon as possible. Now, to be here and celebrate that victory, it’s unbelievable and it shows you that everything is possible and you can work hard and you can always turn it around.”

Kai Havertz lifts the Champions League trophy aloft
Havertz is a Champions League winner because he delivered in the big momentImage: Manu Fernandez/AP/picture alliance

Hope for Germany

Julian Nagelsmann will be watching on with a keen eye, hoping that he will retain his magic touch come the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico this summer. 

Havertz has 21 goals for Germany, but has been less decisive in national colors compared to his clubs. Nevertheless, he will be the man to lead Germany’s line at this World Cup and he has shown glimpses of how comfortable he is with that role too.

His goal against Denmark in Euro 2024 set Germany on their way and against Ghana in March this year, Havertz shook off his lack of match practice to start Germany’s comeback. His form is trending in the right direction and a second Champions League-winning goal in May would not only be a milestone for Havertz, but would also leave Nagelsmann and Germany fans hopeful that more will be to come this summer.

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The man whose career started at Leverkusen before he rose to prominence as a 17-year-old finishing exams and playing in the Bundesliga, Havertz’s career was at a crossroads when he joined Arsenal in 2023. Three years later, Havertz is in the right place at the right time. If he can deliver in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday, he will join a rare list of players to have scored in multiple Champions League finals. More than that though, he will have cemented his place as one of the most successful German footballers of all time. To reach such a peak in the weeks before a World Cup will be what Nagelsmann is hoping for. The pressure is on. For Havertz, that just means another day at the office.

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

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I let in 80 goals against Man City – Pep Guardiola’s side scared the life out of me

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Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer after a trophy-laden 10 years at the Etihad Stadium

Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster has admitted that he was ‘scared’ of facing Manchester City under Pep Guardiola’s leadership. The Spanish coach took charge of his final City game at the weekend, bringing an end to a trophy-laden 10 years.

Foster was one of the many goalkeepers tasked to try and stop the City side, who have dominated the Premier League. He was on the losing side in every one of his appearances against Guardiola’s side, both for West Bromwich Albion and Watford.

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But what was it like coming up against his team?

“He’s changed the landscape,” Foster told the MEN. “I don’t know whether he’s changed it forever, but he definitely has changed it for a sort of 10-year period whilst he’s been here.

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“You know, when I was playing in the Premier League, if I knew we had Man City on a Saturday afternoon, honestly, you’d spend all week just thinking, ‘Oh, for God’s sake, here we go again, here we go again.”

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“I think I did the calculations once, I think I’ve let something like 80 goals in against Man City, just me personally, they used to scare the life out of us. I remember once being 5-0 down after 18 minutes when I was at Watford, 18 minutes and you’re 5-0 down. We lost 8-0 at the end of the day.”

Foster also highlighted the key to Guardiola’s success at City.

“They’re ruthless. Like, I think back to the squad of [Sergio] Agüero and Vincent Kompany and David Silva, you know, those guys just, ah, it’s scary,” he said. “Kevin De Bruyne, it was just a keep-ball session for them, and it was great to see that if you can get technically gifted players, really technically gifted players, world-class players, but then mix it with that work rate, which I think Pep introduced, then you are on to a winner.

“If you look at the PSG side now, that’s dominating and has dominated Europe for the last year and a half, two years, that’s what they are, they’re world-class players technically wise, but work rate is much more than every team they come up against, so they’re blowing teams away. It’s a perfect combination, I think Pep really did introduce that to not only the Premier League but to world football.”

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Foster had an unconventional journey to eventually face Guardiola’s world-class side. As a teenager, he worked in a kitchen while playing for his local non-league side, where he was spotted by a Stoke City scout.

He is now part of promoting Kellogg’s free football camps to give children the chance to play football over the summer holidays. “These camps that Kellogg’s are putting on, they’re so well-organised and so well-run,” he said.

“And I know what it’s like being sort of at that higher level of football. This is where you can unearth some real gems as well, you know. There’s players that have made it to upper levels, higher levels, professional levels off of like these camps.

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“People would think they’re just like a silly sort of babysitting exercise sometimes, they’re really not. They’re so well-run, so well-structured. They get proper, you know, authenticated coaches on board, and it’s a real chance to shine a light on some of the talent that just maybe sometimes go under the radar.”

He has also highlighted how the camps could help unearth the next gem who could go on to make an impact in the Premier League in the future

“There will be people at these camps that they’ll see these little shining stars and go, ‘Actually, do you know what? We’ll give him a chance, we’ll get in touch with him, we’ll get his contact information, he can come for a training session for us,’ and you never know from that point onwards,” he said.

“So I do, I think not only the facilities, the organisation of these pitches and these camps that Kellogg’s are putting on, there’s always that little chance as well that somebody might be watching. Because that’s what happened to me, I was in the right place at the right time.”

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Ben Foster has teamed up with Kellogg’s, and other EFL players to offer more than 39,000 free Kellogg’s Football Camp places in partnership with the EFL, Manchester City, Celtic FC and Rangers FC. Places available via the QR code on selected packs or at www.kelloggsfc.com. T&Cs apply.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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Pro Football Network Names Vikings’ Top Trade Bait

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Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison attempts to catch a pass against Giants cornerback Cordale Flott.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) reaches for a pass against New York Giants cornerback Cordale Flott (28), Dec. 21, 2025, during the first half at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Addison battled through tight coverage along the sideline as Minnesota’s offense attacked the Giants secondary in a late-season NFC matchup on the road. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings’ roster feels pretty well set as of late May, but that may not stop the organization from trading wide receiver Jordan Addison, says Pro Football Network.

That website sized one player per team last week who could be traded before too long, and Addison got the nod up north.

Vikings WR Room Would Make an Addison Trade … Complicated

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison catches a pass while defended by Chicago Bears cornerback Terell Smith at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison secures a reception against Chicago Bears cornerback Terell Smith during first-quarter action on Dec. 16, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Addison remained heavily involved in Minnesota’s passing attack as the Vikings battled a division rival during a late-season matchup with playoff implications inside the NFC North race. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

PFSN: Vikings Main Trade Bait = Addison

Addison got the tap on the shoulder from PFSN’s Jacob Infante, who explained, “Rather than continue to improve in Year 3, Jordan Addison saw his production drop in 2025, finishing with a career-low 71.0 PFSN WR Impact Score and posting career-low numbers in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.”

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“He missed three games due to suspension last year, and he was arrested for trespassing in January. His drop in production and off-field concerns could make him a trade candidate for the Minnesota Vikings.”

Addison briefly frequented the trade rumor mill earlier in the offseason, but when the Vikings exercised his fifth-year option and drafted no rookie wideouts, the theories died off. Infante is trying to resurrect them.

How Much Could Vikings Get?

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If the Vikings decide to trade Addison, starting with a 2nd-Round pick seems reasonable. He’s young, productive, and assuredly has the potential to be a WR1 when he gets the ball. However, there’s a catch: his off-the-field issues have prevented him from reaching superstar status, and he has yet to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season after three years.

Minnesota has also structured its wide receiver lineup with this in mind. Jauan Jennings recently joined as the 2026 WR3, providing Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy with another solid target behind Justin Jefferson and Addison. Additionally, Jennings serves as a reliable backup if either Jefferson or Addison gets injured.

Trading Addison now would ravage that strategy. The Vikings brought in Jennings to enhance their offense, not to create another gap.

The timing also suggests that Addison is likely staying put. If Minnesota truly wanted to move him, the April draft would have been the optimal time, not late May or early summer. As it stands, Addison looks set to remain a Viking through 2026 and likely beyond.

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Soon, he’ll also be able to discuss a contract extension with the team. That could even begin this summer.

Why … Trade Addison?

Addison’s trade value starts with his talent. He has already demonstrated his ability to produce at a high level, is still young, and has three NFL seasons under his belt as he approaches his prime.

However, his situation is messy. Really messy, in fact. In 2023, Addison was pulled over in Minneapolis for speeding at 140 mph in a 55 mph zone. He claimed it was due to a dog emergency, and the incident didn’t create much controversy with the league. Most considered it a one-off.

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Jordan Addison celebrates with Sam Darnold after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison celebrates with quarterback Sam Darnold after a touchdown during third-quarter action against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Addison helped fuel Minnesota’s offense in a high-stakes NFC North showdown as the Vikings continued pushing toward the postseason late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

The following incident was more serious. In 2024, he was found passed out and intoxicated in his car on a Los Angeles freeway, leading to a three-game suspension.

Then, during the 2025 season, he faced more boneheaded antics. Addison skipped a team walkthrough in London, which led coach Kevin O’Connell to bench him for a quarter in the next game. Three months later, he was arrested for trespassing at a Florida casino. Although the charges were eventually dropped, they added to a growing list of troubles.

That is the crux of the debate surrounding a potential Addison trade. While the player is valuable, his off-field baggage may make teams hesitant about how much they are willing to offer.

Unlikely to Ruin a Good Thing

The grand takeaway? The Vikings are unlikely to trade Addison. Why? They would’ve done so by now this offseason. They’ve had four months to formulate a plan, including players to sign in free agency and rookies to pluck from the draft. If offloading Addison were on the menu, that seems like a matter for February, March, or April — not whimsically after the draft.

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Plus, the Vikings love Addison. They’ve had every reason to reevaluate their stance after his transgressions, and every time, they stood steadfastly behind him.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison catches a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during a game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison makes a fourth-quarter reception against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Addison continued serving as a major contributor in Minnesota’s passing offense while the Vikings battled one of the AFC’s toughest opponents during an important midseason matchup in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

A more logical trade candidate may be safety Theo Jackson, who will fight for a roster spot among Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, and rookie Jakobe Thomas. Harrison Smith may even return one more time; he has not expressly retired.

Pro Football Focus recently identified linebacker Blake Cashman as a trade candidate, too, but like Addison, it doesn’t make much sense to get rid of a productive player.

Addison will turn 25 next January.


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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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Dan Dakich slams Cari Champion for saying Caitlin Clark’s ‘blantant favoritism annoys the hell out of her’

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Dan Dakich took a jab at Cari Champion on Thursday after the CNN broadcast journalist’s comments on Caitlin Clark‘s favoritism among the WNBA referees. The NFL insider retweeted an X post featuring an article covering Champion’s remarks.

He called out the CNN broadcast journalist for frequently going after Clark.

“Always worried about the lil white girl,” Dakich wrote.

Always worried about the lil white girl

Champion voiced her concerns about Clark and the officials on Wednesday’s episode of the “Flagrant and Funny” podcast. The CNN broadcast journalist recalled an incident from last season where Clark told a referee to open their eye. She then compared the incident to a technical foul Paige Bueckers received for clapping in an 86-69 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Friday.

“That type of blatant favoritism annoys the hell out of me,” she said (Timestamp: 26:00). “I don’t know if this is her fault, because I think it might be unfair for me to say that this is her fault. But at the same time, it’s like, why is she getting this special treatment? And it just is, yet again, another example of the league and its fans… being so precious with her.”

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“I don’t like you”: Cari Champion calls out Caitlin Clark for not taking ‘responsibility’

Later, on the podcast, Cari Champion criticized Caitlin Clark for her behaviour towards the referees. She recalled Napheesa Collier calling out the referees during the offseason following the Lynx’s loss in the 2024 WNBA Finals.

She praised the Lynx star for criticizing the referees in an appropriate setting, which, according to her, is off the court. Champion then took shots at the Fever star and the league’s treatment of her.

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“The more we get to catch these glimpses of Caitlin Clark, I am like, ‘I don’t like you. I don’t like how you behave on the court.’ The league is positioning you to be its superstar because you are, and with leadership comes certain responsibilities,” she said. (Timestamp: 27:10)

“If you don’t want that responsibility, I understand, but the way that you behave, this entitlement that you behave, the way that you were talking to your coaches, you and Sophie (Cunningham), you enjoy that right?”

Later, Champion said that if Clark wanted to play the villain, then she would be coming at her. The CNN broadcast journalist urged CC stans to recognize the Fever star’s desire to play the villain.

Caitlin Clark has had a great start to her season. She is averaging 23.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists in five games on 43.2% shooting.