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Teacher to run London Marathon for late daughter just weeks after heart surgery

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A London teacher, who underwent heart surgery 10 weeks ago, is set to run the London Marathon this Sunday to honour her daughter who died after being diagnosed with a heart syndrome.

Sophie Martin, 31, aims to complete the race with her recently healed heart, hoping to demonstrate to her pupils that resilience can be found even in the face of profound grief.

Mrs Martin described her heart feeling “broken in more ways than one” after losing Olive. Her daughter was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome – where the left side of the organ is underdeveloped – during Mrs Martin’s 12-week scan.

Born in autumn 2024, Olive was “really strong” but suffered a cardiac arrest and died two days later.

This devastating loss left Mrs Martin, her husband, and their four-year-old son, Arthur, with “a lot of grief, sadness and shock”. She stressed the importance of discussing Olive for her own healing.

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Martin took to running to help with her grief after the loss of her daughter
Martin took to running to help with her grief after the loss of her daughter (PA)

The Christian family explains difficult times to Arthur using a book about “the moon is always round”, symbolising that goodness persists even in darkness.

Coincidentally, Mrs Martin was diagnosed with heart arrhythmia during Olive’s labour, undergoing corrective surgery just 10 weeks before the marathon. Running, which she took up during the Covid pandemic, became an outlet for processing her grief.

Mrs Martin, PE lead at St James’ Roman Catholic Primary School, is among 39 educators running for Team TCS Teachers.

Last year, nearly a year after Olive’s death, she ran the Royal Parks marathon, raising £5,000 for Demelza Hospice, which supported her family.

“For me, this marathon is a new chapter,” Mrs Martin said. “Running with a newly healed heart is my way of honouring Olive and showing my students, and myself, that even after immense grief, you can find strength and joy. It’s a reminder that life keeps going and I’m ready to see how much further I can go.”

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“I never thought I’d get in (to the marathon),” Mrs Martin told the Press Association.

“I honestly was really surprised when the email came in. I’d just had my heart surgery, and then it must have been about two weeks later I found out that I’d got in and I thought ‘I don’t know if I can even physically do this’.”

Despite the significant challenge, she hopes her journey will inspire her students, teaching them that even the hardest tasks are not impossible.

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Suyash Sharma Taunts Shubman Gill With ‘Bow Down’ Celebration, Sets Internet On Fire

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru spinner Suyash Sharma dismissed Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill during an IPL 2026 match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Friday. The leg-spinner’s celebration after taking the wicket hogged the limelight. On the fourth ball of the 13th over of GT’s innings, Suyash bowled a short googly and Gill hit it into the hands of Devdutt Padikkal at long-on. He fell after scoring 32 off 24 balls. While celebrating the wicket, Suyash came up with a ‘bow down’ gesture – a trademark style of Gill when he scores a century.

Check out some of the reactions here:

Virat Kohli punished Gujarat Titans for dropping him on nought with a blistering half-century as RCB breezed to a five-wicket victory in the game against GT.

Left-handed opener Sai Sudharsan’s third IPL hundred was the cornerstone of Gujarat’s 205 for 3 after they were put in to bat by Rajat Patidar at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

However, Kohli (81) and Devdutt Padikkal (55) tore into the bowling during a rollicking 115-run second-wicket stand to delight a full house in Bengaluru’s final league match of the season at the venue.

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Kohli was put down by Washington Sundar at mid-wicket off the first ball he faced from Mohammed Siraj, in the opening over of the chase, and made Gujarat pay for their largesse with a thrilling exhibition of stroke-making.

Bengaluru lost Englishman Jacob Bethell, playing his first game of the season in place of injured compatriot Phil Salt, in the third over.

That was the cue for Kohli and Padikkal to put on a delightful exhibition of stroke-making, marked by timing and silken grace rather than raw power.

Rangy left-hander Padikkal did the early running with a stunning array of sixes as he used his long levers to great effect, with Kohli only marginally behind.

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Padikkal was the first to reach his half-century, off 20 deliveries, while Kohli took 30 balls to reach the landmark before the former was bowled by Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan.

Kohli continued to make merry, going past Abhishek Sharma to become the tournament’s leading run-scorer (328) and claim the Orange Cap.

His dismissal – bowled off the inside edge by West Indian Jason Holder – sparked a mini-collapse before Australian Tim David and Krunal Pandya got the job done with little fuss.

Gujarat’s innings was dominated by the punchy Sudharsan, who hogged the strike in the early stages, with skipper Shubman Gill facing just three balls in the first five overs.

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Clearly the dominant partner in an opening alliance of 128, Sudharsan shrugged off a modest start to the tournament with boundaries galore.

The base was set for a total in the region of 220, but Bengaluru surged back towards the end through their experienced seamers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Australian Josh Hazlewood, along with the impressive Rasikh Salam.

Gujarat needed two sixes from Holder in the final over, bowled by Pandya, to sneak past 200 – a total that was competitive but far from adequate.

(With AFP inputs)

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26 best available players for Colts on Day 3 of 2026 NFL draft

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Heading into Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft, who are the best available prospects who could be of interest to the Indianapolis Colts?

After making two picks on Day 2, the Colts hold six selections on Saturday, including two in the fourth round after trading back in Round 2 with Pittsburgh.

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Taking into account position groups that could still be on GM Chris Ballard’s radar, here are the top prospects still on the draft board, with help from CBS Sports.

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Best available defensive ends on Day 3 of 2026 NFL draft

Adding more competition in an effort to give the pass rush an added boost should still be in play for the Colts, even with their free agency additions.

Best available linebackers on Day 3 of 2026 NFL draft

The Colts landed CJ Allen, but linebacker is a position where Ballard should be looking to double-dip.

  • Keyshaun Elliot, Arizona State

  • Jackson Kuwatch, Miami (OH)

Best available wide receivers on Day 3 of 2026 NFL draft

The Colts should still be adding competition for the WR3 role.

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  • Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State

  • Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech

Best available offensive linemen on Day 3 of 2026 NFL draft

Improving the depth at both tackle and guard should be a priority on Saturday.

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  • IOL Sam Hecht, Kansas State

  • OT Gavin Ortega, Weber State

  • OT Jude Bowry, Boston College

Best available running backs on Day 3 of 2026 NFL draft

Only DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley are on the roster behind Jonathan Taylor. More competition for the RB2 role could be beneficial.

  • Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Top prospects available for Colts in Rounds 4-7

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Lindsay Park secures JMac for Tycoon Star in 2026 Morphettville Tobin Bronze Stakes

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Jockey wearing a blue jacket and white helmet rides a brown horse, smiling and pointing to the right as they move past.

The trio of Ben, Will and J D Hayes at Lindsay Park believes a pair of tweaks could elicit top effort from Tycoon Star in the Morphettville feature race.

On Saturday, Tycoon Star contests the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m), and a good result there might open doors to the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville scheduled for May 9.

Lindsay Park has reinstated the visor in Tycoon Star’s gear, with the significant addition being James McDonald in the saddle.

Ben Hayes noted the yard was set to try blinkers again on Tycoon Star before selecting the visor.

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“The visor and the best jockey in the world on Saturday and hopefully that makes a difference and then he stays on for the Goodwood,” Hayes said.

“Unfortunately, the line keeps coming up too quick for him, but he does have the ability.

He’s performed well against the best and we’re hoping The Goodwood will be a nice race for him to really have a go at.”

Tycoon Star has frequently earned prizemoney in elite races for his age group across Australia, highlighted by his recent second placing in the Redelva Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on April 11.

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Last season’s Goodwood winner Reserve Bank had wins in the Redelva and Tobin Bronze leading up, similar to Royal Merchant who captured the 2023 Goodwood after the Tobin Bronze success.

Hayes is counting on the improved track firmness at Morphettville Saturday to boost Stung’s performance in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m).

Stung had success in the Listed Clare Lindop Stakes (1600m) on March 28, yet faded badly in the Group 3 Auraria Stakes (1800m) on April 11.

“She drew wide and went back to the rail and it was a soft track that day and it was the first time she had seen it,” Hayes said.

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“She didn’t like it one bit and she had won well at her previous start, so we’ve decided to press on.

She deserves the opportunity.”

Discover competitive betting sites offering great racing odds for the Tobin Bronze Stakes.

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Vikings Add 4 More Rookies on Busy Friday Night

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Hurricanes safety Jakobe Thomas against the Hooisers in 2026
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings used their 1st-Round pick on Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks on Thursday night, and set sail on Friday with what would turn out to be four more selections before the start of Round 4.

Minnesota’s draft class expanded quickly with defense, depth, and one offensive tackle.

All told, Minnesota added three more defenders and an offensive tackle.

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Day 2 Gave the Vikings Several New Youthful Paths

The Vikings made a 2nd-Round Pick for the first time in four years.

Jake Golday attempts a tackle against UCF at Nippert Stadium. Vikings rookies
Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) closes in on UCF quarterback Cam Fancher (14) during the second half at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Oct 11, 2025, attempting a tackle in open space as the defense works to limit a developing play in a competitive conference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images.

Round 2 — Jake Golday | LB, Cincinnati

Suddenly, the Vikings’ off-ball linebacking corps is deeper than the Atlantic.

In addition to rostering Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, and Ivan Pace Jr., Minnesota has Golday in a slow cooker, biding his time to take over, probably for Wilson in 2027. Golday is a natural fit for Brian Flores’s defense, and it’s easy to see. At 6’5″ with 4.62 speed, he possesses the tools to be a significant problem for offenses at the next level.

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His lean frame is the only notable concern, but the rest of his game appears solid. Golday played extensively at Central Arkansas and Cincinnati, maintained his health throughout his college career, and even earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025.

For Vikings fans, there’s a notable connection: Golday and Ivan Pace Jr. both came up through the Cincinnati program. Wilson also attended Cincinnati a decade ago.

Some claim Golday is “raw,” so with the aforementioned depth, he may not see the field a ton in 2026. Always remember, though: Cashman usually misses at least four games per season.

Best NFL Comp: Leighton Vander Esch or Germaine Pratt

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Then, the Trade

Record for the DJ’s record scratch? It happened. After weeks of rumors, the Vikings traded outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles for two 3rd-Rounders, while giving Howie Roseman’s club a 7th-Rounder as sweetener.

The Vikings flipped the first 3rd-Rounder into Jakobe Thomas — more on him momentarily — and stashed the second for 2027’s already deep rookie class. Greenard is no longer a Viking. Dallas Turner’s promotion has arrived.

Round 3 — Domonique Orange | DT, Iowa State

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The man called Big Citrus is in the house. Minnesota drafted not one, but two, big defensive tackles in 24 hours, landing Orange from Iowa State. Immediate context: Orange is a nose tackle; Banks is not.

Orange projects as an early-down interior lineman capable of contributing immediately. At 6’2″ and 325 pounds, he possesses a strong first step, a solid anchor, and noticeably long arms — traits all evident on tape.

His inclusion on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list last year is fitting, given the physical traits. Pass rushing, however, is not a major component of his game, and he rarely employs a bull rush compared to his DT draft peers. Having just turned 22 last month, he has ample time for further development.

If you need a simple way to process it: Banks is a Viking to sack quarterbacks, Orange is the run-stuffing guy.

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Best NFL Comp: Dalvin Tomlinson

Round 3 — Caleb Tiernan | OT, Northwestern

With Christian Darrisaw’s ACL recovery not necessarily progressing swimmingly in 2025, plus Brian O’Neill’s 2027 free agency, Minnesota evidently wanted an OT insurance policy, finding that in Tiernan.

The Northwestern alumnus is known for pass protection. Above all else, that is his baby. He’s also huge at 6’8″ and 320 pounds. He can play left tackle and right tackle and has five years of starting experience. The dude is game-ready. He’ll turn 24 during next year’s playoffs.

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Caleb Tiernan celebrates a touchdown with teammates during a Northwestern game. Vikings rookies
Northwestern offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (72) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana, on Nov 2, 2024, joining quarterback Jack Lausch and running back Joseph Himon II as the Wildcats react to a scoring play against Purdue. Mandatory Credit: Alex Martin-Imagn Images.

Tiernan also has a basketball background if you need a flavor of his athleticism.

The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Tiernan, a newcomer to the Vikings’ mock-draft cycle: “Tiernan is a large-framed blocker with the controlled, efficient movements as a pass blocker to stay square against various pass-rush angles. His use of hands is advanced for his age, and it allows him to quickly reset and toy with defenders.”

“His recovery skills and body control aren’t as consistent in the run game, which leads him to lose control of reps. Tiernan relies on refinement to compensate for his average length and redirect skills, using disciplined hands and poise to execute assignments. He’ll have swing tackle ability, although his best position long-term might be guard.”

Best NFL Comp: Mike McGlinchey

Round 3 — Jakobe Thomas | S, Miami

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No, the Vikings did not leave the draft with Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman — he went to the Chicago Bears, of all places — or Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. But they did snag a decent consolation prize in Thomas, as starting safeties can be plucked from the draft’s middle and late rounds more than any position, at least per finding quality starters.

Thomas is 6’1′ and 211 pounds with 4.57 speed. The size and speed are there, as are real-time processing, a turnover-forcing gene, and versatility. He can play any safety role that Flores requests.

Jakobe Thomas is attended to after a play against SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Vikings rookies
Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) lies on the field after a defensive play against SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on Nov 1, 2025, receiving attention following a second-quarter stop during a game that featured physical defensive efforts. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.

Weaknesses? Thomas fell to the bottom of Round 3 because of tackling and, hence, run defense. Someone must teach him to tackle at a more consistent clip.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierein on Thomas: “A productive, fifth-year safety prospect, Thomas is wired to play forward and race into the action wherever it is present. He overflows pursuit and has too many missed or broken tackles on his stat sheet, but his impact against the run is a net positive.”

He’ll turn 23 this summer.

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Best NFL Comp: Justin Reid


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Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza claims team has most Hispanic fan base

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza claimed his new team has the “most Hispanic fan base” after going No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. Mendoza made the statement during his introductory press conference for the team on Friday.

“The history of the Raiders, especially the Hispanic history, is like no other. I believe it’s probably the most Hispanic fan base and legends like Mr. [Jim] Plunkett, like Mr. [Tom] Flores. I mean, all those legendary Hispanic idols and cornerstones of the franchise. It means a lot as a Cuban American to come to this franchise and help try to carry the torch. But again, I’ve got to prove it, and I’m really looking forward to connecting with the Hispanic community here,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza himself is Cuban, as the descendant of Cuban refugees.

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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passing football during game in Miami Gardens

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes against Miami during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

After Fidel Castro seized control of Cuba and installed a communist regime, all four of Mendoza’s grandparents fled the country and came to America.

“We all thought it was temporary,” Mendoza’s maternal grandfather, Alberto Espino, previously told The Washington Post. “There was no way the United States would allow a communist regime 90 miles away.”

But Castro’s reign endured, so Espino and the Mendozas remained in the U.S. and built their lives as Americans.

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GENO SMITH REACTS TO REPORTED MOVE TO RAIDERS: ‘GOD IS THE GREATEST

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza looking on during warmups at Hard Rock Stadium

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks on during warmups before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Jan. 19, 2026. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)

Mendoza is coming into the NFL after one of the best seasons by a quarterback in college football history for Indiana.

Now, as the quarterback of the Raiders, he will be under pressure to carry one of the league’s historic franchises back to prominence after decades of underachieving.

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Quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaking at a news conference in Henderson, Nevada

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, speaks during a news conference at the Raiders Headquarters in Henderson, Nev., on April 24, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

“It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s also a huge honor to honor the legacy. The Raiders are a core historic franchise and one of the faces of the NFL, and I feel like, again, I need to prove it and earn it every single day,” Mendoza said.

“Especially as a rookie, nothing’s given, and my belief in that everything is earned. So, I’m going to come in humble, try to establish myself with my work ethic and lead by example, but at the end of the day, it’s all great saying these words, but I’ve got to do it.”

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Aaron Ramsey: Ex-Wales captain runs London Marathon in memory of ‘amazing’ young boy

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Now his playing days are done, Ramsey is aiming to make it as a coach.

He has most of his qualifications and has already had a taste of senior management, having taken charge of his boyhood club Cardiff City for three games at the end of last season as they were relegated from the Championship.

Having since been a part of Wales head coach Craig Bellamy’s staff in an unofficial capacity, Ramsey is being touted for a bright future.

“[I]100% want to go into coaching. That’s something that really excites me,” he says.

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“I had that experience with Cardiff and loved it, even though the circumstances were difficult. I felt like I got a really good reaction from the team.

“I’ve been in the Welsh camps now with Bellers and his incredible staff as well, and I’ve worked with Cardiff’s Under-18s.

“We’ll just have to see which opportunities may arise soon and we’ll go from there.”

First, Ramsey has a marathon to run.

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Ceri Menai-Davis, who has run the London Marathon before, reckons Ramsey has raised more than £25,000 for his charity – and that is before you count donations for Sunday’s race.

They have been friends for more than a decade and Ramsey’s shows of support for the charity – as well as his fundraising – include the butterfly symbol he used as a goal celebration during his career.

On Sunday, the most powerful reminder of Hugh’s life will be his father’s huge physical effort – and his son’s shoes draped around his shoulders.

“He was the most amazing, brave, courageous young boy,” Ceri says. “The reason I do marathons is, just before Hugh died, I stupidly put myself in for a marathon in 2021.

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“I never thought I’d get in but I got in, started training for it and Hugh never got to see me run that marathon because I did it two weeks after he died, and we buried him the next day with my medal.

“Last year I carried a 22-kilo rucksack, which was the weight Hugh was when he passed away. That was to display what grief weighs on you as a parent.

“This year, with Hugh’s shoes, he walked into hospital in these shoes and sadly never came out. I wanted him to cheer me on when I did it in 2021 but sadly he never did.

“I did Paris with his shoes. He never got to see Paris so I showed him the Eiffel Tower and we had a chat all the way round. In London, he’ll be there with me on my shoulders and we’ll cross the finish line together.”

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Matthew Stafford’s wife sends message to husband’s possible heir apparent

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Even at 38, Matthew Stafford remains one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. In fact, he added another trophy to his collection in February, winning his first league MVP award.

Stafford edged New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye after throwing a career-best 46 touchdowns. The 2026 season will be his 18th, and with nearly two decades in the league, the Rams appear to be looking toward the future following Thursday night’s first round.

The Rams selected former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick, potentially positioning him as Stafford’s successor. The decision sparked strong reactions and drew a response from Kelly Stafford, the veteran quarterback’s wife.

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Ty Simpson at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Ty Simpson of Alabama celebrates after being selected as the 13th overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 23, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Simpson said Kelly Stafford welcomed him to the team with a message on social media.

“Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram and welcomed me and told me to hit her up if we need anything,” Simpson said during his introductory press conference. “But I can’t wait to talk to Matthew. I’m super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain.”

FALCONS’ MICHAEL PENIX JR SHARES CRUCIAL ADVICE KIRK COUSINS GAVE HIM AFTER TAKING OVER AS STARTER

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Simpson was the full-time starter at Alabama, throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2025.

Rams coach Sean McVay shut down any speculation that Simpson was joining the team to compete with Stafford for the starting job.

Matthew Stafford and wife Kelly celebrating at SoFi Stadium

Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly celebrate after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2022. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“There were a lot of players that we liked, but when you do look at it, I think the thing you liked about the body of work is … let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team,” McVay said Thursday. “You get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback.”

Matthew Stafford standing on the field at Lumen Field in Seattle

Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the field before the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash., on Jan. 25, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

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Simpson’s parents visited with Rams general manager Les Snead during Alabama’s trip to the Los Angeles area for the Rose Bowl in January, the NFL Network reported. Simpson’s father, Jason Simpson, is the head football coach at UT Martin.

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Report: Cognizant Classic hit by PGA cutbacks

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Syndication: Palm Beach PostTodd Fleming, Executive Director of Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches with the 17th green in the distance on February 9, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The tournament director of the Cognizant Classic of the Palm Beaches has been laid off as part of a staff reduction by the PGA Tour, Sports Illustrated reported Friday.

On Thursday, the PGA Tour laid off 56 employees, per the report. Todd Fleming, the Cognizant director, was among them.

The Cognizant is expected to go on in 2027 with an interim director in charge. The tournament has been operated by PGA Tour Events for the past three years. That group also is in charge of events that include the Players Championship and the Tour Championship and uses PGA Tour employees.

Most tournaments on the PGA Tour are operated and owned by local groups that work on behalf of area non-profits.

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The Cognizant first was held in 1972 and known then as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic. It later was called the Honda Classic and then the Cognizant.

Since 2007, PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens has been the home course of the event. It was played this season from Feb. 26-March 1 and won by Nico Echavarria, who earned just over $1.728 million.

Earlier this week, the PGA Tour said it is dropping the January season-opening events in Hawaii.

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–Field Level Media

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James makes tying three as Lakers win in OT, take a 3-0 series lead over Rockets

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HOUSTON — LeBron James scored 29 points, including a tying three-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, Marcus Smart had eight points in overtime and the Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of a Houston Rockets team missing Kevin Durant for a 112-108 win Friday night to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference first-round series.

The Lakers rallied from a six-point deficit with under 30 seconds remaining and can sweep the series Sunday night in Houston.

Los Angeles opened overtime with a 6-2 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Smart to take a 107-103 lead. Alperen Sengun made a basket for Houston before Smart made two free throws to push the lead to 109-105 with 52 seconds left.

Smart made two free throws with 35.5 seconds to go to make it 111-105. Reed Sheppard made a 3-pointer to get Houston within three with less than 30 seconds left in overtime but Smart made 1 of 2 free throws to push the lead to 112-108.

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Smart added 21 points and 10 assists, and Rui Hachimura added 22 points for the Lakers.

Even with Durant out for a second game in this series — this time with a sprained ankle after missing Game 1 with a knee injury — the Rockets were in position to close out the game after James had consecutive turnovers that Houston turned into a 101-95 lead.

Sengun led the Rockets with 33 points and 16 rebounds. Amen Thompson added 26 points and 11 rebounds.

The Lakers led by as many as 15 early, but were down six in the fourth before Smart was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 25.4 seconds to go after a Houston turnover and made all three free throws to get the Lakers within three.

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James, who had 13 rebounds, then stole the ball from Sheppard and his three-pointer tied it at 101-all with 13.1 seconds to go in the fourth.

The Rockets had a chance to take the lead after that, but Sengun’s seven-footer was off. James grabbed the rebound and called a timeout. He grabbed the inbounds pass and had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but his 3-point attempt bounced off the rim to send it to OT.

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After Rory McIlroy’s Masters, unlikely chaser believes Nelly Korda can be caught

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