The WNBA never fails to produce drama.

In the latest installment, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was ejected from the New York Liberty’s 93-91 loss to the Toronto Tempo on Sunday afternoon for hitting Marina Mabrey with Jonquel Jones‘ shoe. Yes, you read that correctly. After the defeat, Liberty coach Chris DeMarco let loose on the officials for an “atrocious” and “pathetic” performance down the stretch.

The Liberty, who were on the second day of a back-to-back and entered Sunday’s contest having lost six of their last eight games, fell behind by as many as 20 late in the third quarter, but stormed back in the fourth. With less than two minutes to play, they had cut the deficit down to one, and were about to get the ball back after Laura Juskaite was called for a charge. 

Before play could resume, however, a shoe came flying across the court and hit Mabrey in the back. An incensed Mabrey picked it up and was about to raise hell before she was held back by Liberty players and the officials, who then went to the monitor to review the situation. No camera angle caught the entire incident, but Laney-Hamilton, who was on the bench at the time, had gone on to the court to pick up Jones’ shoe, which had come off on the prior possession, and tossed it back toward Jones. Instead of getting to her teammate, it hit Mabrey. 

Upon review, the officials gave Laney-Hamilton a technical for “throwing a projectile onto the floor.” That was her second technical of the game, so she was ejected. It’s worth noting that Laney-Hamilton was also called for a Flagrant 1 after hitting Mabrey in the face in the second quarter and her first technical was the result of another dust-up between her and Mabrey. 

“I would never intentionally try to hit someone with a shoe, especially while they’re not looking. Teammate was without a shoe, so I did my best to try and get it to her. Unfortunately, it did hit someone,” Laney-Hamilton said after the game. “I know just by the way that things were going throughout the game that it can look a certain way but that’s just not something that I would personally do… especially in a moment like that where game is on the line.”

Mabrey stepped to the line and made the techincal free throw to put the Tempo back up by two, and while the Liberty did briefly tie the game with 1:30 to play, they went scoreless the rest of the way. Breanna Stewart missed a driving runner with less than 10 seconds to play that could have forced overtime. 

DeMarco calls officials’ performance ‘atrocious’ and ‘pathetic’ 

After a lackluster 2025, which ended with a first-round exit, the Liberty made a number of changes, including firing championship-winning coach Sandy Brondello and replacing her with Chris DeMarco — a long-time Golden State Warriors assistant who had no previous WNBA experience. 

DeMarco’s first season in charge has been a roller coaster, and his frustration was evident Sunday after the team’s third consecutive defeat, and seventh in their last nine games. The Liberty entered the season as title favorites, but just after the midway point, they sit in seventh at 13-11. 

“I’ve never seen anything like [Laney-Hamilton’s ejection],” DeMarco said. “I’ve never seen anything like that. We had all the momentum in the world. Shoe hit somebody, ejected, free throws. I’ve also never seen a ref make such an atrocious call when he’s on the other side of the floor. The ball is clearly off the defender and comes over and overturns and gives the ball back to the Tempo at the end of the game.

“I’ve never seen one of the best players to ever play in this league attack the rim and get fouled and absolutely no call, and we’re just gonna play,” DeMarco continued. “Atrocious, pathetic. It was pathetic.”

Asked a follow-up about the ejection, DeMarco again criticized the officials. 

“She’s trying to get the shoe back to JJ. It hit somebody. I think we’re just making stuff up. I have no idea,” DeMarco said. “You’re asking the wrong person. I just know it was just an atrocious, atrocious end of that game from the officials.” 

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Jannik Sinner retains his crown. The 24-year-old Italian won the Wimbledon title for the second consecutive year after defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in four sets. It is Sinner’s fifth Grand Slam title, his first of the year, further strengthening his position as world No. 1.

The NFL regular season is 59 days away, and according to sportsbooks, the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills will probably meet in the Super Bowl. There’s a long way to go before that, though, so in the meantime, VikingsTerritory is embarking on an annual tradition — ranking the league’s starting quarterbacks.

This year was more difficult than usual, mainly because the section between Caleb Williams and Bo Nix below has similarly efficient signal-callers.

QB Stability Separates the NFL’s Contenders from Everyone Else

32 | Deshaun Watson (CLE)

Until Watson proves he can return to 2019 or 2020 form — assuming he starts for the Browns at all — he lives at the bottom of quarterback power rankings. Them’s are the rules.

31 | Geno Smith (NYJ)

It’s laughable that the Jets will make Smith their QB1 solution with a head coach who may already be on the hot seat. At best, Smith is a bridge quarterback to someone promising.

30 | Cam Ward (TEN)

Ward’s numbers and efficiency metrics were just as bad, if not worse, than J.J. McCarthy’s last year, but nobody cared. He must take a developmental step in 2026.

29 | Malik Willis (MIA)

Willis put good games and memorable moments on tape in Green Bay, and good for him. Now, he must prove he can handle the full brunt of a passing attack when defensive coordinators plan for him every week.

28 | Kirk Cousins (LV)

Cousins can pop off for a 400-yard passing game at any time, but he’s also old and slow.

27 | Jacoby Brissett (ARI)

Brissett is the best backup quarterback in the league, but that’s where it ends. It’s wild that the Arizona Cardinals think he’s a better QB1 solution than Kyler Murray. They must be biding their time for the 2027 NFL Draft.

26 | Jaxson Dart (NYG)

Dart can easily climb this list in no time, but by NFL standards, his team needs a record better than 4-8, which is what the Giants fired up on his watch. He also looked lost in the December game against the Vikings. Buffonish, even.

25 | Bryce Young (CAR)

Young ranked 25th in EPA+CPOE last year, but because his team made the playoffs, many saw hope in his future.

24 | Tua Tagovailoa (ATL)

Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will probably play hot potato with the QB1 job in Atlanta. Still, with Kevin Stefanski running the show, there’s a path for Tagovailoa to throw for 3,500+ yards and 25+ touchdowns with all those weapons.

23 | Daniel Jones (IND)

Jones looked great for two months before he began tailing off and then tore his Achilles. That injury is never a straightforward recovery, and folks wondered about Jones’s long-term consistency in the first place. He has to prove himself all over again in 2026.

22 | Aaron Rodgers (PIT)

It feels disrespectful to place Rodgers this low based on career achievement. But let’s face it: he ranked 22nd per EPA+CPOE in 2025. This spot is just.

21 | C.J. Stroud (HOU)

Stroud produced 19 passing touchdowns last year with a completion percentage below 65%. His numbers are supposed to be ascending, not declining.

20 | Bo Nix (DEN)

Nix ranked 18th per EPA+CPOE last year. He’s propped up by a Top 3 defense. He has limitations that eventually will be exposed.

19 | Tyler Shough (NO)

Shough’s stat line as a rookie — if he played 17 games — would’ve looked like this:

4,261 Passing Yards
25 TDs
9 INTs
69.2% Comp

Is the entire NFL sleeping on Shough? The numbers say yes.

18 | Kyler Murray (MIN)

Murray averages 3,900+ passing yards, 30 total touchdowns, and 600+ rushing every 17 starts. Why he’s considered a big reclamation project is an utter mystery. The guy is productive when healthy, just a step below Lamar Jackson’s numbers.

17 | Sam Darnold (SEA)

Darnold’s performance dipped late in 2025, but the Seahawks’ defense masked everything. He has a Super Bowl now that can never be taken away. But you must ask yourself: is he better than the remaining men on this list?

16 | Jared Goff (DET)

How long will the Lions carry on the Goff experience without reaching a Super Bowl? Will it ever get stale? He’s in the old Kirk Cousins boat where his stats are great, but it feels like the Lions peaked in 2023 with Goff under center.

15 | Baker Mayfield (TB)

Mayfield’s grit ranks No. 1 or No. 2 in the NFL, but his EPA+CPOE quietly ranked 19th last season.

14 | Brock Purdy (SF)

Purdy missed eight games in 2025, and the 49ers’ offense didn’t miss a beat with Mac Jones under center. Strange.

13 | Jayden Daniels (WAS)

Daniels, probably because of injuries, endured a textbook sophomore slump. He needs a big rebound season in 2026, and he has physical tools to do precisely that.

12 | Jordan Love (GB)

Love is not good enough to be feared every Sunday, but he’s good enough to start every Sunday and get his team the seventh seed in the postseason tournament like clockwork.

11 | Trevor Lawrence (JAX)

Lawrence threw for 4,007 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025. Has he turned the corner under the tutelage of Liam Coen and Grant Udinski?

10 | Dak Prescott (DAL)

Draft this guy late in our redraft fantasy leagues; he won’t disappoint. It’s 4,000+ yards and about 30 touchdowns like clockwork when he plays a full season.

9 | Caleb Williams (CHI)

Williams ranks 20th per EPA+CPOE last year but bedazzled the masses in the postseason. There’s a chance he totally turns the corner this season and morphs into the next big thing.

8 | Jalen Hurts (PHI)

Hurts’s career stock might be a low point, but he still accounted for 65 touchdowns since the start of 2024. That ain’t nothin’, and it doesn’t grow on trees.

7 | Drake Maye (NE)

Maye had a case for the MVP award last season; Maye also faced one of the easiest schedules in NFL history — before turning into a shell of himself in the AFC Championship and Super Bowl.

6 | Justin Herbert (LAC)

Another steady-eddy, Herbert is desperately searching for his breakthrough moment. Ranking him below six doesn’t feel right.

5 | Matthew Stafford (LAR)

The league MVP should probably be higher on this list, but he’s old and always has confusing moments with gaffes that everyone just sweeps under the rug and then smirks.

4 | Joe Burrow (CIN)

Burrow has missed 32% of all games from 2023 to 2025. If he plays 17 in 2026, the Bengals will return to the playoffs and maybe even the AFC Title Game.

3 | Lamar Jackson (BAL)

Jackson’s numbers tumbled a bit in 2025, and he also missed four games. But with a game on the line, he just has to be a Top 3 selection.

2 | Patrick Mahomes (KC)

Bounceback and revenge season incoming.

1 | Josh Allen (BUF)

Has there ever been any sports player who more embodies a team than Allen and the Bills? He is the Buffalo Bills.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Reece James has expressed his relief and satisfaction at recovering from injury just in time for England’s crucial World Cup semi-final clash against holders Argentina.

The Chelsea captain made a timely return to action by featuring as a second-half substitute in the Three Lions’ 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway after extra time on Saturday.

James had been sidelined for three matches due to a hamstring problem sustained during the second group stage fixture against Ghana. His re-entry into the squad saw him initially deployed in central midfield before shifting to his more familiar right-back position, as two goals from Jude Bellingham secured England’s progression.

Speaking to Lions Den, James reflected on his comeback: “It’s good to be back out there with the boys. Picking up an injury at a tournament is always a race against the clock. I applied myself and happy to be back out there.”

Despite not consistently delivering their peak performance throughout the tournament, the England squad has consistently found a way to overcome each challenge, though a formidable test now awaits them.

The historic rivalry between England and Argentina adds another layer of intensity to the semi-final, but James believes the team is equipped to handle the pressure.

“It comes with experience. The higher stakes the game is, the more pressure,” he explained. “We’ve been doing it for years, the fundamentals are the same, but the prize is slightly different.

“We’re in a bubble, trying to complete our mission. It’s hard to see the outside. We’re happy we’re making everyone at home proud. This is what dreams are made of. Everyone as a little boy dreamt of playing and winning a World Cup. We’re against one of the best nations in the semi-final.”

England are currently enjoying a golden era of tournament football, having reached two World Cup semi-finals in their last three attempts, alongside consecutive European Championship finals. James attributes this success to the strength of the domestic game.

“I think it starts with the Premier League,” he added. “The best league in the world for me and I’m sure many fans. It’s the highest level. A lot of the good quality players are English. It shows how much English football has come on in recent years.

‘We’re (knocking at) the door, in and around it, at the latter stages of tournaments when it is crunch time.”

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei (AP Photo)

Iran have decided to continue their faith in head coach Amir Ghalenoei after an inspiring FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, extending his contract until the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) confirmed that Ghalenoei will remain in charge after reviewing his plans for the continental tournament, according to a report by Reuters.“Mr Ghalenoei will remain the head coach of the national team,” Tehran Times quoted Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj as saying. “We have already received his plans for the AFC Asian Cup.”Taj also confirmed that preparations for the next FIFA international window would begin soon, with further developments planned across Iran’s national teams.The decision comes after Ghalenoei guided Iran through a challenging but memorable World Cup campaign in the United States, where Team Melli exited at the group stage despite remaining unbeaten.

Three draws, no knockout spot for Team Melli

Iran were placed in Group G and produced a resilient performance against some of the world’s best teams, recording three consecutive draws. However, their three-point tally was not enough to secure one of the eight available places for the best third-placed teams.Iran began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand before holding Belgium to a goalless stalemate. Their final group match ended in a 1-1 draw against Egypt, leaving them third in the standings and bringing their World Cup journey to an end.The campaign was particularly demanding away from the pitch. Due to visa-related complications, Iran based their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than the United States. The squad had to make repeated cross-border journeys for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.The players also carried the emotional weight of representing a country dealing with conflict at home, making their unbeaten run even more significant.

Experienced Ghalenoei tasked with Asian Cup challenge

The 62-year-old Ghalenoei is one of Iran’s most experienced coaches and is currently serving his second spell with the national team. He first led Team Melli between 2006 and 2007, taking Iran to the quarter-finals of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.After returning as head coach in 2023, he guided Iran to the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup, further strengthening his credentials.Iran, three-time Asian champions whose last continental title came in 1978, will now turn their attention towards the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. They have been drawn in Group C alongside Syria, Kyrgyzstan and China.The tournament will begin on January 7, with the final scheduled to take place in Riyadh on February 5.

Man United have signed a handful of youngsters with high potential from abroad over the last two years.

Manchester United are set to announce the signing of Colombian teenager Cristian Orozco this week.

United reached an agreement with Fortaleza CEIF to sign Orozco nine months ago, but the deal outlined that he would join in the summer transfer window, as he needed to be 18 to complete the move.

Orozco is not an immediate signing for the first team. However, United have paid around $1million (£750k) because they believe he possesses the potential to eventually reach the first team.

Orozco will join up with the Under-21s to be assessed by United coaches. He arrived in Manchester over a week ago to settle into his new surroundings ahead of his transfer being rubber-stamped on Monday.

United’s deal for the midfielder is the latest in a string of transfers for talented young players with high potential, a strategy that Ineos rolled out after taking control of the club’s football operations.

Sekou Kone was signed from Mali, Diego Leon was scouted from Paraguay, while Enzo Kana-Biyik arrived from the renowned academy of French club Le Havre AC last summer.

United have always signed young players to add to their academy, but the profile of targets has evolved, with the club looking further afield due to Brexit rules which prevent them from signing players under the age of 18 from Europe.

United must wait until a player from Europe turns 18 before acting on their interest, as was the case with Kana-Biyik. However, players are usually tied down and more difficult to sign by that stage of their career.

That has led United to explore markets they were otherwise not active in, and the transfers are essentially low risk and potentially high reward.

The best-case scenario is that the young players reach the first team, and the worst-case scenario is often that they are sold for profit if they fail to do so.

Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) have been a huge factor and some Premier League clubs are buying young players with the intention of making a profit on their sale in a few years’ time.

United sources have stressed that each of the club’s deals for young players has been due to those talents having been identified as having first-team potential, but the reality is that making a breakthrough can be difficult.

Kone and Leon have not made their first-team debuts for United. Ruben Amorim named Kone in three Premier League matchday squads in 2024/25 when injuries reduced options, but he was not given any minutes.

The midfielder was sent on loan to Ineos-owned FC Lausanne-Sport in January and was dealt a blow shortly after joining as he was not included in their UEFA Conference League squad for the second half of the campaign.

Kone has been sent back to Lausanne to spend pre-season with the Swiss club this summer. Another loan move to Lausanne has not been confirmed yet, but it’s highly likely he will re-sign on a season-long deal.

Although Leon was unveiled alongside Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko last summer, he played exclusively in academy fixtures last season.

Leon was included in squads against Manchester City, Brentford and Sunderland between September and October, however, he then did not make the bench for a first-team game for the remainder of the campaign.

There have been glimmers of potential from Leon during academy matches, but he is still raw and does not look ready for the first team, meaning a loan would be the best option for the defender.

United should be guaranteed to make a profit on Kone down the line, given he was signed for around £1m, but the deal to sign Leon from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno was worth more (£3.3m fee, rising to £7m with add-ons).

It’s going to be fascinating to see how the next few years pan out for both players, who certainly have time on their side. Fans should also keep an eye on Orozco’s development, as he is the latest signing of that mould.

As France have cruised through this World Cup, their stellar attackers so empowered to play with freedom, one concern has been niggling away at Didier Deschamps. It’s why he’s actually asked journalists to point out their few flaws. Now, this week, that concern has finally become an outright problem.

What do France do with their two-man midfield when they face the three of Spain? A team that has swarmed everyone else may suddenly find themselves outnumbered in the key area.

A question that Deschamps’s staff have been asking themselves is whether to fully adapt for that, or continue to entrust the forwards to improve on a record of 16 goals in six games.

Spain, after all, are going to continue to do exactly what they do. They are the team with the most complete tactical idea at this World Cup, by an immense distance. An argument even pervades that this is one reason why Lamine Yamal hasn’t excelled in the manner of other stars, because he is in the one team closest to an elite club side. The deeper tactical integration means he has a more defined role, even if a lot of that ends up utterly exhausting his double markers. Most of them have had to go off early.

Given that, any Spanish adaptation is likely to be to move their possession shape back 20 metres so as not to expose their half to France’s searing pace.

That is the actual way they have accumulated this immense defensive record, of only one goal conceded. It’s of course complemented by the relentlessness of the counter-press. Spain win the ball back 11.57 seconds after losing it, on average, the quickest of all the quarter-finalists. It can be seen in the way they’re immediately snapping at the heels of opposition players, with an energy that roofed stadiums aid. Ultimately, though, Spain do their defending in forward areas. Hence that vast expanse in their own half, that Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele will be looking at greedily.

So, while this is obviously a match between the tournament’s best defence and best attack, the modern game means it is far from that simple; that it’s obviously not backline against forward line, in the way the description conjures. There’s so much more to it, and numerous tactical layers, illustrated by how Spain will have so more of their possession closer to the opposition goal. Deschamps is meanwhile more willing to release his attackers from much further back.

That is one of many dichotomies at play, that explain why this is best defensive record against best attacking record, without that necessarily being the defining contrast.

Above all, of course, this is a derby between two neighbours with a long actual history and rich recent football history. Look at how Adrien Rabiot’s quotes about Yamal needing to “do more” from before the Euro 2024 semi-final have resurfaced.

That points to how the two have met a lot in the modern era, as both have become pioneers of talent production in very different ways.

In that last big meeting, the roles were almost reversed. Spain were viewed as the more freewheeling and fresh team, spearheaded by young talent. France looked worse than defensive, barely able to score, and it seemed a tournament too far for Deschamps already.

The two years since have shown how much can change between tournaments. Personnel have had a profound effect.

Virtually all of Spain’s most electric attackers have had fitness issues, with Nico Williams only coming back now. They can’t stretch games in the same way, which has required a more compact structure. Many watching on would say it’s far too compact, as the “boring” debate has resurfaced.

France have enjoyed the opposite. They’ve had a flood of young talent come into the side since Euro 2024, to become the great entertainers.

One of those talents has suddenly become one of the best five players in the world, in Michael Olise, while Desire Doue is among the best young stars in the world. Even some of those present in Germany are in completely different form. Bradley Barcola has gone from an impact sub to an effervescent attacker, Dembele is now a Ballon D’Or winner, while Mbappe looks liberated.

And, ever the pragmatist, Deschamps has just played to his strengths. He’s created the most anti-Deschamps team possible, at least going by his coaching history with the French team.

That is what has fostered the real dichotomy of the game, and a genuine philosophical duel.

It is the “positional game” – essentially, the Pep Guardiola game, which has long taken hold in Spain – against the evolving competing idea of “relationism”.

Whereas almost everything Spain do with the ball is dictated by the team structure’s position on the pitch in relation to the ball – outside more licence to Yamal and Dani Olmo – Deschamps has afforded his attackers infinitely more individual interpretation.

The idea of an orchestra coming up against free jazz has rarely been as applicable.

That will naturally provoke a lot of debate about future influence on how the game is played and who should win. That, also, is far from so simple.

A bit like with Guardiola, no one can come close to playing Spain’s positional game like Spain.

France’s approach can’t be anywhere near as devastating, or even that effective, without attackers of this astounding quality.

It is nevertheless natural that it’s the French who are the first to pose this specific ideological challenge in such a high-stakes game. Their model of talent production never adapted that Spanish-Dutch approach in the way that the Germans did, arguably giving them more variety of player – if also missing one archetype: the Rodri.

Deschamps has had to adapt to a more industrious two-man midfield of Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni because he does not have that classic number-six. Spain instead have two on the bench.

And that is why the onus is on France to do more, despite doing so much more damage throughout this World Cup in attacking play.

You can already see the way the game will go. Spain are going to take control of possession, gradually moving up the pitch, as France seek to pounce on any break in play.

And, almost reflecting how this defensive record isn’t actually about defence, there is a sense that the Spanish backline hasn’t been properly pressured yet.

Football figures present for the quarter-final in Los Angeles were struck by how Belgium got at them. There’s a vulnerability.

Deschamps just has to figure out how to put more even more stress on it, to get the midfield to funnel more of the play towards the attack despite Spain outnumbering them.

At the same time, Spain didn’t buckle when Charles De Ketelaere finally ended Unai Simon’s clean-sheet record. That can happen when a long record is finally broken, and there’s suddenly doubt again.

They instead kept playing.

They’re going to have to do even more of it against France, if only to limit how much those attacking stars have the ball.

For all the billing, this is much more than attack against defence.

And, in a purely tactical sense, it may end up meaning more than any modern World Cup game.

There is so much to consider.

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates winning the third round women’s singles match against Iga Swiatek of Poland at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Saturday, July 4, 2026.(AP Photo/Maja Smiejkowska)

MANILA, Philippines— Alex Eala reached a new career-high ranking in the WTA on Monday following her deep run at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.

Eala climbed four spots to World No. 28 after reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, her best Grand Slam campaign yet, before bowing to Jasmine Paolini.

READ: Alex Eala refuses to be weighed down by Wimbledon exit

Her previous career-high ranking was No. 29, set in March.

Eala also enjoyed an impressive grass-court season, highlighted by her Birmingham WTA 125 title and a semifinal appearance at the Berlin Open, where she defeated two Top 10 players before falling to eventual Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.

READ: Alex Eala writes history for Philippines at Wimbledon

At Wimbledon, where she was seeded 29th, Eala became the first Filipino to reach the round of 16 in any Grand Slam singles tournament.

She dethroned Iga Swiatek to reach the fourth round after impressive showings against Renata Zarazua and Maya Joint.

Eala, who returned to the Philippines on Sunday, is taking a brief break before resuming her hard-court campaign leading to the US Open.

She is expected to compete in the Mubadala DC Open, a WTA 500 tournament in the United States, and the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Canada.

Eala is also scheduled to meet her Filipino fans at several events in Manila this week.

Chennai Super Kings has parted ways with Stephen Fleming

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have parted ways with long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming, ending a long association with the former New Zealand captain. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the franchise is reviewing its cricket operations, with former India batter Hemang Badani emerging as a contender to join the coaching set-up. The franchise’s top brass is currently in Dallas, reviewing the last few seasons and planning the road ahead. While trade discussions are underway, a major decision on the entire coaching staff could also be made. Rupa Gurunath, daughter of N Srinivasan and full-time Director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), has been overseeing key decisions. “Stephen Fleming has been the heartbeat of our coaching unit for almost the entire journey of this franchise. For nearly two decades, he has helped shape our identity, vision, and pursuit of excellence,” Rupa was quoted in a CSK press release.“On behalf of everyone at the Super Kings franchise, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. While our journey together on the field comes to a close, he will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy.”As discussions on all cricketing matters continue, former India cricketer Hemang Badani, head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the last two seasons, is in the running to join the CSK set-up. DC finished fifth and sixth under Badani in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in his first season.Fleming’s association with CSK spans nearly two decades, first as a player in the inaugural IPL season and then as head coach since 2009. During the franchise’s two-year suspension in 2016 and 2017, he coached Rising Pune Supergiant, guiding the team to the 2017 final. Under Fleming, CSK reached 11 finals, 10 in the IPL and one in the Champions League, winning six titles.However, the last few years have been disappointing. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, CSK finished 10th and eighth in the next two seasons. The franchise has also struggled in other leagues where Fleming has been in charge. Joburg Super Kings have reached the SA20 playoffs in each of the last three seasons but are yet to make a final, while Texas Super Kings have also fallen short of reaching the title clash in Major League Cricket (MLC). In the ongoing season, they finished last with three wins and seven defeats from 10 matches.The coming weeks could prove significant for CSK, with tough decisions expected on trades, the coaching staff and even the captaincy as the franchise looks to restore its past glory..

Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback ended in disappointment as his fight against Max Holloway in Las Vegas lasted just 69 seconds. Competing for the first time in five years, McGregor was forced to retire from the contest after suffering a knee injury while attempting an opening-round roundhouse kick. The incident sparked speculation among fans, with many suggesting that the Irish fighter may have entered the bout carrying an injury. However, those claims were dismissed by McGregor’s manager, John Kavanagh, who stated in a social media post that the former champion was fully fit heading into UFC 329.

“That opening jump switch kick was drilled daily for months, multiple times in warmup. Never an issue,” John Kavanagh wrote on Facebook. “Knee went when he (threw) the very first kick. Doesn’t get any worse than this.”

McGregor himself also addressed the rumours, rejecting the speculation in a post on X and insisting that he had stepped into the Octagon in peak condition. “I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened. The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place,” he wrote.

He added, “The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow. I will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return,” shutting down claims that he was carrying an injury before the bout.

The clip of the fight, which went viral on social media, showed McGregor exploding forward with a jumping kick in the opening seconds before landing awkwardly on his right leg. While he initially continued fighting, his movement appeared noticeably restricted almost immediately. Seconds later, he stumbled while throwing a left hand and struggled to plant his right foot as Holloway pressured him.

ALL ANGLES In depth look at how Conor McGregor injured his leg #UFC329 pic.twitter.com/x5Xc6FMGer

— Mcgregor Forever (@mcgregorufc22) July 12, 2026

Rather than pressing the attack, Holloway noticed something was wrong. The former featherweight champion stepped back and pointed toward McGregor’s injured leg, prompting referee Mike Beltran to take a closer look. Seeing McGregor unable to put weight on his right leg, Beltran immediately stopped the contest, awarding Holloway a first-round TKO.

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