In three days, the Michigan men’s basketball team will continue its push for a national championship with a matchup against fellow No. 1 seed Arizona in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The Wolverines’ departure to Indianapolis came with a scare, though.
Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau was evaluated by team medical personnel for a possible allergic reaction to something he ate as the team prepared to leave Ann Arbor for Indianapolis on Wednesday, April 1, a team spokesman told the Detroit Free Press, a part of the USA TODAY Network.
Cadeau was determined to be “fine” by doctors, though out of an abundance of caution, he was continuing to receive medical supervision and would not be leaving for the Final Four until later in the day Wednesday.
Video taken from outside of Michigan’s practice facility during the celebratory send-off showed a covered body being carried away on a gurney and loaded into an ambulance.
NEW... a member of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team needed medical attention as the team prepared to depart for the Final Four this afternoon from Ann Arbor. Sources say an allergic reaction. Player, said to be fine, expected to join the team later. VIDEO: Jon Hewett pic.twitter.com/uF3h1h1Mf0
In his first season with the program since transferring over from North Carolina, Cadeau has been the primary distributor on one of the best teams in the country. The 6-foot-1 junior is averaging a team-high 5.8 assists per game and is Michigan’s fourth-leading scorer, at 10.2 points per game. He has had 33 assists in his team’s four NCAA tournament wins, the second-highest total of any player in the event.
Heading into their meeting with Arizona in the Final Four, the Wolverines have pieced together one of the best seasons in the program’s proud history, going 35-3 under second-year head coach Dusty May. The 35 victories are a program single-season record.
EVANS, Ga. (AP) — Arkansas junior Maria Jose Marin birdied her final two holes Wednesday for a 7-under 65 to share the lead with 17-year-old Soomin Oh of South Korea in an opening round of great weather and low scoring at Champions Retreat in the Augusta National Women's Amateur.
Asterisk Talley, the 17-year-old Californian who was runner-up in the ANWA a year ago, holed a greenside bunker shot for eagle on the par-5 18th hole as she made the turn and shot 66.
The conditions were ideal, and most of the 72-player field seized on the opportunity. Eight players were at 67 or lower, and 31 players broke par.
Marin, the 19-year-old Colombian who won the NCAA title last year, finished on the back and poured in an 8-foot birdie putt to get off to a much better start than a year ago, when she failed to make the 36-hole cut.
The second round Thursday is at Champions Retreat, and the top 30 and ties advance to the final round Saturday at Augusta National. All 72 players get to play at the home of the Masters on Friday.
“I feel like last year ... it was a lot of learning,” Marin said. “There was a lot of tears, and of course this tournament means a lot to me. Not making the cut, it hurt a lot. But I learned that I’ve got to stay with my two feet on the ground, that I have to be really patient with my game, that if things are not going my way, I don’t have to push it, that I just have to wait for golf to do its thing.”
Oh, the runner-up in the Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific earlier this year, also played bogey-free. She was on the front edge of the green on the par-5 ninth, facing a 70-foot eagle chance to take the lead. She did well to lag it 4 feet beyond the cup and holed that to share the lead.
Andrea Revuelta and Vanessa Borovilos joined Talley at 66. The group at 67 included Meja Örtengren and Amelie Zalsman, the 17-year-old Floridian who earlier this year won the prestigious South Atlantic Women's Amateur.
Revuelta and Örtengren are among all five players from Stanford in the field, four of whom broke par. The exception was U.S. Women's Amateur champion Megha Ganne, who was stunned by two double bogeys in her opening four holes and crashed to a 77.
This is Ganne's sixth time playing the ANWA, which already has become as prestigious as any amateur event in women's golf, mainly because of where the final round is played.
Talley first rose to some level of national prominence in 2024 when she reached the championship match of three USGA events, including the U.S. Women's Amateur and U.S. Girls Junior. Talley is coming off a tie for 29th last week in the Ford Championship on the LPGA.
Her bunker shot for eagle sent her out at 31.
“I was honestly just trying to barely get it on the green and let it roll out all the way to the flag,” Talley said. “I knew it was going to be pretty fast. I was honestly just trying to get it within 10 feet, and it ended up going in, so it was pretty cool.”
She had to settle for eight pars and a birdie on the front to finish one off the lead, though comfortable to make sure she has a tee time at Augusta National on Saturday.
“I wasn’t making many mistakes, but I wasn’t doing anything amazing on the back nine,” Talley said. “I think it was just pretty much just hitting fairways and greens and not getting very close to the hole at all times.”
Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Early season schedules are a peculiarity, and a getaway game on an early April afternoon is one of those things. The Rays were licking their wounds from a rough loss on Tuesday night—but a blessedly solid outing from the returning Shane McClanahan—and were hoping to come away with a series win before hitting the road. They would be leaning on Drew Rasmussen to handle the pitching, while the Brewers were counting on the young and exciting Jacob Misiorowski.
With two strong pitchers out today, scoring was always going to be at a premium. The Rays went 1-2-3 in the top of the first, then the Brewers did the same in the bottom of the inning.
In the second, there were two back-t0-back outs, but then the game fell into a delay as a 100mph fastball got foul tipped right into the mask of home plate umpire CB Bucknor, taking him to the ground. The delay continued as Bucknor was removed from the game. Chad Fairchild came in to replace him, going with a three-man crew instead.
Tough break here for umpire, CB Bucknor. Hopefully, he is okay. 🙏🏼
The delay didn’t seem to hurt Nick Fortes at all as he extended the inning for the Rays with a single. Chandler Simpson followed that up with a walk, but the Rays failed to take advantage of the opportunity and a groundout ended the inning. In the home half, Garrett Mitchell hit a one-out single. Mitchell then stole second, but his hustle would go unrewarded as the next two batters failed to make anything happen.
Richie Palacios got hit by a pitch to start the third, and then Yandy Diaz accepted the challenge and lobbed a home run to right field, putting the Rays up 2-0.
With one out, Jake Fraley hit a double, but two outs then followed to leave him stranded. In the home half, David Hamilton laid down a leadoff bunt, which I would normally really make fun of, however Junior Caminero came in to get the dribbling infield hit and then completely overthrew first, so Hamilton was safe and the play was ruled an error. Joey Ortiz hit a long fly ball that really looked like it might be trouble and Hamilton was already rounding third when Cedric Mullens made an incredible catch in center, sending Ortiz to the dugout and Hamilton back to first. Hamilton then stole secnd. Sadly, Brice Turang then did exactly what Ortiz wanted to do and hit a home run to tie the game up 2-2. William Contreras then reached on a throwing error by Caminero, the second in this same inning. Two outs followed, thankfully keeping the second error from doing any additional damage.
Simpson got a one-out single in the top of the fourth. Ben Williamson then hit into a force out, eliminating Simpson at second but the Brewers failed to turn the double play. Palacios then walked. Even with two runners on, though, the Rays didn’t manage to score any runs. Rasmussen was back on his game in the home half, getting the Brewers out in order.
The Rays went 1-2-3 in the top of the fifth. In the bottom of the inning Turang got a two-out walk, but the Brewers couldn’t turn around a run.
With one out in the sixth there was some contention over whether or not Nick Fortes was safe at first as it seemed like Jake Bauers might have come off the bag. The Rays challenged the play, but the call on the field was upheld. Drew Rasmussen’s day was done going 5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 1 HR on 89 pitches. Overall a really good outing for Rasmussen, whose only major issue was the Turang home run, which he got back into the groove from almost immediately. He actually set a career high of consecutive strikeouts, getting six in a row. He was replaced by Ian Seymour, who gave up a leadoff single to Christian Yelich. Bauers then grounded into a double play to eliminate the threat. A strikeout ended the inning.
Misiorowski was done after six, being replaced by Grant Anderson. Anderson got the Rays out in order in the top of the seventh. The Rays returned the favor in the home half, getting the Brewers out 1-2-3.
Aaron Ashby was next out of the Brewers’ pen, he gave up a leadoff walk to Jonathan Aranda. There was some pinch work to be done with both a pinch hitter and pinch runner, but a flyout and double play ended the inning. In the bottom of the inning there was plenty of ugly fielding after about a million positional shiftsm including a new pitcher in Griffin Jax. Joey Ortiz reached on an error by Carson Williams who missed a liner that took an ugly little hop. Turang then laid down a sac bunt that Ben Williamson got to first nicely, but Junior Caminero failed to get a grip on the ball, another error for Caminero. Contreras singled to load the bases, followed by a single by Yelich that brought in two runs. Jake Bauers walked and there were still no outs in the inning. Mason Englert replaced Jax, then Mitchell doubled to score two more. A pop out finally got one out, but then a ground out scored another run. Hamilton singled, scoring another run. The Rays would finally get the last out of the inning, but the score was now a very tilted 8-2.
DL Hall came in for the Brewers. Cedric Mullins was hit by a pitch to start the top of the ninth. With one out, Simpson singled. The Rays were unable to take advantage of the baserunners though, and the game wrapped up with no extra runs scored.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 06: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at the TD Garden on February 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Boston Celtics (50-25) at Miami Heat (40-36) Wednesday, April 1, 2026 7:30 PM ET TV: ESPN, NBCSB, FDSN Sun Regular Season Game #76 Road Game #39 Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WQAM 104.3, Sirius XM Kaseya Center
The Celtics continue their road trip with a stop in Miami to take on the Heat. This is the 4th, and final, game between them this season. The Celtics won 129-116 in Boston on December 19. They won 119-114 in Miami on January 15. And, they won 98-96 in Boston on February 6. The Celtics won the series 3-1 last season. They won the two games played in Miami and won one and lost one in Boston. The Celtics are 89-54 overall all time against the Heat and they are 43-30 in games played in Miami.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 4.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 2.5 games ahead of 3rd place New York, 3.5 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 7.5 games ahead of 5th place Atlanta, 8 games ahead of 6th place Toronto, and 9 games ahead of 7th place Philadelphia. The Celtics are 31-15 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 24-14 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a loss in their last game.
The Heat are 9th in the East, 15 games behind 1st place Detroit, 3 games behind 5th place Atlanta, 2.5 games behind 6th place Toronto, 1.5 games behind 7th place Philadelphia and half a game behind 8th place Orlando. They are tied with 10th place Charlotte. They are 24-22 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 24-14 at home and 3-7 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a win in their last game.
After completing a 3 game home stand, The Celtics are on the road for a 4 game trip that began with a win in Charlotte and a loss in Atlanta and will finish up in Milwaukee. They will then play two games at home against Toronto and Charlotte before one game on the road at New York. They will finish the season with 2 games at home against New Orleans and Orlando.
The Heat are playing in the 2nd game of a 3 game home stand. They beat Philadelphia on Monday and will complete the home stand on Saturday against Washington. They then play 2 games in a row in Toronto before a game at Washington. They will finish the season at home against Miami.
After missing Monday’s game against Atlanta, both Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta are off the injury report. Nikola Vucevic remains out as he rehabs from surgery on his index finger. Ron Harper, Jr is questionable with an ankle sprain. For Miami, Norman Powell is out for the 3rd straight game due to an upper-respiratory illness. Andrew Wiggins is questionable with a toe injury. Terry Rozier is out after being arrested for a gambling scandal.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Davion Mitchell
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesDavion Mitchell | Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs Tyler Herro
Jaylen Brown | NBAE via Getty ImagesTyler Herro | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Pelle Larsson
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesPelle Larsson | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Jordan Walsh Baylor Scheierman Max Shulga John Tonje Charles Bassey (10-Day)
2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Injuries/Out Nikola Vucevic (finger) out Ron Harper, Jr (ankle) questionable
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Miami Heat Reserves Kasparas Jakucionis Myron Gardner Jaime Jaquez, Jr Keshad Johnson Nikola Jovic Dru Smith Kel’el Ware Simone Fontecchio 2-Way Players Trevor Keels Vladislav Goldin Jahmir Young Injuries/Out Norman Powell (illness) out Terry Rozier III (not injury related) out Andrew Wiggins (toe) questionable
Head Coach Erik Spoelstra
Key Matchups Jaylen Brown vs Tyler Herro Herro is averaging 21.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 48.6% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. Herro is streaky but can put up points in a hurry. He played in just one of the 3 games between these teams this season. He finished with 22 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 3 steals while shooting 60% from the field and 57.1% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to be ready to defend him both in the interior and on the perimeter and need to do better than they did in that last game.
Neemias Queta vs Bam Adebayo Adebayo is averaging 20.1 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He is shooting 43.8% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. In the first 2 games against the Celtics, he averaged 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 43.8% from the field and 31.0% from beyond the arc. In 3 games against the Celtics this season, he averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 42.2% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to keep him out of the paint and off the boards.
Honorable Mention Jayson Tatum vs Andrew Wiggins Wiggins is averaging 15.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He is shooting 47.5% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc. He didn’t play in the first game against the Celtics but in the other two games, he averaged 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists while shooting 57.7% from the field and 61.5% from beyond the arc. He is a good shooter and so the Celtics need to defend him well. He is questionable for this game and if he can’t play, then Simone Fontecchio may get the start here.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense will always be the biggest key to winning every single game. The Celtics are 4th with a defensive rating of 111.5. The Heat are 9th with a defensive rating of 112.7. The Celtics need to defend the perimeter since the Heat attempt 37.7 threes a game and shoot threes at 35.7%. They also have to defend the paint as the Heat are 3rd with 54.5 points in the paint per game. The Celtics need to work harder than the Heat on defense and make that their priority.
Rebound – Along with defense, rebounding is always a key to winning. As Pat Riley once said “No rebounds, no rings.” The Celtics average 46.5 rebounds per game (4th) while the Heat average 46.6 rebounds per game (3rd). When the Celtics have more rebounds then their opponents, they are 38-11 when they have fewer rebounds, they are just 9-13. It takes effort and hustle to get rebounds and the Celtics need to give more effort than the Heat to grab rebounds if they want to win this game.
Effort and Focus for 48 Minutes– The Celtics have to play with extra effort overall for all 4 quarters. In most of their losses and even in some of their wins, they have allowed their opponents to play with more energy than them for periods of time during the game. They play well for stretches but let up and allow their opponents to surge ahead. The Heat are known for playing hard against all of their opponents. They have to stay focused for all 48 minutes and be ready for the heat to play harder in the second half and they need to match that effort and if the 3’s aren’t falling, get into the paint.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics are best when they keep the ball moving and find the open man. They struggle when they try to do too much individually. The Celtics are 32-2 when they have 25 or more assists in a game. They have to move the ball an find the open man without a lot of hero ball. The Heat are 5th in the league with 20.1 points off turnovers per game so the Celtics have to make careful passes and be careful not to turn the ball over.
X-Factors On the Road – The Celtics are on the road for the 3rd game of a 4 game road trip. The Celtics need to stay focused on playing hard and as a team and not be distracted by the hostile crowd or the unfamiliar court or the fatigue that comes from travel. They lost their last game and need to stay focused to get back in the win column in spite of playing on the road.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. Every crew officiates differently. Some call it tight, others let them play. The Celtics need to adjust to how the refs are calling the game and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus from playing the game. The Celtics have to play so well all game that the officiating, no matter how bad, can’t influence the game.
After a double-digit loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Boston Celtics will look to take out their anger on the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center.
My Celtics vs Heat predictions expect them to do just that.
Here are my free NBA picks for this Eastern Conference matchup on Wednesday, April 1.
Celtics vs Heat prediction
Celtics vs Heat best bet: Celtics -4.5 (-110)
The Boston Celtics' top trio of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White have shared the court just six times over the last 10 games. The team is 5-1 straight up when all three play together, and the C’s won each of those games by five points or more.
Boston has traveled well this season, going 24-14 ATS on the road and 14-8 ATS as the road favorite. The Celtics have owned the head-to-head matchup with the Miami Heat, winning six and covering in five of the last seven regular-season contests.
Boston’s love of the three-point shot will be beneficial tonight against Miami’s lackluster perimeter defense. Boston has made and attempted the third-most three-pointers and ranks ninth in 3-point percentage this season.
Over the last 10 games, the Heat have surrendered the 10th-most made three-pointers and the sixth-highest three-point percentage.
Boston loves to shoot the three-ball, but volume has been King for the C’s, as the team ranks fifth in field goal attempts but just 20th in field goal percentage. Over the last 10, Miami has given up the fifth-most points and the eighth-highest field goal percentage.
The Celtics have dealt with multiple key injuries in recent matchups, but the team is expected to be mostly healthy tonight in a primetime matchup with the Miami Heat. The talent in the starting five, quality depth, and advantage in the long-range shooting department give Boston the edge in South Beach.
Celtics vs Heat same-game parlay
Boston’s top-ranked defense should be able to limit Miami’s formidable offensive attack, and the Celtics’ slow pace will limit the Heat’s possessions, meaning fewer opportunities for the home team to score. Boston has hit the Under in 26 of 38 games on the road this season.
Jaylen Brown has soared as Boston’s leader this season, averaging a career-best 40.9 PRA, including 41.9 on the road. He’s reached the Over on this combo line in six straight and seven of his last eight, and he’s reached 40+ PRA in 22 of 31 road contests
Celtics vs Heat SGP
Celtics -4.5
Under 229.5
Jaylen Brown Over 39.5 P/R/A
Our "from downtown" SGP: From deep
Tatum has nailed multiple triples in all 11 games played this season, reaching 3+ five times, including two of his last three.
White has hit three or more treys in 37 of 71 games, and he’s reached that mark in two of three tilts with the Heat. He’s averaging 2.7 three-pointers per game.
Payton Pritchard is canning 2.6 shots from beyond the arc per game, and he’s gone for 3+ in 35 of 73 games overall. He knocked down four triples in his last matchup with Miami.
Hauser is averaging a career-best 2.5 three-pointers on a career-worst 38.2% shooting from long distance. He’ll gain an advantage against an exploitable Heat perimeter defense, and he’s hit three or more three’s in each of his last two against Miami.
Celtics vs Heat SGP
Jayson Tatum Over 2.5 threes
Derrick White Over 2.5 threes
Payton Pritchard Over 2.5 threes
Sam Hauser Over 2.5 threes
Celtics vs Heat odds
Spread: Celtics -5 | Heat +5
Moneyline: Celtics -210 | Heat +175
Over/Under: Over 228.5 | Under 228.5
Celtics vs Heat betting trend to know
The Boston Celtics have hit the Game Total Under in 36 of their last 50 games (+20.60 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Heat.
How to watch Celtics vs Heat
Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Date
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Celtics vs Heat latest injuries
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Oct 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers former player Orel Hershiser reacts before throwing the ceremonial first pitch before game four of the 2025 MLB World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES — Within the first three weeks of the Major League Baseball season, you’ll have been able to hear Orel Hershiser call Dodgers games on three different television networks. The longtime Dodgers star will be a part of the ESPN telecast of the Jackie Robinson Day game against the New York Mets on April 15 at Dodger Stadium.
Hershiser will join former Mets pitcher Ron Darling — who, like Hershiser, is a current television analyst for his former club — in the booth alongside Joe Buck calling play-by-play for ESPN, in an exclusive telecast for the network.
“I can’t wait to work with these two guys,” Buck said in a statement. “I loved watching them pitch and now really enjoy listening to them on the air. They’re the best at what they do, and I’ll be leaning on them a ton. To call a Dodgers game on Jackie Robinson Day makes it even more meaningful. There’s no more important figure in baseball history, and to honor him that night in Dodger Stadium will be truly special.”
April 15 is the first Dodgers game this season on ESPN. There are a few other midweek games that will be televised exclusively by ESPN, but those haven’t yet been announced.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson was on another level in March, and the NHL took notice of it.
Karlsson was named the NHL's Second Star for the month of March on Wednesday. He finished the month with nine goals and 24 points in 17 games, helping the Penguins go 8-6-3 in those games.
He had nine multi-point games in March, including four three-point games. It was his best month as a Penguin and has helped him compile 13 goals and 60 points in 70 games this season.
Karlsson's nine multi-point games in March are the most by a Penguins defenseman in a single month in franchise history.
Star status secured ⭐
Defenseman Erik Karlsson has been named the @NHL’s Second Star for the month of March.
Karlsson was putting the Penguins on his back for a good chunk of these games, especially since Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were both hurt. He hasn't made the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 2018-19 season, when he was with the San Jose Sharks, and is looking to change that this year.
Karlsson and the Penguins will be back in action on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
PEORIA, AZ - MARCH 21: Jonathon Long #91 of the Chicago Cubs runs to first base during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The game started out poorly for Iowa as starter Connor Noland gave up a grand slam to Rece Hinds, the fourth batter of the bottom of the first. But he settled down after that and finished the day after 4.1 innings, allowing the four runs on six hits and two walks. He struck out two.
Meanwhile, Iowa jumped on Louisville for seven runs in the top of the second inning. First, third baseman BJ Murray Jr. hit a solo home run.
Iowa made it 4-2 Louisville later in the second on a single by catcher Eric Yang. But Iowa loaded the bases with two outs and then first baseman Jonathon Long unloaded them with this grand slam.
Luke Little relieved Noland in the fifth inning and got the win because Noland didn’t go five. Little allowed one run on one hit and three walks over 1.1 innings. Little did not record a strikeout.
Iowa put this game out of reach with a five run top of the eighth inning. Long walked with the bases loaded to make it 8-6 Iowa and then DH Pedro Ramirez doubled home two.
A double from the birthday boy gets the party started in the eighth and extends the I-Cubs lead! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/f4F4LS3env
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA Division I Cabinet on Wednesday approved emergency legislation that will severely penalize coaches and schools that sign, add to the roster or allow athletic participation by an athlete in any sport who hasn't yet gone through the portal process.
Penalties include a suspension of the head coach for 50% of a season and a fine amounting to 20% of that sport’s budget.
The rule change, which was initially proposed by the Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee and has been adopted for all sports in Division I, is effective immediately and applies to all transfers on or after Feb. 25, 2026.
“I am grateful the DI Cabinet approved the FBS Oversight Committee’s recommendation to impose significant penalties on head coaches and programs who circumvent transfer rules, along with immediate accountability,” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. “This is a necessary step to address a critical roster management issue facing our sport and to protect the integrity of football’s transfer window.”
The “ghost transfers” issue has been on the NCAA's radar since former Wisconsin defensive back Xavier Lucas transferred to Miami without entering the portal in January 2025. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff withdrew from BYU and walked on at Tulane in July.
At the direction of the Division I Board of Directors, an Infractions Process Task Force is reviewing the infractions process and associated penalties for violations of NCAA rules. Among the topics the task force will discuss are enforcement of transfer rules and penalties associated with tampering violations. The task force is expected to provide recommendations for modernizing the infractions process later this year.
Apr 10, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Carlos Estévez (53) celebrates after the win over the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Royals announced they have placed closer Carlos Estévez on the 15-day Injured List with a left foot contusion and have called up pitcher Steven Cruz. Estévez was hit by a line drive in his only appearance of the year on Saturday and has been wearing a walking boot since then.
Estévez looked off in his season debut against the Braves, allowing six runs while recording just one out in the 6-2 loss. He had trouble breaking 90 mph in spring training, raising alarm bells with many observers. On Saturday, he averaged 91.2 mph on his fastball, and had erratic command, particularly on his change up. He gave up three singles and two walks before giving up a walk-off grand slam to Dominic Smith. After the game, manager Matt Quatraro suggested Estévez may pitch in lower-leverage situations to ease him back after he spent some of his spring training with Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Cruz made 47 appearances with the Royals last year, with a 3.74 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 45.2 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander gave up two hits and two runs with a walk and three strikeouts in his only appearance for Omaha.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 29: Lucas Erceg #60 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on March 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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Carlos Estévez led all of MLB in saves in 2025. He also had a very bad, no-good, borderline horrific day when he first attempted a save for the Royals in 2026. All signs point to him relinquishing the closer’s role, at least temporarily. Matt Quatraro indicated he’d pitch in low leverage for a while, but he’s also been considered day-to-day with a foot contusion after taking a comebacker to the ankle during Saturday’s meltdown.
In the interim, the Royals will need someone else to become the closer. We’ve seen Lucas Erceg close Sunday’s contest, and John Schreiber picked up a save in Monday’s game. Those aren’t even remotely the only options in KC’s bullpen, though.
Erceg obviously has experience as a closer for the Royals, picking up 11 saves down the stretch in 2024, plus two more last year. Schreiber has never been a primary closer, but Monday’s effort means he’s now earned at least one save for five straight years. Similarly, Matt Strahm has never been a primary closer, but he has saves in each of the past four years as well. Nick Mears earned a single save last year, his first. Alex Lange was the primary closer for the Tigers in 2023, but has barely pitched at the big league level since then.
Then, of course, the Royals have Luinder Avila in the minor leagues with perhaps the best strikeout stuff out of all of them, but should the Royals have him attempting to close games now when they still think he could become a frontline starter in the future? Especially when you consider what the pressure might do to an inexperienced reliever such as he. The Royals could also go with a closer by committee, but has that ever truly been a strong solution?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 31: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics celebrates a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Not much to write home about here after yet another series dropped to begin the 2026 campaign.
Luis Severino took the bump. His second start of the season, following an outing on opening day where he pitched…fine. Across five frames against the Blue Jays he gave up 2 ER while striking out three. Everything would go up today (good and bad). His 7K’s seem a little less impressive when you hold them next to the 4 ER and 5 BB also offered up by the big righty.
Drake Baldwin’s single to left field would net Atlanta their first set of runs. Ozzie Albies and Dominic Smith scored on the base hit, making it 2-0 Braves.
That would be the score going into the 4th inning when none other than Shea Langeliers got ahold of one. That’s five home runs! Five dingers in the first six games.
He’d walk away from today’s action with the lone A’s hit against Atlanta’s ace Chris Sale, continuing to be the only real bright spot in an otherwise dopey start to the season.
Speaking of…
Just a half a frame later, Drake Baldwin would get ahold of another one. This time a double off of Elvis Alvarado which scored Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubon. Both runs would be charged to Severino, who exited the game on 91 pitches in less than four innings pitched.
Matt Olson’s single to right brought in another.
5-1 Braves going into the 5th inning and it would stay that way through the final out.
Another tough day at the plate for A’s hitters. Tough day all around actually. The only real bright spot came in the form of Denzel Clarke’s home run robbery of Drake Baldwin in the 7th. His bat might be non-existent but hey, maybe he’ll bring home a gold glove soon.
The A’s will be given an off day tomorrow and then it’s off to West Sacramento, where they’ll play host to the Houston Astros in their first series of the season at Sutter Health Park.
Maybe the day off will do them good. They can collect themselves, go grab a drink, see a flick. It’s been an unforgiving past six days for the green and gold and any break in that action couldn’t hurt in the slightest.
If you plan on attending any of the games this weekend, feel free to let me know! I’ll be at all three and ready to talk ish with anyone. Let’s have a little fun this weekend and hopefully the energy will help propel the A’s to their first series win of 2026!
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 30: The sneakers worn by Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 03: Adrian Houser #12 of the San Francisco Giants delivers a first inning pitch against Team United States during an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants conclude their series against the San Diego Padres this afternoon from Petco Park.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Adrian Houser, making his Giants debut. Houser finished the 2025 season with a 3.31 ERA, 3.81 FIP, with 92 strikeouts to 38 walks in 125 innings pitched between the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.
He’ll be facing off against Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta, who finished the 2025 season with a 2.87 ERA, 3.49 FIP, with 190 strikeouts to 50 walks in 181.2 innings pitched. His last start was in the Padres’ 8-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, in which he allowed six runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and three walks in three innings.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 02: Former Phoenix Suns player Amar'e Stoudemire smiles during a halftime ceremony retiring his jersey number in the Ring of Honor during the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets at Footprint Center on March 02, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Former Phoenix Suns star and Ring of Honor inductee Amar’e Stoudemire is being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
He joins Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Doc Rivers in the Class of 2026.
Amar'e Stoudemire, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Doc Rivers are among the members inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/6oPR2gBgtE
The five-time all-star arrived in Phoenix as the 9th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. He won Rookie of the Year and made an All-NBA First-Team in 2007, along with four All-NBA Second-Team nods in 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2011. He ranks seventh in points (11,035) and third in rebounds (4,613) in Suns franchise history.
Stoudemire helped shape an era in Phoenix as the dominant frontcourt presence in the team’s high-powered “7 Seconds or Less” offenses of the mid-2000s. His blend of power, speed, and explosiveness made him one of the league’s most dangerous interior scorers and a focal point of one of the NBA’s most entertaining teams.
I will always remember him for his fearlessness around the rim. He wanted to dunk on anyone in his general vicinity. He went shot-for-shot with prime Tim Duncan at his peak. Some of the best posters in Suns history have come from Amar’e.
Congratulations to STAT, it’s a well-deserved honor.
