New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay appeared to take issue with “wrapping sports in the flag” as Team USA stars preached patriotism during the World Baseball Classic this month.
Paul Skenes, Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge were among the players who discussed what it meant to wear the USA on their chest. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa even brought in Robert J. O’Neill, the man credited with killing terrorist Usama bin Laden, into the locker room to speak to the players before their game against Canada in the quarterfinal.
Michael Kay during the New York Yankees Old Timers Day on Aug. 24, 2024 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.(Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kay said those types of things made him a “little uneasy.”
“The thing that makes me a little uneasy … I don’t like wrapping sports in the flag and preaching patriotism and bringing in SEAL Team 6 people. The only uniform that counts to me is the one that’s worn by the men and women of our military,” he said Wednesday on ESPN New York radio. “They decide wins and losses. You don’t represent me because you have USA on the chest. I don’t believe it.”
Sports columnist Mike Lupica, who was on with Kay, said bringing in a member of SEAL Team 6 was a “little dodgy” to him and added that anytime politics is brought in sports it opens up a “rabbit hole we don’t want to head down.”
United States Bryce Harper celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic against Venezuela, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Miami.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
“That was my decision to bring him in,” DeRosa said, via Defector. “He was brought in, actually, a couple of days in Houston. It wasn’t before the Canada game. I think for me there has to be … you never want it to get lost why you’re doing this. Whatever that ‘why’ is and a lot of people, like Paul Skenes said to me when he signed up for this, ‘I want to do this for every service man and woman that protects our freedom. That’s why we wear USA across our chest.’
“I just thought it would be like a time to kind of redirect and get those guys to understand that, although this is an unbelievable event, and you get a chance to share a locker room with the game’s greats, there’s a reason why you’re doing it and a reason why people protect our freedom at night. I just wanted to honor that.”
Kay made similar comments about the hype of players representing their country with fervent patriotism and making it more than it is. He said that he didn’t believe that “international competition is a referendum on my country.”
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United States pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Dominican Republic during the semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park on March 15, 2026.(Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)
“There are people that represent the United States that really represent the United States, and you know who those people are? The men and women of the military,” he said, via Awful Announcing. “That’s what it all comes down to. They decide the greatness of this country. Their sheer bravery, how they fight for freedom and throw their lives on the line – that is significant to me. The United States winning the gold medal against Canada? Wonderful. Thrilled for them. Not a referendum on my country, it’s just not.
“But somehow, we’ve turned this into, my country is better than your country – stop it. Come on. Aren’t we getting a little bit nonsensical with this jingoistic stuff? … I’m glad that everybody’s brought in. Mark DeRosa brought in one of the Navy SEAL guys that was part of the group that killed Usama bin Laden. OK, whatever gets the people motivated … but to equate a baseball game to that, I don’t know.”
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
The league that brought us the Fail Mary is already making plans for Fail Mary 2. Anyone who cares about pro football should be alarmed.
The concerns should commence with the players. In lieu of having games officiated and controlled by the best of the best, the NFL is willing to rely on less than the best.
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For now, the NFL Players Association has no comment. At some point, the union must speak up — loudly.
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Beyond the fact that the players have an immediate stake in the quality of the officiating is the reality of unions supporting other unions. The same league that is currently squeezing the officials has squeezed before, and will squeeze again, the players.
With the NFLPA currently standing silent on the subject, here’s what former NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith had to say: “Several years ago the Players stood with the officials when they were locked out an[d] was prepared to file a grievance that the NFL’s removal of the experienced and on-field first responders created an unreasonable health and safety risk. Still the right thing to do.”
Yes it is. And maybe there will be a time for it. With the NFLPA freshly installing a new executive director, and with months to go before a lockout of officials would start, the union likely believes it’s smarter to bide its time.
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That said, there’s an argument to be made for anyone/everyone with a stake in the game to shout down a plan to use replacement officials again. It would be a COLOSSAL mistake, and here’s hoping we won’t be alone in saying so.
His ability to thrive in so many different roles suggests a natural feel for the game – something former England international midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who was also frequently used as a right-back, picked up on in his analysis of Gray’s performance against Atletico.
“When he wants, he can play quickly,” he said on TNT Sports. “I think sometimes in these games, players take too many touches. Archie did everything very quickly, and I thought he was incredibly effective.”
Like Hargreaves, Gray could potentially play for a number of nations at international level.
Despite his grandad Frank and great-uncle Eddie representing Scotland, Gray has opted for England, although he has yet to make a senior appearance for the Three Lions. A final decision on his international allegiance will have to be made soon if he continues this form, with a call-up likely on the cards.
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For now, though, the focus cannot shift from Spurs and the focus that will be needed to pull clear of relegation trouble. Gray, perhaps more than anyone in the Tottenham squad, looks ready to face that fight head-on.
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia is set to be available for his side’s upcoming La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano after injuring himself in the recent 7-2 win over Newcastle United.
Earlier this Wednesday (March 18), Barcelona progressed to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after beating Newcastle in the second leg of the round of 16. They netted four goals in the second half of their 7-2 victory, but also lost Garcia to a calf injury in the 82nd minute.
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Now, the Blaugrana have confirmed that their €25 million summer signing will be fit to face Vallecano at Camp Nou on Sunday (March 22). An official statement read:
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“Medical tests performed this Thursday on Joan Garcia have dismissed any possibility of injury. The goalkeeper will therefore be available for selection as normal by Hansi Flick for the next game.”
Garcia, who was replaced by Wojciech Szczesny in the recent win over Newcastle, has proved to be a brilliant signing for the Catalans this term. The 24-year-old has registered 14 clean sheets in 35 appearances across all competitions for his team, conceding 35 goals in the process.
The Espanyol academy graduate will be hoping to end the season on a good note as he is in contention to be named in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Barcelona backed to succeed in Europe
Arsenal great Thierry Henry has lavished huge praise on his former club Barcelona following their resounding win over Newcastle United. The 48-year-old claimed (h/t Barca Universal):
“What happened isn’t a victory, it’s a global earthquake. (It was) a night that will go down in history. What a second half! A complete transformation, a different character, a lethal determination. This is the real Barcelona… when they want to, they can do anything. They’re an incredible team.”
Henry, who played for the Catalans from 2007 to 2010, added:
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“You watch them play and think, ‘Wow, they look so convincing!’ Then you see them at home and it’s like… we’ve got Johan Cruyff’s dream team back! Newcastle completely collapsed in the face of this attacking onslaught. This is the face of Barcelona under Hansi Flick. We will overtake them on goal difference, come what may. Europe is beginning to feel the danger.”
Hansi Flick’s team will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals next month. After taking on Vallecano, they will first visit Atletico for a La Liga clash on April 4 before hosting Los Rojiblancos in the quarter-final first leg on April 8.
Year two in the Big Ten has produced another NCAA berth for the Bruins.
Despite Mick Cronin’s constant complaints about travel in the conference, UCLA is two-for-two, making the tournament each season in the Big Ten.
Here is my preview of UCLA’s First-Round matchup with UCF.
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No. 10 UCF vs No. 7 UCLA
Friday, March 20 4:25 pm PT, TBS Philadelphia, PA
The Bruins have been very good with the basketball this season, turning it over on just 13.1% of offensive possessions, ranking 12th best in the country.
UCLA also led the Big Ten in three-point differential, shooting 37.7% while holding opponents to 31.6%.
That is a recipe for success, and if the Bruins can duplicate that effort in the tournament opener, they will get a chance to play a second game in Philadelphia.
UCLA seems to have found something down the stretch, winning six of their last eight games, including wins over Illinois, Nebraska, and Michigan State.
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But this up-and-down season was not without its issues, which have been problematic at times, lacking the suffocating defensive that Cronin usually puts on the floor.
Opponents shot 52.7% on two-point FGs and 58.1% on non-blocked two-pointers.
Both of those defensive figures, which rank in the 220s nationally, have generally been a hallmark of Cronin’s teams in the past.
Another issue for this UCLA squad has been rebounding, as the Bruins are 203rd in the nation, gathering just 49.6% of the total rebounds on offer.
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That could be a significant issue against the Knights, as UCF ranks 55th in the nation with a total rebound rate of 52.6%.
UCF connected on 36.3% of its three-point attempts in conference play to rank fourth in the Big 12.
Bruins HC Mick Cronin | David Banks/Imagn Images
While the Knights have shot well from deep, only 29.1% of their scoring has come from three-point baskets—that is decidedly in the bottom half of the nation.
So, the outcome might well come down to the Knights’ ability to get the mid-range jumpers to fall against the Bruins, who (as mentioned above have) been shaky in that department.
During UCLA’s three-game run in the Big Ten Tournament, they limited opponents to just 46.2% on two-point FGs.
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If they can continue that trend, the Bruins should be able to severely limit UCF on offense.
A big reason for the late season surge for UCLA has been the play of Donovan Dent.
The guard has looked a lot more like his former self over the last month and a half than his first two and half months.
During the last eight games, he has tallied 55 assists while just turning it over six times and averaging over 14 points per game.
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The Bruins will need more of that, if they hope to keep playing in March.
But the biggest thing to look for in this match up might be the health of both Dent and Tyler Bilodeau.
Dent exited the loss to Purdue with a calf injury while the Bruin’s leading scorer suffered a knee injury during the win over MSU and missed the Big Ten semifinal game.
Both are expected to play in the NCAA opener, but their effectiveness will be worth watching.
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With a fully healthy pair of stars, I think UCLA gets the win comfortably. If they are hampered, the Bruins likely still get enough to advance, though it could be tight.
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann picked two new names for his latest squad, announced on Thursday. Bayern Munich’s high-flying 18-year-old attacking midfielder Lennart Karl and 22-year-old goalkeeper Jonas Urbig have been included for the first time. The pair can now both have legitimate hopes of making Germany’s World Cup squad this summer given that Nagelsmann has already admitted that the squad for these matches would be very similar to the one for the summer tournament.
“The decisive factor is that we have a core group of players, but can also see a few players who aren’t part of the squad yet,” Nagelsmann said at the announcement, adding that Stach and Vagnoman had a chance to impress.
Karl, who only this week became the youngest German player and youngest Bayern Munich player to score and assist in a Champions League match, has been closing in on a Germany spot for the last few weeks.
“I expect him to bring his youthful carefree spirit onto the field. He likes to play centrally, but we’ve also planned to use him on the right. I won’t put any pressure on him to perform miracles, though. He should bring exactly what a young player embodies and play football freely from the heart,” Nagelsmann said of Karl.
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Urbig has become the new number one in place of an injured Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich and has impressed. Even though Oliver Baumann remains Germany’s number one, Urbig’s inclusion is also a look to the future in a position of need for Germany. “He has shown exceptional mental resilience,” said Nagelsmann. “He came in and was completely dominant, handling one or two situations on the fly very well.”
Germany’s head coach also admitted that the strength of the Bayern grouping played a role. “Bayern is having a top-notch season both domestically and internationally; they embody a great attitude,” Nagelsmann said. “That’s why we were happy to call on this group of players.”
Returnees to the squad include Kai Havertz, who comes back after a long injury lay-off, Pascal Gross, Anton Stach, Antonio Rüdiger, Deniz Undav and Josha Vagnoman.
Jamal Musiala has been left out as the Bayern star continues to re-build his fitness following a recent injury. Cologne’s Said El Mala, who was included in Germany’s World Cup qualifier squad in November last year, was not picked this time and will play for the U21s. Angelo Stiller and Maximilian Mittelstädt missed out, with Nagelsmann admitting that the former is a notch behind Aleksandar Pavlovic.
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“Some players are cut out for certain roles, and others simply aren’t. We have to decide whether a player fits the role we have in mind for him,” Nagelsmann said.
At just 22 years of age, Jonas Urbig has a chance to cement a place in the Germany squad for years to comeImage: Ina Fassbender/AFP
Germany’s program until World Cup
Germany will play Switzerland in Basel on March 27 before returning to Stuttgart to play Ghana on March 30. Both opponents have also qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The last time Germany faced Switzerland was a 1-1 draw at the 2024 Euros. Germany have only faced Ghana three times in their history, with the last being a thrilling 2-2 draw in the 2014 World Cup group stage.
This is the last international break before the 2026 World Cup. Germany’s tournament preparation begins in late May with the announcement of the 26-man World Cup squad and then a friendly against Finland in Mainz. After that, the team heads out to America. They will play a final warm-up game against hosts the USA on June 6 before heading to their base camp in North Carolina. Germany’s World Cup starts on June 14 against Curacao in Houston.
“War always affects people’s moods,” Nagelsmann said. “But unfortunately, I’m no fortune-teller. If I had a button that would end all wars, I’d press it. But unfortunately, I don’t have one.”
The 38-year-old though, says he is focused on the sport.
“I’ve never participated in a World Cup before, so I’m extremely excited about it,” Nagelsmann added. “We will try to play a good tournament and, for those who are still skeptical, put on a good show and lift the spirits.”
Manchester United have work to do this summer, with the future of a number of stars beyond this season up in the air – and the MEN has broken down Michael Carrick’s dream scenario
Manchester United will seemingly make up for a largely uneventful January transfer window then the market reopens this summer, given a number of areas are in need of substantial reinforcement.
After a season of dismay under Ruben Amorim in 2024/25, in which, the Reds finished 15th in the Premier League standings and missed out on European qualification, it now appears as though the club are back to where they truly belong under Michael Carrick; back in the top five and displaying dominant performances home and away.
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The 44-year-old has been a breath of fresh air since stepping in on an interim basis until season’s end back in January, with seven wins from his first nine matches in charge. As a result, United currently sit third in the Premier League standings, with just another eight games to go.
And while the league title looks all but destined to land in north London in May, Arsenal nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, United should qualify to play Champions League football once again next season, should they carry on in their remarkable run of form.
With that said, a number of changes are needed ahead of the fresh season both on and off the pitch. All things considered, the MEN breaks down a number of dream scenarios that the club may find themselves in this summer…
Carrick sees permanent tenure
Before the club start pondering potential transfers, they must tie down a permanent head coach for 2026/27. Carrick’s current deal only sees him through until season’s end, although there could be a potential for him to stay on permanently dependent on results.
While the likes of Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi, Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel have been touted for the job this summer, United would be wise not to look past Carrick. After all, the club has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround under the Englishman, despite limited top flight coaching experience.
Most impressively, Carrick has shown a wealth of adaptability in working with the squad he inherited from Amorim over the past couple of months, with the club making no permanent signings in the January window. So just imagine what the head coach could do with a full pre-season camp and a sizeable budget this summer.
Carrick, in my opinion, should most certainly have first refusal all things considered, given he has breathed a fresh lease of life into the club in a matter of months. But only time will tell whether the board agrees.
Bruno Guimaraes lands as Casemiro’s replacement
Given his flying form this season, Casemiro would stay on for one more season in an ideal world. The player ultimately has the option to extend his tenure by a year based on appearances this term, but made the shock announcement earlier this year that he will part ways with Old Trafford in the summer regardless.
Given his wealth of top flight experience and continued perfection on the pitch despite ageing legs at 34, the Brazilian will be a major miss when he moves on. The good news, however, is that United aren’t exactly short of options in terms of replacements this summer.
While the likes of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have all been linked with a move to Greater Manchester, it is Newcastle United captain, Bruno Guimaraes, who looks to be the most viable option at present.
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As per Reuters, the club are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the 28-year-old, who mirrors Casemiro in many ways. A defensive-minded midfielder who is hard in the tackle and equally as impressive going forward, the Brazilian has impressed at St James’ Park with his leadership in particular.
As per the report, a £69million summer move is on the cards. However, an interest from Real Madrid threatens complications. Los Blancos have held an interest in the talent since 2022, and he was likely to make his way to the Spanish capital before Newcastle submitted their own hefty bid to Lyon.
However, initial contact between United and Guimaraes’ camp suggests that both parties are eager for the move to Old Trafford.
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Andre Onana, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho find new homes
Elsewhere in terms of outgoings, Manchester United will be keen to shift a number of first-team players who are not part of their long-term plans. Andre Onana is currently on loan with Trabzonspor after falling out of favour at the Theatre of Dreams due to numerous high-profile errors.
While there is no option or obligation to make the move permanent this summer, Trabzonspor may opt to broker a deal with the Reds, considering the key role he has played with the club this season. During his loan spell thus far, Onana has managed six clean sheets from 23 appearances, with just 28 concessions, with Trabzonspor sitting third in the Turkish Super Lig standings, just four points from a league leading Galatasaray.
Outfield, both Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho would also secure permanent moves to Barcelona and Aston Villa respectively this summer. Rashford has excelled with the Catalan giants despite stiff competition from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski for his place, with four goals and eight assists in La Liga from 23 appearances.
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However, given he wasn’t afforded a chance to shine against Newcastle United in Barcelona’s 7-2 win on Wednesday evening, question marks loom as to whether the club will obligate their £26m option to buy this summer.
Sancho, meanwhile, has been afforded plenty of playing time under Unai Emery this season with 18 outings to his name. However, like Onana, no buy clause has been inserted in his loan agreement which could prove problematic for the Reds.
Sancho is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer, although the club do have the option to extend his tenure by another year to avoid losing him as a free agent. Whether they will choose to exercise that option remains to be seen.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
NEW DELHI: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is set to kick off, the visual identity of the franchises has reached a new peak of innovation. This year’s jerseys blend high-tech athletic fabrics with deep cultural storytelling, reflecting each team’s evolution, from RCB’s defending champion look to the bold new eras in Rajasthan and Punjab.
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Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag watches West Ham vs Man City in London
Here, we bring to you the new jerseys of all 10 teams for the new IPL season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Royal Challengers Bengaluru unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season with a video featuring Virat Kohli, who said, “Every time I wear this jersey, I’m all in. Ready for another special chase.”
Virat Kohli in new RCB jersey
The defending champions begin their campaign on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.Mumbai Indians (MI) Mumbai Indians revealed their jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, featuring a repeating ‘M’ pattern symbolising mindset, momentum and unity.
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MI jersey
The classic blue and gold colours remain, representing Mumbai’s energy and the franchise’s legacy of success. After a five-season title drought, MI will aim for a comeback following their playoff finish last year.Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Chennai Super Kings unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season via a social media reveal, keeping their iconic yellow theme.
CSK jersey
The five-time champions, who finished last in IPL 2025, head into the new season with key squad changes, including the high-profile addition of Sanju Samson in a trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Kolkata Knight Riders unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, built around the “Lines of Legacy” theme.
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KKR jersey
The design draws from iconic moments like Brendon McCullum’s 158* in 2008 and Rinku Singh’s five sixes, with abstract lines forming the KKR initials. CEO Venky Mysore said the jersey celebrates the franchise’s history while looking ahead to new milestones.Punjab Kings (PBKS)Punjab Kings unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, retaining their traditional red and blue colours with subtle design updates.
PBKS jersey
Led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, PBKS highlighted a lion motif blending into diamond patterns, symbolising aggression and refined talent. The team enters the season after finishing runners-up in IPL 2025.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Sunrisers Hyderabad unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, featuring a bold orange and black theme that reflects the energy of the “Orange Army.”
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SRH jersey
The updated design combines vibrant patterns with a high-performance build, symbolising passion, intensity and the team’s commitment to delivering strong performances in the upcoming season.Delhi Capitals (DC)Delhi Capitals unveiled their new jersey ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, retaining their iconic red and blue colours with a fresh striped design inspired by a tiger’s spirit.
DC jersey
The kit was launched by captains Jemimah Rodrigues and Axar Patel, highlighting a unified team culture. CEO Sunil Gupta said it reflects the city’s identity and fearless approach ahead of the new season.Gujarat Titans (GT)
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GT jersey
Gujarat Titans have retained their “Titans Navy” but added a luxurious trim to honour their status as the league’s most clinical unit. The jersey features a thunder pattern, symbolising the strength of Shubman Gill’s core group. It’s a clean, sharp, and corporate-cool design that reflects their business-like approach to winning.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Lucknow Super Giants unveiled their new jersey and refreshed colours for the upcoming Indian Premier League season, reflecting the team’s growth into a competitive force over four years.
LSG jersey
Inspired by the culture of Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh, the kit blends red, blue and gold to symbolise intensity, roots and ambition. Owner Shashwat Goenka said the jersey represents fans’ emotional connect, while signalling resilience, identity and the franchise’s long-term vision.Rajasthan Royals (RR)Rajasthan Royals unveiled their new jersey for the Indian Premier League 2026 season in Jaipur, sticking to their signature style with a refreshed look. New captain Riyan Parag, along with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ravi Bishnoi, showcased the kit at the launch.
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RR jersey
The franchise shared the reveal on social media with the caption, “New look, same Halla Bol. Jersey: RRevealed,” signalling continuity in identity despite recent squad changes.
Luis Enrique has been linked with the Manchester United job this summer and was directly asked a question regarding his future
Luis Enrique laughed at the suggestion of snubbing Manchester United while admitting he’s keen to stay at Paris Saint-Germain. That’s if comments made to a fan are anything to go by.
However, despite how well Carrick has performed, he is not guaranteed to stay in the role beyond the season and is only contracted until the summer, when the supposed plan is to appoint a permanent head coach.
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PSG boss Enrique is one of many reported names on United’s shortlist. But a recent fan interaction perhaps indicates that the 55-year-old, whose deal in Paris expires in 2027, wants to stay put.
In a video circulating online, Enrique stopped his car to sign autographs for fans when one stated: “I hope you stay with PSG for a long time.”
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The Spanish manager’s reply was telling as he said: “Me too.” The same fan then brought United into the mix and added: “Not at United though?” Enrique just laughed off this suggestion.
If this conversation is to be taken literally then Enrique wants to remain PSG boss. Latest reports suggest that while he is yet to come to a new agreement, his renewal is one of the French club’s top priorities.
Regardless, a pair of former Premier League stars would rather keep Carrick at the wheel. Ex-Chelsea ace Jody Morris and former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott discussed the United job last month and came to a clear agreement.
Speaking on In The Mixer brought to you by Sky Bet, Morris said: “I have a lot of time for Michael Carrick. He was on my Pro Licence course and I’ve been on a few League Managers’ Association things with him.
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“He’s an astute student of the game. Straight away, he comes in and Kobbie Mainoo’s in there and he’s been brilliant. It would be criminal not to give him the job if he carries on.”
Morris was then asked if he’d take Enrique over Carrick if he were available in the summer. He replied: “I’d still go with Carrick, because I honestly don’t think Enrique would come to United.”
Lescott agreed. He said: “I don’t know if Enrique goes there because I don’t think he sees them as genuine contenders. I think Carrick should get the job because I don’t know if Enrique will help them become contenders.
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“I think Carrick definitely does that. I think he has a stronger connection to the club, the fans, everything to help them get to that stage.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
Utah State enters its First-Round matchup in San Diego as a slight favorite over Villanova, despite being the lower seed.
A big reason for that is the high level of play the Aggies have shown down the stretch. USU is also a much healthier squad than the Wildcats at the moment.
But let’s not lose sight of the fact that Utah State also enters the national tournament as a team that can score with almost anyone.
The Aggies also play enough defense to beat opponents on the other end of the floor.
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Here is my preview of Friday’s NCAA Tournament matchup.
No. 9 Utah State vs No. 8 Villanova
Friday, March 20 1:10 pm PT, TNT San Diego, CA
The Aggies are averaging 82.8 points per game on 49.8% from the field, the 15th-best shooting team in the nation.
On the defensive side of the ball, Utah State is limiting opponents to 70.4 points per game, slightly better than Villanova’s 70.8.
But the Aggies score the ball a lot better than the Wildcats.
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What makes Utah State so difficult to contain is the combination of Mason Falslev and MJ Collins. The two have combined to knockdown 38.1% of their 328 three-point attempts this season.
Falslev, the MW player of the year, is also connecting on 41.1% of his triples.
When the Aggies get a good look at the basket, they are deadly on offense. USU is 14th in the nation, shooting 65.9% on non-blocked two-point shots this season.
Villanova has allowed opponents to shoot 45% from the floor this season, ranking 203rd in the country, while opponents are connecting on 54.8% of their clean two-point FGs.
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The Wildcats rely heavily on the three-pointer to score; 37.4% of Villanova’s points this season have come from distance, the 39th highest rate in the nation.
Villanova’s Devin Askew vs Xavier | Kyle Ross/Imagn Images
Utah State has done a decent job of limiting opponents on deep shots, allowing opponents to connect on 33.8% of their three-point attempts.
The Aggies cannot afford to allow Villanova to get hot from beyond the arc.
The ‘Cats have a plethora of shooters led by Tyler Perkins and Bryce Lindsay, while Devin Askew is a threat off the bench.
Askew earned Big East Sixth Man of the Year accolades with his 10.0 points per game off the bench. The transfer from Grand Canyon is eighth in the nation with 4.03 offensive rebounds per game.
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The biggest key for Utah State on defense might just be limiting the offensive put-backs by Nova’s center, Duke Brennan. The big man’s 10.3 boards per outing ranks 11th-best in the country.
The Aggies are not allowing a ton of extra possessions per game this season, as they are 31st nationally with 3.5 more scoring chances per game than their opponents.
Villanova is getting 2.8 more scoring chances per game than their opponents.
If the Wildcats can get hot from distance, they will be able to keep this one tight. If the shots are not falling, it could go south in a hurry for the third-place team from the Big East.
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Look for the Mountain West champs to move on to the Second Round behind a balanced attack.
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
Chris Waller’s favorable Golden Slipper barrier outcomes have not repeated for Group 1 The Galaxy, positioning his single runner Generosity to exit from the farthest gate.
Only first reserve Catch The Glory sits wider, so Generosity occupies barrier 14 externally if no emergencies enter.
In the 20 most recent The Galaxy (1100m) runnings, six winners hailed from wide double-digit draws, with Russian Revolution alone claiming victory from post 14 in 2017.
Generosity enjoys champion jockey James McDonald aboard as she approaches Saturday’s headline sprint riding a resurgence win, pip by pip overreturning Golden Slipper winner Marhoona in the Challenge Stakes (1000m).
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A $10 prospect that day, she evaded most gamblers’ attention, though Waller remained unfazed.
“No. We picked the race and then chose not to run in other races, so it was good to see the result,” Waller said.
“She has promised a good win. She has been unlucky in some good races, so when she got out in clear air, it was good to see her do it.”
Her early outings in Perth yielded a placing in 2025’s The Quokka (1200m), then a promising fifth closing strongly in Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville back in May.
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Joining Waller’s operation next, she ran respectably versus Lady Shenandoah in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) of September, placed behind Joliestar and Briasa in The Shorts (1100m), and trailed Rothfire by a pair of lengths in the Sydney Stakes (1200m).
Achieving Listed success up to 1400m, Generosity’s proficiency over brief distances keeps Waller open regarding her prime trip.
“When we got her, we thought, we’ll pick out a 1300 or 1400 metre ‘good race’,” Waller said.
“But she has actually been quite sharp.”
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Last season’s T J Smith Stakes conqueror Briasa makes a buzzed-about reappearance in the Galaxy, backed by two striking barrier trial triumphs.
His potent first-up stats accompany 58.5kg; a victory would set a 20-year weight record, topping Eduardo (2021) and Temple Of Boom (2012) who managed 57kg, ahead of any over 55.5kg.
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