You’ve seen the memes. “The Chiefs warming up for today’s game” captioning a video of NFL referees stretching on the field. “Unnecessary roughness for breathing on Patrick Mahomes … 15-yard penalty, automatic first down.” This year’s AFC Championship was just additional evidence for many NFL fans that the league’s referees are biased towards the Kansas …
Jalibert at fly-half as France make two changes to starting XV against England
- Ntamack’s three-match ban prompts team tweaks
- Penaud returns for role on the wing after toe injury
France’s Matthieu Jalibert will start at fly-half against England in the Six Nations on Saturday in place of the suspended Romain Ntamack, one of two changes from the team that beat Wales in the opening game.
Jalibert asked to be sent back to his club, Bordeaux-Begles, when he was left out of the 23 to face the All Blacks having been second in the pecking order at flyhalf to Thomas Ramos during last November’s autumn series but the France head coach, Fabien Galthié, said there was no grudge held against the 26-year-old.
Continue reading...Sixers pick up Jared Butler, deal draft picks in trade with Wizards
The Sixers acquired Jared Butler and dealt draft picks in an agreed-upon trade with the Wizards.
Report: Giants agree to minor league deal with ex-Athletics reliever
The San Francisco Giants reportedly have agreed to a minor league contract with former Athletics relief pitcher Lou Trivino.
Drake Maye: Patriots ‘need to be coached hard’ by Vrabel
Mike Vrabel is looking to set a new tone in New England, and Patriots quarterback Drake Maye tells Phil Perry he's fully on board.
What Steph texted Butler after blockbuster Warriors-Heat trade
Steph Curry sent new Golden State Warriors teammate Jimmy Butler a welcome text message after the reported blockbuster trade from the Miami Heat.
Joe Schmidt to stand down as Wallabies coach after Rugby Championship
- Huge blow for Rugby Australia before home World Cup
- New Zealander to face All Blacks for last match in charge
Joe Schmidt will step down as Wallabies coach at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship in a blow to Australia’s hopes in the 2027 World Cup.
The New Zealander confirmed on Thursday he would extend his contract beyond the British and Irish Lions tour, but won’t continue through to the showpiece tournament on home soil. His last Test in charge will be against the All Blacks in Perth on 4 October.
Continue reading...Warriors go all-in with Jimmy Butler — Is he the missing piece?
Jimmy Butler wanted out of Miami, both for validation and a contract extension, while the Warriors needed a co-star for Steph Curry after failing to lure Kevin Durant back.
No. 19 UConn hosts No. 12 St. John’s following Ball’s 25-point game
St. John's Red Storm (20-3, 11-1 Big East) at UConn Huskies (16-6, 8-3 Big East) Storrs, Connecticut; Friday, 8 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: No.
Tennessee Tech and SIU-Edwardsville face off in conference showdown
SIU-Edwardsville Cougars (16-8, 9-4 OVC) at Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (12-11, 7-5 OVC) Cookeville, Tennessee; Thursday, 8:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Golden Eagles -1.5; over/under is 141 BOTTOM LINE: Jaylon Johnson and Tennessee Tech host Ray'Sean Taylor and SIU-Edwardsville in OVC play. The Golden Eagles have gone 6-2 in home games.
McHenry leads Western Kentucky against Kennesaw State after 27-point game
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (14-8, 5-4 CUSA) at Kennesaw State Owls (13-9, 5-4 CUSA) Kennesaw, Georgia; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Owls -1.5; over/under is 157 BOTTOM LINE: Western Kentucky visits Kennesaw State after Don McHenry scored 27 points in Western Kentucky's 101-69 victory over the New Mexico State Aggies. The Owls are 10-1 in home games.
Newman and Louisiana Tech host Liberty
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (16-6, 5-4 CUSA) at Liberty Flames (17-5, 5-4 CUSA) Lynchburg, Virginia; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Flames -7.5; over/under is 134 BOTTOM LINE: Louisiana Tech visits Liberty after Sean Newman Jr. scored 22 points in Louisiana Tech's 66-61 overtime win against the Sam Houston Bearkats. The Flames have gone 8-2 at home.
Saint Joseph’s (PA) hosts Swope and Saint Louis
Saint Louis Billikens (14-9, 7-3 A-10) at Saint Joseph's (PA) Hawks (13-9, 5-5 A-10) Philadelphia; Friday, 9 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Saint Louis faces Saint Joseph's (PA) after Isaiah Swope scored 20 points in Saint Louis' 73-71 win against the UMass Minutemen. The Hawks have gone 8-4 in home games.
Dayton and VCU square off in conference matchup
Dayton is eighth in the A-10 in team defense, allowing 68.9 points while holding opponents to 43.7% shooting. The Rams have gone 8-2 against A-10 opponents. VCU ranks eighth in the A-10 shooting 33.3% from 3-point range.
Cal Baptist hosts Simpson and Southern Utah
Southern Utah Thunderbirds (9-13, 1-7 WAC) at Cal Baptist Lancers (11-10, 4-3 WAC) Riverside, California; Thursday, 10 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Lancers -12.5; over/under is 144 BOTTOM LINE: Southern Utah visits Cal Baptist after Jamir Simpson scored 24 points in Southern Utah's 75-58 loss to the Tarleton State Texans. The Lancers have gone 7-4 at home.