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1 hour ago

Barclay Goodrow comes up big in OT in Rangers' win: 'Awesome'

NEW YORK CITY -- In 80 regular season games, New York Rangers center Barclay Goodrow scored four goals. It's only taken 12 playoff games for him to equal that total, including his clutch overtime goal to win Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final and even their series with the Florida Panthers, 1-1. "I don't know. I just try to bring my best game, every night," said Goodrow, when asked about his postseason offensive uptick. "It feels good whenever you can do something to help the team." It's that work ethic that had Goodrow's teammates ecstatic about one of the Rangers' most unsung heroes getting his postseason moment. "He's one of those guys that gets teams to win. He's a big time player who shows up in big time games," said captain Jacob Trouba. "To see him score a goal like tonight is awesome, because his role doesn't always consist of that," said coach Peter Laviolette. "When you see somebody who does so many other things that helps the team...
1 hour ago
1 hour ago

Caitlin Clark's deep 3 buries Sparks, secures Fever's 1st win

LOS ANGELES -- For nearly 38 minutes, all Caitlin Clark could do was miss. It was not what the sold-out, record crowd in Los Angeles, dotted with Clark jerseys in both Fever colors and Iowa shades, had come to witness. Clark had scored only five points and watched in frustration as all seven of her 3-point attempts clanked off the rim. Then, with 2:24 left in the game and the winless  Indiana Fever clinging to a 3-point lead against the Los Angeles Sparks, Clark stepped back from way beyond the 3-point line -- 33 feet to be exact -- and finally found the bottom of the net. "I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing, but I seriously think every shot I shoot is gonna go in," Clark said. "Some nights are absolutely amazing and some nights you struggle to shoot it a little bit, but I want to take those shots at the end of the game. I think it's a mindset and a confidence that you have to have about yourself." After an entire game of uncharacteristic...
1 hour ago
1 hour ago

Goodrow scores in OT as Rangers outlast Panthers to even series

NEW YORK --  Barclay Goodrow scored at 14:01 of overtime and the New York Ranger beat the Florida Panthers 2-1 on Friday night in Game 2 to even the Eastern Conference final. Goodrow fired a snap shot from above that circled over goalie Sergei Bobrovsky's right shoulder, sending the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy. Vincent Trocheck scored early, and Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves for New York. Riding the excitement of having tough guy Matt Rempe back in the lineup, they showed a lot more life after being shut out 3-0 in the opener. Carter Verhaeghe scored for Florida and Bobrovsky made 29 saves. The Panthers lost for only the second time in seven games away from home in the playoffs. The series shifts to Florida for Games 3 and 4 on Sunday and Tuesday. The Rangers missed on a good chance earlier in overtime when a rebound of Chris Kreider's shot bounced to Filip Chytil, but his shot toward an open net hit...
1 hour ago
2 hours ago

Phillies lose Bryce Harper early, game late to Rockies

DENVER -- The Philadelphia Phillies lost Bryce Harper early and a game late Friday night. Harper was ejected after striking out in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies, who hours later pulled out a 3-2 win in 11 innings to snap the Phillies' six-game winning streak. Harper struck out on a 0-2 curveball from Ty Blach, dropped his bat and threw his helmet. The two-time NL MVP said something to plate umpire Brian Walsh and immediately was ejected. Harper and Phillies manager Rob Thomson argued to no avail following Harper's 21st big league ejection. Harper had called a timeout after taking a borderline 0-1 sinker that appeared to be low and inside. "I wasn't really that upset," Harper said. "Obviously, I spiked my helmet, but that was a frustration from the call. And then I just kind of asked him, 'Hey, wait, that was a strike, but where do you have it?' I just wanted to have a conversation with you. "Again, didn't cuss and scream or...
2 hours ago
2 hours ago

Giants erase another 4-run deficit on road, stun Mets

NEW YORK --  Patrick Bailey hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning, Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman saved San Francisco with a defensive gem and the Giants came back from another big deficit to beat the staggering New York Mets 8-7 on Friday night. After climbing out of a 6-2 hole in the eighth, the Giants joined the 1932 St. Louis Cardinals as the only major league teams since 1900 to win three consecutive road games in which they trailed by at least four runs. Just two other clubs have accomplished the feat at home: the 1999 Florida Marlins (against San Francisco) and the 1961 Boston Red Sox. The Marlins and Giants are the only teams to come back and win all three when trailing by four runs in the sixth inning or later.  "It's the same thing the last three days: We're just fighting to the finish," manager Bob Melvin said. "When we get guys on base, there's just a really good feeling in the dugout that someone's going...
2 hours ago
3 hours ago

Soto, back in San Diego for 1st time since trade, goes deep in 2nd at-bat

It didn't take Yankees slugger Juan Soto long to show Padres fans what they are missing. In his first game back to face San Diego since being traded to the Yankees this offseason, he drove a third-inning high fastball from Yu Darvish over the right-center-field fence for his 14th homer of the year. It was the first of three no-doubt shots for the Yankees that inning off Darvish. Aaron Judge followed with a homer and Giancarlo Stanton also had a two-run shot. Soto's 423-foot homer gave the Yankees a 3-0 lead as they went on to win the game 8-0. He also walked in the fourth, flied out to the wall in right in the seventh and doubled in the ninth. He described the third inning as "electric, fun. Definitely fun. It was pretty cool to see the guys coming through against a guy like that. It's huge." The 25-year-old from the Dominican Republic was greeted with a mixture of boos from Padres fans and cheers from the many Yankees fans at Petco...
3 hours ago
May 24

Sources: Kings, coach Mike Brown table contract talks

After engaging in contract extension negotiations, the  Sacramento Kings and coach Mike Brown remain with a gulf on a potential deal and have tabled talks, sources told ESPN on Friday. Brown has one guaranteed season left on his original four-year contract, and there has been hope of reaching a deal that would avoid him entering the final year of his contract in the 2024-25 season, sources said. Brown led the Kings on a return to the Western Conference playoffs for the first time in 18 years in 2022-23, earning NBA Coach of the Year honors. Sacramento was 48-34 and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference a year ago -- eventually losing a seven-game opening-round series to the Golden State Warriors. The Kings were a No. 9 seed this season, beating the Warriors in the play-in tournament before the New Orleans Pelicans eliminated them. Under Brown, the Kings are 94-70 (.573) in two seasons. Brown is a two-time NBA coach of the year -- including with the ...
May 24
May 24

Bulls' Ball reveals he received rare meniscus transplant from donor

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball, who has not played in an NBA game since January 2022, spoke Friday of his way back from knee issues over the past two years and said part of the recovery involved undergoing a meniscus transplant from a donor. Speaking on his podcast, " The WAE Show," Ball said his issues dated to the first time he tore his meniscus in 2018, when he was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. After suffering recurring injuries to his left knee, Ball said he eventually had no more cartilage left in it and needed a transplant meniscus procedure performed last year. It was done at the same time he had a cartilage transplant performed in the same knee. "There was no more meniscus left and bone on bone was rubbing," Ball said. "The cartilage was gone and the bone was messed up, so I had to get a new meniscus from a donor. I had to get a bone allograft and I had to get some new cartilage put in as well." After spending more than a year seeing...
May 24
May 24

Miami boss defends resting Messi for Vancouver amid fan backlash

Inter Miami CF manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino defended the decision to rest Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets for the game against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday at BC Place, explaining that the coaching staff must prioritize the well-being of the players amid fan frustration. "We trained yesterday. When we finished, I conferred with the coaching staff and talked with the players, and at that moment we decided that they would not form part of the team," Martino told reporters Friday. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL more (U.S.) "We understand the people's frustration, especially in wanting to see these players, but it is our job as the coaching staff to make these decisions that are uncomfortable. "We understand what these players provoke in the league and other markets, but we have to take these measures that are sometimes unpleasant for people. But they are beneficial for the players," the...
May 24
May 24

Jets promote Scott Arniel to replace Rick Bowness as coach

Scott Arniel, who played for the previous incarnation of the franchise in the 1980s, was named the new head coach of the  Winnipeg Jets on Friday.  Although the Jets interviewed other candidates for their opening, it was widely speculated that Arniel would end up with the job thanks to his ties to the franchise and the city as well as his previous head-coaching experience. Arniel, 61, was the Jets' associate coach for the past two seasons under Rick Bowness, who retired after the season. Arniel served as interim head coach for the Jets during a trio of absences by Bowness for family and health reasons. Arniel posted a 15-7-3 record in that interim role over those 25 games in 2022-23 and 2023-24. He was the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2010 to 2012, getting replaced midseason by Todd Richards during the 2011-12 season. Columbus finished outside the playoffs in both of Arniel's years behind the bench. Arniel was an assistant coach with the ...
May 24
May 24

Pacers' Haliburton questionable for Game 3 with sore hamstring

Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton has been listed as questionable for Game 3 of the team's Eastern Conference finals matchup against the Boston Celtics on Saturday because of a sore left hamstring. Haliburton scored 10 points and played just eight minutes in the second half before leaving Indiana's 126-110 Game 2 loss Thursday because of the sore hamstring. He sat out the entire fourth quarter. Haliburton also suffered what Pacers coach Rick Carlisle described as a chest injury that occurred during a first-half collision with Boston's Jaylen Brown. Meanwhile, the Celtics' injury report released Friday listed center Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) as out and Luke Kornet (left wrist sprain) as doubtful. Porzingis -- out since suffering the calf injury in Game 4 against the Miami Heat on April 30 -- could make his return to these Eastern Conference playoffs as soon as Game 4 on Monday, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski...
May 24
May 24

MLB questions ump's game-ending call in White Sox loss, team says

The Baltimore Orioles held on to beat the Chicago White Sox 8-6 on Thursday night, with the game ending on a controversial runner interference call. The crew chief said the umpire had no choice but to make the call, but MLB says that might not be the case. With two on and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Andrew Benintendi popped up. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson caught the ball -- umpires had called the infield fly rule -- for the second out, then third-base umpire Junior Valentine ruled that Andrew Vaughn interfered with Henderson on the play. After the game, Valentine said there is no discretion when a baserunner appears to make incidental contact with a fielder -- even if the play results in a defensive out. "If he hinders the fielder in the attempt to field a batted ball, intent is not required and it's interference," Valentine said. "When you see the interference, you call it." Rule 6.01(a) seems to support that: "A...
May 24
May 24

Source: MLB questions ump's game-ending call in White Sox loss

The Baltimore Orioles held on to beat the Chicago White Sox 8-6 on Thursday night, with the game ending on a controversial runner interference call. The crew chief said the umpire had no choice but to make the call, but MLB says that might not be the case. With two on and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Andrew Benintendi popped up. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson caught the ball -- umpires had called the infield fly rule -- for the second out, then third-base umpire Junior Valentine ruled that Andrew Vaughn interfered with Henderson on the play. After the game, crew chief Adrian Johnson said there is no discretion when a baserunner appears to make incidental contact with a fielder -- even if the play results in a defensive out. "If he hinders the fielder in the attempt to field a batted ball, intent is not required and it's interference," Johnson said. "When you see the interference, you call it." Rule 6.01(a) seems to...
May 24
May 24

Source: MLB questions ump's game-ending call

The Baltimore Orioles held on to beat the White Sox last night 8-6 with the game ending on a controversial runner interference call. The crew chief said the umpire had no choice but to make the call; however, MLB says that may not be the case. With two on and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Andrew Benintendi popped up. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson caught the ball -- umpires had called the infield fly rule anyway -- for the second out, then third-base umpire Junior Valentine ruled that Andrew Vaughn interfered with Henderson on the play. After the game, crew chief Adrian Johnson said there is no discretion when a baserunner appears to make incidental contact with a fielder -- even if the play results in a defensive out. "If he hinders the fielder in the attempt to field a batted ball, intent is not required and it's interference," Johnson said. "When you see the interference, you call it." Rule 6.01(a) seems to support that: "A runner who is...
May 24
May 24

Sources: Sebastian Fundora, Errol Spence Jr. set October fight

Sebastian Fundora and Errol Spence Jr. have agreed to a deal for a WBC junior middleweight title fight in October in Dallas, sources told ESPN. PBC's hope is to stage the Prime Video PPV event at AT&T Stadium if the finalized date fits into the Dallas Cowboys' home schedule. Spence, 34, has competed there twice, with wins over Mikey Garcia and Yordenis Ugas. Following Fundora's upset of Tim Tszyu in March's bloody slugfest to win the title, Spence stepped into the ring and called him out, saying, "It's time to get it on. He got a pretty good height, but we'll see. We'll break him down like we always do." Indeed, Fundora possesses uncanny height for a 154-pounder at 6-foot-5½ with an 80-inch reach. The 26-year-old's first title victory came on the heels of his lone defeat, a seventh-round KO loss to Brian Mendoza in one of 2023's most surprising results. One year later, Fundora (21-1-1, 14 KOs) is ESPN's top junior middleweight after he replaced the injured Keith Thurman...
May 24
May 24

Rangers' Matt Rempe awed by greats calling for him to play

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- After the New York Rangers' listless Game 1 loss to the Florida Panthers at home to open the Eastern Conference finals, conversation turned to how they could energize themselves and the Madison Square Garden crowd for Friday night's Game 2. Specifically, if 6-foot-8 rookie sensation Matt Rempe should return to the lineup. "If that happens, I want to be buzzing. Anytime you get an opportunity, you want to make the most of it," Rempe said. "This is awesome. Eastern Conference final. Come on. It's the best." Rangers coach Peter Laviolette wouldn't say if Rempe was in or out of the lineup for Game 2. Rempe, 21, last played in Game 5 of the second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. He has a goal and an assist in seven playoff games, averaging just 6:18 per game in ice time. But it's not how much he plays as it is what happens when he's on the ice: The crowd chanting his name as Rempe throws his huge frame into hits -- and...
May 24
May 24

Sources: Sebastian Fundora, Errol Spence Jr. agree to October fight

Sebastian Fundora and Errol Spence Jr. have agreed to a deal for a WBC junior middleweight title fight in October in Dallas, sources told ESPN. PBC's hope is to stage the Prime Video PPV event at AT&T Stadium if the finalized date fits into the Dallas Cowboys' home schedule. Spence, 34, has competed there twice, with wins over Mikey Garcia and Yordenis Ugas. Following Fundora's upset of Tim Tszyu in March's bloody slugfest to win the title, Spence stepped into the ring and called him out, saying, "It's time to get it on. He got a pretty good height, but we'll see. We'll break him down like we always do." Indeed, Fundora possesses uncanny height for a 154-pounder at 6-foot-5½ with an 80-inch reach. The 26-year-old's first title victory came on the heels of his lone defeat, a seventh-round KO loss to Brian Mendoza in one of 2023's most surprising results. One year later, Fundora (21-1-1, 14 KOs) is ESPN's top junior middleweight after he replaced the injured Keith Thurman on 11...
May 24
May 24

Zverev thought news of drawing Nadal for French Open was a joke

PARIS -- Alexander Zverev thought his brother was joking when he was told he would be facing 14-time champion Rafael Nadal in the opening round of the French Open. Nadal, who has barely played this year, will be making his last appearance at the Grand Slam he has owned for nearly two decades. He is not seeded because of his low ranking. There was always the danger that the Spaniard could be paired with one of the top players, and Zverev drew the short straw, even though he will be a firm favorite to win. "I was on court with [ Andrey] Rublev yesterday on Chatrier practicing, and then after the practice was over, which was actually a great practice, my brother told me," Zverev, a semifinalist for the past three years, said Friday. It will be their first meeting since the 2022 semifinal, when Zverev retired after a serious ankle injury, with Nadal going on to win his 14th title by thrashing  Casper Ruud in the final. "I actually thought he was...
May 24
May 24

Rangers' Matt Rempe awed by greats calling for him

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- After the New York Rangers' listless Game 1 loss to the Florida Panthers at home to open the Eastern Conference finals, conversation turned to how they could energize themselves and the Madison Square Garden crowd for Friday night's Game 2. Specifically, if 6-foot-8 rookie sensation Matt Rempe should return to the lineup. "If that happens, I want to be buzzing. Anytime you get an opportunity, you want to make the most of it," Rempe said. "This is awesome. Eastern Conference final. Come on. It's the best." Rangers coach Peter Laviolette wouldn't say if Rempe was in or out of the lineup for Game 2. Rempe, 21, last played in Game 5 of the second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. He has a goal and an assist in seven playoff games, averaging just 6:19 per game in ice time. But it's not how much he plays as it is what happens when he's on the ice: The crowd chanting his name as Rempe throws his huge frame into hits -- and...
May 24
May 24

Orioles escape White Sox on game-ending interference call

The Chicago White Sox are already the worst team in the major leagues, so they didn't need this: their rally Thursday night against the Baltimore Orioles being cut short by a controversial and game-ending runner interference call. The play resulted in a double play for the final outs in Baltimore's 8-6 victory. With two on and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Andrew Benintendi popped up. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson caught the ball -- umpires had called the infield fly rule anyway -- for the second out, then third-base umpire Junior Valentine ruled that Andrew Vaughn interfered with Henderson on the play. "It was a big surprise," said Vaughn, who was the runner at second and ruled out. "I don't feel like he was deterred from making a play. It was a high pop-up. We were all reading it. As a runner, I've got to read it and make sure I can get back to the bag." White Sox manager Pedro Grifol argued vehemently with umpires at the...
May 24
May 24

Bronny James attracting wagers to be No. 1 pick in NBA draft

Bronny James is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2024 NBA draft class -- likely because selecting him could increase the chances for a team to land his legendary father, LeBron James, in free agency. That name recognition is driving an astonishing number of wagers on the younger James in draft markets. At FanDuel, James has attracted 30% of the tickets to be selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, the most for any player at the sportsbook. BetMGM reports that the USC guard has 36.8% of the bets, well ahead of Alex Sarr (-300), who has the second most at 14%. James was not initially listed in the No. 1 overall market at DraftKings but found himself in the field as of Thursday afternoon. James has consensus odds of 200-1 to be taken with the draft's first pick -- tied with Purdue's Zach Edey for the longest on the board. Those long odds, in addition to the discrepancy in bets to handle, would seem to indicate that a lot...
May 24
May 24

Connor McDavid nets 2OT winner as Oilers take Game 1 vs. Stars

DALLAS -- Even though Connor McDavid scored another winning goal, the Edmonton Oilers provided another reminder that they have more than just their superstar captain. Trusting every facet of their lineup, the Oilers overcame a four-minute penalty by McDavid in the first overtime and pulled out another one-goal victory Thursday night, beating the  Dallas Stars  3-2 in double overtime in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at American Airlines Center. It was the Oilers' sixth one-goal win this postseason, and it came with plenty of drama. After the Oilers blew a two-goal lead to allow the Stars to force overtime, McDavid took a four-minute penalty just seconds into the first overtime. But Edmonton again held firm, killing its 20th consecutive penalty to keep the game alive. McDavid, who had a chance to end the contest in the first overtime but was stopped by  Jake Oettinger's stick, gave the Oilers the win in the second extra period,...
May 24
May 24

Barcelona sack Xavi; Hansi Flick 'on course' to replace him

Xavi Hernández will leave his role as Barcelona coach after Sunday's final game of the season, the club said in a statement Friday. A source told ESPN that former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick is "on course" to replace him. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Barcelona president Joan Laporta met with Xavi after Friday's training session to confirm the club's decision on a change of direction. The move comes just one month after Xavi and Laporta announced in a joint news conference that the Catalan coach would fulfil his contract, which runs until 2025, despite having previously planned to step down this summer. "Barcelona president Joan Laporta has communicated to Xavi Hernández that he will not continue as coach for the 2024-25 season," Barcelona said in a statement. "The meeting took place at the training ground in the presence of vice president Rafa Yuste, sporting directors Deco and...
May 24
May 24

Xavi sacked as Barcelona coach, will leave at end of season

Xavi Hernández will leave his role as Barcelona coach after Sunday's final game of the season, the club said in a statement on Friday.
May 24
May 24

Sources: Maxx Crosby gets $6M raise from Raiders in reworked deal

HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Raiders are giving three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby a $6 million raise for the upcoming season without adding any years to his contract, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday. The Raiders are also moving $1.2 million from his 2026 salary into the 2025 season, sources said. Crosby, a fourth-round draft pick of the Raiders in 2019 out of Eastern Michigan, has become the face of the franchise since signing a four-year extension with $95 million in new money and more than $53 million guaranteed on March 11, 2022. Since then, he has racked up 27 of his 52 career sacks while twice finishing in the top six of NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting and being named a second-team All-Pro last season, when he had a career-best 14.5 sacks. Crosby was a second-team All-Pro selection after the 2021 season and Pro Bowl defensive MVP in 2022. "I don't know whether my rookie year seems like 20 years ago...
May 24
May 24

Man United's Onana on Ten Hag: 'I'm not here to back him'

Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana has praised Erik ten Hag amid serious doubts about the manager's future at the club but said he is "not here to back" the Dutchman. Ten Hag is under severe pressure at Old Trafford after United recorded their worst-ever finish in the Premier League and missed out on a place in the Champions League. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Onana, who also worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, said the 54-year-old is a quality coach but said he doesn't need backing despite the possibility he could be sacked after the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday. "He's a good guy, a good coach," Onana said. "Tactically he's very good, and he showed it last season. I was not here last season and they got top four. This season a lot of things happened. I'm not here to back him. He is big enough to back himself, but he is a really good guy, he is a positive coach and...
May 24
May 24

Oilers' McDavid bailed out after penalty, nets 2OT winner

DALLAS -- Even though Connor McDavid scored another winning goal, the Edmonton Oilers provided another reminder that they have more than just their superstar captain. Trusting every facet of their lineup, the Oilers overcame a four-minute penalty by McDavid in the first overtime and pulled out another one-goal victory Thursday night, beating the  Dallas Stars 3-2 in double overtime in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at American Airlines Center. It was the Oilers' sixth one-goal win this postseason, and it came with plenty of drama. After the Oilers blew a two-goal lead to allow the Stars to force overtime, McDavid took a four-minute penalty just seconds into the first overtime. But Edmonton again held firm, killing its 20th consecutive penalty to keep the game alive. McDavid, who had a chance to end the contest in the first overtime but was stopped by  Jake Oettinger's stick, gave the Oilers the win in the second extra period, handing the...
May 24
May 24

Celtics handle Pacers, take 2-0 Eastern Conference finals lead

BOSTON -- In each of the first two rounds of the playoffs, the  Celtics comfortably won Game 1 before dropping Game 2 at home, first against the Miami Heat and then against the  Cleveland Cavaliers. They flipped the script against the  Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. After needing a minor miracle to escape with a Game 1 win at home, when a last-second 3-pointer by  Jaylen Brown forced overtime, Brown again ensured this series would be different in Game 2 on Thursday night, finishing with 40 points to power Boston to a 126-110 victory and a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven affair. Afterward, Brown, who learned Wednesday that he was edged out by Pacers star  Tyrese Haliburton for an All-NBA selection, kept his focus on the main prize when asked about missing out on the honor. "We're two games from the Finals," he said. "So honestly, I don't have the time to give a f---." The Celtics' 2-0 advantage feels more...
May 24
May 23

Sources: DE Crosby gets $7.2M raise from Raiders in reworked contract

HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Raiders are giving three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby a $6 million raise for the upcoming season without adding any years to his current contract, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday. The Raiders are also moving an additional $1.2 million into the 2025 season, according to the sources. Crosby, a fourth-round draft pick of the Raiders in 2019 out of Eastern Michigan, has become the face of the franchise since signing a four-year extension with $95 million in new money and more than $53 million guaranteed on March 11, 2022. Since then, he has racked up 27.0 of his 52.0 career sacks while twice finishing in the top six of NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting and finishing second-team All-Pro last season, when he had a career-best 14.5 sacks. Crosby earlier was a second-team All-Pro selection after the 2021 season and Pro Bowl defensive MVP in 2022. "I don't know whether my rookie year seems like...
May 23
May 23

Sources: DE Crosby given raise from Raiders in reworked contract

HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Raiders are giving three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby a $6 million raise for the upcoming season without adding any years to his current contract, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday. The Raiders are also moving an additional $1.2 million into the 2025 season, according to the sources. Crosby, a fourth-round draft pick of the Raiders in 2019 out of Eastern Michigan, has become the face of the franchise since signing a four-year extension with $95 million in new money and more than $53 million guaranteed on March 11, 2022. Since then, he has racked up 27.0 of his 52.0 career sacks while twice finishing in the top 6 of NFL defensive player of the year voting and finishing second-team All-Pro last season, when he had a career-best 14.5 sacks. Crosby earlier was a second-team All-Pro selection after the 2021 season and Pro Bowl defensive MVP in 2022. "I don't know whether my rookie year seems like...
May 23
May 23

Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton leaves Game 2 due to left hamstring

BOSTON -- Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton left in the third quarter of Thursday night's 126-110 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals and did not return because of a sore left hamstring. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Haliburton aggravated an injury he suffered earlier in the season and that the team would know more about his status Friday. Indiana trails 2-0 in the series, with Game 3 on Saturday in Indianapolis. "He was sore at halftime," Carlisle said after the game. "He was getting work done for the entirety of halftime. He came out, gave it a shot and all the effort that he could. I haven't talked about it directly to him, so I can't read minds, but it wasn't going well. The trainers determined he had to be brought to the back to be worked on, and then he was ruled out." Haliburton missed 10 games with a left hamstring strain suffered Jan. 8 against the Celtics when he slipped and fell and had to be...
May 23
May 23

Sources: Tyrese Haliburton left Game 2 loss due to hamstring

BOSTON -- Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton left in the third quarter of Game 2 against the Boston Celtics on Thursday night and did not return. Haliburton departed because of left hamstring soreness, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.  He was subbed out of the game with 3:44 remaining in the third quarter and went back to the locker room with Indiana trailing by 11. The Pacers announced during the fourth quarter that Haliburton would not return, citing a sore left leg. Boston won 126-110 to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. Haliburton finished with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-6 from 3-point range, and eight assists. He missed 10 games with a left hamstring strain suffered Jan. 8 against the Celtics when he slipped and fell and had to be helped off the court. 
May 23
May 23

Sources: DE Crosby gets $6M raise from Raiders in reworked contract

HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Raiders are giving three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby a $6 million raise for the upcoming season without adding any years to his current contract, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday. The Raiders are also moving an additional $1.2 million into the 2025 season, according to the sources. Crosby, a fourth-round draft pick of the Raiders in 2019 out of Eastern Michigan, has become the face of the franchise since signing a four-year extension with $95 million in new money and more than $53 million guaranteed on March 11, 2022. Since then, he has racked up 27.0 of his 52.0 career sacks while twice finishing in the top 6 of NFL defensive player of the year voting and finishing second-team All-Pro last season, when he had a career-best 14.5 sacks. Crosby earlier was a second-team All-Pro selection after the 2021 season and Pro Bowl defensive MVP in 2022. "I don't know whether my rookie year seems like...
May 23
May 23

Messi, Suárez, Busquets won't travel with Miami, Whitecaps say

The Vancouver Whitecaps have told fans not to expect to see Inter Miami CF stars Lionel Messi,  Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets in their match Saturday at BC Place. "While we haven't received an official update on the availability of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand they will not make this trip. Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent, and it was important for us to communicate to our fans as soon as possible," Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster said in a statement. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) If the three former Barcelona stars don't make the trip, it won't be due to injury, with sources telling ESPN that all are fit. Messi, Suárez and Busquets all participated in Miami's open training Tuesday night at Chase Stadium, completing the one-hour session and interacting with season-ticket holders following the drills. Inter...
May 23
May 23

NCAA, Power 5 agree to deal that will let schools pay players

The NCAA and its five power conferences have agreed to allow schools to directly pay players for the first time in the 100-plus-year history of college sports. The NCAA and its leagues are moving forward with a multibillion-dollar agreement to settle three pending federal antitrust cases. The NCAA will pay more than $2.7 billion in damages over 10 years to past and current athletes, sources told ESPN. Sources said the parties also have agreed to a revenue-sharing plan allowing each school to share up to roughly $20 million per year with its athletes. "The five autonomy conferences and the NCAA agreeing to settlement terms is an important step in the continuing reform of college sports that will provide benefits to student-athletes and provide clarity in college athletics across all divisions for years to come," NCAA president Charlie Baker and the five power conference commissioners said in a joint statement Thursday evening. "This settlement is also a road map for college sports...
May 23
May 23

NCAA, power conferences agree to allow schools to pay players

The NCAA and its five power conferences have agreed to allow schools to directly pay players for the first time in the 100-plus-year history of college sports. The NCAA and its leagues are planning to alert plaintiffs' attorneys Thursday that they are prepared to move forward with a multibillion-dollar agreement to settle three pending federal antitrust cases, sources told ESPN. The NCAA will pay more than $2.7 billion in damages over 10 years to past and current athletes, according to sources. Sources said the parties also have agreed to a revenue-sharing plan allowing each school to share up to roughly $20 million per year with its athletes. All Division I athletes dating back to 2016 are eligible to receive a share as part of the settlement class. In exchange, athletes cannot sue the NCAA for other potential antitrust violations and drop their complaints in three open cases -- House v. NCAA, Hubbard v. NCAA and Carter v. NCAA. The settlement terms must be approved by Judge...
May 23
May 23

Video of Delta employees tossing golf clubs goes viral

A crew of baggage handlers was recorded hurling club bags belonging to the East Tennessee State University Men's Golf Team onto the concrete instead of a nearby cart.
May 23
VIDEO:  Video of Delta employees tossing golf clubs goes viral
May 23

Pistons set to hire Trajan Langdon as new president of basketball ops

The Detroit Pistons are planning to hire New Orleans Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon as the franchise's new president of basketball operations, and sides are beginning work on a deal expected to be completed soon, sources told ESPN on Thursday. Pistons owner Tom Gores is hiring Langdon with sweeping power to make changes to the organization and set a course for the franchise's future after a league-worst 14 victories and several consecutive years in the draft lottery, sources said. The Pistons ran a lengthy search, which included coordination with TurnkeyZRG managing director Billy King, before whittling the list of candidates down to Langdon's offer on Thursday. Langdon comes armed with a sterling draft and player personnel record in his five years under David Griffin with the Pelicans and three seasons under Sean Marks as an assistant GM with Brooklyn. The Pelicans and Nets were considered to have had outstanding drafts with Langdon as part of...
May 23
May 23

Bronny James attracting fan wagers to be No. 1 pick in NBA draft

Bronny James is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2024 NBA draft class -- likely because selecting him could increase the chances for a team to land his legendary father, LeBron James, in free agency. That name recognition is driving an astonishing number of wagers on the younger James in draft markets. At FanDuel, James has attracted 30% of the tickets to be selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, the most for any player at the sportsbook. BetMGM reports that the USC guard has 36.8% of the bets, well ahead of Alex Sarr (-300), who has the second most at 14%. James was not initially listed in the No. 1 overall market at DraftKings, but found himself in the field as of Thursday afternoon. James has consensus odds of 200-1 to be taken with the draft's first pick -- tied with Purdue's Zach Edey for the longest on the board. Those long odds, in addition to the discrepancy in bets to handle, would seem to indicate that a lot of...
May 23
May 23

Timberwolves have 'rough film session' with Finch after G1 loss

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch gave his team an unvarnished view of what he saw in their loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in a film session Thursday. "It was a rough film session," Finch said matter-of-factly. "I told the guys, 'It's been a long time since I've been this disappointed in your effort. Your performance, your attitude, your application and attention to detail just wasn't there.' The Western Conference finals started. Not sure if they got the memo. But they got it this afternoon." The Wolves lost 108-105 in Game 1. They were outrebounded 48-40 and were dominated 62-38 in points in the paint. "We're the No. 1 defensive team in the league so the amount of points we allowed, 108, is too much for that team," Wolves backup big man Naz Reid said Thursday. "I just think we didn't bring it defensively. I think that's pretty much what it is. Sixty points in the paint, 40 of them in the...
May 23
May 23

Manchester United assessing potential Ten Hag replacements - sources

Manchester United have sounded out a number of potential replacements for Erik ten Hag ahead of a decision on the Dutchman's future following the FA Cup final, sources told ESPN. Ten Hag's position at Old Trafford is in serious doubt after a miserable second season in charge. - Stream LIVE: FA Cup final, Man City vs. Man United, Saturday 10a.m. ET ESPN+ United recorded their lowest ever finish in the Premier League and will need to beat Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday to qualify for Europe. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team, led by Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, have taken on board information from a number of candidates who could potentially replace ten Hag. The candidates include Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, both free agents after leaving Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively, as well as current Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and Brentford...
May 23
May 23

Giants' Daniel Jones has no doubt he'll be ready for Week 1

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is already back on the field practicing during OTAs and has no doubt he will be ready for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, despite tearing the ACL in his right knee late last year. Jones showed no ill effects while participating in individual and 7-on-7 drills Thursday, just six months after injuring that knee in a November loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. "It feels good. It felt good out there [Thursday]," he said. "But just getting back in the swing of things and playing football against a defense, against guys moving around. I thought it was good [Thursday]. Continue to kind of progress and continue to work on things." The goal for Jones has always been to be cleared for the start of training camp in late July. That hasn't changed. Jones has been out on the field for all three voluntary OTA practices (except for 11-on-11 drills) this week and is moving well. Jones is not even...
May 23
May 23

Ryan Garcia's B-sample positive for banned substance

Star boxer Ryan Garcia's B-sample returned an adverse finding for the banned substance ostarine on Thursday, per a Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory report viewed by ESPN. The A-sample, which was collected the day before and the day of his upset win over Devin Haney last month, returned an adverse finding for ostarine May 1. Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that attaches to proteins in the body and effectively signals for muscles to grow. It is used to aid performance by helping athletes build muscle mass and enhance their rate of fat loss, as well as to increase stamina and recovery ability. Ostarine has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list since 2008 and in 2022 was listed as an anabolic agent by WADA, whose rules mandate that when urine samples are collected, they are divided into A and B bottles to safeguard against lab error. "I don't know where [the adverse finding] came from," Garcia told ESPN on Saturday in...
May 23
May 23

Sources: NBA closes investigation into Thunder's Josh Giddey

The NBA has closed its investigation into Josh Giddey, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Thursday, after police previously determined they would not pursue charges following allegations that the Oklahoma City Thunder guard had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl. Newport Beach (Calif.) police announced in January that they had been "unable to corroborate any criminal activity" by Giddey and would not pursue charges. The NBA came to a similar conclusion and closed its investigation, sources told Wojnarowski. The allegations against Giddey surfaced on social media in late November. In a since-deleted post, an anonymous social media user said a girl who is seen with Giddey in videos and photographs was a high school junior at the time. The social media account was deactivated since making the post. Newport Beach police opened an investigation on Nov. 29, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver had said in early December that the league's investigation would...
May 23
May 23

Cop disciplined for bodycam being off in Scottie Scheffler case

The Louisville Metro Police Department has taken "corrective action" against the police officer who arrested world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler last week because he didn't activate his bodycam video recorder during the incident outside the gates of Valhalla Golf Club, police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel announced Thursday. During a news conference, Gwinn-Villaroel said Det. Bryan Gillis violated the department's standard operating procedures for body-worn cameras (BWC), which states that officers are required to "maintain their BWC in a constant state of operational readiness." "Detective Gillis did not have his body-worn camera operationally ready as required by our policy," Gwinn-Villareal said. "He was performing a law-enforcement action as defined in our policy. Further, section 4.31.7 states members will maintain their BWC in constant state of operational readiness. "Detective Gillis should have turned on his body-worn camera but did not. His failure to do so is...
May 23
May 23

Super Bowl or bust? Lions' Dan Campbell unsure 'what bust is'

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Padded practices haven't even started yet, but with OTAs beginning this week and mandatory minicamp set for June 4, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has his sights set on bringing a Super Bowl to Detroit. "I don't see bust. I see Super Bowl," Campbell said Thursday. "I don't know what bust is." Detroit currently has the fourth-best odds (+1100) to win a championship, according to ESPN BET, after enjoying a storybook run in 2023 that ended in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. This offseason, the team has revamped its defense by signing former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader along with drafting rookie cornerbacks Terrion Arnold (first round) and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (second round) in addition to a plethora of other moves. "You've got to set yourself up no different than last year, certain things you gotta do to really make that valid and to make that a reality," Campbell said...
May 23
May 23

Officer disciplined for bodycam off in Scottie Scheffler case

The Louisville Metro Police Department has taken "corrective action" against the police officer who arrested world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler last week because he didn't activate his bodycam video recorder during the incident outside the gates of Valhalla Golf Club, police chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel announced Thursday. During a news conference, Gwinn-Villaroel said Gillis violated the department's standard operating procedures for body-worn cameras (BWC), which states that officers are required to "maintain their BWC in a constant state of operational readiness." "Detective Gillis did not have his body-worn camera operationally ready as required by our policy," Gwinn-Villareal said. "He was performing a law-enforcement action as defined in our policy. Further, section 4.31.7 states members will maintain their BWC in constant state of operational readiness. "Detective Gillis should have turned on his body worn camera but did not. His failure to do so is a violation...
May 23
May 23

Officer disciplined for bodycam being off in Scottie Scheffler incident

The Louisville Metro Police Department has taken "corrective action" against the police officer who arrested world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler last week because he didn't activate his bodycam video recorder during the incident outside the gates of Valhalla Golf Club, police chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel announced Thursday. During a news conference, Gwinn-Villaroel said Gillis violated the department's standard operating procedures for body-worn cameras (BWC), which states that officers are required to "maintain their BWC in a constant state of operational readiness." "Detective Gillis did not have his body-worn camera operationally ready as required by our policy," Gwinn-Villareal said. "He was performing a law-enforcement action as defined in our policy. Further, section 4.31.7 states members will maintain their BWC in constant state of operational readiness. "Detective Gillis should have turned on his body worn camera but did not. His failure to do so is a violation...
May 23
May 23

New Jersey Devils hire Sheldon Keefe as new head coach

The New Jersey Devils hired Sheldon Keefe as their new coach, it was announced Thursday. Keefe's deal with the Devils is for four years, sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan. "This is an exciting time, and I'm honored to be a member of the Devils' organization," Keefe said in a statement. "To have the chance to lead this young, dynamic team and to see the potential that can still be unlocked is all very attractive for me." Keefe, 43, was fired as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 9, less than a week after they lost in Game 7 to the Boston Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. He was replaced by former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube. Keefe had two years remaining on a contract extension signed in August, but the Maple Leafs are no longer on the hook for that expense. He becomes the Devils' fifth head coach since 2019 and the third since March. "This was an invigorating process for me, having met with many qualified...
May 23
May 23

West Ham's Lucas Paquetá charged with betting rule breaches

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been charged by England's Football Association (FA) with breaches of betting rules. The FA charges state that Paquetá tried to "influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting." The FA statement said the breaches relate to three matches from the 2022-23 season, his first in the Premier League with the east London club, and the opening fixture of the 2023-24 campaign. The games came against Leicester City on Nov. 12, 2022;  Aston Villa on March 12, 2023;  Leeds United on May 21, 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on Aug. 12, 2023. Paquetá denied the charges in an Instagram post. "I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me," it said. "I have cooperated with...
May 23

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