Nic Smith, a defensive lineman for Kentucky, has died, the program announced. He was 20.

Smith spent last season as a redshirt freshman with the Wildcats. “Today our hearts are broken. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him,” Kentucky coach Will Stein wrote Monday on X.

According to a university spokesperson, campus police were called to an on-campus residence hall after receiving a report of a possible body. Later that day, the university announced Smith’s death.

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A Kentucky Wildcats helmet is shown during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri on Oct. 27, 2018. Oct. 27, 2018. Kentucky won 15-14. (Denny Medley/USA TODAY Sports)

The school official added that the University of Kentucky Police Department was working with the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner, and an initial investigation did not indicate that foul play was involved.

“This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community. We will continue to support one another and honor his memory,” Stein’s statement continued.

Smith was a sophomore in the community leadership and development program in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith (55) in a football stance during a photo shoot. (Photo courtesy: University of Kentucky Athletics)

His nicknames were “Happy” and “Big Happ,” according to his biography page on the Kentucky athletic department’s website.

Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith (55) poses during a photo shoot. (Photo courtesy of University of Kentucky Athletics)

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He played football and basketball at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville, Georgia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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The Carolina Hurricanes have evened up the Stanley Cup Final once more thanks to Jordan Staal’s two-goal night in Las Vegas to beat the Golden Knights in Game 4, 5-3.

The series now sits at 2-2 with Game 5 slated for a return back to Carolina’s Lenovo Center on Thursday to see who will have the edge in this pivotal clash on ice.

This game didn’t need overtime like the previous two, but it did need someone to break the 3-3 tie that went into the third period between these opponents.

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Jordan Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his power play goal with teammates against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period of Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on June 9, 2026. (Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

With 13:39 left in Game 4, Shea Theodore made a disastrous turnover in the Golden Knights’ own zone, and Hurricanes star Seth Jarvis picked it off right in front of the net.

Luckily for Vegas, Carter Harter stopped Jarvis’ backhand, but the threat wasn’t averted just yet. Jarvis battled to get the puck back out in front, and it ended up trickling to the stick of Nikolaj Ehlers, who tried flipping it to Staal.

SETH JARVIS SCORES OVERTIME GAME-WINNER AS HURRICANES STORM BACK FROM 2-0 DEFICIT TO EVEN STANLEY CUP FINAL

Staal lost his edge on his skate, but that didn’t stop him from swatting a back-handed shot of his own toward the net. It just trickled past Hart, and Staal celebrated while still down on the ice. He became the first player in 44 years to score a goal in each of the first four games of the Stanley Cup Final.

With the way these games have been going, though, a one-goal lead was not safe. This time, however, the Hurricanes had the defense and timely saves by Brandon Bussi, who head coach Rod Brind’Amour went with over Frederik Anderson, and the decision paid off.

The Golden Knights took 20 shots on goal, with Bussi saving 7 in his first time on ice for Carolina in this series. And Ehlers sealed victory when he cleverly banked the puck out of his own zone with an empty net on the other end that walked into the net for the 5-3 win.

Jordan Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes scores a first-period goal against Carter Hart of the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on June 9, 2026. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Hurricanes came out roaring in the first period in this one as well, scoring three goals to the Golden Knights’ one by captain Mark Stone. Logan Stankoven notched his 11th of these playoffs just 1:06 into the game. Jackson Blake quickly followed on a goal assisted by Taylor Hall and Ehlers.

Then, Staal’s first goal of the game came 12:48 into the period on a power play. Shayne Gostisbehere ripped a shot on goal, and after Hart made the save, Staal was first to find the puck and a clear shot right in front of the goal.

With a 3-1 lead after the first 20 minutes, the Hurricanes had to feel good. But again, no lead is safe, and Vegas reminded them of that in the second period.

Logan Stankoven of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after scoring a first-period goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 9, 2026. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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William Karlsson got Vegas closer with his third goal of the playoffs, while Brett Howden, adding to his case for the Conn Smythe Trophy, scored his 14th to tie it all up at three.

In the end, Staal’s heroics for the Hurricanes is why he has a “C” on his sweater.

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Pakistan captain Babar Azam with Shaheen Shah Afridi (PTI Photo)

Pakistan have entrusted Sahibzada Farhan with the captaincy for the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games, which will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, during September and October. The selectors have opted for a youthful and largely experimental 15-member squad, with several uncapped players included in the setup.Farhan, who has represented Pakistan in 46 T20 Internationals, will lead the national side for the first time in white-ball cricket. Abdul Samad has been appointed vice-captain for the tournament. The squad features four players who are yet to make their T20I debuts for Pakistan: Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood. Meanwhile, Usman Khan has been chosen as the team’s primary wicketkeeper.Pakistan’s squad for the Asian Games 2026: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).While Farhan has been a regular presence in Pakistan’s T20 setup, he has not previously captained the national team in either limited-overs format. Samad, on the other hand, has appeared in five T20Is but has not featured in the format for Pakistan since March last year. His most recent international appearance came in the ODI series against Australia.The squad bears little resemblance to the one Pakistan fielded at the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Several established stars have been left out, including regular white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha, along with Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan.A significant portion of the selected players are currently involved in Pakistan’s preparations at the National Cricket Academy. Fourteen members of the Asian Games squad are also part of the NCA white-ball camp, which is scheduled to begin in Lahore on June 15.The men’s cricket tournament at the Asian Games will commence on September 24, with the medal matches set to be played on October 3.

United States attorneys have responded to the lawsuit trying to stop this weekend’s UFC Freedom 250 card.

U.S. attorneys said that neither the Department of Interior nor the National Park Service violated any laws regarding the upcoming bout, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday on the South Lawn of the White House.

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The lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of two Virginia residents by the Public Integrity Project, was filed last weekend in federal court in the District of Columbia in an effort to stop the fight card. The lawsuit called the event on White House grounds “deeply corrupt” and alleged that several federal rules and regulations had been violated in an effort by President Donald Trump to give UFC head Dana White a favor.

“The President is giving White and his company what none have enjoyed before: unfettered access to the White House and Lincoln Memorial to stage a private, for-profit sports event, with all the promotional and branding opportunities that accompany such access,” the lawsuit reads.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit alleged that both the Department of Interior and the National Park Service organized a private sporting event on public property and failed to obtain congressional approval for construction sites. The suit is asking for an injunction to stop the event.

But the government disputed those claims, according to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, and said that such an injunction would both harm the defendants and affiliated parties after more than $60 million and “tens of thousands of hours of labor” were spent to prepare the fight card. Stopping the event, the government argued, would cause more harm than if an injunction was not granted.

The government said that the delay in filing was “inexcusable,” considering that the event has been public knowledge for nearly a year.

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It’s unclear when a decision will be made regarding the injunction. Plaintiffs can file another reply on Wednesday, and oral arguments could be made on Thursday.

Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria are set to headline the UFC Freedom 250 card in their lightweight title bout on Sunday. Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will square off in the heavyweight interim title bout, too.

The UFC is set to hold news conferences on Friday night in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and weigh-ins on Saturday at the Ellipse. The fights on Sunday will take place on Trump’s 80th birthday. The UFC has said that it will pay $700,000 to restore the South Lawn after the fight is done.

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If it moves forward, it will be the first professional sports event held on White House grounds in history.

White Sox prospect Braden Montgomery was promoted from the minor leagues to make his MLB debut on Tuesday night against the Braves. He collected his first career hit and RBI on a single in the fourth inning, but saved the fireworks for a much more dramatic moment, slugging a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th. It came with two outs and an 0-1 count while the White Sox were trailing 5-4. 

That’s a 6-5 White Sox win in 10 innings. How cool was that? The genuine emotions from second base all the way to home plate, that’s all the good stuff. And it was a historic moment, too. According to CBS Sports Research, Montgomery became just the fifth player in the modern era (since 1900) to hit a walk-off homer in their MLB debut, joining Billy Parker (1971), Josh Bard (2002), Miguel Cabrera (2003) and Carlos Perez (2015). 

Montgomery’s arrival helped give the White Sox a needed boost as they face an especially tough stretch of the schedule. They lost two of three to the Phillies over the weekend and are now hosting the Braves for three games before a three-game home series with the Dodgers and a trip to the Bronx to face the Yankees for three games. 

On top of that, Munetaka Murakami is on the injured list due to a hamstring injury and fellow power hitter Colson Montgomery had to sit out Tuesday’s game due to back tightness. A huge part of the White Sox’s early success this season had been the power-hitting trio of Murakami, Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas. 

With two-thirds of the group not in the lineup against the mighty Braves, sporting the best record in all of baseball (now 45-22), the White Sox called up Braden Montgomery and the move paid off. Montgomery was a major part of the package — Chase Meidroth and Kyle Teel were also in there — the White Sox got back when trading lefty ace Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox. The Texas A&M product was a first-round pick (12th overall) in the 2024 draft. He was ranked as the No. 36 prospect in baseball by MLB.com heading into the spring. 

He started in Double-A Birmingham and in 27 games hit .313/.429/.606 with five doubles, three triples and six home runs. In his 29 games with Triple-A Charlotte, he hit .315/.417/.495 with eight doubles and four home runs. 

The White Sox, one might recall, set a modern MLB record with 121 losses in 2024. They lost 102 games last season. Here in 2026, though, it’s a new day. With this win, they moved to 35-31 and are holding the top AL Wild Card spot while sitting just a half-game back of the Guardians for the AL Central lead. 

It’s already been an exciting season on the South Side of Chicago and this debut from the newest Montgomery just adds to it.

Manchester United have been linked with various stars in the transfer window as Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly makes his stance clear

Manchester United will aim to bolster their squad during the transfer window following an encouraging end to the campaign. Manager Michael Carrick oversaw a turnaround in the team’s form to clinch a Champions League berth.

United’s qualification for European football places extra importance on ensuring summer signings are successful as Carrick’s squad prepare to challenge across several competitions. The midfield has been identified as a key area for improvement, with United securing an early agreement for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

However, the club continue to monitor other midfield options. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who is poised to feature prominently for England at the World Cup, is among several players linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

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The 23-year-old produced an impressive season last term, despite his side fighting to avoid the drop. Anderson has also attracted attention from Manchester City, with Forest believed to be demanding £100million for his services.

Elsewhere, United are reportedly considering a swoop for Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Here’s a look at some of the major stories emerging from around Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe gives £100m transfer green light

United are claimed to be optimistic of securing Elliot Anderson’s signature, with club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepared to meet the player’s wage demands. Forest have already turned down an initial approach from Manchester City, who are favourites to sign the midfielder.

The Guardian has reported that United believe they can persuade Anderson to choose Carrick’s squad over City, who had an initial £80m bid turned down. It is claimed that United co-owner Ratcliffe is prepared to meet Anderson’s wage demands should the midfielder decide to move to the club.

Anderson currently collects approximately £100,000 per week at Forest and would likely receive a 50 per cent increase from either Manchester side. West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes is among other midfield options also being considered by United.

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Surprise move eyed

In other transfer news, United are reportedly exploring a potential swoop for Leeds United goalkeeper Darlow. The 35-year-old featured in 22 league matches for Daniel Farke’s side last season.

The Daily Mail reports that Darlow is being considered as a potential deputy goalkeeper behind Senne Lammens. The Wales international would be a fresh backup choice as it is claimed Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana are not part of the club’s plans.

Darlow, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur, is expected to become available on a free transfer as he approaches the end of his Leeds contract. Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is also reported to be an alternative target for United as a homegrown option, having begun his career at the club.

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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A TV camera suspended by wires fell on to the pitch during Hungary’s friendly against Kazakhstan at Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, forcing a brief stoppage in play.

Hungarian media reported the camera began smoking midway through the first half after fire damaged the cable supporting it.

The camera then plunged from a height of more than 20 metres and landed just inside the touchline near Hungary’s warm-up area, two metres from a cameraman.

Nobody was injured and players took a drinks break in the 26th minute while the incident was dealt with.

Hungary went on to beat Kazakhstan 3-1, with Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai among the goalscorers.

Lancashire’s quarter-final hopes were boosted by a seven-wicket win, their second victory in six games, at Chester-le-Street, while Durham’s fourth defeat in six means they are joined on eight points by a Red Rose team who remain bottom of the North Group.

Livingstone’s second successive Blast half-century – 85 not out off 31 balls with eight sixes – included four successive sixes off Kasey Aldridge’s seam bowling in a sensational innings.

Durham’s openers Graham Clark (49 not out) and Alex Lees (42) also impressed as the home side batted first and reached 128-2 from their 10 overs. England limited-overs quick Luke Wood returned 1-16 from two overs for Lightning, while Livingstone also struck.

After a near two-hour delay through to 20:25 BST, Lees pulled and muscled the contest’s first two balls from the spin of Tom Hartley for four and took four boundaries in all off the opening over.

When Livingstone bowled an attacking Lees, Durham had 94 in the eighth over. But Clark brilliantly scooped Tom Aspinwall for a boundary as the hosts ended well, despite the opener just falling short of 50.

In reply, skipper Keaton Jennings (1) and Ben McDermott (0) fell cheaply either side of a productive second over in which Livingstone pulled Matthew Potts for six. Michael Jones scored 27 from 15 balls before Livingstone was joined by Joe Moores (six not out) as Lancashire reached 130-3 to win with five balls remaining.

On the back of scores of 44 and 81 in his past two matches – both defeats against Yorkshire and Glamorgan – Livingstone went on to break the record for most sixes by a Lancashire batter in T20 history (163), previously held by his coach Steven Croft.

Multiple members of the Brazil national team earned red cards Tuesday during a game against the U.S. Two Brazilian players were shown red cards during the game, and two more were shown red after the final whistle. Brazil head coach Arthur Elias was also given a red card earlier in the second half and was sent off, along with several members of his staff.

After the match, the referees lined up for the usual postmatch handshakes flanked by two security officers with plastic shields.

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The U.S. battled its way through the highly physical second and final meeting with Brazil during this international window to claim a 1-0 victory at the Arena Castelão in Fortaleza, wrapping up its trip to the 2027 World Cup host country. It was the team’s first win against Brazil in Brazil since 1997.

“My job is to have respect for the officials,” Emma Hayes said in a news conference after the match. “My job is to make sure I stay in my technical area. There is only one person allowed to stand. And my job is to be a role model for my players, to display the behaviors to them that I want from them.”

After a 2-1 loss to Brazil on Saturday night, the U.S.’s response was overshadowed by the final 10 minutes of the match.

Sophia Wilson nearly scored her second goal since becoming a mother in the 63rd minute of the match, battling her way from the touchline toward the penalty before firing a right-footed shot that deflected off a Brazilian defender before skidding past Kansas City Current goalkeeper Lorena. Though the goal stood, it was labeled an own goal on Brazil defender Isabela. Wilson scored the lone goal for the U.S. in their Saturday night fixture against Brazil in São Paulo.

Nasarawa Amazons maintained their perfect start to the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six after coming from behind to beat defending champions Bayelsa Queens 2-1 in Port Harcourt on Monday.

After a goalless first half, Bayelsa Queens took the lead six minutes after the restart through Chiamaka Ezekwugo. However, Nasarawa Amazons fought back strongly in the closing stages of the game.

Farikikyen Moses equalised in the 80th minute before Ayatsea Hembafan scored a stoppage-time winner to hand Christopher Danjuma’s side their second consecutive victory of the competition.

The win moved Nasarawa Amazons to six points from two matches, while Bayelsa Queens remain on one point.

In another Matchday Two fixture, Abia Angels recorded a surprise 1-0 victory over former champions Rivers Angels at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

Winner David scored the only goal of the match in the 26th minute, heading home what proved to be the winning goal. The result earned Abia Angels their first victory of the playoffs after drawing 1-1 with Bayelsa Queens in their opening game.

The Umuahia-based side now have four points from two matches and have strengthened their chances of challenging for the title.

Meanwhile, Edo Queens bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Nasarawa Amazons with an impressive 4-1 win over FC Robo Queens.

Chioma Moses was the star of the match, scoring twice in the first half to give Edo Queens a comfortable lead. Substitute Precious Oscar added a third goal shortly after the break before Mary Mamudu made it 4-0 in the 63rd minute.

FC Robo Queens grabbed a late consolation goal through Florence Godwin Freda, but Edo Queens were already firmly in control.

The defeat was FC Robo Queens’ second in a row after their opening loss to Rivers Angels. The NWFL Super Six playoffs will continue on Wednesday with more crucial matches in the race for the league title.