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Rangers v Middlesbrough - Pre-Season Friendly Rangers FC graphics are outside the stadium during the pre-season friendly match between Glasgow Rangers and Middlesbrough at Ibrox Park in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 26, 2025. Glasgow Strathclyde U… | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Ricky Carroll, Editor

It might have been Albert Einstein who said something about the definition of madness or insanity being to perform the same action over and over again, but expecting different results, just as Rangers are with Djeidi Gassama.

The 23-year-old winger arrived from Sheffield Wednesday in a cut-price £2 million deal last summer, with Owls fans feeling that Danny Rohl had taken advantage of a loophole that saw them robbed of a £10 million transfer windfall.

Rangers looked to have pulled a blinder when Gassama hit the ground running in the Europa League qualifiers, only to become the latest in a long line of frustrating wide men.

Time for Rangers to Drop Djeidi GassamaIMAGO / Focus Images

The Mauritania international has been around professional football for some time and is approaching 200 senior appearances. By now, he should have ironed out the creases that he left Paris Saint-Germain’s academy with as a player with high expectations.

His consistency and availability are to be applauded; his end product isn’t. Gassama featured in every league game for Rangers last term and has done so again this term – 47 in total. 

What frustrates, much like Ryan Kent, isn’t his work rate, attitude, durability, ball carrying, or ability to create space for teammates; it is his goal return. He has one goal in 14 games this season in total, none in the league, to add to his three from last year.

Read More:Rangers’ Next £20m Star? Transfer Interest Reported From Top Leagues in Key Man

The 10 assists in 70 appearances since he joined is hardly the sort of figure that inspires confidence either. With the same minutes, Scott Wright, Ross McCausland and Rabbi Matondo could all have produced something similar.

With Kim Minsu and Badredine Bouanani both proficient dribblers and attacking options, Rangers no longer need to rely on Gassama being the only outlet to progress the play up the park, and it is time for Derek McInnes to give someone else a chance.

What Has McInnes Said About Gassama?

There is a feeling that every game is going to be the one. But it doesn’t come. Against Dundee, Bouanani did his job on the other flank and was Rangers’ most dangerous player, and yet it was Gassama who played the full 90 minutes. Every shot that Bouanani hit was placed and put on target; only two world-class saves denied him a hat-trick. Despite his fleeting appearances, he looks like the complete package.

Gassama though, as McInnes himself admitted recently, via The Rangers Review, needs to start adding numbers:

“Particularly in recent weeks he has carried the fight. We’ve built the game well, utilised space and become a very good counter-attacking team, and he’s been a big part of that. 

“Gas just needs to improve his numbers. He’s desperate to score more goals, and it’s something he’s aware of. Whether it’s attacking crosses from the opposite side or creating opportunities himself, that’s the one thing he needs to add to his game.

“Because the fitness is there, the intent is there, the power is there, and the confidence is there. It’s just that final piece and, if we can put everything together, hopefully he can continue progressing and become a big player for us this season.”

Daisuke Yokota being injured has reduced McInnes’ options, although Findlay Curtis and Minsu could both play off the left-hand side of the attack if he wanted to make the change.

The Last Word

There is no denying that Gassama has everything needed to be a key player for Rangers if they are to win the Scottish Premiership and other domestic trophies this season.

He can create something from nothing, and he can score goals when little seems on, but as Light Blues fans saw with Kent, carrying a winger that works hard and plays every game means little when they aren’t scoring goals or creating good chances for their teammates when it comes to silverware at the end of the season.

More on Football

• Rangers Should Look Beyond Lewis Ferguson — And the Answer is Already in Italy
• Forgotten Rangers Hero Could Resurrect His Career & Bail Out Injured Gers – Opinion

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IMAGO / NurPhoto

Monaco vs. Freiburg preview: Team news & predicted lineups

Freiburg have started excellently in all competitions this season, losing just once under Julian Schuster. 

That loss came on Sunday, when Bayer Leverkusen cancelled out Derry Scherhant's opener at the BayArena, seeing Freiburg drop off the top of the Bundesliga. 

Now, they are looking to make it two wins from two in the Conference League, after beating Jablonec last Thursday. 

To do so, they will have to get past Ligue 1 heavyweight AS Monaco, now coached by former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea fullback Filipe Luís.

Les Monégasques are one of five sides sitting level on points at the top of the French top flight, with Lyon topping the table with a goal difference of eight, while Monaco's differential sits at four.

On home soil, they have won three of their four matches this term, handing Freiburg a stern test as they travel to the principality.

Last time out in Europe, the Red and Whites also picked up three points, beating CSKA Sofia on the road, while they were knocked out at the round-of-16 playoff stage of the Champions League by French rivals Paris Saint-Germain last season.

Team news and predicted lineups

The hosts will be without winger Stanis Idumbo and former Bayern man Eric Dier, while the woes do not extend much further for boss Luis.

The same goes for Freiburg, with fringe man Florent Muslija the only player sidelined, leaving Schuster with a mostly full squad to choose from. 

Click here to see our predicted lineups ahead of Monaco vs Freiburg

Expectations are running sky-high for Florida basketball entering the 2026-27 campaign, especially for its star four-year forward Thomas Haugh.

With less than two weeks before the start of the regular-season schedule, ESPN's Myron Medcalf issued his predictions for every D1 conference's Player of the Year award. He expects Haugh to finish as the top dog in the SEC this year.

"During SEC media days, Haugh acknowledged that if his team's season hadn't ended in the second round of last season's NCAA tournament following an upset loss to Iowa, he might not have returned. But Haugh, an Associated Press third-team All-American last year, is back as the leader of a Florida squad that's favored to win its second national championship in three seasons," Metcalf offers.

"If Haugh reaches all of his goals, he could win national player of the year plus a national title and earn a spot in the top 10 of the 2027 NBA Draft."

The New Oxford, Pennsylvania, product's top competition for the award is Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner, who averaged 19.5 points and 5.1 assists per game along with a 37% mark from beyond the arc during the 2025-26 campaign.

Last season, Haugh was named to the All-SEC First Team by both the coaches and Associated Press, while also earning Second-Team All-American recognition from The Sporting News and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, plus a spot on the AP and U.S. Basketball Writers Association's Third Team. He joined Walter Clayton Jr. as the only players in program history to earn All-America honors from all four consensus selectors

Haugh also finished as a top-five finalist for the 2026 Julius Erving Award.

ESPN's Power Conferences predictions for Player of the Year

• Atlantic Coast Conference: Flory Bidunga, Louisville
• Big East Conference: Silas Demary Jr., UConn
• Big 12 Conference: Tyran Stokes, Kansas
• Big Ten Conference: Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State
• Southeastern Conference: Thomas Haugh, Florida

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: ESPN picks Florida's Thomas Haugh to win SEC Player of the Year

The Tennessee Titans' situation with the release of Jordan Elliott has sparked so many reactions from around the NFL. Titans Wire actually compiled many of those reactions into a list, and the resounding sentiment is mostly shock, but given the lack of actual facts and information around the incident, there are a variety of reactions coming out on Wednesday.

One of those taking a different stance is former NFL defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko.

Faheko played for the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers during his five-year career, and he's recently made controversial comments about the NFL being rigged because of sports betting. Now, he's coming to the defense of Elliott and slamming Titans head coach Robert Saleh for his handling of the situation.

"This is the NFL," Fehoko wrote on X. "They don’t care about your personal life or what you’re going through. I’m not excusing Jordan Elliot’s actions, but I’ve said it multiple times, the NFL is so fake. Robert Saleh said Elliot been struggling with off-the-field stuff. Yet teams quickly post ChatGPT (expletive) statements saying, 'We are here for you and let’s protect mental health.' It’s all a (expletive) lie, and it took this guy finally boiling over and wanting to kill a teammate. The moment you get help in an organization and admit you’re struggling mentally, they’ll cut you. Players know this. (Expletive) the NFL. This is a sad situation."

This is a sad situation. However, to be fair, Saleh said "personal issues" and did not allude to them being mental health issues, per se. While that may very well be the case, because of the lack of information the Titans have let out, we truly don't know what those issues were.

In a separate post on X, Fehoko said, "If someone says they've been struggling with off-the-field personal matters for weeks, why not address it before it escalates? Jordan Elliot is 100% wrong and should never play football again. My issue is Robert Saleh said he was dealing with this for weeks & yet nobody thought, 'Hey man we should give this dude some time away so he can find some peace.'"

Again, Fehoko is implying that the Titans stood idly by without attempting to help a member of their roster. The implication is unfounded and has no basis. There is zero evidence that we've seen indicating that no help was offered.

As a former NFL player, Fehoko should know that Saleh has been instructed on what he can and cannot disclose. And, again, we don't know what was happening behind closed doors. How do we know they weren't actively trying to help Elliott with whatever his issues were? The truth is, we don't. Only people who were directly involved in the incident know what happened.

Fehoko got one thing right, though. This is an incredibly sad situation. Not just for Elliott, but for JC Latham, who has to be reeling knowing that he was almost shot at football practice, and the rest of the locker room, who have to deal with the fallout.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Ex-NFL DT slams Titans' Robert Saleh for Jordan Elliott situation

A piece of the NASCAR FedEx Freight Truck Series silly season puzzle for the 2027 season was put together on Wednesday morning. TRICON Garage officially announced that Gio Ruggiero will return as the driver of the organization’s No. 17 Toyota Tundra for a third full-time campaign.

TRICON Garage made the announcement of Ruggiero’s contract extension in the form of a social media post and graphic.

The No. 17 will look familiar in ‘27.

Gio Ruggiero will be back at TRICON for a third full-time campaign! ? pic.twitter.com/oall22UqT6

— TRICON (@TRICONGarage) October 21, 2026

Ruggiero, who is one of the 10 drivers who earned a place in the NASCAR Truck Series Chase this season, has one career win in 47 starts.

The 20-year-old racer has four top-five finishes and 11 top-10s this season with three races remaining in the year. Overall, Ruggiero has 11 top-five finishes and 22 top-10s over the course of his two seasons behind the wheel of the TRICON Garage entry.

Prior to moving to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series full-time in 2025, Ruggiero finished third in the ARCA Menards Series East point standings in 2024, a season where he picked up a win.

Ruggiero had four ARCA Menards Series victories in just six starts this season, while running full-time in the NASCAR Truck Series.

The post Gio Ruggiero Returns For Third Full-Time NASCAR Truck Season With TRICON in 2027 appeared first on TobyChristie.com.

Oklahoma City (1-0) defeated San Antonio (0-1), 116-104, Tuesday on opening day of the 2026 NBA season at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Former Tennessee men's basketball player Ja'Kobi Gillespie totaled two points in one minute for the Spurs. He converted 1-of-2 field goal attempts in his NBA debut.

Former Vol Tobias Harris did not play for San Antonio due to a calf strain.

Stephon Castle was the Spurs' leading scorer as he totaled 24 points. He also recorded seven rebounds, three steals and one assist. Castle converted 9-of-21 field goal attempts, 5-of-12 three-point attempts and 1-of-1 free throw attempts.

Victor Wembanyama posted a double-double as he finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds. He also had six blocks, three assists and one steal. Dylan Harper had 18 points, while D'Aaron Fox totaled 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal for the Spurs, who next play Friday versus Houston. Tipoff is slated for 9:30 p.m. EDT at Frost Bank Center.

The Thunder's Shai Giilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 32 points. He also recorded six rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks. Gilgeous-Alexander converted 13-of-27 field goal attempts, 3-of-7 three-point attempts and 3-of-4 free throw attempts. Chet Holmgren totaled 14 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and two assists.

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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes NBA debut with Spurs

Oliver Glasner: Morgan Gibbs-White fit for Ipswich, but Nottingham Forest can't depend on midfielder

Oliver Glasner has confirmed Morgan Gibbs-White is fit to face Ipswich Town on Friday night, but the Nottingham Forest boss insists his talisman cannot carry the side on his own at Portman Road.

Forest head into the game with only one win and five points from their opening sevenPremier League matches. Victory at Ipswich would lift them out of the bottom three.

Glasner has confirmed that the influential Gibbs-White is fit to feature, having been a doubt for the clash. He missed the 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal at the weekend.

Defender Nikola Milenkovic, an unused substitute in thedefeat by Arsenal as he recovered from bone bruising, is also fully fit and available to start.

Glasner was quick to stress the importance of the Gibbs-White, while pointing to how his side performed without him against Arsenal.

"He's ready, he trained for the entire week, so no issues. When Morgan is available, it's important. We know that Morgan is somebody who can create chances, who can score goals and that's always very positive. "But on the other side, we could see that we also, without Morgan, we had a very competitive team against the champions, and this gives us confidence. He's an important part. But he alone can't win the game, so we need a top team performance.

- Oliver Glasner

Full-back Nicolo Savona (knee) and forward Igor Jesus (calf) are the only players still missing. Glasner said the latter "could return for the Manchester City game" on November 7 if everything goes perfectly, though he questioned whether it would make sense to take a risk with the international break following.

"We're in the middle of a thunderstorm"

Glasner has endured a tough start to life at Forest, following his arrival in the summer. Asked whether he had spoken to the club's hierarchy about the poor start, Glasner said there was no need for discussions.

He urged patience, as Forest look to navigate a 'thunderstorm' of recent results.

"We have just five points. Nobody is pleased with this. Nobody is satisfied. No player, no staff member, no one in the leadership. But on the other side, everybody sees the effort. Everybody sees the performances. So that is why it is quiet."We want to change things, if you always do the same, you always get the same. I think we're in the middle of a thunderstorm sometimes, but when you get through it, the sun will be shining."

Arsenal job cuts raise questions despite Premier League triumph

Arsenal are facing a massive drop in morale after announcing that 60 jobs are at risk of redundancy, The Telegraph reports.

Staff and supporters are baffled by the decision, especially as it comes just months after Arsenal won their first Premier League title in over 20 years.

It’s also coming days after manager Mikel Arteta signed a new lucrative contract.

Despite the club’s on-pitch achievements and record revenue last year, the mood behind the scenes has reportedly grown increasingly difficult.

The planned job cuts are also not the only source of change at the Emirates Stadium. Several experienced and influential employees have already left or are expected to leave in the coming months.

Arsenal employ around 850 people. Many work in commercial, retail, and administrative roles.

While the club’s best players earn millions of pounds each year, most employees receive ordinary salaries and face the personal challenges that come with losing their jobs.

Arsenal’s restructuring plans were already underway before the title-winning campaign ended.

Richard Garlick became chief executive in September last year and has since overseen a review of the club’s operations, with management consultants Boston Consulting Group also involved.

The club’s financial position is a major factor. Arsenal have recorded seven consecutive years of losses, and their latest accounts are expected to continue that trend.

While winning the Premier League bolsters the club’s reputation and future earning potential, it does not automatically solve immediate financial problems.

Player bonuses linked to performance can also increase costs following a successful season.

Arsenal want to use their resources better, increase revenue, and create more money to invest in the playing squad.

Some employees affected by the proposed redundancies could also be offered alternative roles as the consultation process continues.

Arteta has always described Arsenal as a family and even introduced a dog named Win at the training ground to represent that spirit.

However, the proposed cuts send a different message to the employees.

Arteta has refused to address the issue, so it’s up to the club’s owners and senior executives to explain the changes and reassure concerned staff.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 12: Terrel Bernard #8 of the Buffalo Bills tackles Blake Corum #24 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium on October 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In the first season of the Joe Brady era, Josh Allen, James Cook and the Buffalo Bills once again feature one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL.

But on the other side of the ball, there have been plenty of issues with Jim Leonhard’s defense, and it seems week after week, the Bills are forced to score as many points as possible and hope the defense can hang on for the win.

The formula has worked…so far. The Bills are 5-1 through the first six weeks, are in sole possession of first place in the AFC East and currently are alone as the N0. 2 seed in the AFC heading into their bye.

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But sooner or later, Buffalo’s defense is going to need to need to show marked improvements in several phases of the game, most pressing being Buffalo’s issues getting off the field on third-and-long scenarios.

With the Bills currently on their bye, today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by examining how Leonhard, Brady and co. are still searching for answers on a defense that ranks 28th in points allowed (28.5 ppg.), and is 31st in yards allowed (398.2), 30th in passing yards allowed (264.6), and 28th in rushing yards allowed (133.6).

Check out the news items below and then let us know your thoughts on what needs to be done to fix the defensive issues plaguing the Bills.

DC Jim Leonhard still searching for answers

Bills fans knew the 2026 team was going to be different on defense. That was expected as soon as former head coach Sean McDermott was fired and former Bills safety Jim Leonhard was brought in to oversee a complete overhaul of Buffalo’s defensive scheme. The team switched from a 4-3 scheme to a multiple 3-4 base defense under Leonhard, with mixed results.

So far, citing terrific research compiled by Buffalo Rumblings writer Bruce Nolan, the only tangible improvement on defense has been against the run, as Buffalo is 25th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per rush, a metric that measures the net point value a running play adds to an offense. That’s up from last year, when the Bills were 31st in EPA per rush.

Besides that slight improvement, everything else about Buffalo’s defense has significantly declined from last year to this year. With the Bills once again possessing legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, and with Josh Allen once again orchestrating a dynamic offense that leads the league in scoring average, Bills fans are hoping the team will emerge from the bye week with a better understanding of what adjustments Leonhard is going to make to fix the many issues on defense.

We examine what has gone right on defense—from the stellar play of Deone Walker, Greg Rousseau and the rest of the defensive front—and what has gone wrong—from poor play from the middle linebackers and safeties to an inability to get off the field on third down and contain the passing game; explore how the defense remains the crucial weakness that could derail those Super Bowl dreams; and hear from Leonhard on what changes could be coming as the team uses the bye week to scheme ways to address its deficiencies.

• Three questions after the Buffalo Bills outlast the Las Vegas Raiders – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Why the Buffalo Bills’ defense is the flaw that could sink a Super Bowl run – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Jim Leonhard Says ‘Some Changes’ Being Made to Bills’ Defense – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
• Bills notebook: Leonhard on ‘the biggest thing’ for defense over bye week – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Will Bills’ rookies make or break the defense? Here’s what the film says – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Four Critical Changes That Bills Must Make During Bye Week – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills

Even more Bills news

Discussing the recent reunion with former All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White. Plus, find out the key numbers that powered Buffalo past the Las Vegas Raiders; learn how defensive tackle Deone Walker was once again a disruptive force in the middle of the Bills defense; and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson gets suspended for a game after spitting at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.

• Source: Buffalo Bills to bring back Tre’Davious White via practice squad – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Former All-Pro signs with Buffalo Bills for third stint with team – Democrat & Chronicle
• Buffalo Bills fans get Tre’Davious White reunion news on Victory Monday – newyorkupstate.com
• Tre’Davious White signed to Bills’ practice squad – WGR 550
• Bills sign CB Tre’Davious White to practice squad, release CB A.J. Woods – BuffaloBills.com
• Bills sign veteran CB Tre’Davious White to practice squad – WGRZ
• Tre’Davious White Returns to Orchard Park, But This Old Bills’ All-Pro Won’t Be Back – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
• The advanced stats behind the Bills’ Week 6 win in Las Vegas – BuffaloBills.com
• Buffalo Bills’ Deone Walker dominated $81 million Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum – newyorkupstate.com
• C.J. Gardner-Johnson suspended 1 game for spitting at Brock Bowers – The Athletic (subscription required)
• NFL suspends Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson without pay for one game – WGRZ
• Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suspended one game by NFL for spitting – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• C.J. Gardner-Johnson suspended one game for spitting incident – WGR 550
• Bills’ Gardner-Johnson suspended one game for spitting at Raiders players – ESPN.com Buffalo Bills blog

Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings

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Aaron Boone will be returning as manager of the New York Yankees for the 2027 season, the final year of his contract, the team confirmed on Wednesday.

Owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman met with reporters via a video conference to discuss the 2026 season and Boone's future, which faced much speculation after the Yankees' latest postseason exit.

The roster put together by Cashman, who confirmed he has agreed to a contract extension, and the managing job by Boone were backed by Steinbrenner. The Yankees owner praised the team's pitching, but expressed multiple times that the offense was the biggest reason why the team fell short of championship expectations.

"Every year I'm going to look at the situation," Steinbrenner said of contemplating Boone's future. "I don't think you can pin the season and the unacceptable end to it on Aaron. I don't think you can pin it on [Cashman], based on the roster he put together. The offense, not the pitching, but the offense, had a big part of why, in my opinion, why we didn't get where we strive to get every year and we're certainly striving to get this year.

"That was during the whole year. In the postseason, if you look at their performance against the two starting Boston pitchers and their performance against probably all the Rays pitchers, it was just not good. I don't know how else to put it. If you don't score runs, you're not going to win. We all know that."

Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Basketball league for the 2026-27 NBA season

Steinbrenner added that he had a week-long conversation about Boone's status, but in the end did not believe the manager was part of the problem either.

"I don't believe he was," Steinbrenner said. "I think he had a good year managing-wise. I would, of course, consider moving on from Aaron Boone if I thought he was a huge part of the problem and I can certainly, without mentioning names, point out to other managers of other clubs that have been part of the problem and that's why a change was made.

"This year, I just don't believe that's the case."

Boone's contract set to expire after 2027 season

Boone signed a two-year extension through the 2027 MLB season in February 2025, months after the Yankees lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After two straight eliminations in the ALDS, some expected Boone's time would be up in New York after nine seasons. Instead, he will manage the team through at least the end of his current deal.

The 2026 season saw the Yankees finish second in the AL East for the second straight season and win 90 games for the seventh time in a full season under Boone. It's in the postseason that the Yankees have fallen short more often than not under the 53-year-old.

Manager Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees speaks to the media prior to Game One of the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays.Mike Carlson via Getty Images

The Yankees hold a 27-30 playoff record under Boone, which includes three trips to the ALCS and one World Series appearance. His teams are 18-5 as the higher seed in a series and 9-25 as the lower seed. The Yankees were the No. 4 seed in 2026 and beat the No. 5 seed Boston Red Sox in the wild-card round before being swept by the top-seeded Tampa Rays in the ALDS.

Without Aaron Judge and with Giancarlo Stanton available only as a pinch-hitter, the Yankees batted .130 in the ALDS, and three of their five RBI came from Ben Rice. Their pitching was what kept them in games, as evidenced by a 1.88 team ERA, 0.81 team WHIP and a .173 opponent batting average.

"I thought Boone managed a good season, especially with the pitching staff," said Steinbrenner. "He got us to the playoffs, and the bottom-line is the players didn't live up to their end of the bargain in the playoffs."

In the playoffs, other teams have often been able to pick up on the weaknesses of Boone's Yankees teams. The Dodgers told their players their 2024 World Series opponents were "talent over fundamentals" and were bound to self-destruct. Toronto Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez labeled the AL East rivals as "not a good team" last season, saying they were mistake-prone in the field and on the bases.

Those criticisms were only hardened after seeing Austin Wells' baserunning mistake in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Rays and the Yankees' defensive breakdown in Game 2.

Cashman has been in charge for 29 seasons. Boone is just the third manager to work under him. The Yankees last won the World Series in 2009 and are in the midst of a 17-year championship drought. The boos heard after Trent Grisham's series-ending strikeout against the Rays showed how frustrated the fan base is with the team's current state.

But regardless of their feelings, Cashman apparently isn't ready to hire a new manager just yet. It's unclear what major changes he will make this winter, if any, in hopes of returning the franchise to contender status, which remains the goal of ownership.

"That is our mission, that is our goal," Steinbrenner said.

Fred Lorenzen spent his NASCAR career making history. More than half a century after his greatest victories, the Hall of Famer’s name is now attached to another milestone, one his family hopes will help other drivers avoid the suffering they witnessed firsthand.

Researchers at Boston University’s CTE Center have diagnosed Lorenzen with stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following an examination of his brain after his death, the Concussion & CTE Foundation announced Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Lorenzen, who died Dec. 18, 2024, at age 89, is the first NASCAR driver known to have received a confirmed CTE diagnosis. The degenerative brain disease is associated with repeated head impacts and can currently be definitively diagnosed only after death.

For Lorenzen’s children, Chris Lorenzen and Amanda Lorenzen Gardstrom, the findings follow two decades of watching their father live with dementia.

Now, they’re committing $1 million to help other racing families find answers and support.

Fred Lorenzen’s Family Speaks Out About His Years With Dementia

Long before Lorenzen’s health deteriorated, he was one of NASCAR’s biggest stars.

Nicknamed “Fast Freddie” and “The Golden Boy,” Lorenzen won 26 Cup Series races, including the 1965 Daytona 500. He was the first driver to earn $100,000 in a single NASCAR season and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015.

But away from the accomplishments that made him famous, Lorenzen and his family were facing an increasingly difficult reality.

His daughter said he had struggled for years before receiving a dementia diagnosis in his 60s.

“My dad struggled for many years, long before he was diagnosed with dementia in his 60s,” Gardstrom said in the foundation’s announcement.

“Watching him go through that, and experiencing the impact it had on me and our family was incredibly difficult and beyond heartbreaking.”

In 2016, Lorenzen pledged to donate his brain for research. Nearly a decade later, that decision has provided researchers with important findings about a disease that remains difficult to study in living patients.

The diagnosis is significant, although it does not establish how widespread CTE is among NASCAR drivers or determine which specific events during Lorenzen’s racing career contributed to the disease.

Lorenzen Family Donates $1 Million to Help Other NASCAR Drivers

Rather than keeping the findings private, Lorenzen’s children have chosen to use them to help other families navigating similar circumstances.

Their $1 million donation to the Concussion & CTE Foundation will support further research and establish the Fred Lorenzen Memorial HelpLine, a resource connecting current and former racing drivers and their families with care and information about persistent concussion symptoms and suspected CTE.

The family also hopes to support efforts to make CTE diagnosable during a person’s lifetime.

In announcing the initiative, Chris Lorenzen expressed disappointment that NASCAR had not joined the effort following discussions earlier this year.

“We had hoped NASCAR would join us in this effort, and while we’re disappointed that hasn’t happened, we remain hopeful there will be opportunities to work together to support the drivers who helped build the sport,” he said.

The foundation said the family opened discussions with NASCAR leadership in January. The announcement did not specify the terms of the proposed collaboration or why NASCAR declined to participate.

For the Lorenzens, however, the effort is moving forward.

Their father’s name will remain associated with his Daytona 500 victory, his remarkable winning record and his place among NASCAR’s pioneers. His children now hope it can also help families facing questions about the long-term effects of brain injuries.

The Fred Lorenzen Memorial HelpLine is available through the Concussion & CTE Foundation at ConcussionAndCTE.org/Lorenzen.

The Panthers have added a running back to their 53-man roster.

Carolina announced the club has signed Anthony Tyus off of its practice squad.

Tyus, 23, has been with Carolina since last season, mainly on the team’s practice squad.

He’s appeared in three games so far this season, averaging 25.4 yards on five kick returns.

Additionally, the Panthers have opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Bam Martin-Scott, who is currently on injured reserve.

The Philadelphia 76ers were at the center of the offseason conversation after two significant moves shook up the NBA landscape. The trade to acquire Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics and the signing of future Hall of Famer LeBron James created a roster that looked incredible on paper. However, could four players who typically played with the ball in their hands coexist on one roster? The 76ers answered that question, at least partially, with an opening-night win over the reigning-champion New York Knicks.

Philly's new core of Brown, James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe didn't just show it was possible; each player showed they've bought into a fully selfless style of play—and the results showed. The Sixers' 106-100 road win over the Knicks on ring night for New York came with a balanced attack: all five starters attempted 10-plus field goals, scored nine or more points, and everyone else filled the box score.

The style of play was especially unique for Brown and Embiid, and after the game, the latter made a declaration that proved he's more bought in than ever. Embiid spoke specifically about defense, stating he's going to return to his All-Defense form in a way that can "change everything" for the Sixers," as ESPN's Kris Rhim revealed.

"I think just we have the talent," Embiid said. "...I think a lot of it falls on me. I put it on me. If I want to be All-Defense like I used to be, that changes everything for our team. So if I can play that way every single night, which I will, changes everything."

The comments were telling by Embiid, and he backed them up with his play on the floor during the opening-night victory.

How Joel Embiid backed up his 'All-Defense' comments in 76ers' win over Knicks

Embiid is used to being the centerpiece of the 76ers' offensive game plan, or at the very least, being either option 1A or 1B alongside Maxey. But his focus on playing at an "All-Defense" level showed on Tuesday night. Among the five starters, Embiid scored the second-fewest points (13), ahead of only the team's Swiss Army knife in Edgecombe.

However, his defense was notable. Embiid finished the game with 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, but most importantly, he added three blocks and two steals. His +13 net rating was the second-highest on the Sixers, behind only Brown's +17.

If Embiid can keep elevating his play on the defensive end, it will make life easier for his teammates across the board and help deliver results like the road win that surprised many on Tuesday night. It's a big statement from the longtime Sixers star, but it's not one that's out of the realm of possibility.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Joel Embiid makes vow to 76ers that 'changes everything' after opener

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What Chet Holmgren said about limiting Victor Wembanyama to 1-of-13 shooting in revenge game appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Thunder pulled off an impressive 116-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs to open up the season. The two Western Conference powers that met in last year’s Western Conference Finals came into this game with a lot of hype, specifically around the growing rivalry between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, but Holmgren got the final laugh on opening night.

Holmgren finished the game with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks, while Victor Wembanyama had 12 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 6 blocks, but only shot 1 of 13 from the field and had 4 turnovers. Following the game, Holmgren spoke about the team’s defense limiting Wembanyama.

“I think we did a great job of keying in on what the coaches gave us and going out there and not only making it tough on him, but tough on everybody else as a team,” Holmgren said in post-game comments obtained by Clemente Almanza.

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Almanza also obtained a clip of Holmgren talking about how it felt to face the San Antonio Spurs.

“I feel like there’s a balance between letting the game tell you what to do and telling the game what to do.”

The win comes after Holmgren downplayed the rivalry talk between him and Wembanyama.

“You can’t get so wrapped up in just that, that you forget the process and the steps that it takes to work towards the goal we’re trying to work towards,” Holmgren told Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix about facing Wembanyama. “They’re a very talented young team. There’s no denying that. And I’d say, I mean, we’re a very talented young team too, and that leads to some very fiery, competitive basketball games.”

Related: Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama calls out issues that got Thunder ‘having fun’

Related: Thunder star SGA gets 100% real on simple approach that helped OKC rip Spurs apart

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Seahawks rumors: ESPN insider just asking questions about Sam Darnold as bust version makes unwanted appearances appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After a hard-fought overtime loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday night, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold faced the media and offered no excuses for his performance. The game concluded with a 17-14 defeat, and Darnold admitted that it was difficult to put a positive spin on his struggles, which included two costly turnovers.

This disappointing outing dropped the defending champions to a 3-3 record and sparked widespread discussion about Darnold’s consistency. Furthermore, there is intense scrutiny surrounding his long-term future with the team. An ESPN report revealed that Darnold has one year left on his contract after this season, valued at $35.5 million, but without any guaranteed money.

Insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler highlighted the increasing pressure on Darnold, noting that while backup Drew Lock has shown promise, Darnold needs to quickly reduce his turnover rate, as he has thrown seven interceptions so far. This is especially urgent as the front office must make important roster decisions by March 2027 if the team’s offensive struggles continue.

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Despite the growing concerns about his contract status and recent errors, head coach Mike Macdonald swiftly dismissed any speculation about benching Darnold. Speaking on Seattle Sports, Macdonald expressed his full confidence in Darnold’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing that improvements in the offensive line and a stronger run game are essential for the team to find success.

Related: Patriots’ Mike Vrabel drops head turning Caleb Lomu take for TNF clash vs. Bears amid O-line woes

Related: The ‘troll-y’ reason Mina Kimes felt better about Patriots’ AJ Brown despite drops

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 16: Head Coach Thom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks watches his team play against the Chicago Bulls on December 16, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. New York defeated Chicago 114-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As Kenny Atkinson and the Cleveland Cavaliers gear up for arguably their most consequential season of this era, they are soliciting any and all advice. Former NBA head coach Thom Thibodeau attended the Cavs’ practice on Tuesday, according to Atkinson, to gather his feedback. There has not been any indication that the Cavs have hired Thibodeau in any capacity.

“We’re a continuous learning organization, seeing who can we learn from,” Atkinson said after practice. “I’ll ask for his feedback, what he thought of practice.”

Kenny on Thibs visit:

"We're a continuous learning organization, who can we learn from. … I'll ask his feedback what he thought of practice. … I pretty much feel comfortable with anybody in our coaching circle just to invite or go visit them. … It's great to get feedback." https://t.co/gphOb1GWeypic.twitter.com/N6tiD7yjJS

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Thibodeau, 68, did not coach in the NBA last year after being fired by the New York Knicks. Prior to that, he spent five seasons with the Chicago Bulls (2010-2015) and another three years with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-2019).

Atkinson said he “pretty much feels comfortable” with anybody in the coaching circle visiting or going to visit them. While the exact reason for Thibodeau’s visit was not explained, it is not uncommon for teams to ask for information from former coaches — or even bring them on board. The Cavs also hired former Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger as a consultant in 2023-24, before being whisked away to join Doc Rivers in Milwaukee.

In his time as both an assistant and head coach, Thibodeau gained a reputation for building elite defenses. In his first four seasons with Chicago, the Bulls posted a top-six defensive rating. The Knicks teams he coached also consistently finished in the upper tiers of most defensive metrics, despite not having a traditional anchor center. The Cavs, after losing their edge on that end last season, are looking to get back to being a top defense.

Like those Bulls teams that had Joakim Noah at center, the Cavs have a traditional big in Jarrett Allen. And, again, like the Chicago teams of that era, the Cavs do not have a strong defensive backcourt. Atkinson, mostly known for his offensive scheming, very well could be looking to Thibodeau for tips on upgrading the defensive game plan. Thibodeau ran a heavy help defense with aggressive pick-and-roll coverage, a real “hair-on-fire” mentality that relies on disciplined rotations and strong closeouts. The Cavs, many times last season, were one or two steps late on rotations and looked slack in getting back on defense after a miss. With an upgraded Eastern Conference, the Cavs must be better on defense if they not only want to advance to the NBA Finals, but just get back to the Conference Championship as well.

Pascal Struijk was shown a red card by referee Thomas Bramall after 57 minutes of Brighton's victory at Sunderland [Getty Images]

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has supported Pascal Struijk's red card against Sunderland - despite the Brighton defender having his suspension overturned on appeal.

Struijk was sent off after 57 minutes at the Stadium of Light when he was adjudged to have fouled Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor as he tried to run on to a through-ball.

Referee Thomas Bramall did not give a foul initially, but he was sent to the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR), Neil Davies, who deemed the Dutch defender had denied Isidor an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

Brighton successfully challenged the red card at a Football Association disciplinary commission, meaning he was available for Sunday's 5-0 win over Crystal Palace - though he missed the game through injury anyway.

The three members of the FA commission unanimously determined that Isidor "had not taken control of the ball and the pass was clearly going to run through to the goalkeeper".

Yet the KMI Panel, upon which five people sit, came to the opposite conclusion, with both votes split 3:2.

It decided Bramall was incorrect not to give a foul and a red card, and the VAR was right to intervene.

Only two panellists felt the intervention was "incorrect due to the subjectivity of whether Isidor would gain possession" before goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

The KMI Panel features three former players or coaches, plus one representative each from the Premier League and Pro Ref.

James Anderson is England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 704 [Getty Images]

James Anderson's legendary career could be over after Lancashire opted against offering England's all-time leading wicket-taker a new contract.

Anderson, 44, chose to continue playing with Lancashire after England forced him into international retirement in 2024.

He captained Lancashire in the County Championship last season but the Red Rose endured a poor season, finishing next to bottom of Division Two.

Now, as first reported by the Times, Anderson will not be given the opportunity to play at Old Trafford in 2027 - the summer when he will turn 45.

It is not known whether Anderson will retire or look to extend his 26-year professional career with another county.

More to follow.

• What's gone wrong at Lancashire?

Major League Baseball’s free agent qualifying offer figure has been set for the 2026–27 offseason, but the structure is just the start of what is set to be a highly uncertain player market this fall and winter. 

The league set the latest qualifying offer at $23.15 million, with that number derived from an average of the 125 major league contracts. The figure is up by 5.1% from last year and up by 74% since the system began after the 2012 season.

Qualifying offers provide protection to clubs for the potential loss of free agents, and tendering them provides draft pick compensation should a player sign with another club. Historically, players have held little regard for qualifying offers, and just 18 of 157 overall have been accepted. Amid recent salary escalation, though, that trend has begun to reverse, with a record four players accepting qualifying offers last year.

The upcoming offseason presents a rather different scenario because of ongoing labor strife between MLB and the MLB Players Association, and its direct impact on part of the sport that the qualifying offers touch. Team owners have proposed a series of dramatic measures including a hard salary cap, significant restrictions to free agency, and an overhaul of the MLB draft. The union vehemently opposes those offers, particularly the salary cap, and is looking to retain the core of the sport’s market-based economic system. 

A management lockout is expected when the current collective bargaining agreement expires in December. Qualifying offer decisions, however, will be made before that, with offers due by the fifth day after the World Series ends, and player decisions a week after that. 

As a result, both clubs and pending free agents will be looking at upcoming qualifying offers without knowing for certain what MLB’s overall economic structure or the nature of the draft next year look like. 

Top players that could receive qualifying offers include Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena, Yankees closer David Bednar, and Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki. 

Historic Parallels 

The 2021-22 MLB offseason provides some window as to what may happen over the next several months. 

Five years ago, the league and union went through a similar scenario where labor disagreements led to a 99-day management lockout, ultimately resolved in March 2022, preserving a full season that year. 

The preceding offseason included a conventional qualifying offer process, and only Giants first baseman Brandon Belt accepted what was an $18.4 million offer at the time.

Several other key offseason events were either canceled or postponed due to the lockout, including the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft and salary arbitration proceedings. 

The same thing would happen this time around. MLB recently detailed in a memo to club owners that essentially all player-related activity would stop as soon as a lockout begins, including a halt on player trades, signings, and contract negotiations. Additionally, all player images and videos would be removed from official league outlets such as the MLB website, and any contact between team staffers and players, even socially, would be severely restricted. Those practices duplicate what happened during the prior lockout. 

The similarity to a half decade ago, however, begins to fade when considering the scope of management’s current labor proposals—which could radically restructure the state of the game—and the state of the bargaining divide. Both sides have held out some hope of a deal ultimately being struck, but doing so would require sizable movement from the current negotiating positions.

One potential element of labor agreement lies around the qualifying offer in future years. The union wants to eliminate the system altogether, arguing that it acts as a drag on free agency options as signing teams must currently pay draft-pick compensation. Owners have said they will agree to that, but only in the context of a salary cap and other severe restrictions to free agency that players oppose.

The post MLB Qualifying Offer Figure Rises Amid Labor Strife appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had a great game in Week 1, then got hurt at the end of a disappointing game in Week 2. After returning and playing another great game in Week 6, Bears coach Ben Johnson wants to see Williams do it again in Week 7.

Asked if Williams' performance in Sunday's win over the Falcons showed that he benefited from his time on the sideline while injured, Johnson disputed that. But he did say he wants to see Williams show he can play well every single week.

"I don't know about that. We saw a lot of that across the course of camp as well," Johnson said of Williams' stellar play in Week 6. "He put together a good performance, and the key with him and the rest of the guys is to stack good performances, back to back to back. Thats' what the good ones do."

Williams has shown a lot of improvement, going from 32nd in the NFL in completion percentage last year to first this year. Now Johnson looks forward to seeing if Williams can show that consistency in back-to-back weeks.