The Kentucky Wildcats basketball team may still make the NCAA Tournament, but Dick Vitale thinks this iconic program should be much better than their 19-12 record this season considering their whopping $22 million roster. 

The legendary ESPN college basketball analyst didn’t hold back his feelings about the Wildcats as they played Florida during Saturday’s prime SEC matchup. After the Gators hit some free throws to extend their first-half lead to 26-19, Vitale started to lay into the Wildcats.

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Head coach Mark Pope of the Kentucky Wildcats in a game between the Florida Gators and the Kentucky Wildcats on March 7, 2026, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. (Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire)

“I’m going to say this right here, I’ve done several Kentucky games, win or lose, $22 million this team [which has been reported] in terms of the NIL for their players,” he said, per Awful Announcing. “I think in $22 million, they could have put together a better roster than they did. I really do.”

The Wildcats ended up losing by a score of 84-77, and Vitale continued about Kentucky near the end of their 12th loss of the season. 

“I’ll tell you one thing, you don’t want to walk out of here thinking you got a moral victory,” Vitale said, referencing a hard-fought game against the No. 5-ranked Florida team. “Moral victories don’t count at this level of basketball. And you hear some of the people, ‘We played them close. We played them tough.’ 

“The bottom line is you’re Kentucky. You’re Kentucky. And you’ve got to leave here with a win, especially at home. There are no moral victories. Come on. I don’t want to hear that.”

Collin Chandler and Jasper Johnson of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrate in the first half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena on Jan. 24, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Wildcats were once the top program in the country under former Coach John Calipari, who left for Arkansas after being unable to make a long March Madness run in recent seasons, including a shocking first round upset to the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. 

The Wildcats have been coached by Mark Pope since, and they made the Sweet 16 in last year’s tournament before losing to Tennessee. 

Kentucky Jasper Johnson in action vs Michigan State at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY on Nov. 18, 2025. (Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated )

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But this year, Kentucky is 10-8 in SEC play, and now face the No. 9 seed in the upcoming tournament this week. The winner of each conference earns a tournament berth, but the Wildcats know good seeding in the NCAA Tournament requires a strong run heading into Selection Sunday this upcoming weekend. 

The Wildcats will start their SEC Tournament play on Wednesday against No. 16 LSU. 

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India’s players celebrate after winning the T20 World Cup (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Virat Kohli hailed India national cricket team after their dominant triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, praising the side’s fearless cricket and resilience throughout the tournament.Kohli took to social media after the title clash to congratulate the team following their emphatic 96 run victory over New Zealand national cricket team in the summit clash at Narendra Modi Stadium.

Virat Kohli post

“Champions Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to all the players and all the members of the management for achieving this feat. Jai Hind,” Kohli wrote.India produced a batting spectacle to overwhelm New Zealand and successfully defend their T20 World Cup crown. The defending champions piled up a massive 255 for five after being invited to bat, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89, while Abhishek Sharma smashed 52 and Ishan Kishan struck a rapid 54 as India’s top order unleashed a relentless six hitting spree. Samson and Abhishek set the tone early with a breathtaking 98 run opening partnership that came in just 7.1 overs.India crossed the 200 run mark in only 15 overs as the Kiwi attack struggled to contain the onslaught. New Zealand briefly pulled things back when James Neesham dismissed Samson, Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav in the same over.However, Shivam Dube provided a strong finish with an unbeaten 26, smashing 24 runs in the final over to push India to the record total.Chasing 256, New Zealand faltered under the scoreboard pressure. Their hopes faded quickly after early wickets of Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips.Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling effort with a brilliant spell of 4 for 15, while Axar Patel picked up three wickets to dismantle the Kiwi batting line up.Though Tim Seifert fought with a 26 ball 52, New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs as India sealed a memorable victory and etched their name in history by becoming the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Trent McDuffie and the Los Angeles Rams are closing in on a contract extension that will make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday night because the deal had not been finalized. The Rams still aren’t able to publicly confirm they’ve even acquired McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs for a package of draft picks in a trade reached last Wednesday.

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ESPN reported the deal is a four-year, $124 million extension with $100 million guaranteed.

McDuffie is making $13.6 million in the fifth year of his rookie contract in 2026, but the extension would keep him with his hometown Rams through 2030.

When the deal is done, Los Angeles will once again have the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback after Jalen Ramsey reached the same benchmark with his five-year, $105 million extension from the Rams in 2020.

After falling one game short of the Super Bowl last season, the Rams have stepped up to address the most glaring weakness on their roster by acquiring one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks and giving him a hefty financial commitment. Los Angeles has the financial flexibility to do a big deal with ample room under the salary cap after fielding one of the league’s cheapest defenses last season.

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That defense faltered down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs, but McDuffie will be the centerpiece of its new look in the fall. The Rams also signed safeties Quentin Lake and Kam Curl to recent contract extensions, and LA seems likely to add at least one more defensive back to play alongside probable returnees Emmanuel Forbes and Kamren Kinchens.

Los Angeles won the Super Bowl four seasons ago with Ramsey playing a versatile role — the “star” position, in Rams parlance — across the defense. Lake currently fills that role with the Rams, playing both as a slot cornerback and a run-stopping defensive back in the box — but McDuffie’s arrival will allow the Rams’ scheme to be even more adaptable.

McDuffie has strengths both as a cover corner and as a hard hitter. He has three interceptions and 5 1/2 sacks in his career while leading all cornerbacks with 34 quarterback pressures and eight forced fumbles during his four NFL seasons. He was a first-team AP All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team selection in 2024.

The Rams gave up the 29th overall pick in the upcoming draft — they still have the 13th overall pick from Atlanta — along with fifth-round and sixth-round picks this season and a third-round pick next year in the trade with Kansas City.

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McDuffie was born and raised in the Los Angeles suburbs. He graduated from prep power St. John Bosco High School before going to the University of Washington, where he played for current Rams defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake.

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Following the announcement of the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, fans are anticipating a blockbuster undercard to support a high-profile main-event. Now, the man who Mayweather himself tipped as his successor has let slip that he expects to appear on the bill.

Mayweather and Pacquiao collided back in 2015, where Mayweather scored a legendary unanimous decision win to become the unified three-belt welterweight world champion and take the bragging rights over his long-term rival.

Now, 11 years on from that mammoth event, the two pound-for-pound greats are set to run it back in September, in what is sure to be one of the biggest nights of boxing in the 2026 calendar, with an intriguing undercard expected to support the headline attraction.

In an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, Mayweather’s protégé, Curmel Moton, revealed that he believes he will fight on the undercard.

“I can’t really confirm [that I am on the card], not at the moment, but I feel like there is a very good, high-percentage chance that I definitely will be on the card. Co-main, hopefully, we will see but I definitely should be on that card, for sure.”

Moton has won all eight of his professional contests to date, registering six wins inside of the distance, but the Salt Lake City-born youngster admitted his excitement at the prospect of just attending a true Mayweather fight, as well as fighting on the card.

“I’m excited to see Floyd back and 100% locked in to boxing, not in an exhibition. His record is on the line so there is going to be a lot more at stake, he is going to be working a lot harder and he is going to be a lot more focussed.

“I’m excited, I have never been to a real, actual Floyd fight, so this will be the first one, and I will be on the undercard too, so it’s going to be dope.”

19-year-old Moton has been linked to an intriguing affair with Britain’s Giorgio Visioli, who claims to have bested the American in sparring sessions in the past. However, it remains to be seen whether Moton will be thrown into deep waters, in such a difficult fight on the biggest of stages.

Luke Littler targeted a clean sweep of trophies in 2026 after retaining his UK Open title in Minehead.

The world champion held off James Wade 11-7 to beat the 42-year-old veteran in the final for the second successive year.

Littler began 2026 by winning his second world title and, despite making a slow start to the Premier League, is determined to win every major trophy available to him.

“That’s obviously the main aim,” Littler said when asked if he could win everything this year.

“The Premier League (in Cardiff) on Thursday was a massive win, to get myself from seventh up to third.

“Obviously, it’s not been the start that I wanted. But that win meant a lot and to come here to the UK Open and pick up the trophy means a lot.

“There was a lot of close games throughout this tournament and I wasn’t at my best at times.

“I missed far too many doubles that I would have liked to hit.

“But we’ve got the job done and for the first time in 10 years, just like the worlds, someone’s gone back to back.”

Littler held off the gritty Wade to become the only fourth player to claim back-to-back titles, and the first since Michael van Gerwen in 2015 and 2016 to pick up the first prize of £120,000.

In an event known as the ‘FA Cup of darts’, Littler and Wade – who was seeking a fourth UK Open title – were the last two men standing from 160 players.

Littler overpowered Wade 11-2 in a one-sided final 12 months ago, and it looked set to be the same story again as the 19-year-old won the first three legs.

Wade resisted any thoughts of fatigue to level either side of the opening session, but Littler stepped up his treble power to stretch into a 6-3 lead.

Littler’s finishing was from polished, however, and Wade restored parity at 6-6 and then 7-7 despite his average being about 10 points down on his opponent.

Wade missed a shot at the bullseye to win the 15th leg and Littler stepped in with a 116 checkout that raised the roof.

It was to prove decisive as Littler pulled away to get across the finishing line without being at his brilliant best.

Littler had earlier overcome double trouble to deny Josh Rock his first major final appearance.

The world number one missed 16 darts in a row at a double and trailed 5-1 in the semi-final before digging deep to prevail 11-9.

Littler recovered from 9-7 down to maintain his flawless record against Rock, which now extends to seven matches.

Gerwyn Price’s bid for a first UK Open title was ended by Wade in the last four.

Wade took control by winning six successive legs to lead 9-5 and went on to win 11-8, hitting 11 180s to average 105.53.

The Minnesota Vikings will begin signing new players next week, along with retaining ones they want back from the 2025 squad. At the top of the ticket, this process will have massive implications for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who watched in late January as the man who drafted him was fired.

Minnesota’s free agency decisions could quickly change McCarthy’s role this spring.

In short, McCarthy will better understand whether he’s on the brink of a summer quarterback competition or the new QB2 for the Vikings.

Why Minnesota’s Next QB Move Matters So Much for McCarthy

Entering Year No. 3, the stakes couldn’t be higher this week for McCarthy.

A Demoted Youngster?

All the momentum right now points to Kyler Murray signing with the Vikings. Minnesota is the betting market frontrunner; Murray grew up as an unabashed Vikings fan; and the Vikings’ leaders have stated their primary goal this offseason is to build a deep quarterback room.

Regarding McCarthy, the (eventual?) Murray signing will represent an instant demotion. The team’s leaders may try to sell the general public on a “quarterback battle” between McCarthy and Murray, but your 89-year-old grandma, who doesn’t watch sports, knows who will win that competition.

The acquisition of Murray (or someone like Aaron Rodgers) puts McCarthy on the back burner — a rough spot to bounce back from, historically speaking, at least with the same franchise.

A 2025 Colts-Like Battle on the Way?

Let’s pretend the Vikings sign Geno Smith or Jimmy Garoppolo. Well, that’s a different story. It would be “game on” for McCarthy, who faces a realistic chance of slaying either combatant in Eagan this summer. The non-Murray and non-Rodgers tier of quarterback options would set up a true competition, which McCarthy probably should have faced last summer. Instead, McCarthy “duked it out” with Sam Howell, a trainwreck that was later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

If McCarthy wants to keep his QB1 job — he probably does — he basically has to cheer for a signing not named Kyler Murray or Aaron Rodgers.

McCarthy can, in theory, take down Smith or Garoppolo at training camp if he has worked on his mechanics all offseason.

League Seems to Think Kyler Murray Is on the Way

Murray to Minneapolis has gained steam in recent days since the Cardinals dropped him.

For example, NFL reporter Connor Hughes tweeted, “The Jets might not target just one quarterback in free agency. Belief from agents who met with them at the NFL Combine is that they prefer to add two — if they can. It’s similar to what the Giants did a year ago (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston). Kyler Murray was discussed, but he is expected to sign with the Vikings, per sources.”

“No Kirk Cousins, but watch Geno Smith & Carson Wentz. There is interest there. Jacoby Brissett, too, if Cardinals can be convinced to part. Was told that’s “doubtful,” with Jimmy Garoppolo expected to stay in LA. JG signing with the Cardinals would change that. Wentz might surprise some, because of the notion Frank Reich/Wentz relationship fell apart in Indianapolis. From my understanding, that was more GM/owner, not coach. The two remain very close.”

Many are acting like Murray-MIN is a done deal. If so, McCarthy will have an awkward spring and summer.

Our Brevan Bane wrote this week, “After what we saw from McCarthy, and not doing any projecting, every single option can at least compete with McCarthy, if not beat him, for the starting job. It’s not to say that he can’t get better; he probably will. However, you have to put yourself in the shoes of Kevin O’Connell.”

“Is he going to triple down on McCarthy? He tied his job to the QB when he approved drafting him in 2024. His commitment was doubled down in 2025 when Sam Darnold walked. Now, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is gone and O’Connell is likely on the hot seat. If you’re KOC, are you pushing all your chips in on McCarthy taking a major leap? Or are you taking the more likely option that Kyler Murray absolutely electrifies U.S. Bank Stadium?”

Probably Sticking Around No Matter What

The refreshing part for McCarthy is that outside of a trade for Joe Burow, for example, he’s not going anywhere. The Vikings have no reason to quit on McCarthy. He’s affordable, and he still has ample upside.

The fact of the matter is that Murray will likely sign with the Vikings, leaving McCarthy as the QB2 in 2026.

If Murray gets hurt, McCarthy would have his chance to reemerge and shine.

A masked fan unplugged a video assistant referee (VAR) monitor in a German second division match on Sunday as the referee was went to the pitchside screen to check a penalty award.

The incident occurred at the end of the first half of Preussen Munster’s 2-1 home defeat by Hertha Berlin in Bundesliga 2.

VAR had intervened and referee Felix Bickel was asked to review the incident on a pitchside monitor, but found the screen blank.

“A masked spectator from the active fan section illegally entered the pitch and unplugged the technical equipment,” Preussen Munster said in a statement., external

With Bickel unable to make the call, the decision was left to the VAR official Katrin Rafalski in Cologne, ruling that it was a foul and for Bickel to award a penalty, which Hertha scored.

“Preussen Munster regrets the incident and will do everything in its power to identify and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice,” the club added,

“Furthermore, immediate measures have been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Initial findings indicate that this was a planned action – a banner to that effect was displayed in the home section shortly after the technical malfunction.”

German media reported that a banner reading “Pull the plug on VAR” was displayed.