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23 minutes ago

Shohei Ohtani's interpreter to plead guilty to stealing millions from baseball star

The translator allegedly used the money to pay off gambling debts.
23 minutes ago
Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara of the Los Angeles Angels looks on against the New York Mets at Citi Field, Aug. 25, 2023, in New York.
24 minutes ago

Real Madrid book UCL final spot with late rally over Bayern Munich

Real Madrid's Joselu scored twice in the final minutes as they fought back from the brink of elimination to reach the Champions League final with a dramatic 2-1 second-leg win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday that sent them through 4-3 on aggregate. Real progressed to their sixth Champions League final in 10 years, and they will bid for a record-extending 15th title against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) In a repeat of their spectacular semifinal comeback win over Manchester City two years ago, Real saw their opponents take the lead after Bayern substitute Alphonso Davies scored from a counterattack in the 68th minute. But Joselu climbed off the bench to equalise following a calamitous error from Manuel Neuer in the 88th minute and, two minutes later, he shinned a second into the Bayern goal from a cross by Antonio Rüdiger.
24 minutes ago
24 minutes ago

Ohtani's ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara to plead guilty to bank, tax fraud

Ippei Mizuhara agreed Wednesday to plead guilty to federal charges of felony bank fraud and submitting a false tax return after authorities found that he stole nearly $17 million from Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani in order to pay off gambling debts to an illegal sportsbook. Mizuhara, 39, who had been Ohtani's longtime interpreter, is expected to enter his guilty plea in the coming weeks. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. A sentencing date has not been set. The total maximum sentence Mizuhara could receive for both crimes would be 33 years imprisonment and fines of $1.25 million, but in exchange for his plea -- outlined in the agreement released Wednesday -- prosecutors would recommend a reduced sentence. The plea agreement says Mizuhara will be required to pay full restitution, or $16,975,010, to Ohtani. A spokesperson for Ohtani declined to comment, as did the...
24 minutes ago
34 minutes ago

Pirates to call up Paul Skenes for MLB debut vs. Cubs

The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up star prospect Paul Skenes, and the hard-throwing right-hander is expected to debut Saturday at PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs. Considered the best pitching talent in a generation, 21-year-old Skenes will arrive in Pittsburgh after dominating Triple-A, allowing three earned runs in 27⅓ innings and striking out 45 batters. After one of the finest seasons ever for a college pitcher, Skenes went to the Pirates with the No. 1 pick in the July 2023 draft and signed for $9.2 million, the largest bonus for an amateur in baseball history. Pittsburgh limited his workload after a taxing junior season at LSU in which he struck out 209 hitters and walked just 20 in 122⅔ innings while going 13-2 with a 1.69 ERA. Although evaluators believed Skenes to be major-league-ready when Pittsburgh drafted him, the Pirates entered 2024 wanting to build him up slowly and avoid a potential midseason pullback on his innings. By limiting...
34 minutes ago
44 minutes ago

Ohtani's ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara pleads guilty to bank fraud, tax code violation

Ippei Mizuhara agreed Wednesday to plead guilty to federal charges of felony bank fraud and submitting a false tax return after authorities found that he stole nearly $17 million from Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani in order to pay off gambling debts to an illegal sportsbook. Mizuhara, 39, who had been Ohtani's longtime interpreter, is expected to enter his guilty plea in the coming weeks. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. A sentencing date has not been set. The total maximum sentence Mizuhara could receive for both crimes would be 33 years imprisonment and fines of $1.25 million, but in exchange for his plea -- outlined in the agreement released Wednesday -- prosecutors would recommend a reduced sentence. A spokesperson for Ohtani declined to comment, as did the Dodgers. Federal authorities filed the complaint against Mizuhara on April 11, just three weeks after an ESPN...
44 minutes ago
3 hours ago

NHLPA announces Ted Lindsay Award finalists

Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov were named finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award on Wednesday. Voted on by fellow members of the NHL Players' Association, it is presented annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL. Matthews won the trophy in 2021-22 and Kucherov claimed it in 2018-19, while MacKinnon is looking for his first Ted Lindsay Award. Matthews led the NHL with 69 goals and scored a career-high 107 points in 81 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 26-year-old forward became just the 10th player in NHL history to record six or more hat tricks in a season. MacKinnon was second in the league with 140 points (51 goals, 89 assists) in 82 games for the Colorado Avalanche. The 28-year-old forward opened the season with a 35-game points streak at home and led the NHL in shots (405). Kucherov set a Tampa Bay franchise record and topped the NHL with 144 points (44 goals, 100 assists) in 81 games for the ...
3 hours ago
3 hours ago

Nelly Korda: 'Not thought' about LPGA consecutive wins record

CLIFTON, N.J. -- History could be beckoning this weekend for Nelly Korda, but the world's current No.1 women's golfer said Wednesday that her busy off-course life has kept those thoughts from entering her mind. "If I'm being honest," Korda said, "I have not thought about it at all." With a win at the Cognizant Founders Cup, Korda would claim her sixth straight tournament victory, setting an LPGA benchmark for consecutive wins. Korda, however, has had plenty to keep her busy to help keep her mind off the record. After catching up on rest after winning the Chevron, Korda hosted her first junior amateur event -- an all-girls tournament last week in her hometown of Bradenton, Florida. On Monday, she was in New York City, walking the carpet at the Met Gala. "I haven't had too much time to think about it," Korda said of the record amid her busy schedule. She said her mind has otherwise been focused on ramping up her training and the course at Upper Montclair Country Club,...
3 hours ago
3 hours ago

Ex-RFEF prez Rubiales to stand trial for unsolicited WWC kiss

Former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales will stand trial for his unsolicited kiss of national team player Jenni Hermoso after a High Court judge admitted the case, the court said Wednesday. Rubiales faces one count of sexual assault and one of coercion for his alleged actions in the aftermath of the kiss. The offences carry prison terms of one year and 18 months, respectively. The High Court said it would also try the former coach of the women's national team Jorge Vilda, the team's current sporting director Albert Luque and the federation's head of marketing Ruben Rivera. All three stand accused of coercing Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual. Rubiales, 46, grabbed Hermoso and kissed her on the lips Aug. 20 during the awards ceremony after Spain's victory in the women's World Cup in Sydney, making global headlines and causing a national debate in Spain about sexism. Hermoso and her teammates said the kiss was unwanted and...
3 hours ago
May 08

Brewers reinstate OF Christian Yelich from injured list

The Milwaukee Brewers reinstated outfielder Christian Yelich from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game in Kansas City. Infielder Tyler Black was optioned to Triple-A Nashville to make room for Yelich, who was in the lineup batting third as the designated hitter against the Royals. Yelich, 32, landed on the IL on April 16 with a lower back strain. The 2018 National League MVP has been out of the lineup since April 12 and has periodically dealt with back issues over the past few seasons. He started fast this season, batting .333 with a .422 on-base percentage and .744 slugging percentage in 11 games. He has hit five home runs with 11 RBIs in 39 at-bats. Yelich played for the Miami Marlins from 2013 to 2017 before joining Milwaukee and was an All-Star his first two seasons with the Brewers. He is a career .286 hitter with 198 home runs and 717 RBIs in 1,404 games over 12 years. Black, 23, batted .227 with two doubles and two...
May 08
May 08

Sean O'Malley eyes Conor McGregor fight, open to weight class move

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley is willing to do whatever it takes to land a fight with Conor McGregor in what could be one of the biggest fights in UFC history. O'Malley appeared on Bradley Martyn's "Raw Talk" podcast and revealed that he would move up from 135 pounds to 155 pounds to secure a fight with McGregor. "He's big nowadays," O'Malley said of McGregor's current weight. A former two-division champion, McGregor will return to the Octagon at UFC 303 after a three-year hiatus to face Michael Chandler. The fight will be contested at a catchweight of 165 pounds. "I'm pretty realistic when it comes to big guys," O'Malley said. "I'm like, 'OK, I'm a 135er. I stay in my lane, and I do my thing.' I could go up to 145; I'd fight [ Alexander Volkanovski], I'd fight Max [Holloway], I'd fight Ilia [Topuria], but I stay in my lane." But the idea of a fight with McGregor is tantalizing enough for O'Malley to swerve out of his...
May 08
May 08

LIV Golf introduces trade window to allow teams to swap players

LIV Golf on Wednesday announced a trading window to allow teams to swap players. In a first for LIV, the 13 teams can negotiate with each other through June 9 in an effort to improve their teams but without altering the contracts of the traded players. "By opening a trade window midway through the season, all 13 teams have an opportunity to fine-tune their rosters and assess their team's composition and performance," commissioner and CEO Greg Norman said in a release. Currently, Crushers GC, captained by Bryson DeChambeau, is No. 1 in the team standings, with Jon Rahm's Legion XIII 11.5 points behind in second. Ripper GC, led by Cameron Smith, is in third. Iron Heads GC, captained by Kevin Na, is in last place. Teams can also negotiate contract extensions for their own players who are in the last year of their contract.
May 08
May 08

Luis Enrique to remain as PSG boss despite UCL exit - sources

Luis Enrique will remain as PSG manager next season, sources have told ESPN, despite the club's Champions League semifinal exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. PSG have sacked managers in the past after falling short in the Champions League, but sources have told ESPN the club is happy with Luis Enrique's work and believe he can take the club further. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The Spanish coach, who turned 54 years old on Wednesday, signed a two-year deal when he joined PSG last summer and could begin talks over an extension soon. Luis Enrique has been a favourite among fans this season, including the club's hard-core supporters who chant his name at every game. The task of guiding PSG to their first Champions League title will become much tougher next season should Kylian Mbappé go through with his decision to leave the club at the end of his contract this summer and join Real...
May 08
May 08

Rory McIlroy won't rejoin PGA Tour board after pushback

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --  Rory McIlroy will not return to the PGA Tour's policy board as expected because of other player directors' concerns about bringing him back, McIlroy said Wednesday. McIlroy, who resigned from the policy board on Nov. 14, was expected to replace Webb Simpson on the PGA Tour policy board and the board of directors of PGA Tour Enterprises. "There's been a lot of conversations," McIlroy said ahead of this week's Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club. "Sort of reminded me partly why I didn't [stay on the board]. So yeah, I think it got pretty complicated and pretty messy. "I think with the way it happened, I think it opened up some old wounds and scar tissue from things that have happened before. I think there was a subset of people on the board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason." Simpson, 38, will finish out his term, which expires in 2025. Simpson said he had planned to step down from both boards to...
May 08
May 08

Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert named NBA Defensive Player of Year

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert owns a piece of an NBA record after winning the league's Defensive Player of the Year award on Tuesday for the fourth time. Gobert, 31, also won the honor in 2018, 2019 and 2021 with the Utah Jazz and joins Hall of Fame centers Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace as the only four-time winners. "It's a blessing and an honor to join this small group," Gobert told ESPN. "These two guys are legends. Every story is unique. I will keep writing mine and try to be the best version of myself every day and enjoy every step of the way. "I'm grateful that my teammates and this organization believe in me and allowing me to be who I am. It's always about the team and pushing each other to give our best every day." The 7-foot-1 Gobert anchored the Timberwolves' top-ranked defense this season. Minnesota allowed 108.4 points per 100 possessions, 2.2 fewer than the second-ranked Boston Celtics. "It's great teamwork,"...
May 08
May 08

Thunder stifles Luka Doncic in big Game 1 win vs. Mavericks

OKLAHOMA CITY --  Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic didn't care to discuss the extenuating circumstances involved in his struggles during Tuesday's 117-95 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Doncic, dealing with a sprained right knee and the smothering defense of Oklahoma City's Lu Dort, was held to 19 points on 6-of-19 shooting, snapping his streak of 24 consecutive playoff games with at least 20 points. "Who cares? We lost," Doncic said when asked about the factors involved in his off night. "Just gotta move onto the next one. I've gotta be better. We've gotta be better. We gotta focus. They're a great team, a great defensive team, so it's not going to be easy at all." Doncic, the NBA's scoring leader who sprained his knee early in Game 3 of the Mavericks' first-round series against the LA Clippers, is mired in a shooting slump. He dipped below 40% from the floor for the...
May 08
May 08

Stars let 3-0 lead 'slip away,' lose Game 1 to Avalanche

Not one. Not two. Not three. But six. That's how many consecutive Game 1s the Dallas Stars have lost after falling to the visiting  Colorado Avalanche  4-3 in overtime Tuesday night in the Western Conference semifinals. The Stars jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first period after goals from Ryan Suter, Wyatt Johnston and Jamie Benn only to then go scoreless the rest of the way and allow four straight goals by the Avalanche, including the winner from Miles Wood nearly nine minutes into overtime. "We had that game under control, and we let it slip away. But we've seen that in the regular season against them," Stars forward Matt Duchene told reporters. "We had two games like that, so we have bounce back here and split the homestand here." The Avalanche jump-started their comeback by capitalizing on their power-play chances. Valeri Nichushkin trimmed the lead to 3-1 a little more than five minutes into the second...
May 08
May 08

Thunder stifles slumping Luka Doncic in commanding Game 1 win

OKLAHOMA CITY --  Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic didn't care to discuss the extenuating circumstances involved in his struggles during Tuesday's 117-95 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Doncic, dealing with a sprained right knee and the smothering defense of Oklahoma City's Lu Dort, was held to 19 points on 6-of-19 shooting, snapping his streak of 24 consecutive playoff games with at least 20 points. "Who cares? We lost," Doncic said when asked about the factors involved in his off night. "Just gotta move onto the next one. I've gotta be better. We've gotta be better. We gotta focus. They're a great team, a great defensive team, so it's not going to be easy at all." Doncic, the NBA's scoring leader who sprained his knee early in Game 3 of the Mavericks' first-round series against the LA Clippers, is mired in a shooting slump. He dipped below 40% from the floor for the...
May 08
May 08

Thunder roll past Mavericks in Game 1, stay unbeaten in playoffs

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists to help the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 117-95 on Tuesday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Chet Holmgren added 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks for the Thunder. Jalen Williams struggled with his shot for three quarters but scored 10 of his 18 points in the fourth to help Oklahoma City remain unbeaten in the playoffs. Gilgeous-Alexander got the best of the matchup with Dallas' Luka Doncic, a fellow MVP finalist. Doncic scored 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting and had five turnovers.  Luguentz Dort got most of the work guarding him, with rookie Cason Wallace getting some of the action and Holmgren pestering him near the rim.   Kyrie Irving scored 20 points and Daniel Gafford added 16 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks for the fifth-seeded Mavericks. Game 2 will be Thursday...
May 08
May 07

Derrick White continues heater as Celtics burn Cavs in Game 1

BOSTON -- After Derrick White became the fifth player in NBA postseason history to make at least 20 3-pointers over three consecutive games, he was asked if he feels like he's in a rhythm. "I'd say so," White said with a smile after scoring 25 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 120-95 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series Tuesday night. "It feels good ... I just want to help us win." White certainly did that in Game 1. He continued his shooting barrage to begin these playoffs by going 7-for-12 from deep -- including 4-for-6 in the third quarter, when he scored 14 points -- to improve to 20-for-37 (54%) over Boston's past three playoff games. He's the fifth player to make 20 or more 3-pointers over a three-game span in the postseason, joining Stephen Curry (three times), Klay Thompson (2016), Jamal Murray (2020) and Damian Lillard (2021 and 2024...
May 07
May 07

WNBA to begin full-time charter flights, commissioner says

The WNBA plans to commit $50 million over the next two years to provide full-time charter flight service for its teams during the season, commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Tuesday in a move that addresses years of player safety concerns. Engelbert said in a meeting with sports editors that the league will launch a charter program "as soon as we can get planes in places." She said it's projected to cost around $25 million per year for the next two seasons. That means no more long security lines, bodyguards in public spaces, cramped legroom or layovers for the professional athletes who have been lobbying for better travel long before  Caitlin Clark's celebrity brought newfound interest to the league. Women's National Basketball Players Association president  Nneka Ogwumike called the move "transformational" and credited the collaboration between the WNBPA and the league. "Our league is growing, the demand for women's basketball is growing," Ogwumike said....
May 07
May 07

San Jose Sharks win NHL draft lottery, right to choose No. 1

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- Macklin Celebrini watched NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly slowly flip the placard to reveal that the San Jose Sharks had secured the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft lottery Tuesday night. "My heart was beating. You can't really prepare for it. It's so unique, so special," said Celebrini, the Boston University star who is expected to be the first overall pick in the NHL draft, set for The Sphere in Las Vegas in June. "It was excitement and, really, a little anxious." The Sharks finished last in the overall standings (19-54-9) and retained their position in the lottery. San Jose had an 18.5% chance to win the lottery and a 25.5% chance to pick first. The lottery proved anticlimactic with no changes to the draft order this season. The Chicago Blackhawks, who selected center Connor Bedard with the No. 1 pick last year, retained the No. 2 selection, followed by the Anaheim Ducks at No. 3. Sharks general manager Mike Grier...
May 07
May 07

Middleweight champion Jermall Charlo arrested, charged with DWI

Jermall Charlo was arrested Monday evening in Texas and charged with three misdemeanors related to driving while intoxicated, fleeing the scene of an accident and eluding police, Pearland Police Department public information officer Chad Rogers told ESPN on Tuesday. Charlo was released on a $9,500 surety bond, according to court records, and his blood alcohol content was over 0.15. The legal limit is .08. The 33-year-old Charlo, the WBC middleweight titleholder, was driving his red Lamborghini around 6:41 p.m. Monday when he was involved in a collision with another vehicle, according to police. A verbal argument ensued following the crash and Charlo left the scene rather than wait for police to arrive. The officer eventually identified his whereabouts and pulled up behind Charlo in a marked car with his lights activated. Charlo, the sole occupant of the vehicle, drove for approximately one mile while an officer trailed him. Eventually, another officer parked in front of Charlo as...
May 07
May 07

Nuggets' Jamal Murray fined $100K, avoids suspension for toss

Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was fined $100,000 but avoided a suspension after tossing a towel and then a heating pad in the direction of an official during Denver's 106-80 Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. The NBA announced the fine on Tuesday in a release from Joe Dumars, the NBA's executive vice president and head of basketball operations. Murray tossed the objects on the floor during live play with 4:41 remaining in the second quarter and the Timberwolves up 49-30. Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope picked up the pad, tossed it to the sidelines and play continued without any whistle from the referees.   Minnesota coach Chris Finch called Murray's act "dangerous" and "inexcusable" after the game and said the Wolves attempted to reason with the officiating crew to adjudicate the incident. Crew chief Marc Davis said he didn't notice the toss at the time, but if he had it could've been reviewed under the hostile act trigger....
May 07
May 07

NBA confirms key illegal screen call on Pacers' Myles Turner

NEW YORK --  Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner was correctly called for an illegal screen in the closing seconds of the New York Knicks' controversial 121-117 victory in Game 1, according to the NBA's Last Two Minute Report released Tuesday evening. With about 15 seconds left and Indiana down 118-117, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton dribbled up the floor as Turner set a high screen on New York's Donte DiVincenzo, sending him to the ground. Turner got called for an offensive foul instantly, which prompted the Pacers to challenge the call. The Pacers were unsuccessful with the challenge, and the league's report stood by that ruling Tuesday. Still, there were a total of four missed calls in the final two minutes, according to the league's report: Turner should have been whistled for a separate illegal screen on DiVincenzo in the backcourt with about 10 seconds remaining; there was an errant kicked ball violation called on Aaron Nesmith...
May 07
May 07

PSG denied by woodwork in 'unfair' Champions League exit

Paris Saint-Germain had no shortage of chances and possession in their Champions League semifinal loss to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in Paris, but they didn't have the one thing that mattered: goals. With nearly 70% of the possession time and 30 shots in the 1-0 second leg loss, the Ligue 1 champs hit the woodwork four times and came away empty-handed in a 2-0 aggregate result that sent Dortmund to the final. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Their coach Luis Enrique had one word to describe it: "Unbelievable." "Yes, of course. Difficult match and I think a tight match, but to be honest, I think we deserve to win that match," the PSG coach said afterward. "We hit the post six times [in two legs] and we didn't score a goal. It's unbelievable. Football is so unfair sometimes." Mats Hummels headed Borussia Dortmund into the Champions League final with a goal early in the second half moments after Warren...
May 07
May 07

Chiefs' Rice suspect in alleged assault, Dallas police say

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is a suspect in an alleged assault that injured a man at a Dallas nightclub earlier this week, police there confirmed to The Dallas Morning News on Tuesday.  The newspaper, citing law enforcement officials, reported that officers were dispatched early Monday morning to the nightclub after reports of an assault. A man was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, including swelling on one side of his face, the officials told the Morning News.  Police said no charges related to the alleged assault had been filed as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the Morning News.  The Chiefs said they had no comment. Rice's attorney declined comment to the Morning News.  It's the latest offseason trouble for Rice, who emerged as a big-time receiver for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs as a rookie out of SMU this past season.  Rice, 24, was arrested in April for his involvement in a seven-car crash in Dallas in March that...
May 07
May 07

Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert named Defensive Player of the Year

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert owns a piece of an NBA record after winning the league's Defensive Player of the Year award on Tuesday for the fourth time. Gobert, 31, also won the honor in 2018, 2019 and 2021 with the Utah Jazz and joins Hall of Fame centers Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace as the only four-time winners. "It's a blessing and an honor to join this small group," Gobert told ESPN. "These two guys are legends. Every story is unique. I will keep writing mine and try to be the best version of myself every day and enjoy every step of the way. "I'm grateful that my teammates and this organization believe in me and allowing me to be who I am. It's always about the team and pushing each other to give our best every day." The 7-foot-1 Gobert anchored the Timberwolves' top-ranked defense this season. Minnesota allowed 108.4 points per 100 possessions, 2.2 fewer than the second-ranked Boston Celtics. "It's great teamwork,"...
May 07
May 07

Champions League underdogs Dortmund beat PSG to reach final

Borussia Dortmund showed great composure to reach their third Champions League final after Mats Hummels' second-half goal earned the visitors a 1-0 victory against misfiring Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday for a deserved 2-0 win on aggregate across both legs. Hummels headed home from a corner five minutes into the second half to send the German club, who won the title in 1997, into their first final in Europe's top club competition since 2013. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) They will meet either 14-time champions Real Madrid or six-time winners  Bayern Munich, who meet at the Bernabéu on Wednesday after a 2-2 draw in the first leg, in the final at Wembley on June 1. PSG hit the woodwork four times but failed to find the back of the net as Kylian Mbappé, who is widely expected to leave the club at the end of the season, was unable to have a major impact on the match. "We lacked...
May 07
May 07

Hummels on target as Dortmund knock PSG out to reach final

By Julien Pretot PARIS, May 7 (Reuters) - Borussia Dortmund reached their third Champions League final after Mats Hummels' second-half goal earned a 1-0 victory at Paris St Germain for a 2-0 aggregate win on Tuesday. Hummels headed home from a corner five minutes into the second half to send the Germans, who won the title in 1997, into their first final in Europe's top club competition since 2013. They will meet either 14-times champions Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, who clash at the Bernabeu on Wednesday after a 2-2 draw in the first leg, in the June 1 showdown at Wembley. PSG hit the woodwork four times but failed to find the net as Kylian Mbappe, who is widely expected to leave the club at the end of the season, was a shadow of his usual brilliant self. (Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ken Ferris)
May 07
May 07

Pacers' Haliburton promises Game 2 bounce-back vs. Knicks

NEW YORK -- Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton is promising a bounce-back performance in Wednesday's Game 2 after an uncharacteristic low-impact performance to start the second-round series against the New York Knicks. Haliburton took just six shots, only one from inside the 3-point line, and scored six points as the Knicks rallied from nine points down in the fourth quarter to win 121-117 in Monday's Game 1. It was his second-fewest attempts in a game this season after a game in January when he left in the first half because of an injury. The Knicks' game plan included trying to deny him the ball at times, but there were several moments when Haliburton appeared timid when shot opportunities presented themselves. He did have eight assists, three fewer than his NBA-leading average of 11 per game during the regular season, and four steals. "I erred on the side of playmaking ... and that wasn't the right decision for me," Haliburton said Tuesday...
May 07
May 07

Pacers' Haliburton promises Game 2 bounce back vs. Knicks

NEW YORK -- Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton is promising a bounce-back performance in Wednesday's Game 2 after an uncharacteristic low-impact performance to start the series against the New York Knicks. Haliburton took just six shots, only one from inside the 3-point line, and scored just six points as the Knicks rallied from nine points down in the fourth quarter to take Monday's Game 1, 121-117. It was his second-fewest attempts in a game this season, only taking less in a game in January when he left in the first half due to an injury. The Knicks' game plan included trying to deny him the ball at times, but there were several moments when Haliburton appeared timid when shot opportunities presented themselves. He did have eight assists, three less than his NBA-leading average of 11 per game during the regular season, and four steals. "I erred on the side of playmaking...and that wasn't the right decision for me," Haliburton said Tuesday...
May 07
May 07

Ryan Garcia requests B-sample be tested after failed drug test

Star boxer Ryan Garcia requested Monday that his B-sample be analyzed, according to a letter obtained by ESPN, connected to adverse findings in his A-sample for the performance-enhancing drug Ostarine the day before and the day of his upset win over Devin Haney last month. His attorney, Darin Chavez, told ESPN Tuesday that the B-sample will be opened and analyzed on May 22. Chavez will witness the examination. Garcia, 25, had until Saturday to make the request. Garcia's A-sample also screened positive for 19-Norandrosterone, according to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association letter that was sent last Wednesday, but its presence is unconfirmed pending further lab analysis. Chavez said a report that was received Tuesday showed 19-Norandrosterone wasn't present in Garcia's system. Chavez claimed this is proof "we are dealing only with a known supplement contaminant in the billionth of a gram range that provided Ryan Garcia with no performance-enhancing benefit whatsoever on...
May 07
May 07

MLB: Don't push kids to drop out to evade draft

Major League Baseball has sent a warning to clubs about encouraging players subject to the MLB draft to withdraw from high school baseball to become eligible to sign as international players. An MLB spokesman declined comment. The key section of the memo sent to teams Monday and obtained by ESPN reads: "It has come to our attention that Clubs have been encouraging amateur players in the United States to withdraw from, or otherwise refrain from playing, high school baseball in the United States and/or Canada, in order to try to establish residency in a foreign country, in an effort to make themselves eligible to sign under the International Amateur Talent System instead of the Rule 4 Draft." In the MLB draft, picks largely cannot be traded, so teams' access to elite players is largely determined by their draft order. In the international system, teams have similar-sized bonus pools, and any player is able to be negotiated with. All but the best handful of players are acquirable by...
May 07
May 07

Bengals QB Joe Burrow practices amid wrist injury comeback

CINCINNATI -- If one didn't know any better, Tuesday looked like a normal offseason workout for the Cincinnati Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow. He weaved through tackling dummies, rolled to the side and threw off one leg, and he launched a couple of balls to receivers in the end zone. But it was more significant than it might seem, as it marked Burrow's first outdoor team practice since he suffered a season-ending wrist injury in November. In his first news conference this offseason, Burrow detailed the recovery process from surgery and the challenges presented. "This was a difficult injury," Burrow said. "It's been a tough several months, but physically it's not the worst injury that I've had. I've been through much tougher things physically and so that's been a positive. I've been able to really lift and continue my offseason program kind of the way that it always has been." As a rookie in 2020, Burrow tore multiple ligaments in his left knee, including the...
May 07
May 07

Burnley co-owners J.J. and Kealia Watt headline TST tournament

Burnley co-owner and NFL legend J.J. Watt's Burnley squad will face former NFL punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee's Concafa SC team in the first round of The Soccer Tournament, the 7-on-7, $1 million, winner-take-all event June 5-10. The tournament will take place in Cary, North Carolina, and be broadcast by ESPN+. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The competition brackets were announced Tuesday. TST's men's bracket splits up its 48 teams into 12 groups of four while in the women's brackets the eight teams are split into two groups of four. The women's tournament will compete for an equal $1 million, winner-take-all prize. US Women, a team led by former  United States teammates  Ali Krieger and Heather O'Reilly, will face off against the Wrexham Red Dragons at 8 p.m. on June 8. Wrexham will bring a squad that includes seven of their first-team players, most notably Rosie Hughes, who was featured on "Welcome to...
May 07
May 07

Kadary Richmond transfers from Seton Hall to St. John's

Former Seton Hall guard Kadary Richmond, the No. 1 player in the transfer portal, has committed to St. John's and coach Rick Pitino, he told ESPN on Tuesday. "They were big on life after basketball and player development," Richmond said. "That stood out to me, the way they kept it real from day one. They are going to allow me to showcase my ability and become a better basketball player and person. I'd like to make a long run deep into the NCAA tournament and eventually win a national championship. I'm ready to get to work and see what Coach Pitino has in store." Richmond visited Oklahoma over the weekend and said he also considered Syracuse, Miami and USC, but a chance for the Brooklyn native to stay close to home and play for Pitino was too much to pass up. "Seeing what [ Knicks star] Jalen Brunson is doing for New York City right now, winning in New York is a big thing," Richmond said. "I want to be a part...
May 07
May 07

Source: WR Tyler Boyd agrees to one-year contract with Titans

Free agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd is signing with the Tennessee Titans on a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Tuesday. The move reunites Boyd with new Titans coach Brian Callahan, who was Boyd's offensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals since 2019. In Tennessee, Boyd will join a depth chart that already includes free agent addition Calvin Ridley, who signed a four-year, $92 million dollar deal in March, and five-time Pro Bowl selection DeAndre Hopkins. It also includes 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks, whose future with the Titans has been a topic of speculation this offseason. Burks has not made a significant impact since being taken No. 18 overall two years ago. He has only accounted for 49 receptions for 665 yards and a touchdown in 22 games. The coaching staff have said they plan to have Burks line up in multiple spots across the formation, just the same as they likely...
May 07
May 07

Blues name Drew Bannister coach, remove interim tag

The St. Louis Blues took the interim tag off of Drew Bannister's title, naming him their new head coach. Bannister, 50, signed a two-year contract, according to Blues president of hockey operations and general manager Doug Armstrong. He becomes the 27th head coach in franchise history. He was named interim head coach on Dec. 12, 2023, after the team fired Craig Berube. In 54 regular-season games, the Blues had a 30-19-5 record (65 points) under Bannister, who also helped them improve from 23rd to 12th in team goals-against average. Overall, the Blues improved by 11 points in the standings year over year, although the team missed the playoffs for the second straight season. Armstrong said after the season that Bannister was a candidate to become head coach. "When we made the coaching change. I was creating a list [of potential coaches]. The list was deep and extensive. As I watched him perform and I watched our team perform, I started to cross names off that list, and...
May 07
May 07

Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov are Hart finalists

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov are the finalists for the 2023-24 Hart Memorial Trophy, given to the player "adjudged to be the most valuable to his team" in the regular season. The winner is selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. McDavid and Kucherov are both previous league MVPs. MacKinnon is seeking his first Hart Trophy after being a finalist three times. MacKinnon, 28, had 51 goals, 89 assists and 140 points, good for second in the league behind Kucherov. MacKinnon led the Avalanche in each of those categories and established new career highs. He finished 36 points higher than the next leading scorer on the team, winger Mikko Rantanen (104). His 405 shots on goal also led the NHL. MacKinnon's season featured two historic scoring streaks: He tallied points in 35 straight home games Oct. 19-March 26, the...
May 07
May 07

Maradona's stolen World Cup Golden Ball trophy to be auctioned

Diego Maradona's Golden Ball trophy won for being named the best player at the 1986 World Cup will be auctioned in France on June 6, the Aguttes auction house said on Tuesday. This is the first Golden Ball to go for auction and while the value is still to be confirmed, the auction house expects it to fetch millions. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) - Hamilton: How Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt got to auction Maradona, who died in 2020, won the award after leading Argentina to World Cup victory in Mexico, scoring five goals at the finals where he captained his country and played every minute of the tournament. That tournament is probably best remembered for Maradona's two goals against England in the quarterfinals. Maradona outjumped England goalkeeper Peter Shilton by using his hand to score the first goal with a raised fist, which he later dubbed as being scored by the "Hand of God." The...
May 07
May 07

Reggie Miller warning to MSG fans: 'The Boogeyman is coming'

Reggie Miller will be back at Madison Square Garden nearly 29 years to the day after his legendary performance in the same building, and he has a light-hearted warning for New York Knicks fans. "Just know, the Boogeyman is coming back to town to call the game," Miller said half-jokingly during an interview on "The Dan Patrick Show" on Monday. "I am coming." Miller, the former Pacers great who famously tormented the Knicks during his playing days, will work as an analyst for the TNT crew calling Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series Wednesday between Indiana and New York in Madison Square Garden. Although Miller vowed that he would not exhibit "any favoritism" toward the Pacers, the Hall of Famer is not expecting a warm welcome at MSG. "I'm sure I'll hear the chants, I'm sure I'll hear all those naughty words," he said. "I'm good with that, but I'm there to do a job, to call a game. I'm sure this will be a great series." Indiana and New York squared...
May 07
May 07

Maradona's stolen World Cup Golden Ball trophy to go on auction

Diego Maradona's Golden Ball trophy won for being named the best player at the 1986 World Cup will be auctioned in France on June 6, the Aguttes auction house said on Tuesday. This is the first Golden Ball to go for auction and while the value is still to be confirmed, the auction house expects it to fetch millions. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) - Hamilton: How Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt got to auction Maradona, who died in 2020, won the award after leading Argentina to World Cup victory in Mexico, scoring five goals at the finals where he captained his country and played every minute of the tournament. That tournament is probably best remembered for Maradona's two goals against England in the quarterfinals. Maradona outjumped England goalkeeper Peter Shilton by using his hand to score the first goal with a raised fist, which he later dubbed as being scored by the "Hand of God." The...
May 07
May 07

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama voted unanimous NBA Rookie of Year

Victor Wembanyama came into the NBA with massive expectations, and he responded with one of the best rookie campaigns the league has ever seen. Wembanyama was named the NBA's Rookie of the Year on Monday, garnering all 99 first-place votes. Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, came in second with 98 second-place votes. Last season's No. 2 pick, Charlotte's Brandon Miller, came in third. Wembanyama becomes the sixth unanimous Rookie of the Year in the last 40 years joining Ralph Sampson (1984), David Robinson (1990), Blake Griffin (2011), Damian Lillard (2013) and Karl-Anthony Towns (2016). He also joins the Spurs' other two No. 1 picks -- Robinson and Tim Duncan (1998) -- as winners of the award. "My goals were always to help my team as best as I could and get better as the year went on," Wembanyama said from San Antonio on TNT after the award was announced on the network's NBA playoff pregame...
May 07
May 07

Wolves stagger Nuggets again as Edwards, Towns spark Game 2 rout

DENVER -- With Defensive Player of the Year front-runner Rudy Gobert unavailable and the defending champion Denver Nuggets needing a win to even their Western Conference semifinals series, the Minnesota Timberwolves put on a masterful defensive performance in a 106-80 Game 2 victory. "We've had some really, really good defensive efforts this year, but that has to be right up there with the best of them," Minnesota coach Chris Finch said. "On the ball, off the ball, the physicality, the execution of the game plan. ... Just really locked in on defense." If holding Denver to just 34.9% shooting as a team with forceful defensive rotations and forcing 19 turnovers with a suffocating perimeter presence was Minnesota's substance Monday, Anthony Edwards' 27 points and 7 assists coming in highlight-reel fashion was the team's style. There was the time in the first half when the 22-year-old Wolves guard dribbled between his legs to keep the Nuggets' ...
May 07
May 07

Walker Buehler strikes out four in 1st MLB start in 2 years

LOS ANGELES -- Walker Buehler threw the first pitch of Monday's game at 7:10 p.m. PT and glanced toward Dodger Stadium's right-field scoreboard with uncertainty. Buehler had spent parts of a 20-month rehabilitation from a second Tommy John surgery unsure what to expect. He anticipated the velocity bump that would come with the adrenaline of pitching in a major league game, but he didn't know if it would actually show up. At times, he wondered if he'd have to adapt to pitching at slightly lower velocities. Then the results of his first pitch flashed on the board: 96 mph. It was an early sign that things were in order. What followed was a shaky outing -- three runs on six hits in four innings against a Miami Marlins offense that entered with the third-lowest OPS in the majors -- but promising peripherals, chief among them the radar-gun readings. Buehler averaged 96 mph with his fastball and reached 97 and 98 mph on a handful of occasions in the Los Angeles...
May 07
May 07

Murray dodges technical foul call after throwing heating pad

DENVER -- Nuggets guard Jamal Murray should have been called for a technical foul -- but not ejected -- for throwing a heating pad on the floor during Denver's 106-80 Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, crew chief Marc Davis said after Monday's contest. With Murray on the bench and Karl-Anthony Towns receiving a pass from Kyle Anderson to put Minnesota up 49-30 with 4:41 remaining in the second quarter, the Nuggets point guard tossed the pad on the floor while live game action ensued. Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope picked up the pad, tossed it to the sidelines and play continued without any whistle from the referees. "I was the lead official, and I didn't notice it was on the floor or where it came from until Towns scored," Davis told a pool reporter. "We weren't aware it had come from the bench. If we would have been aware it came from the bench, we could have reviewed it under the hostile act trigger. The...
May 07
May 07

After wife gives birth, Carlo scores in Bruins' Game 1 win

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Have a day, Brandon Carlo. The Boston Bruins defenseman wasn't with his team Monday morning for an excellent reason: His wife, Mayson, was giving birth to their son, Crew, the couple's second child. With mother and baby doing well, Carlo flew to South Florida, arriving at Amerant Bank Arena later than the rest of his teammates then scoring a second-period goal for the Bruins. "It's definitely 24 hours that I won't forget," Carlo said. The veteran scored with 21 seconds left in the second, getting his second goal of the playoffs and giving Boston a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes. The Bruins rolled from there, posting a 5-1 victory to take a 1-0 series lead over the Florida Panthers in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. "Man, I don't celebrate often, but I raised my hands on that one," Boston goaltender Jeremy Swayman said, when asked about his reaction to the Carlo goal. "It's so incredible what he did today, just the...
May 07
May 07

Jalen Brunson notches 4th straight 40-point game, Knicks win

NEW YORK -- Jalen Brunson's historic scoring run is marching onward as a new opponent feels his wrath. Brunson had yet another brilliant fourth quarter Monday, with relentless basket attacks and masterful shot creation leading to 21 of his 43 points as the New York Knicks clawed out a 121-117 Game 1 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Reminiscent of his late-game flourishes in the previous round against the Philadelphia 76ers, Brunson now has 40 points in four straight playoff games. Added to his six assists, he became the first player in NBA history to have a run of four consecutive 40-point, 5-assist playoff games. "The little things can go a long way," Brunson said. "So yeah, the 40 points are cool and all, but it's the little things that help us win games like that. So I'm just happy I have the group of guys that I do. I just know that we're going to fight every single day. That's all I'm thinking about." Brunson has scored or assisted on...
May 07
May 06

Rudy Gobert ruled out for Game 2 vs. Nuggets after son's birth

DENVER -- Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert will not play in Game 2 of their second round series against the Denver Nuggets on Monday because of personal reasons, Wolves coach Chris Finch said before the game. Gobert became a father for the first time when he and his partner welcomed a baby boy on Monday morning, sources told ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "He's out," Finch said. "He will not be here." Gobert was not present at shootaround and listed as questionable for the game. Finch said Gobert was unable to fly back to Denver on Monday in time to rejoin the team for the game. "There was definitely consideration and we looked at the timing of it all and I think just the timing of his circumstances, plus some weather made it really tough," Finch said. "And it didn't feel like he really was going to be able to get here and be prepared to play." Finch said that Gobert's absence will mean more defensive minutes for Kyle Anderson and ...
May 06
May 06

Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso to miss 4-6 weeks with shoulder injury

Chicago Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso will have to wait to make her official WNBA debut as she'll miss four to six weeks with a shoulder injury she suffered in the Sky's preseason game this past Friday, the organization announced Monday. Chicago will also be without  Brynna Maxwell, one of its 2024 draftees out of Gonzaga, due to a knee injury; the guard will be reevaluated in three to four weeks, the team said. Cardoso, a 6-foot-7 center and the No. 3 pick in last month's draft, is coming off an undefeated, national championship run with the South Carolina Gamecocks, where she won Final Four Most Outstanding Player in capturing her second national title in three seasons. Friday in a 92-81 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, Cardoso came off the bench, recording six points and four rebounds in 13 minutes before exiting with the injury. The Sky could also be without both Taya Reimer (out, concussion protocol) and Isabelle Harrison (questionable, knee)...
May 06

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