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May 21

Edmonton Oilers outlast Vancouver Canucks in Game 7

With a slightly fading voice and a ticket to the Western Conference finals in hand, Connor McDavid said what many were surely thinking about his team's latest performance. "We know how to make it stressful," McDavid told Sportsnet. McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers saw their three-goal lead come under threat late in the third period with the Vancouver Canucks scoring twice. Even with those goals, the Oilers held firm in a 3-2 win Monday in Game 7 of the second-round series. Now, the Oilers will travel to Dallas where they will face the Stars in the conference final for the right to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. For the Oilers, this will be their second trip to the conference final in the past three years, while the Stars are making a consecutive appearance. Three second-period goals from Cody Ceci, Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins signaled the Oilers were 20 minutes away from the conference final. Then, their...
May 21
May 21

Caitlin Clark shakes off ankle injury as Fever fall short of 1st win

INDIANAPOLIS -- As if the massive expectations and brutal opening schedule weren't significant enough challenges for Caitlin Clark to confront at the start of her WNBA career, she faced another culprit Monday night: her left ankle. The Indiana Fever rookie and No. 1 draft pick, who has been the subject of unrelenting defensive focus while transitioning to the pro game, rolled her ankle in the second quarter of the Fever's 88-84 loss to the Connecticut Sun, an injury that left Clark sprawled on the court and clutching her ankle in pain. Clark was unable to get to her feet unassisted and limped to the locker room immediately after being helped up. A sellout home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse fell silent as Clark's teammates surrounded her. Meanwhile, her coach held her breath. "I was worried," Indiana's Christie Sides said. "A lot." It was the latest in a series of obstacles Clark has dealt with to start her highly anticipated rookie season. But...
May 21
May 20

Source: Tee Higgins not expected to sign tender before Bengals OTAs

An unresolved contract situation will prolong Tee Higgins' absence in Cincinnati. The Bengals star receiver still has not signed his franchise tender and is not expected to by next week, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday, which would make Higgins ineligible to report for Cincinnati's organized team activities that run May 28-30 and June 3-6. Cincinnati's mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 11-13. Higgins cannot rejoin the team until he signs. Higgins and the Bengals have been unable to come to terms on a long-term deal. The two sides haven't discussed an extension in over a year, a source told ESPN. Of the eight players who were given the franchise tag this offseason, Higgins is the only one who has not signed a multiyear contract. Earlier this month, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow voiced support for Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who are both seeking new deals. "Those guys have their business they need to take care...
May 20
May 20

Broncos' Drew Sanders suffers torn Achilles, to miss most of season

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos will have to wait to see how much linebacker Drew Sanders had improved from his rookie season in 2023 because the third-round pick a year ago will now miss at least most of the 2024 season. Sources told ESPN on Monday night Sanders suffered a torn Achilles early on in the team's offseason program in mid-April, as first reported by 9News in Denver. Sanders has had surgery to repair the torn tendon, and his recovery time is expected to be between six and nine months. It does leave open the possibility Sanders, whom the Broncos selected in the third round of the 2023 draft (67th overall), could return before season's end if his recovery goes well. It is unclear what day Sanders suffered his injury given coach Sean Payton has consistently said he would not discuss injuries in the offseason or players' specific progress in recovery, but seven days before the draft opened on April 25, general manager George Paton was asked about the...
May 20
May 20

Rafael Devers sets Red Sox record with HR in 6th straight game

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. --  Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers set a team record when he homered for the sixth consecutive game in Monday night's 5-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Devers had shared the mark of five with Jimmie Foxx (1940), Ted Williams (1957), Dick Stuart (1963), George Scott (1977), Jose Canseco (1995) and Bobby Dalbec (2020). "He's a freak," Red Sox winning pitcher Tanner Houck said. "A guy that can hit any pitch at any time, and to see what he's done, I mean, he's just an incredible player." He is the first major leaguer to do it since the Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout had a seven-game streak Sept. 4-12, 2022. "I'm very proud to be in that conversation with him," Devers said through an interpreter. "Obviously we know the type of superstar that he is. He's a future Hall of Famer and superstar, and to be in the same level with him is very nice." The Chicago Cubs' Michael Busch had a five-game...
May 20
May 20

Wide receiver DeVante Parker retires after nine NFL seasons

After nine NFL seasons, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVante Parker has decided to retire, he said Monday night. As much as he looked forward to his time with the Eagles, Parker resolved to spend more time with his family that includes his four children. "I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them," Parker said. "I want to be there for them whenever I can." Parker finished his NFL career with 369 catches for 5,266 yards and 27 touchdowns. The 31-year-old Parker looks forward to whatever is next, though he has no definitive short-term professional plans. "I'm just going to take things slowly," he said. Asked what he'll remember most about his NFL career, Parker replied: "The camaraderie. The brotherhood in the locker room on whichever team it was. Everyone always welcomed me with open arms, and I appreciated them for that." "I also appreciate the  Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the opportunity. I always will have love for the...
May 20
May 20

Four NBA teams just one series win away from finals

Dallas, Minnesota, Indiana and Boston have each made to their conference's championship series. The panel weighs in on what two teams could be playing for the league championship.
May 20
VIDEO: Four NBA teams just one series win away from finals
May 20

Canales: QB Young 'doing fantastic' in Panthers' new offense

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- New Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales loves the way quarterback Bryce Young has picked up an offense that has helped Baker Mayfield, Russell Wilson and Geno Smith have career seasons. "He's doing fantastic with it," Canales said Monday after the first full day of voluntary workouts. "So, for us the formations are pretty vanilla so we can just teach the concept we want out of each route, the depth, the footwork we want. "As I expect him to do, he's really mastered that part of it." Young, the top pick of the 2023 draft, loves Canales' technique and having only one primary voice in his ear. He said the latter in particular has been "super important" after a disastrous rookie season in which he went between then-coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown as playcallers. That was difficult because, according to multiple sources close to the situation, the coaches had different philosophies. "Really, it's the...
May 20
May 20

Mohamed Salah vows to fight at Liverpool amid exit reports

Mohamed Salah has given his strongest indication yet about his future at Liverpool by saying he will "fight like hell" to win trophies for the club next season. The Egypt international, 31, enters the final year of his Liverpool contract next month and no deal has yet been reached between the club and Salah to prolong his stay at Anfield. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Liverpool rejected a £150 million offer from Saudi Arabian team Al Ittihad for Salah in the final days of last summer's transfer window, but a renewed bid from the Saudi Pro League to recruit Salah is anticipated during the forthcoming transfer window. With Jurgen Klopp stepping down as manager at the weekend after eight-and-a-half years in charge -- and Feyenoord coach Arne Slot confirmed as his successor on a three-year contract -- doubts over Salah's future have intensified. In a post on social media, Salah has hinted at being at...
May 20
May 20

Source: Justin Jefferson not at start of Vikings' OTAs amid talks

Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has been in talks with the Minnesota Vikings regarding a contract extension, was not spotted at the team's training facility Monday for the start of OTAs, team sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jefferson also didn't participate in the earlier portion of the Vikings' offseason program, which, like OTAs, is voluntary. Last month, during the NFL draft, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the team and Jefferson were making progress on a deal, although the sides paused talks during the draft. The Vikings and Jefferson have been discussing terms of the deal for more than a year. Adofo-Mensah said previously that they got "unbelievably close" to a deal last summer before tabling the talks at the start of the 2023 regular season. Jefferson also missed all of the Vikings' 2023 voluntary workouts before reporting for mandatory minicamp as he worked through negotiations. Last month, Philadelphia Eagles receiver ...
May 20
May 20

Scottie Scheffler's arraignment delayed until June 3

Scottie Scheffler's arraignment on multiple charges stemming from an incident prior to the second round of the PGA Championship has been delayed until June 3. Scheffler's attorney, Steve Romines, told ESPN that a not guilty plea will be entered on the new date in Louisville. The arraignment was originally scheduled for Tuesday. A conflict in Romines' schedule was the reason for the change in date, he told ESPN. Scheffler was arrested and handcuffed outside Valhalla Golf Club in the early morning hours Friday for not following police orders during a pedestrian fatality investigation.  John Mills, 69, was pronounced dead at the scene at about 5:09 a.m. after being hit by a shuttle bus. He was working for a PGA Championship vendor. Traffic was stopped because of the accident and Scheffler was attempting to reach the golf course when the incident occurred. Scheffler was booked on four charges, including second-degree assault of a police officer after his vehicle allegedly...
May 20
May 20

Auburn's Brian Battie hurt, brother dead in shooting

Auburn running back Brian Battie is in critical condition following a shooting in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida, on Saturday that killed his brother, Tommie Battie, 24. Auburn coach Hugh Freeze asked for prayers for Battie on his social media account Monday. Freeze said there was a setback Sunday and that Battie remains on a ventilator. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office released a statement over the weekend that it was investigating a shooting that occurred in the 3400 block of 17th Street early Saturday morning. Deputies initially responded to the Tallywood Centre Plaza at approximately 3:30 a.m. where they observed a large crowd with multiple shooting victims in the parking lot. One victim, Tommie L. Battie IV, was pronounced dead at the scene. Four additional victims were transported to local hospitals in both Manatee and Sarasota counties. Auburn's only official statement at this point is that the school is aware of the incident and still gathering...
May 20
May 20

Source: Embattled WR Rashee Rice attending Chiefs' OTAs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rashee Rice is with the Kansas City Chiefs and participating as they begin full-squad offseason practice, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Rice was also a participant in an earlier portion of the Chiefs' offseason program when meetings were being held virtually. Rice, 24, was arrested this spring in Dallas and charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury for his involvement in a six-car crash on a freeway. Police have alleged that Rice was racing another vehicle at high speeds and was traveling as fast as 119 mph shortly before the crash. He is being sued in Texas for over $1 million in actual damages and $10 million in punitive damages by two people who say they were injured in the crash. Rice is also a suspect in an alleged assault that injured a man at a Dallas nightclub earlier this month. Rice led Chiefs wide...
May 20
May 20

Arne Slot named Jürgen Klopp successor as Liverpool manager

Arne Slot has been confirmed as Liverpool manager with the 45-year-old officially announced as Jürgen Klopp's successor at Anfield 24 hours after his predecessor's final game in charge. Slot waved farewell to Dutch club Feyenoord on Sunday after a 4-0 win against Excelsior in Rotterdam and will start his new role at Liverpool on June 1. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Sources have told ESPN that Slot has signed a three-year contract at Anfield, securing him to the club until the end of the 2026-27 season. Liverpool agreed a £9.4 million ($11.9m) compensation package with Feyenoord earlier this month and quickly reached an agreement on personal terms with Slot, but an announcement on his appointment was delayed in order to not overshadow Klopp's departure. However, Slot confirmed the news this past Friday by saying in his final Feyenoord news conference that he would be moving to Anfield to take over at...
May 20
May 20

MLB opens investigation into David Fletcher gambling allegations

MLB opened an investigation Monday into allegations that former Los Angeles Angels infielder David Fletcher gambled with an illegal bookie, an MLB source told ESPN, but investigators face a significant hurdle at the start -- where they're going to get evidence. ESPN reported Friday that Fletcher, who is currently playing for the Atlanta Braves' Triple-A affiliate, bet on sports -- but not baseball -- with Mathew Bowyer, the Southern California bookmaker who took wagers from Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Fletcher's close friend Colby Schultz, a former minor leaguer, also bet with Bowyer and wagered on baseball, including on Angels games that Fletcher played in while he was on the team, according to sources. "Government cooperation will be crucial in a case like this where we don't have evidence," the MLB source said. MLB investigators will request an interview with Fletcher at some point, but he has the right to...
May 20
May 20

Nuggets left reeling after Game 7 collapse vs. Timberwolves

DENVER -- With about 30 seconds left, reality began to set in and Nikola Jokic started to congratulate  Minnesota Timberwolves players. In the span of 22 minutes, the  Denver Nuggets' quest to repeat as champions disintegrated in stunning fashion. The Nuggets blew a 20-point third-quarter lead on their home floor to lose  98-90 in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.  The way they lost -- squandering a 58-38 lead from the 10:50 mark in the third quarter -- left the reigning champs shell-shocked and incredibly frustrated. It was the largest blown lead in a Game 7 in the past 25 years. "The season's over," a frustrated Michael Malone said in his news conference as Wolves players could be heard roaring in celebration in their locker room next door through the wall. The suddenness of the Nuggets' repeat run ending had not settled in yet. "That's what's hard," Malone said when asked about what went wrong. "F--- being up 20. Season's...
May 20
May 20

'Season's over': Nuggets left reeling after Game 7 collapse

DENVER -- With about 30 seconds left, reality began to set in and Nikola Jokic started to congratulate  Minnesota Timberwolves players. In the span of 22 minutes, the  Denver Nuggets' quest to repeat as champions disintegrated in stunning fashion. The Nuggets blew a 20-point third-quarter lead on their home floor to lose  98-90 in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.  The way they lost -- squandering a 58-38 lead from the 10:50 mark in the third quarter -- left the reigning champs shell-shocked and incredibly frustrated. It was the largest blown lead in a Game 7 in the past 25 years. "The season's over," a frustrated Michael Malone said in his news conference as Wolves players could be heard roaring in celebration in their locker room next door through the wall. The suddenness of the Nuggets' repeat run ending had not settled in yet. "That's what's hard," Malone said when asked about what went wrong. "F--- being up 20. Season's...
May 20
May 20

Wolves storm back, knock out champion Nuggets in Game 7

DENVER -- The Minnesota Timberwolves' historic 20-point comeback over the Denver Nuggets in Sunday's Game 7 to earn a trip to the Western Conference finals actually started 13 months ago at bar a few miles away from Ball Arena. The Timberwolves had just lost to the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs in April 2023, with Anthony Edwards' potential game-tying 3 coming up empty as time expired in Game 5. Afterward, Edwards and a couple of teammates went to a cocktail lounge, Forget Me Not, in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, with their chartered flight back home not scheduled to leave until the next morning. Of all of the gin joints in all of the towns in all of the world, Denver point guard Jamal Murray -- fresh off a 35-point showing in the closeout game -- just so happened to walk into the same bar as the Timberwolves. And Edwards, a budding star yet to have the breakout postseason that has turned him into a bona fide superstar this spring, had...
May 20
May 20

Wolves storm back to knock out defending champ Nuggets in Game 7

DENVER -- Minneapolis is going to party like it's 2004. For the first time in two decades, the Minnesota Timberwolves are back in the Western Conference finals. The Wolves, who trailed by as many as 20 points in the third quarter, stormed back to complete the largest comeback in a Game 7 in the past 25 postseasons, winning 98-90 on Sunday night to dethrone the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Meanwhile, the Nuggets became the fifth consecutive defending champion to fail to reach the conference finals. With Minnesota's 22-year-old breakout star, Anthony Edwards, struggling through a 6-for-24 shooting night, Wolves four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns turned in the most impressive performance of his nine-year career. Towns, the franchise's No. 1 pick in 2015 and the longest-tenured member of the team, scored 23 points with 12 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 blocked shot. More importantly, he gave about as effective a one-on-one defensive effort against...
May 20
May 19

Hall of Fame center Jim Otto, 'Mr. Raider,' dies at 86

HENDERSON, Nev. -- Jim Otto, a Pro Football Hall of Fame center whose iconic No. 00 jersey anchored the middle of the Oakland Raiders' offensive line for 15 seasons, has died at age 86. The Raiders, who moved from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020, announced his death Sunday night, calling him "The Original Raider." The cause of death was not immediately known. Otto was the dominant center of his era -- many would argue of any era -- as he had a singular goal: "Never will they kick my butt." Indeed, Otto did most of the kicking in a 15-year career that never saw him miss a game. From the AFL's initial season of 1960 through the 1970 AFL-NFL merger and his retirement following the 1974 season, Otto started 210 straight regular-season games, 223 including the playoffs, and was a Pro Bowler 12 times, a first-team All-Pro selection 10 times. He was known later in life as "Pops" in the Raiders organization. "I accept that," he said in 2014, "and cherish that." Many have long suggested...
May 19
May 19

Anderson Silva to face Chael Sonnen in boxing match June 15

One of the greatest rivalries in mixed martial arts history will recommence next month. Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will face Chael Sonnen in a boxing match June 15 in Brazil, the Spaten Fight Night promotion announced Sunday. Silva, 49, had been teasing his career finale earlier this week, claiming his final fight would take place next month in his birthplace of Sao Paulo. Sonnen, 47, confirmed his participation via social media. "Oh Anderson, yoohoo," Sonnen said. "It's me again. See you June 15." Silva (34-11) and Sonnen (30-17-1) produced one of the most memorable two-fight rivalries in UFC history. Silva was in the midst of a UFC-record 16 consecutive wins when he ran into Sonnen in 2010. The outspoken title challenger from West Linn, Oregon, was a massive underdog going into their first meeting at UFC 117. Sonnen shocked the world for 23 minutes of that fight, dominating Silva with takedowns and ground-and-pound before Silva secured a...
May 19
May 19

Shohei Ohtani's 1st walk-off hit for Dodgers caps eventful week

LOS ANGELES -- Shohei Ohtani's first walk-off hit for the Los Angeles Dodgers was also his first game-ending hit in the majors in nearly four years. His still-new teammates and fans who celebrated with him Sunday at Chavez Ravine expect to see many more feats from a superstar who's somehow getting even better in Dodger Blue. Ohtani pulled a low fastball to right with two outs in the 10th inning, scoring Jason Heyward and ending the Dodgers' 3-2 victory over  Cincinnati. Two teammates doused Ohtani with water, while a crowd of 52,656 roared for the latest feat by the $700 million slugger. "We always say he's the best player in the world, and you see it," Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages said. The clutch hit off Alexis Diaz capped an extraordinarily eventful week for Ohtani, who is thriving on the field for Los Angeles amid the potential off-field distraction of his former interpreter being charged with bank and tax fraud after...
May 19
May 19

Anderson Silva to face Chael Sonnen in boxing match on June 15

One of the greatest rivalries in mixed martial arts history will recommence next month. Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will face Chael Sonnen in a boxing match on June 15 in Brazil, Spaten Fight Night promotion announced on Sunday. Silva, 49, had been teasing his career finale earlier this week, claiming his final fight would take place next month in his birthplace of Sao Paulo. Sonnen, 47, confirmed his participation via social media. "Oh Anderson, yoohoo," Sonnen said. "It's me again. See you June 15." Silva (34-11) and Sonnen (30-17-1) produced one of the most memorable two-fight rivalries in UFC history. Silva was in the midst of a UFC-record 16 consecutive wins, when he ran into Sonnen in 2010. The outspoken title challenger from West Linn, Oregon was a massive underdog going into their first meeting at UFC 117. Sonnen shocked the world for 23 minutes of that fight, dominating Silva with takedowns and ground and pound before Silva secured a...
May 19
May 19

Brunson breaks hand in Game 7, laments end of Knicks' run

NEW YORK -- As he sat at the podium, his left hand and wrist immobilized after suffering a fracture in a season-ending 130-109 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson was asked if this season was a success. "No," he said, flatly. Asked later why that was the case, he responded, "Did we win the championship? Did we get close?" After a pause, he continued, "So, no. That's my mindset. "That's just how it is." That could also apply to Brunson's injury, which occurred in the third quarter when, he said, he swiped down at Tyrese Haliburton and felt something in his hand. After a brief trip to the locker room, Brunson returned to the court for 14 seconds before checking back out with 3:02 to go in the third quarter and heading to the locker room for what would become the rest of both the game and New York's season. "I thought I just jammed it, to be honest with you," Brunson said of...
May 19
May 19

Shohei Ohtani's walk-off single in 10th sends Dodgers past Reds

LOS ANGELES -- Shohei Ohtani delivered his second major league walk-off hit Sunday, a two-out single in the 10th inning that sent the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Andy Pages hit an early two-run homer for the Dodgers, who have won 20 of 26 after taking three of four from Cincinnati. Pinch hitter Will Smith drew a one-out walk in the 10th from Alexis Diaz (1-3), who got Mookie Betts to fly out before Ohtani stroked a single to right, scoring Jason Heyward. Ohtani's latest feat set off a loud celebration for another huge weekend crowd at Dodger Stadium, and the two-time American League MVP's teammates doused him with water in celebration. "I was looking to just put the ball in play, so I'm glad it worked out well," Ohtani said through an interpreter. "We dropped the first game of the series, so we really wanted to finish strong." Ohtani's only other walk-off hit in Major League Baseball was...
May 19
May 19

Xander Schauffele wins PGA Championship for first major

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- They can't call Xander Schauffele the best golfer in the world without a major championship victory any longer. The 30-year-old from San Diego captured his first major victory Sunday by outlasting LIV Golf League captain Bryson DeChambeau and Norway's Viktor Hovland in the final round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. After starting the day tied for the lead with two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, Schauffele silenced his critics who claimed he couldn't close out a big one by posting a 6-under 65 in the final round to finish with a 72-hole total of 21 under and defeat DeChambeau by 1 shot and Hovland by 3. Schauffele recorded the lowest 72-hole score to par and the lowest 72-hole scoring total (263) in a major championship. It was the ninth straight PGA Championship won by an American. "I was actually kind of emotional after the putt lipped in," said Schauffele, whose last victory came at the Scottish Open in...
May 19
May 19

Jalen Brunson breaks hand in Game 7, laments end of Knicks' run

NEW YORK -- As he sat at the podium, his left hand and wrist immobilized after suffering a fracture in a season-ending 130-109 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson was asked if this season was a success. "No," he said, flatly. Asked later why that was the case, he responded, "Did we win the championship? Did we get close?" After a pause, he continued, "So, no. That's my mindset. "That's just how it is." That could also apply to Brunson's injury, which occurred in the third quarter when, he said, he swiped down at Tyrese Haliburton and felt something in his hand. After a brief trip to the locker room, Brunson returned to the court for 14 seconds before checking back out with 3:02 to go in the third quarter and heading to the locker room for what would become the rest of both the game and New York's season. "I thought I just jammed it, to be honest with you," Brunson said of briefly...
May 19
May 19

Scorching-hot Pacers set playoff mark in Game 7 rout of Knicks

NEW YORK -- There was huge anticipation for Sunday to produce a historic Madison Square Garden game. It absolutely did, just not one anyone could've expected. Improbably and unexpectedly in a road Game 7 situation, the Indiana Pacers had one of the greatest shooting halves in the 77-year history of the NBA. When the stunned New York Knicks tried to recover with a second-half push, the Pacers superstar and their super sub stepped in and delivered the final blows. The result was a 130-109 Pacers victory, eliminating the Knicks by finishing off four victories in five games after falling behind 2-0 in the series. The Pacers will now head to Boston to open the Eastern Conference finals against the  Celtics on Tuesday. "Well we're the uninvited guest. Here we are," said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle after the Pacers completed their second consecutive series win over a higher seed. "When you win a Game 7 in Madison Square Garden, you've made history. It's...
May 19
May 19

Barcelona coach Xavi condemns anti-Laporta chants: We're 'family'

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández condemned the chanting against club president Joan Laporta during Sunday's 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at the Olympic Stadium. A small section of supporters chanted "Barça yes, Laporta no" during the game, although other parts of the stadium began to whistle in response to the anti-Laporta singing in the second half. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The chants came at the end of a week in which sources told ESPN that Laporta was once again considering Xavi's future at the club just three weeks after they announced in a joint news conference that the coach would fulfil his contract, which runs until 2025. "To be totally honest, I didn't like it," Xavi told reporters when asked about the shouts against Laporta. "It's not nice for me. What I want is union and that the family [club] is good, but it's the fans who decide. I don't like it when someone is singled out." Xavi's remarks in midweek...
May 19
May 19

Scorching hot Pacers set playoff mark in Game 7 rout of Knicks

NEW YORK -- There was huge anticipation for Sunday to produce a historic Madison Square Garden game. It absolutely did, just not one anyone could've expected. Improbably and unexpectedly in a road Game 7 situation, the Indiana Pacers had one of the greatest shooting halves in the 77-year history of the NBA. When the stunned New York Knicks tried to recover with a second-half push, the Pacers' superstar and their super-sub stepped in and delivered the final blows. The result was a 130-109 Pacers victory, eliminating the Knicks by finishing off four victories in five games after falling behind 2-0 in the series. The Pacers will head to Boston to open the Eastern Conference finals against the  Celtics on Tuesday. "Well, we're the uninvited guest," coach Rick Carlisle said after the Pacers completed their second consecutive series win over a higher seed. "Here we are. When you win a Game 7 in Madison Square Garden, you've made history. It's very, very...
May 19
May 19

Barcelona coach Xavi condemns anti-Laporta chants: 'We're family'

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández condemned the chanting against club president Joan Laporta during Sunday's 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at the Olympic Stadium. A small section of supporters chanted "Barça yes, Laporta no" during the game, although other parts of the stadium began to whistle in response to the anti-Laporta singing in the second half. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The chants came at the end of a week in which sources told ESPN that Laporta was once again considering Xavi's future at the club just three weeks after they announced in a joint news conference the coach would fulfil his contract, which runs until 2025. "To be totally honest, I didn't like it," Xavi told reporters when asked about the shouts against Laporta. "It's not nice for me. What I want is union and that the family [club] is good, but it's the fans who decide. I don't like it when someone is singled out." Xavi's remarks in midweek that...
May 19
May 19

Scottie Scheffler closes PGA Championship with 6-under 65

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler signed his scorecard after Sunday's final round of the PGA Championship, put his head down on the scorer's table and nearly fell asleep. It had been that kind of week for the two-time Masters champion, who was arrested outside the gates of Valhalla Golf Club on Friday morning and released from jail a little over an hour before his tee time. Scheffler posted a 5-under 66 on Friday to remain in contention for another victory, before being undone by a 2-over 73 on Saturday, his worst score in 266 days. Scheffler rebounded to post a 6-under 65 on Sunday, his best score in the final round of a major championship. He finished tied for eighth for his 10th top-10 finish in his past 13 starts in majors. Scheffler had a bogey on the first hole and played the next 17 holes without one, to go along with seven birdies, including five on the back nine. The events of the past 72 hours left the 27-year-old exhausted. He...
May 19
May 19

Premier League sets new total goals mark of 1,246 on last day

The Premier League has never seen so many goals in a single season. Jarell Quansah's strike for Liverpool against Wolverhampton at Anfield during Sunday's final round took the number of goals scored in England's top flight this campaign to 1,223, eclipsing the previous record. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) By the time Sunday's action was finished, another 23 goals were scored to make the final tally 1,246. The previous record of 1,222 came in the inaugural 1992-93 Premier League campaign, when there were 22 teams in the division (two more than there are today). There are various factors that could be behind the increase in goals this season, including longer games because of more stoppage time, more attack-minded coaches and the weakness of the promoted teams. Manchester City's Erling Haaland  retained the league's Golden Boot, ending the season with 27 goals, five ahead of Chelsea's Cole...
May 19
May 19

Man City boss Guardiola 'tired,' next season could be last

Pep Guardiola has hinted that next season could be his last as Manchester City manager. Guardiola led his team to a record fourth consecutive English title with a 3-1 win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) He has a contract until 2025 which he intends to honour, but the 53-year-old suggested he might not sign another new deal. "The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying," Guardiola said. "We have talked with the club and my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But after eight or nine years, we will see." Guardiola has now won 15 major trophies in eight years at City and could make it 16 with an FA Cup final against Manchester United next weekend. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss admitted he is "tired" and said he will need to find fresh "motivation" over the summer before...
May 19
May 19

Man City boss Guardiola 'tired', next season could be last

Pep Guardiola has hinted that next season could be his last as Manchester City manager. Guardiola led his team to a record fourth consecutive English title with a 3-1 win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) He has a contract until 2025 which he intends to honour, but the 53-year-old suggested he may not sign another new deal. "The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying," Guardiola said. "We have talked with the club and my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But after eight or nine years, we will see." Guardiola has now won 15 major trophies in eight years at City and could make it 16 with an FA Cup final against Manchester United to come next weekend. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss admitted he is "tired" and said he will need to find fresh "motivation" over the summer...
May 19
May 19

OG Anunoby, Josh Hart in Knicks' starting lineup for Game 7

New York Knicks forwards OG Anunoby and Josh Hart were both in the starting lineup against the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 on Sunday as New York seeks its first berth in the Eastern Conference finals since 2000. Anunoby and Hart participated in the team's walkthrough and warmup before the determination was made that both would play. The chance for Anunoby to spend time guarding Pacers forward Pascal Siakam looms as an important matchup for New York. Anunoby has been out since Game 2 with a left hamstring strain, and Hart sustained an abdominal strain in Game 6 of the series. The Knicks have lost Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic to season-ending injuries. The Knicks had upgraded Anunoby to questionable Saturday afternoon after he had advanced far enough in his rehabilitation to believe he had a real opportunity to return and help his team Sunday, sources said. He has averaged 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1...
May 19
May 19

Liverpool's Jürgen Klopp leads Anfield in song for Arne Slot

Jürgen Klopp said farewell to Liverpool on Sunday by singing the name of his successor, Arne Slot, in front of the club's supporters. Klopp's 8½-year reign as manager came to an end with a 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, with first-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah sealing a 305th victory in his 491 games in charge. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Feyenoord coach Slot confirmed on Friday that he would be replacing Klopp at Anfield next season. After Klopp was presented with a series of miniature trophies to reflect those won since taking charge in October 2015, he told the Liverpool fans to follow him by chanting Slot's name. "The new manager, I want you to sing his name," Klopp said. "Arne Slot, na na na na na! When the next season starts, go full throttle into it with the new manager. When you start, you keep believing. Don't stop believing. "I saw a...
May 19
May 19

Former All-Pro RB David Johnson retires after 8 NFL seasons

David Johnson, who amassed 6,876 yards from scrimmage and 58 touchdowns in eight seasons, announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday. Johnson, who last played in a regular-season game in 2022, for the New Orleans Saints, made the announcement on Instagram. "I'm looking forward to my next career path in life," he wrote in his post. "I don't know exactly what that will be, but I hope it will bring me the same passion, excitement, and love as football did!" The Arizona Cardinals selected Johnson out of Northern Iowa in the third round of the 2015 draft. Two games into his pro career, his jersey and cleats were sent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, after he became the first player in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown and kickoff return touchdown within the first two games of a career. "I am blessed and very appreciative of the Cardinals drafting me in the 3rd round and I started my NFL career hitting...
May 19
May 19

Sources: Knicks' OG Anunoby, Josh Hart to play in Game 7

New York Knicks forwards OG Anunoby and Josh Hart will play against the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 on Sunday as New York seeks its first berth in the Eastern Conference finals since 2000, sources told ESPN. Anunoby and Hart participated in the team's walk-through and warmup before the determination was made that both would play. The chance for Anunoby to spend time guarding Pacers forward Pascal Siakam looms as an important matchup for New York. Anunoby has been out since Game 2 with a left hamstring strain, and Hart suffered an abdominal strain in Game 6 of the series. The Knicks have lost Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic to season-ending injuries. The Knicks had upgraded Anunoby to questionable Saturday afternoon after he had advanced far enough in his rehabilitation to believe he had a real opportunity to return and help his team Sunday, sources said. He has averaged 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1...
May 19
May 19

Rangers' Blake Wheeler 'ready in any capacity' for East finals

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- New York Rangers forward Blake Wheeler, who has been out since February with a serious leg injury, says he is "an option and available" for their Eastern Conference finals series against the Florida Panthers. Wheeler was injured Feb. 15, when his right leg bent at an unnatural angle and he was helped off the ice. It was an unnerving scene, one that had Rangers captain Jacob Trouba wondering whether the veteran forward had played his last NHL game. The 37-year-old Wheeler was placed on injured reserve and ruled out for the regular season. His status for the Stanley Cup playoffs was uncertain at best. But Wheeler has been participating in practice over the past few weeks and shed his noncontact jersey Monday. On Sunday, after an optional skate for the Rangers at their practice facility, Wheeler said he was available to play in the Eastern Conference finals. "I think once you get rid of the red jersey, and the fact they take me off...
May 19
May 19

Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp leads Anfield in song for Arne Slot

Jurgen Klopp said farewell to Liverpool on Sunday by singing the name of his successor, Arne Slot, in front of the club's supporters. Klopp's 8½-year reign as manager came to an end with a 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, with first-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah sealing a 305th victory in his 491 games in charge. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Feyenoord coach Slot confirmed on Friday that he would be replacing Klopp at Anfield next season. After Klopp was presented with a series of miniature trophies to reflect those won since taking charge in October 2015, he told the Liverpool fans to follow him by chanting Slot's name. "The new manager, I want you to sing his name," Klopp said. "Arne Slot, na na na na na! When the next season starts, go full throttle into it with the new manager. When you start, you keep believing. Don't stop believing. "I saw a...
May 19
May 19

Foden powers Man City to fourth straight Premier League title

Manchester City won an unprecedented fourth straight English top-flight title with a 3-1 win over West Ham on Sunday to pip rivals Arsenal on the final day of a thrilling Premier League season as the fans turned the pitch into a sea of blue. Two glorious early goals from  Player of the Season Phil Foden created a party atmosphere in the sunshine at the Etihad Stadium, before a stunning bicycle kick from Mohammed Kudus before half-time brought West Ham briefly into the game. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) However,  Rodri sealed the victory with a low 59th-minute shot from outside the area, giving Pep Guardiola's side a phenomenal sixth title in seven years. Fans danced in their seats, belting out: "Champions again!" and "Are you watching, Arsenal?" In one of the closest title races in Premier League history, Arsenal could have taken the championship had City dropped points. But...
May 19
May 19

Man City clinch historic 4th straight PL title

  Manchester City won an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top flight title with a 3-1 home victory over West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday.
May 19
May 19

Sources: Knicks' OG Anunoby, Josh Hart on track to play Game 7

New York Knicks forwards OG Anunoby and Josh Hart are on course to play against the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Sunday -- with a final determination coming close to the 3:30 p.m. ET tip at Madison Square Garden, sources told ESPN. Anunoby and Hart participated in the team's walk-through hours before the game and will take part in warmup, coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. Barring a setback, both players are expected to make themselves available with a berth in the conference finals against the Boston Celtics on the line, sources said. The chance for Anunoby to spend time guarding Pacers forward Pascal Siakam looms as an important matchup for New York. Anunoby has been out since Game 2 with a left hamstring strain, and Hart suffered an abdominal strain in Game 6 of the series. The Knicks have lost Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic to season-ending injuries. The...
May 19
May 19

Man City, Arsenal race for Premier League title on final day

The Premier League title race will be wrapped up this weekend, with Manchester City in pole position to lift a record fourth straight league title and Arsenal ready to pounce should they slip. City head into Sunday's final matchday with a two-point lead over Arsenal, meaning a victory at home against  West Ham will guarantee them the title. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) - Wolves won't get VAR scrapped, but can the Premier League learn lessons? - Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Man City drop 2024-25 home kits However, Arsenal's superior goal difference means they will be in a position to win the title should City draw or lose. In either case, Arsenal must beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have not won the Premier League since they lifted the title in 2003-04 as "Invincibles" by not losing a single match. Meanwhile, City are...
May 19
May 18

Mets closer Edwin Diaz open to change in role amid struggles

MIAMI --  Edwin Diaz is open to a change to help ignite the slumping New York Mets -- even if that means losing his role as closer. Amid a terrible start to the 2024 season in which he has blown two consecutive save chances and three of his past four, the star reliever with a $102 million contract said he would be willing to change his role if the team thinks that's best. "I'm open to everything," Diaz said Saturday after squandering a four-run lead in the ninth inning against one of the league's worst-hitting teams in the Miami Marlins. Diaz has a 10.80 ERA over his past eight appearances after serving up four homers in 8⅓ innings. "I want to help my team to win," he said. "That's my main thing. If they want to talk to me about that and I feel good about it, I agree on it. I just want to win games in any position they put me." The struggling Mets (20-25) led the Marlins 9-5 when Díaz entered in the ninth. He allowed an RBI single by Jazz...
May 18
May 18

Anthony Edwards confident ahead of Game 7: 'We're a great team'

DENVER -- Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid squared off in a shooting competition after practice Saturday, a day ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves' Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets to determine the winner of their Western Conference semifinal series against the defending NBA champions. The Wolves' budding superstar and the league's Sixth Man of the Year started in one corner and challenged one another to make five 3-pointers from seven spots around the perimeter, seeing who would be first to finish from the opposite corner. In the shoot-until-you-miss format, Edwards quickly caught fire and advanced to the final corner spot while Reid got stuck on spot No. 3, clanking away on the wing. To allow Reid a chance to catch up, Edwards started shooting high-arcing shots, launching the ball almost to the ceiling of the Nuggets' practice court. When Reid finally got his rhythm and made his way around the 3-point line, just two spots from the end corner, Edwards...
May 18
May 18

Fanatics files suit against Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Fanatics filed a lawsuit against Arizona Cardinals rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. on Saturday night in New York Supreme Court for breaching a contract the wide receiver signed with the retailer in May 2023. In the suit, Fanatics said Harrison has refused to fulfill his obligations to the deal while he also "publicly asserted" that the contract does not exist. Details of what Harrison's contract with Fanatics required from the No. 4 pick in the NFL draft were redacted, as were the details of the financial agreement between the two. However, a source told ESPN earlier this month that the deal was for at least $1 million and that the contract was for autographs, signed trading cards, game-worn apparel and other marketing opportunities. The suit also sites "The Official Harrison Collection LLC" as a defendant. Harrison is selling signed memorabilia through The Official Harrison Collection's website. Items include photos ranging from $99.99 to $149, a jersey...
May 18
May 18

Schauffele, Morikawa holding off pack at PGA; Lowry fires 62

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- For the third day in a row at the PGA Championship, Xander Schauffele is at the top of the leaderboard. This time, however, he has company. After a birdie on the par-5 18th hole Saturday, Collin Morikawa's 4-under 67 erased Schauffele's 1-shot lead after 36 holes. Heading into the final round at Valhalla Golf Club on Sunday, Schauffele and Morikawa are tied at 15 under, 1 stroke ahead of  Sahith Theegala, who also birdied 18 to get to 14 under and solo third place. In all, 13 golfers are within 5 shots of the lead. After carding just one bogey all week, Schauffele made his biggest mistake of the tournament on the 15th hole. His approach from the fairway landed long left and in some of the deepest rough on the golf course. His first chip barely made it out and his second left him a long putt for bogey, which he missed. "It was easy going there the first round. Everything felt super easy," Schauffele said of his major championship...
May 18
May 18

Louisville PD confirms no bodycam video of Scheffler arrest

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A spokesman for the Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed to ESPN on Saturday that the officer who arrested world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler outside the gates of Valhalla Golf Club early Friday didn't have his bodycam video recorder activated during the incident. Earlier Saturday, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg told the Louisville Courier-Journal that he wasn't certain if Detective Bryan Gillis was wearing a bodycam at the time of the traffic stop, but that it wasn't turned on if he was. Greenberg said there was footage captured from a fixed camera across the street, which would be released in the coming days. In a response to ESPN on Saturday, a public information officer for Louisville police said Greenberg's statement was accurate. "There is no body-worn camera footage of the initial encounter," the police spokesman said in an email. "The incident is under review internally and will proceed through the judicial process. We would...
May 18

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