NEW DELHI: West Indies delivered a crushing performance to beat Zimbabwe by 107 runs in their T20 World Cup Super Eights match in Mumbai, starting their campaign in dominant fashion. With this win, West Indies have overtaken South Africa to go top of the Group 1 points table in the T20 World Cup Super 8s. The Windies currently boast a superior net run rate (NRR) of +5.350, ahead of second-placed South Africa, who have an NRR of +3.800.
Gautam Gambhir’s animated chat with Abhishek Sharma goes viral; Team India lands in Chennai
With only top two teams from the group making the semi-finals, India, currently third with a -3.800 NRR, could find it difficult to enter the knock-out stage if there is a tie on points at the end of this ongoing stage. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Zimbabwe were punished badly as the West Indies batters went on a scoring rampage at the Wankhede Stadium.Shimron Hetmyer was the star of the show, smashing a brilliant 85 off just 34 balls to help West Indies post a massive 254-6, the second-highest total ever in T20 World Cup history. Hetmyer was dropped early in his innings, and Zimbabwe paid a heavy price for that mistake. He raced to a fifty in just 19 balls and added a rapid century partnership with Rovman Powell, who also played a strong knock of 59 off 35 balls. After they got out, Sherfane Rutherford kept the scoring going with 31 not out, while Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder added quick runs at the end, with 38 runs coming off the final two overs.Chasing a huge target of 255, Zimbabwe had a nightmare start. They were reduced to 20-3 inside the first three overs and never recovered. Although Brad Evans fought hard with a late 43 off 21 balls, the rest of the batting collapsed under pressure. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs.Left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein dominated with the ball, taking four and three wickets respectively to seal an emphatic win. The match showed the big gap between the two sides on the day, with West Indies sending a strong message in the Super Eights stage.
The United States women’s ice hockey team, fresh off a gold-medal victory over Canada in the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend his State of the Union address on Tuesday.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” USA Hockey told NBC News. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.
“They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
Team United States celebrates after their win over Sweden at the Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Feb. 16, 2026.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital.
The women’s hockey team was dominant in the Olympics, and it came down to the gold medal game against their rival, Team Canada, this past week in a thriller that required overtime after a late goal by Hilary Knight tied the game at one apiece with less than two minutes to play in the third period.
Knight’s heroics allowed the three-on-three golden-goal overtime period, where Megan Keller received a pass down ice, made a nifty deke on a Canadian defender, and back-handed a shot past the goaltender for the win.
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Just days later, the men’s hockey team did the exact same against Canada, as Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime on Sunday afternoon to finish the Milan Cortina Games in style for the U.S.
During a call to the men’s hockey team on Sunday night after their victory, Trump also invited the team to the State of the Union. It’s unclear if they plan to attend it considering the NHL schedule resumes on Wednesday night.
United States’ Grace Zumwinkle, left, and Taylor Heise celebrate after the victory ceremony for women’s ice hockey at the Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.(AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
As Trump was explaining he could “send a military plane or something” for the team, one player cut him off and said, “We’re in.”
Trump, then, brought up FBI Director Kash Patel, who was spotted celebrating with the team in the locker room after the gold-medal win.
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“We’ll get Kash, and we’ll get the military to get you guys over,” Trump continued. “You won’t have to worry about the weather or landing. We don’t care if it’s snowing or if it’s the worst blizzard – we’ll be sailing through like you did on the ice.”
Trump also brought up the women’s hockey team on the phone call.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” Trump was heard saying over the phone to the men’s team.
Team United States poses after the medal ceremony following their gold-medal match against Canada at the Winter Olympics at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026, in Milan.(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump talked to the U.S. men’s hockey team and invited them to his State of the Union address after their gold medal victory over Canada at the Winter Olympics.
American Olympian Matthew Tkachuk reflected on the president’s phone call as he arrived at Miami International Airport a day after the team secured a gold medal.
United States’ hockey player Matthew Tkachuk signs autographs after arriving at Miami International Airport from the Milan Cortina Olympics, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Miami.(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
“It was super cool,” he told reporters as he walked into the terminal. “It’s an honor hearing from the President of the United States. Hearing that he was supporting us and all the other athletes wanting us to bring home as many gold medals as we can. We’re definitely honored to represent him and the hundreds of millions across the country and to bring a gold medal back.”
The Florida Panthers star was also asked how winning a gold medal compared to winning the Stanley Cup.
United States’ Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the United States defeated Canada in a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Tkachuk and the Panthers are back-to-back reigning Stanley Cup champions. He pointed out the major difference was what the win meant to the country as a whole.
“It’s almost more meaningful to everybody else in the sense of it’s a way to unite the whole country,” he said. “When you go through the two-month grind and the 82-game grind in the NHL season, you don’t compare that. That’s as hard of a trophy as you’re going to win in sports, the Stanley Cup.
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“But when it comes to bringing together Americans, whether they like hockey or not, the Olympics, an Olympic hockey player at that stage against Canada, that’s as high as it’s gonna get.”
United States’ Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the United States defeated Canada in a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Tkachuk didn’t confirm whether the team will be at the State of the Union, but suggested that they will party in Miami on Monday night and then head to D.C. on Tuesday.
ATP 500 and WTA 500 tennis events in Acapulco and Merida, respectively, are currently underway in Mexico. However, the country is experiencing a situation of turmoil with the killing of drug lord Nemesio Cervantes, best known as “El Mencho,” in a military operation that took place in Tapalpa, situated in the state of Jalisco, on February 22.
The 59-year-old was killed along with eight members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which El Mencho led. This incident has triggered acts of violence from members of the cartel. In fact, Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico’s Security Secretary, revealed that 25 members of the National Guard have also been killed.
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Tennis commentator Brett Haber gave his take on the situation in Mexico. The Tennis Channel host suggested that the ATP and the WTA shift the players from Acapulco and Merida to Indian Wells, where the BNP Paribas Open is scheduled for March.
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“Just left Mexico. Police activity at the airport was insane. Polite suggestion to the @atptour & @WTA — and to Larry Ellison: get one plane to Acapulco and one to Merida and get everybody out of there — and put them up for an extra week at Indian Wells to train and be safe. This is not a drill,” Haber wrote on X.
Just left Mexico. Police activity at the airport was insane. Polite suggestion to the @atptour & @WTA– and to Larry Ellison: get one plane to Acapulco and one to Merida and get everybody out of there — and put them up for an extra week at Indian Wells to train and be safe. This is not a drill.
Sports in Mexico have been affected by El Mencho’s death, with the country’s soccer federation postponing four matches, including the women’s fixture between arch-rivals Chivas Guadalajara and Club America. The Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, however, has issued a no-cancellation notice, stating that the tournament will go on as planned.
Notable tennis players competing in Acapulco and Merida
Emma Navarro and Jasmine Paolini are the top two seeds at the Merida Open, where Sloane Stephens, Marie Bouzkova, Katie Boulter, Yulia Putintseva, and Donna Vekic are also competing. Paolini, Navarro, and Bouzkova are among the top four seeds and have received a walkover into the second round of the WTA 500 tournament.
There are some prominent tennis names competing at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, with 2021 champion Alexander Zverev being the top seed. Two-time champion Alex de Minaur is seeded second while 2024 runner-up Casper Ruud is the third seed.
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Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Flavio Cobolli, Valentin Vacherot, Frances Tiafoe, and 2022 runner-up Cameron Norrie are also among the seeded players at this year’s tournament in Acapulco. Sebastian Korda and Brandon Nakashima are also competing in the ATP 500 event.
In Diablo 4 Season 11: Divine Intervention, Azmodan is tied to the seasonal lesser evil encounter events. This encounter takes place in a specific zone called the Fields of Desecration. This can be found on the eastern side of Zarbinzet in Hawezar. During this season’s event, you can summon Azmodan and participate in this large-scale boss encounter; beating him gives you access to his Hoard.
In this guide, we will break down how to open the hoard of Azmodan, what materials are required, and how to fix a few buggy instances.
Diablo 4: How to farm the Greater Hoard of Azmodan
You will need to farm Azmodan’s Corrupted Tongue to open the Hoard of Azmodan (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Azmodan doesn’t spawn randomly in Diablo 4; you are required to summon him through the Lesser Evil system in the Fields of Desecration. To summon Azmodan, you will need to:
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Activate the Lesser Evil Altar using Corrupted Essences (can be acquired by defeating other Lesser Evils).
Once activated, the invasion begins, leading to a large-scale boss fight.
As with other world boss encounters, any nearby player can join the fight. Once he’s defeated, Azmodan has a chance of dropping one Corrupted Tongue of Azmodan. This is not a guaranteed drop and requires multiple attempts at Azmodan.
Summoning Azmodan requires you to farm Corrupted Essences (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Corrupted Tongue of Azmodan is required to open the Hoard of Azmodan. To open his Hoard, you will need:
5x Corrupted Tongue of Azmodan
Upon collecting the necessary amount of Tongues, you will need to summon and defeat Azmodan once more (but this time as a World Boss and not in Hawezar) to spawn the Hoard. Once Azmodan’s Hoard appears, you can spend the Corrupted Tongues of Azmodan to claim the rewards.
Azmodan’s Hoard can yield the following rewards:
Legendary Items
Crafting materials
Gold
Other valuable Season 11 rewards
To progress towards the season’s Greater Hoard objective, you must defeat Azmodan as a World Boss multiple times and open his Hoard using the Corrupted Tongues that drop from him.
The progression only counts if and when you open Azmodan’s Hoard and not just from slaying Azmodan in the Fields of Desecration. Successfully opening the Hoard will immediately count towards the Greater Hoard seasonal progression in Diablo 4 Season 11.
How to efficiently farm Corrupted Tongues
The Greater Hoard progression is tied to Seasonal events (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Corrupted Tongues can only be acquired by defeating the Azmodan world boss in Season 11. They can’t be acquired from any other bosses, dungeons, or activities, making it the only farming method.
Here are some of the tips and tricks to farm Corrupted Tongues efficiently:
Only one Corrupted Tongue from a single encounter with Azmodan.
To successfully spawn Azmodan’s Hoard, you will need to kill Azmodan multiple times.
Shorten the time between invasions by using a build with excellent single-target damage and staying near the Fields of Desecration.
These Purified Tongue of Azmodan can be used at the secret Altar of Sin (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Occasionally, Azmodan’s Hoard will drop a Purified Tongue of Azmodan. This item is not used for the progression toward the Hoard of Azmodan; instead, it’s used at the secret shrine. This shrine teleports you to a secret dungeon where you must fight against multiple Lesser Evils. This is extremely difficult but offers an alternative method of acquiring endgame gear.
While the invasion of Azmodan works, it is possible that Azmodan’s Hoard doesn’t spawn after the boss fight.
Here are a few things that cause the bug:
Leaving the Fields of Desecration too quickly after slaying Azmodan.
Heavy player traffic causes the invasion event to phase incorrectly.
The hoard interaction prompt fails to register.
There is no right way to fix this bug, but here are a few things you can try:
If the Hoard doesn’t appear despite you having five Corrupted Tongues of Azmodan, it is suggested to remain inside the invasion zone till the event is resolved completely.
If the issue continues, try participating in the next Azmodan event.
The Greater Hoard of Azmodan objective is not inherently buggy; it’s poorly described, which in turn makes it confusing to players. It should clearly be mentioned that only the World Boss version of Azmodan spawns the Hoard.
If the Hoard is not appearing, check the version of Azmodan you are fighting, as there are no hidden mechanics related to the Greater Hoard of Azmodan.
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
With the draft process intensifying, the Vikings have already begun evaluating running back prospects, including a small-school breakout name who recently met with the team.
A player who could be on the team’s radar is running back Chris Mosley. The North Carolina Central alumnus reportedly met with the Vikings.
Draft reporter Justin Melo of SI.com revealed on social media that the Vikings’ brass chatted with Mosley at the HBCU Legacy Bowl that took place this past weekend. The Vikes were not alone, as he listed eight other franchises.
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North Carolina Central Eagles running back Chris Mosley runs the football against the Florida A&M Rattlers during a Week 7 NCAA football game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Saturday, October 11, 2025.
After three quiet campaigns at North Carolina Central, the runner broke out during the 2025 season. Mosley rushed 188 times for 1,020 yards and 8 touchdowns, resulting in an average of 5.4 yards. He also showed he can be a reliable pass-catcher, recording 30 receptions for 324 yards and 2 more scores.
Gerald J. Huggins II wrote this month about the draft hopeful on SI.com. “Mosley projects as an NFL camp/2nd-tier league starter who will be most impactful in a power-heavy running scheme that allows him to utilize his vision, patience, and toughness. His toughness as a runner and ability to consistently gain positive yardage give him upside to be an RB3 or 4 at the NFL level. He will need to refine his receiving ability and pass protection to be a more serviceable option.”
It would be far-fetched to expect a back from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, especially one that isn’t putting up prime Adrian Peterson numbers, to arrive in the NFL as an elite weapon. Still, there might be some hidden upside.
If the Vikings strike out on the top halfbacks in the Draft, adding one later in the three-day event or even as an undrafted rookie can’t be ruled out.
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Aaron Jones, Minnesota’s RB1 in the last two seasons, is a potential cap casualty, given his expensive salary cap hit and the limited production due to his injury struggles and age-related declining explosiveness. He’s just coming off a season with the lowest yards-per-attempt in his career, with 4.2 and he missed five games with injuries. Jones still produced 548 rushing yards and found paydirt twice.
Of course, there’s also Jordan Mason, who shared the workload with the veteran. The trade acquisition from last offseason appeared in 16 games and delivered a solid yardage total of 758 with an average of 4.8 yards per carry. Crossing the goalline six times isn’t too shabby either.
Besides the top duo, the Vikings enter the offseason with pending free agents Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott. Chandler has not consistently earned a role on offense in his four seasons in the State of 10,000 Lakes. A departure seems likely. Scott showed enough promise to earn a spot on the offseason roster.
If Jones isn’t retained for a third season in purple, Mason would climb to the top spot until the franchise finds someone else in the Draft or free agency. Mosley is unlikely to be that guy; he’s more of an upside swing later in the Draft.
Pre-draft meetings like this are not always an indication of strong draft interest, but they do signal that a prospect is at least on the team’s evaluation radar. For smaller-school players like Mosley, events such as the HBCU Legacy Bowl and Combine interviews are often crucial.
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During the 2024 season, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez shared a celebration with teammate Bo Richter after delivering a key play. The moment captured the energy and enthusiasm of Minnesota’s defensive front as the young players made their presence felt. Rodriguez’s ability to disrupt and Richter’s support highlighted the team’s depth and emerging contributors on defense. Mandatory Credit: Alli Rusco, Vikings.com.
The Vikings, in particular, have shown a willingness in recent years to explore under-the-radar prospects who can compete for depth roles and special teams snaps before potentially carving out a larger role on offense. Levi Drake Rodriguez, out of Texas A&M Commerce, comes to mind. He was drafted in the 7th round in 2024 and played a significant role on the defensive line in his sophomore season.
While a meeting does not guarantee draft interest, it does confirm that Mosley is firmly on Minnesota’s scouting radar. For a team potentially reshaping its backfield depth this offseason, identifying late-round or undrafted runners with upside could quietly become an important part of the Vikings’ draft strategy.
The USA women’s hockey team has declined an invitation to attend Tuesday night’s State of the Union, a day after President Donald Trump jokingly told the men’s hockey team that he would probably be impeached if he also didn’t invite the women’s team.
Scheduling conflicts was the reason for declining the invitation to attend the State of the Union, according to a USA Hockey spokesperson.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the spokesperson said. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
The spokesperson added that the team was “honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
Trump invited the men’s team to the State of the Union during a call with the team shortly after their win over Canada. It is unclear whether the team will attend.
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“I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team,” he said. “I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
Team USA made history at the 2026 Olympics by completing a sweep of hockey gold medals for the first time. The women’s team won the gold for the first time in eight years after recording a 2-1 overtime win over Canada. Two days later, the men’s team followed suit in nearly identical fashion after posting a 2-1 overtime win over Canada. The men’s team captured their first gold medal since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
While the women’s team trailed for most of regulation before tying the score in the third period, the men’s team took an early lead before Canada tied things up in the second period. It remained tied throughout the third period before Zach Werenski fed Jack Hughes for the game-winning goal less than two minutes into overtime.
The women’s golden goal was scored by Megan Keller, who had assisted on Hilary Knight’s game-tying goal in the third period.
A former WWE champion provided a major health update during a recent interview. The star sustained an injury earlier this month.
On the February 6 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Chelsea Green wrestled Tiffany Stratton and Lash Legend in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Triple Threat Match. The Buff Barbie pinned The Hot Mess to secure the win. Unfortunately, to make matters worse for Green, she also hurt her foot during the match.
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In a recent conversation with Denise Salcedo, Chelsea Green disclosed that she was healing up better than expected. However, the 34-year-old noted that she should not be out of her walking boot. The former WWE Women’s United States Champion added that she was lucky that the injury was not serious. Green further clarified that she won’t be out for long.
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“I’m healing up much faster than I thought I would be. I’m out of the boot, but only for the fashion. I should not be out of the boot. I chipped my ankle, the side of it. So, it’s painful, but I feel like I got lucky. Like, in terms of a broken ankle, I feel like I got very very very lucky. Thank gosh… No, no, no, I won’t be [out for long],” Green said.
You can check out their conversation in the video below:
WWE Superstar Chelsea Green lost a championship without competing
Chelsea Green and WWE NXT star Ethan Page won the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship by defeating La Hiedra and Mr. Iguana at AAA Alianzas in November 2025.
The duo was scheduled to defend the title against NXT’s Lola Vice and AAA’s Mr. Iguana on an episode of AAA on Fox. However, due to the injury she sustained during the Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match, Green had to be pulled out of the championship bout.
AAA’s La Hiedra replaced Chelsea Green as Ethan Page’s tag team partner for the match. Unfortunately, they lost the bot and, with it, the gold as well.
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It remains to be seen how much longer it takes for Chelsea Green to make her in-ring return following the unfortunate injury and the disappointing setbacks.
If you use any quotes from the first half of this article, please credit Denise Salcedo with an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.
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Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will clash in a professional fight in September, 11 years after their first showdown, which was the most-lucrative boxing match in history.
On 19 September, Mayweather and Pacquiao will square off at the Sphere in Las Vegas, the same city where Mayweather outpointed his Filipino rival in 2015.
Their first fight still holds the records for most pay-per-view sales (4.6m) and highest gate ($72.2m) in boxing history.
American Mayweather will turn 48 on Tuesday, while Pacquiao is 47 years old. Each man is expected to compete in his own exhibition match this spring, before they share a ring live on Netflix. Mayweather is currently set to face heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in his exhibition contest.
Addressing the news in a press release, “Money” Mayweather kept it short and sweet: “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”
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Meanwhile, “Pac Man” said: “Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. The fans have waited long enough – they deserve this rematch, and it will be even bigger now that it will be streamed live globally on Netflix.
Floyd Mayweather (left) beat Manny Pacquiao on points in their 2015 fight (AP)
“I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him. As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bringing glory to the Philippines.”
As Pacquiao mentioned, Mayweather has an unbeaten pro record of 50-0 (27 knockouts), with his last pro contest taking place in 2018, when he beat UFC star Conor McGregor via TKO. Since then, he has competed in a number of exhibition bouts.
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Pacquiao’s pro record stands at 62-8-3 (39 KOs), and he remains the only eight-weight world champion in boxing history, while Mayweather is a former five-weight title holder.
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Pacquiao actually returned to pro boxing last summer, fighting then-champion Mario Barrios to a draw in their WBC welterweight title bout. He had contested an exhibition bout in 2024, and his previous pro bout was a 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas.
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Pacquiao has been heavily involved in politics in the Philippines (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Pacquiao has also been heavily involved in politics in his home country, having served as a senator in the Philippines from 2016 until 2022, and having launched a failed presidential bid ahead of the 2022 election.
Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 sees Netflix continue its venture into boxing, with the streaming platform having hosted several high-profile fights since 2024. In November of that year, influencer Jake Paul beat a 58-year-old Tyson on points.
In 2025, a trio of events followed: an undisputed title fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, with the Irishwoman going 3-0 in their trilogy; another undisputed contest as Terence Crawford beat Canelo Alvarez; and a crossover bout between Paul and ex-heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who stopped the American in six rounds.
Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno’s recent comments have the Major League Baseball Players’ Association ticked off.
Moreno was speaking with reporters on Friday when he mentioned that the “number one thing fans want is affordability” to attend games during the MLB season, per the Orange County Register.
But that wasn’t the worst of it, as Moreno said, “Winning is not in their top five,” referencing data the organization procured themselves.
Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno gets ready for a game against the Kansas City Royals at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 14, 2025.(Rick Scuteri/Imagn Images)
“They want affordability,” Moreno said to reporters. “They want safety, and they want a good experience when they come to the ballpark. Believe it or not, winning is not in their top five.”
Bruce Meyer, the new head of the MLBPA following Tony Clark’s resignation, said “the players took notice” of Moreno’s comments, while the union did as well.
“The bottom line is players are competitors,” Meyer told The Athletic. “They grew up competing every day. They go out, and they try their hardest to win every game. And players want to see owners doing the same thing.”
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It may be hard for players to hear their owner isn’t focused on winning, especially those on the Angels’ roster like future Hall of Fame center fielder Mike Trout, who hasn’t seen playoff baseball since 2014.
In fact, that was the last season the Angels finished the regular season over .500 (98-64), where they eventually lost in the ALDS. Since then, the best record the Angels have finished with was 85-77 in 2015.
It’s been a rough go of it for the AL West franchise despite years with Shohei Ohtani and Trout on the roster, though the latter dealt with numerous injuries along the way.
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Texas Rangers in a baseball game Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)
Last season, Los Angeles finished 72-90 for last place once again in the division after going 63-99 the year prior.
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Given the Angels are in a large market on the West Coast, one would suspect them to be a contender each year and a popular destination. However, that hasn’t been the case, and the product has suffered in the win-loss column in recent seasons.
On the other side of town, the Los Angeles Dodgers have become the franchise envied by fans and teams alike given their massive spending spree and utilizing deferred money to field an All-Star roster that continues to get better by the year.
“If you can’t have a successful operation in Los Angeles, it’s hard to see what the problem is,” Meyer said. “It’s easy to make excuses, but certainly the Los Angeles Angels have resources to compete in every respect.
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“To come out and say that winning is not a priority, not even in the top five priorities, is really pretty remarkable.”
Moreno’s focus seems to be on how he can continue to put customers in the seats at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The team was 13th in MLB for total attendance last season (2,615,506).
“Moms make about 80% of the decisions,” Moreno continued. “They want to be able to bring their kids and be affordable and they want safety and they want to have a good experience, so they get all the entertainment stuff or whatever. The purists, you know, it’s just straight winning.”
Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno reacts during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Angel Stadium on May 10, 2022.(Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
Moreno, who is worth $5 billion according to Forbes, sees a payroll around $188 million for the 2026 season, which sits 15th in MLB. The franchise is currently dealing with its TV rights, too, having left Main Street Sports Group.
“Will [payroll] get back to $200 million? Probably,” Moreno said. “We’ve got to get our TV thing worked out, and we just have to improve our brand.”
Exquisite torture was a Pete Dye specialty. Not for nothing did the pros call him the “Marquis de Sod.” Among his sadistic markers: a penchant for particularly penal closing holes. Witness the beastly finishers at Whistling Straits, TPC Sawgrass and the Stadium Course at PGA West.
The 18th at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island belongs in that dastardly canon — a par-4 purpose-built to kick you in the knickers.
The Dyes — Pete and his wife, Alice — designed the Ocean Course for a singular occasion: the course was built from scratch to host the Ryder Cup. It debuted in the fall of 1991, just ahead of matches so contentious they’ve been remembered ever since as the War by the Shore. Drawing on the traditions of Scottish and Irish links, the Ocean Course unfolds along the Atlantic coast of South Carolina, at the mercy of winds that never behave the same way twice. With no prevailing breeze to design around, the Dyes built enough flexibility into the routing to play as two distinct courses depending on the conditions. On any given hole, there can be an eight-club difference from one day to the next.
The 18th is a bear no matter how it’s blowing. The hole stretches nearly 490 yards, it helps to hit it big. But length won’t save you from what Dye was really up to, which was messing with your mind. The fairway is a slender target hemmed in by dunes on both sides, and from the tee it appears far more menacing than it actually is. The prescribed shot traces a gentle left-to-right curve. Miss either way and the sand awaits. The green, nestled in the dunes, is a testy target, too.
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When players griped about his punishing finales, Dye had little sympathy. He framed such holes as opportunities — a chance at the kind of lasting fame Ben Hogan achieved with his iconic 1-iron on the 72nd hole of the 1950 U.S. Open at Merion, which earned him a place on the cover of LIFE magazine.
Kiawah’s 18th had other ideas in 1991. Hale Irwin snap-hooked his drive and couldn’t recover. Bernhard Langer, needing just six feet for the win, watched his putt graze the edge and stay out. Two of the era’s finest, undone on the same hole. No glory. No magazine covers. At least not the kind that either player would have wanted framed on his wall.
