
By SuperWest Sports Staff
Sports
NBA referee Sha’Rae Mitchell suffers head injury in Hawks-Nets game
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NBA official Sha’Rae Mitchell went down hard during Thursday night’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets after she ran into a camera operator and appeared to injure her head in the collision.
Mitchell, who is in her first season as an NBA staff official, was jogging full speed along the court with just over eight minutes left in the game when she took a hard fall to the ground after running into a camera operator, who appeared to be filming the crowd courtside during play.

Referee Sha’Rae Mitchell (98) signals during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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The game was stopped as Mitchell appeared to grab the back of her head, bent over in obvious pain.
She walked off the court and sat down, continuing to grab at her head.

Referee Sha’Rae Mitchell holds her head after a collision during the fourth quarter of the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Mitchell reportedly returned to the game as Jalen Johnson recorded 21 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to help the Hawks extend the NBA’s longest current winning streak to eight games with a 108-97 victory over the Nets.
The 40-year-old referee joined the league officially this season after previously officiating 11 regular-season games as a non-staff official during the 2022-23 NBA season and four games during the 2021-22 season.

Rapper and entertainer Boosie Badazz reacts after watching referee Sha’Rae Mitchell (98) fall to the floor following a collision during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12, 2026. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Mitchell was a standout women’s college basketball player at UC Santa Barbara before she served on coaching staffs at Stanford University, UCLA and Coastal Carolina University. She then moved to officiating college basketball for several years before making her debut at the pro level.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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NFL fans roast Tom Brady for viral ‘thirst trapping’ photo
NFL legend Tom Brady still has it at 48 years old, and he obviously isn’t afraid to flaunt it.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion posted an image of himself preparing for the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic scheduled for March 21 in Los Angeles. It was initially supposed to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but it was moved due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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Brady, along with multiple other NFL stars, are slated to compete in a flag football event. To no one’s surprise, Brady is already hard at work preparing to step back onto the football field. On Thursday, he posted an image of himself throwing the football shirtless, while wearing tight blue jean shorts.
That prompted NFL fans to roast Brady for “thirst trapping,” as Barstool Sports put it.
Regardless, Brady is in phenomenal shape and continues to defy Father Time.
The only hope now is to see him connect at least one more time for a touchdown with legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski, who is also scheduled to participate in the event.
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Here’s what fans on X were saying about Brady’s photo:
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: NFL fans roast Tom Brady for viral ‘thirst trapping’ photo
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Updated Utah State Aggies All-Time FBS Football Seasons
After last year’s 6-7 campaign, Utah State football has played 111 FBS seasons, dating back to 1912.
Overall, according to Sports-Reference.com, the Aggies have compiled a 548–557–28 (.496) record as an FBS program through the 2025 season.
Since the program’s first season, Utah State has appeared in 18 bowl games, winning six, and has secured two conference championships.
Utah State has also produced three consensus First Team All-America players.
The Aggies begin their 112th FBS season in the new Pac-12 with renewed optimism under second-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall, looking to resume their winning ways.
—Conference Affiliations—
- Pac-12 Conference (2026–present)
- Mountain West Conference (2013–2025)
- Western Athletic Conference (2005–2012)
- Sun Belt Conference (2003–2004)
- Division I-A Independent (2001–2002)
- Pacific Coast Athletic Association / Big West Conference (1978–2000)
- Division I Independent (1973–1977)
- University Division Independent (1962–1972)
- Mountain States Conference (1938–1961)
- Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (1914–1937)
- Unknown (1909–1913)
The table below provides an all-time FBS season rundown with Conference, W-L record, win percentage, coach, and bowl game, if any, for each year.
| Year | Conf | W | L | T | Pct | Coach(es) | Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | MWC | 6 | 7 | 0 | .462 | Bronco Mendenhall (6-7) | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L) |
| 2024 | MWC | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | Nate Dreiling (4-8) | |
| 2023 | MWC | 6 | 7 | 0 | .462 | Blake Anderson (6-7) | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L) |
| 2022 | MWC | 6 | 7 | 0 | .462 | Blake Anderson (6-7) | First Responder Bowl (L) |
| 2021 | MWC | 11 | 3 | 0 | .786 | Blake Anderson (11-3) | LA Bowl (W) |
| 2020 | MWC | 1 | 5 | 0 | .167 | Gary Andersen (0-3) Frank Maile (1-2) | |
| 2019 | MWC | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | Gary Andersen (7-6) | Frisco Bowl (L) |
| 2018 | MWC | 11 | 2 | 0 | .846 | Matt Wells (10-2) Frank Maile (1-0) | New Mexico Bowl (W) |
| 2017 | MWC | 6 | 7 | 0 | .462 | Matt Wells (6-7) | Arizona Bowl (L) |
| 2016 | MWC | 3 | 9 | 0 | .250 | Matt Wells (3-9) | |
| 2015 | MWC | 6 | 7 | 0 | .462 | Matt Wells (6-7) | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L) |
| 2014 | MWC | 10 | 4 | 0 | .714 | Matt Wells (10-4) | New Mexico Bowl (W) |
| 2013 | MWC | 9 | 5 | 0 | .643 | Matt Wells (9-5) | Poinsettia Bowl (W) |
| 2012 | WAC | 11 | 2 | 0 | .846 | Gary Andersen (11-2) | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (W) |
| 2011 | WAC | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | Gary Andersen (7-6) | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (L) |
| 2010 | WAC | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | Gary Andersen (4-8) | |
| 2009 | WAC | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | Gary Andersen (4-8) | |
| 2008 | WAC | 3 | 9 | 0 | .250 | Brent Guy (3-9) | |
| 2007 | WAC | 2 | 10 | 0 | .167 | Brent Guy (2-10) | |
| 2006 | WAC | 1 | 11 | 0 | .083 | Brent Guy (1-11) | |
| 2005 | WAC | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Brent Guy (3-8) | |
| 2004 | Sun Belt | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Mick Dennehy (3-8) | |
| 2003 | Sun Belt | 3 | 9 | 0 | .250 | Mick Dennehy (3-9) | |
| 2002 | Ind | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | Mick Dennehy (4-7) | |
| 2001 | Ind | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | Mick Dennehy (4-7) | |
| 2000 | Big West | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Mick Dennehy (5-6) | |
| 1999 | Big West | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | Dave Arslanian (4-7) | |
| 1998 | Big West | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Dave Arslanian (3-8) | |
| 1997 | Big West | 6 | 6 | 0 | .500 | John Smith (6-6) | Humanitarian Bowl (L) |
| 1996 | Big West | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | John Smith (6-5) | |
| 1995 | Big West | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | John Smith (4-7) | |
| 1994 | Big West | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Charlie Weatherbie (3-8) | |
| 1993 | Big West | 7 | 5 | 0 | .583 | Charlie Weatherbie (7-5) | Las Vegas Bowl (W) |
| 1992 | Big West | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Charlie Weatherbie (5-6) | |
| 1991 | Big West | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Chuck Shelton (5-6) | |
| 1990 | Big West | 5 | 5 | 1 | .500 | Chuck Shelton (5-5-1) | |
| 1989 | Big West | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | Chuck Shelton (4-7) | |
| 1988 | Big West | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | Chuck Shelton (4-7) | |
| 1987 | PCAA | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Chuck Shelton (5-6) | |
| 1986 | PCAA | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Chuck Shelton (3-8) | |
| 1985 | PCAA | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Chris Pella (3-8) | |
| 1984 | PCAA | 1 | 10 | 0 | .091 | Chris Pella (1-10) | |
| 1983 | PCAA | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Chris Pella (5-6) | |
| 1982 | PCAA | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Bruce Snyder (5-6) | |
| 1981 | PCAA | 5 | 5 | 1 | .500 | Bruce Snyder (5-5-1) | |
| 1980 | PCAA | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | Bruce Snyder (6-5) | |
| 1979 | PCAA | 7 | 3 | 1 | .682 | Bruce Snyder (7-3-1) | |
| 1978 | PCAA | 7 | 4 | 0 | .636 | Bruce Snyder (7-4) | |
| 1977 | Ind | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | Bruce Snyder (4-7) | |
| 1976 | Ind | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Bruce Snyder (3-8) | |
| 1975 | Ind | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | Phil Krueger (6-5) | |
| 1974 | Ind | 8 | 3 | 0 | .727 | Phil Krueger (8-3) | |
| 1973 | Ind | 7 | 4 | 0 | .636 | Phil Krueger (7-4) | |
| 1972 | Ind | 8 | 3 | 0 | .727 | Chuck Mills (8-3) | |
| 1971 | Ind | 8 | 3 | 0 | .727 | Chuck Mills (8-3) | |
| 1970 | Ind | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | Chuck Mills (5-5) | |
| 1969 | Ind | 3 | 7 | 0 | .300 | Chuck Mills (3-7) | |
| 1968 | Ind | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 | Chuck Mills (7-3) | |
| 1967 | Ind | 7 | 2 | 1 | .750 | Chuck Mills (7-2-1) | |
| 1966 | Ind | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | Tony Knap (4-6) | |
| 1965 | Ind | 8 | 2 | 0 | .800 | Tony Knap (8-2) | |
| 1964 | Ind | 5 | 4 | 1 | .550 | Tony Knap (5-4-1) | |
| 1963 | Ind | 8 | 2 | 0 | .800 | Tony Knap (8-2) | |
| 1962 | Ind | 8 | 2 | 0 | .800 | John Ralston (8-2) | |
| 1961 | Skyline | 9 | 1 | 1 | .864 | John Ralston (9-1-1) | Gotham Bowl (L) |
| 1960 | Skyline | 9 | 2 | 0 | .818 | John Ralston (9-2) | Sun Bowl (L) |
| 1959 | Skyline | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | John Ralston (5-6) | |
| 1958 | Skyline | 3 | 7 | 0 | .300 | Everett Faunce (3-7) | |
| 1957 | Skyline | 2 | 7 | 1 | .250 | Everett Faunce (2-7-1) | |
| 1956 | Skyline | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | Everett Faunce (6-4) | |
| 1955 | Skyline | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | Everett Faunce (4-6) | |
| 1954 | Skyline | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | John Roning (4-6) | |
| 1953 | Skyline | 8 | 3 | 0 | .727 | John Roning (8-3) | |
| 1952 | Skyline | 3 | 7 | 1 | .318 | John Roning (3-7-1) | |
| 1951 | Skyline | 3 | 5 | 1 | .389 | John Roning (3-5-1) | |
| 1950 | Skyline | 2 | 9 | 0 | .182 | George Melinkovich (2-9) | |
| 1949 | Skyline | 3 | 7 | 0 | .300 | George Melinkovich (3-7) | |
| 1948 | Skyline | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | E. Lowell Romney (5-6) | |
| 1947 | MSAC | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | E. Lowell Romney (6-5) | |
| 1946 | MSAC | 7 | 2 | 1 | .750 | E. Lowell Romney (7-2-1) | Raisin Bowl (L) |
| 1945 | MSAC | 4 | 3 | 0 | .571 | E. Lowell Romney (4-3) | |
| 1944 | MSAC | 3 | 3 | 0 | .500 | E. Lowell Romney (3-3) | |
| 1942 | MSAC | 6 | 3 | 1 | .650 | E. Lowell Romney (6-3-1) | |
| 1941 | MSAC | 0 | 8 | 0 | .000 | E. Lowell Romney (0-8) | |
| 1940 | MSAC | 2 | 5 | 1 | .313 | E. Lowell Romney (2-5-1) | |
| 1939 | MSAC | 3 | 4 | 1 | .438 | E. Lowell Romney (3-4-1) | |
| 1938 | MSAC | 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 | E. Lowell Romney (4-4) | |
| 1937 | RMC | 2 | 4 | 2 | .375 | E. Lowell Romney (2-4-2) | |
| 1936 | RMC | 7 | 0 | 1 | .938 | E. Lowell Romney (7-0-1) | |
| 1935 | RMC | 5 | 2 | 1 | .688 | E. Lowell Romney (5-2-1) | |
| 1934 | RMC | 5 | 1 | 1 | .786 | E. Lowell Romney (5-1-1) | |
| 1933 | RMC | 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 | E. Lowell Romney (4-4) | |
| 1932 | RMC | 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 | E. Lowell Romney (4-4) | |
| 1931 | RMC | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 | E. Lowell Romney (6-2) | |
| 1930 | RMC | 3 | 5 | 1 | .389 | E. Lowell Romney (3-5-1) | |
| 1929 | RMC | 3 | 4 | 0 | .429 | E. Lowell Romney (3-4) | |
| 1928 | RMC | 5 | 3 | 1 | .611 | E. Lowell Romney (5-3-1) | |
| 1927 | RMC | 3 | 4 | 1 | .438 | E. Lowell Romney (3-4-1) | |
| 1926 | RMC | 5 | 1 | 2 | .750 | E. Lowell Romney (5-1-2) | |
| 1925 | RMC | 6 | 1 | 0 | .857 | E. Lowell Romney (6-1) | |
| 1924 | RMC | 4 | 2 | 1 | .643 | E. Lowell Romney (4-2-1) | |
| 1923 | RMC | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 | E. Lowell Romney (5-2) | |
| 1922 | RMC | 5 | 4 | 0 | .556 | E. Lowell Romney (5-4) | |
| 1921 | RMC | 7 | 1 | 0 | .875 | E. Lowell Romney (7-1) | |
| 1920 | RMC | 4 | 2 | 1 | .643 | E. Lowell Romney (4-2-1) | |
| 1919 | RMC | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 | E. Lowell Romney (5-2) | |
| 1917 | RMC | 7 | 0 | 1 | .938 | Jack Watson (7-0-1) | |
| 1916 | RMC | 1 | 5 | 1 | .214 | Jack Watson (1-5-1) | |
| 1915 | RMC | 3 | 4 | 0 | .429 | ||
| 1914 | RMC | 2 | 5 | 0 | .286 | ||
| 1912 | Ind | 4 | 2 | 1 | .643 |
Sports
Carson Wentz Needs a Minnesota Re-Run
Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings all but handed their starting quarterback job to J.J. McCarthy. Daniel Jones wasn’t given the assurances he could start, and no legitimate backup was brought in either. After watching Sam Howell struggle in the preseason, someone spoke up and called Carson Wentz.
The chatter thus far this offseason has focused solely on Kyler Murray. That’s fair, as he will come in to start in for Kevin O’Connell and can be signed for just $1.3 million. Arguably as important is who backs him up.
A Familiar Veteran Could Solve the Vikings’ Backup QB Question
Murray doesn’t have the cleanest injury history, and McCarthy certainly doesn’t either. The reality, though, is that McCarthy shouldn’t be called upon mid-game at any point. It’s unclear if he’s ready to be relied upon at the highest level, but an unexpected situation makes matters even worse.
The Vikings need a backup capable of stepping on the field without a range that could span the entire field. Last season, Wentz went just 2-3 as the starter for the Vikings. However, he connected with Justin Jefferson for over 95 yards per game while under center, and he completed 65.1% of his passes.
It’s unfortunate how much Wentz’s career trajectory changed after his knee injury with the Philadelphia Eagles. Nick Foles came on and won the Super Bowl; he should have led them to. However, Wentz is a North Dakota kid who grew up cheering for the Vikings, and it’s only right that he be on the sidelines the first time they win one.
Murray brings a serious ceiling to a Minnesota team ready to compete now. If O’Connell can integrate him into the offense and immediately get things clicking, the upcoming season could be really fun. There has to be someone on the sidelines pushing that player, though, and it won’t be McCarthy.
Assuming Wentz is cleared from his season-ending surgery, he’d be best suited to reunite with the Vikings. This time, it would happen a few days before Week 1, and the chemistry is already there with the coach and the roster. QB3 for McCarthy might not be fun, but it needs to happen.
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Corniche targets 2026 Caulfield sprint in VOBIS Gold feature
For years, trainer Shawn Mathrick out of Cranbourne has thrived using horses let go by Godolphin.
The current stablemate Corniche prepares for another start with Mathrick in the VOBIS Gold Sprint (1200m) this Saturday at Caulfield.
Having raced 14 times for Godolphin with two wins under James Cummings and Ciaron Maher, the gelding was runner-up in the Listed Abell Stakes (1200m) at Cranbourne on February 27.
This came as the gelding’s first race back from last September, and Mathrick was delighted with the outcome having dreaded the worst when Corniche arrived.
“I was worried we he first came, and thought ‘I’ve done my brass here’, but it’s taken a bit of work and he’s thriving at the beach,” Mathrick said.
“He’s got some knee issues. His action was terrible when he came to me and we’ve been doing a lot of beach work with him.
He galloped on Monday, and he worked the place down.”
Mathrick has managed numerous ex-Godolphin performers in his care, with special fondness for Adirondack and Gig, a mare he bred from.
“They pretty much tell what it is with their horses is,” Mathrick said of Godolphin.
“They’re pretty honest about it.
My old man used to say they don’t lose their ability, so there must be something going on and this horse got beaten a length-and-a-half by Joliestar one day and got flattened twice in the straight and then powered home.
He’s definitely got the ability and softer tracks, with his knees, would be better for him, but I’ll let him go around on Saturday and then see if we have to back off.”
Early on, Corniche placed in the Blue Diamond Preview and Prelude, won the Group 2 Magic Night Stakes, and later the Group 3 Sunshine Coast Guineas.
His Sunshine Coast Guineas triumph dates to May 2024, followed by sparse racing.
“I’ve been picking my mark when I gallop him,” Mathrick said.
“I’ll only gallop him on the grass and when we’ve had a bit of rain, but his action was faultless on Monday.
The Goodwood in Adelaide, it might be a good race for him, so we’ll see how he is.”
Visit betting sites to find the best racing odds for Corniche’s run in the VOBIS Gold Sprint.
Sports
Rolly Romero announces likely date and venue for Devin Haney unification fight
A unification fight between Rolando Romero and Devin Haney appears to be on the verge of confirmation.
‘Rolly’ Romero is the reigning WBA welterweight champion, having won the Regular belt with a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia at Times Square in New York last May before he was later upgraded to full champion.
He began his career at 135lbs, winning the WBA interim lightweight title, before moving up to super-lightweight and becoming WBA champion there, prior to his current campaign at 147lbs.
Another fighter that has reigned in multiple divisions is Haney, who was undisputed lightweight champion and WBC super-lightweight champion over the years.
He moved to welterweight last year, dethroning Brian Norman Jr to become WBO welterweight champion, with a number of possible next opponents listed ever since.
Keyshawn Davis was mentioned, along with former foe and newly-crowned WBC champion Ryan Garcia, but it appears that Romero has won the race to be the next man standing opposite Haney.
Romero and Haney have gone back and forth on social media in recent weeks to publicise their potential fight, and now Romero has told Fight Hub TV the expected details surrounding the clash.
“It’s looking like it might get done for May 30 here in Las Vegas. MGM [Grand].”
The victor of the bout would have his hands on two titles at 147, and would likely look to target the other world champions in the division, with the aforementioned Garcia holding the WBC belt, and Lewis Crocker the current IBF champion.
Sports
Pakistan Thrash Bangladesh By 128 Runs In Rain-Hit Second ODI To Level Series
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 128 runs via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method in the rain-affected second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday. Maaz Sadaqat was the stand-out performer of the game, blasting a rapid 75 for Pakistan before picking up three wickets. Chasing a revised target of 243 in 32 overs after a two-hour rain and hailstorm delay, Bangladesh collapsed for 114 in 23.3 overs despite a brief counterattack from Litton Das. Bangladesh had already been in trouble before the weather halted play.
Tanzid Hasan fell early for one, caught at backward square leg off Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Saif Hassan departed for 12 after offering a catch to short mid-off off Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was bowled by Afridi for a duck, leaving the hosts reeling at 27 for 3 in 6.3 overs when a sudden thunderstorm accompanied by hail forced the players off the field.
When play resumed, Litton attempted to revive the chase with a series of boundaries including two sixes. He was eventually trapped lbw for 41 by part-time spinner Maaz Sadaqat.
Tawhid Hridoy made 28 off 38 balls before falling lbw to Haris Rauf, while Afif Hossain added 14 before becoming Sadaqat’s second victim.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed just one run as Bangladesh’s innings folded quickly.
Rauf and Sadaqat claimed three wickets each to complete a dominant bowling performance for Pakistan.
Earlier, Bangladesh had fought back with the ball to bowl Pakistan out for 274 in 47.3 overs after a blistering start by the visitors.
Pakistan raced to 103 for the opening wicket inside 13 overs through an aggressive partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Sadaqat.
Sadaqat struck 75 off 46 balls with six fours and five sixes, while Farhan scored 31 before falling to Taskin Ahmed.
Salman Agha later top-scored with 64 from 62 balls and shared a 109-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan (44), though Agha’s innings ended in a dramatic run-out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the non-striker’s end that sparked animated reactions on the field.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain finished as the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 56 as Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 274, a total that proved more than enough on a rain-shortened night in Mirpur.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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North Carolina football GM defends Bill Belichick against ‘fake rumors’
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After a legendary NFL coaching career that produced eight Super Bowl rings as both an assistant and head coach, Bill Belichick made the jump to the college ranks last year.
Belichick led North Carolina to a 4-8 record in his first season in Chapel Hill, but a string of off-field headlines largely overshadowed the program.
UNC general manager Michael Lombardi recently addressed the scrutiny and outside criticism that surrounded the program last season, defending the team’s response amid what he characterized as inaccurate accounts.
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North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi (L) talks with head coach Bill Belichick prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)
“All during those stormy times, all during when the boat was getting capsized, when people were attacking us with fake rumors and fake stories all over — nobody’s corrected them yet, but that’s OK, we understand — our players hung together,” Lombardi told the “Pat McAfee Show” last week.
Lombardi also suggested the program’s high profile made it a target but argued the scrutiny ultimately reinforced the team’s resolve, especially on the recruiting trail.
BILL BELICHICK, JORDON HUDSON HOT MIC MOMENT LEAKED AMID UNC DRAMA-FILLED SEASON
“We did not lose one single recruit to another team. Now, they tried. A lot of that, to me, was the dedication of our recruiting class, and that’s what I think gives all of everybody in this program the lift that we need. Because those players have bought into our messaging, and they stood firm in a time of trouble.”
“Look, let’s face it. If you’re not worth a darn, they’re not going to attack you. Some programs are not worth attacking. They’re going to attack us. We expect it. It’s all good. We’ve been in the arena before. We don’t listen to the noise. We focus on what we have to focus on and we move forward.”

General manager Michael Lombardi of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on prior to the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)
During last year’s widely discussed “CBS News Sunday Morning” interview, Hudson faced accusations that she attempted to exert control during the former NFL coach’s sit-down. The interview was part of a promotional tour for Belichick’s new book, “The Art of Winning — Lessons from My Life in Football.”
The viral moment sparked questions about Hudson’s involvement in both his personal and professional life and whether it could affect football operations.
However, in the months leading up to the start of Belichick’s debut season, multiple Tar Heels football players spoke out and insisted the coach’s personal life hadn’t disrupted the team in any way.
Wide receiver Jordan Shipp made it clear that any outside “noise” has not negatively affected the team. From Shipp’s point of view, Hudson has not been overly involved in Belichick’s coaching process.
“Social media can promote some narrative, but that was not a distraction to us at all,” Shipp said in July 2025. “There was never a problem, like people saying she was running practice. We’d never really see her in the building. That was never a problem.”

Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Jordon Hudson look on prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)
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Then-UNC quarterback Gio Lopez also weighed in, saying Hudson was more visible online than at the team complex and describing Belichick as a “normal coach.”
“I log on my phone and see something about coach Belichick, so it is different, of course,” Lopez said. “But you’d never think that about him. He’s a normal guy, a normal coach. That’s how he carries himself. He’s very personable, not worried about the spotlight. He just does his job.”
Lopez threw for 1,747 yards at UNC in 2025 before transferring to Wake Forest in January.
In October, Belichick addressed speculation that he and school officials had discussed a “potential exit strategy” during his tumultuous first season. “I’m fully committed to UNC football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said in a statement at the time.
Belichick dismissed the increased attention on his personal life. “Sometimes it’s noisy, and sometimes it isn’t,” he told ESPN last summer. “Sometimes with the Patriots it was noisy, too.”
UNC opens spring camp on March 24.
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College Basketball Best Bets: Conference Tournament Semifinal Picks
Championship Week rolls on Friday with several semifinal games on the schedule featuring some of the best teams in the country. It’s definitely more fun to make picks for semifinal games with the stakes elevated even higher.
Today’s NCAA Basketball Best Bets will feature three conference semifinal contests.
Let’s get started by talking about the Big Easy Tournament Semifinal featuring the Georgetown Hoyas and No. 6 Connecticut Huskies before moving on to ACC and Big 12 Semifinal games.
Big East Tournament – Semifinal: Georgetown vs. No. 6 UConn
Georgetown ended the regular season with a 14-17 record after going 1-7 down the stretch. They should have been an early out in the Big East Tournament, but instead, they upset Villanova to earn a spot in the semifinals. Cinderellas win all the time; could they do it again?
If the regular season is any indication, maybe. The Hoyas and Huskies played twice, UConn won both, but by a two-point margin in one (64-62) and a four-point margin in the other (79-75). But on paper, these games shouldn’t have even been close.
My Pick: UConn -13.5 at -106
I’m a little nervous about this one because of the regular-season games being so close. But after watching the beatdown they gave Xavier, the dominant version of UConn appears to be back. The Huskies will cover this large spread.
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ACC Tournament – Semifinal: Clemson vs. No. 1 Duke
If the Clemson Tigers were wondering how to beat Duke, the Florida State Seminoles were kind enough to give them a blueprint Thursday night: hit 52% of your shots, including 10+ three-pointers, force turnovers, and generate points from those turnovers.
In Clemson’s regular-season matchup with Duke, they shot 35% from the floor, hit 6 of 24 three-pointers, and scored eight points off nine turnovers (Duke scored 13 off ten).
The Tigers are certainly competitive on the defensive end (No. 23 in the country, 66.2 points per game allowed). But not so much on the offensive end (No. 223, 77.4 points per game). They are a decent three-point shooting team (34%) and are capable of generating turnovers (11.59 per game).
My Pick: Duke -11.5
Clemson’s defense will keep them from getting blown out, but their offense is going to struggle against the Duke defense (No. 2 in the country, 62.5 points per game allowed).
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Big 12 Tournament – Semifinal: No. 14 Kansas vs. No. 5 Houston
Kansas was the third loss in Houston’s three-game losing streak late in the season and essentially beat the Cougars at their own game: they played better defense. Houston shot a dreadful 32% in that game, while Kansas made one more shot (22 to 21) and took 16 fewer shots (50 to 66).
The Jayhawks also won the three-point line, going 7-17 while holding Houston to 5-24.
The Cougars rebounded with three strong wins to close the regular season and had a solid outing against BYU in their tournament opener. Kansas came out on top of a battle with TCU in the quarterfinals Thursday night.
My Pick: Houston -5.5
Kansas deserved to win their first meeting with Houston, but the Cougars defense is too good not to have a better performance this time around. Houston’s balanced offense will get the job done this time against the Jayhawks defense.
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Sports
PAK vs BAN, 2nd ODI: Maaz Sadaqat’s heroics help Pakistan thump Bangladesh, level series 1-1 | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: The Pakistan national cricket team beat the Bangladesh national cricket team by 128 runs via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method in the rain-hit second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday, levelling the three-match series 1-1 with a dominant performance.The star of the match was Maaz Sadaqat, who shone with both bat and ball. He first smashed a quick 75 off 46 balls and later returned to pick up three wickets to help Pakistan seal the victory.
Pakistan were bowled out for 274 in 47.3 overs after strong contributions from several batters. Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan gave the visitors a flying start, putting together a 103-run opening partnership inside 13 overs. Farhan made 31, while Salman Agha later added 64 and shared a 109-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 44.Chasing the target, Bangladesh’s innings got off to a poor start. Tanzid Hasan fell for 1, Saif Hassan scored 12, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for a duck by Shaheen Shah Afridi, leaving the hosts at 27 for 3 in 6.3 overs. At that stage, a sudden thunderstorm with rain and hail forced the players off the field for about two hours.When play resumed, the target was revised to 243 in 32 overs under the DLS method. Litton Das tried to fight back with an attacking 41, hitting a few boundaries and two sixes, while Towhid Hridoy made 28.However, once Litton was dismissed lbw by Sadaqat, Bangladesh quickly collapsed. Haris Rauf and Sadaqat picked up three wickets each, bowling Bangladesh out for 114 in 23.3 overs and sealing a comprehensive win for Pakistan.
Sports
Akwa United Coach Paul Offor Wins NNL Best Coach Award for Three Consecutive Months
Akwa United Head Coach, Paul Offor, has been named the Nigeria National League (NNL) Best Coach for three consecutive months, winning the award for December 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.
The NNL announced the winners of the Prostar/Sportlight Hub Monthly Awards, which recognise outstanding performances by players, coaches, teams and referees across the league.
Under Offor’s leadership, Akwa United currently top NNL Conference B with 25 points from 13 matches, reflecting the team’s strong form this season.
In December 2025, Offor was named Best Coach, while Daniel Gothom of Akwa United won Goal of the Month. Other winners included Ajibola Joel (Stormers FC) as Highest Goal Scorer, Emmanuel S. Daniel (Ranchers Bees FC) as Best Goalkeeper, Yaro Zakari (Yobe Desert Stars FC) as MVP, Akporogene Ajigeye (Delta State Referees Council) as Best Referee, and Kada Warriors FC as Best Behaved Team.
In January 2026, Offor retained the Best Coach award. Tony Ayang (Rovers FC) was Highest Goal Scorer, Aloysius Thankgod (Akwa United) won Best Goalkeeper, Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos FC) was MVP, Babarinde Taofeek (Gateway FC) won Goal of the Month, Eke Henry N. (Imo Referees Council) was Best Referee, and Rovers FC were Best Behaved Team.
In February 2026, Offor completed the three-month run by winning Best Coach again. The other winners were Innocent Idi (City FC) as Highest Goal Scorer, Alo Chukwu Pascal (Abakaliki FC) as Best Goalkeeper, Obisesan Sodiq (Osun United FC) as MVP, Jaffar Ojo (Smart City FC) as Goal of the Month, Mudashir Shehu (Kaduna State Referee Council) as Best Referee, and Lobi Stars FC as Best Behaved Team.
The awards ceremony will hold on March 30, 2026.
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