Wednesday 6 November 2024
Tuesday 5 November 2024
VINCE CARTER HONOURED BY AIR CANADA | AFTER NO. 15 JERSEY HAS BEEN RETIRED BY TORONTO RAPTORS
The Toronto Raptors are retiring Vince Carter's jersey this weekend, so Air Canada surprised him with a special livery on one of its planes that will be used as part of its regular fleet over the next six months 🔥🏀
JAKE PAUL WARNED RULE CHANGE WILL BENEFIT MIKE TYSON IN BOXING FIGHT
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| Mike Tyson and Jake Paul go to war later this month (Image: AP) |
'Iron Mike' hasn't fought a professional contest since losing to Kevin McBride back in 2005, but will make a sensational return to the ring next week against 'The Problem Child'
Roy Jones Jr believes Mike Tyson will benefit from the shorter rounds in his upcoming heavyweight fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
The fight - which is scheduled to take place on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas - will see Paul and Tyson go toe-to-toe in a professional showdown in an eight two-minute round format - as opposed to the more standard three-minute rounds. The sanctioned fight has already been approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Both boxers will wear 14-ounce gloves, more padded than the standard gloves.
The 58-year-old's last professional contest came back in 2005 against Kevin McBride. After quitting on the stool that night, Tyson opted to retire from the sport. He did, however, take part in an exhibition showdown with Jones Jr four years ago.
As for Paul, 'The Problem Child' made his debut in 2020 and has since taken the sport by storm. So far, the young American has defeated the likes of Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley and Nate Diaz. His only defeat in the squared-circle came last year, losing on points to Tommy Fury. He has since bounced back with big wins over Diaz, Andre August, Ryan Bourland and Mike Perry.
Recently, Paul had dared his legendary opponent to take him on over 10 three-minute rounds after public demands, but the rules will NOT be changed. With the rules now set in stone ahead of the dust-up next Friday, Tyson's former opponent - Jones Jr - believes that it will benefit the 58-year-old.
Jones Jr believes the shorter rounds will help Tyson's endurance. In an interview with MMANYTT, he said: “When I boxed him four years ago, we did two-minute rounds, and, surprisingly, he didn’t lose energy; he kept the same pace”.
In the same interview, Jones Jr gave his official prediction for the upcoming contest. While many believe that Paul's age will prove to be a big factor, the boxing veteran insists Tyson is fully capable of getting the job done in Texas. “I believe in Mike, likely via decision. But if he wants to finish it, he can. Yet, if he’s just looking to enjoy the fight, he might take it slow and have some fun”, he added.
The 55-year-old concluded: "I’m not worried about Mike and his age. Mike is still hard to hit, and he hits like a truck.” While Jones Jr remains optimistic, There are a few fans who believe that 'Iron Mike' is not taking the fight seriously. During a recent chat with Jimmy Kimmel, the 58-year-old claimed he was training six hours a day. "I am training extremely hard, I do six hours a day. I start at 11am and might leave the gym at 5pm", he said. Kimmel looked stunned and replied: "Oh no. 11am? So that's six hours straight, or is there a lunch break?" The former heavyweight champion admitted there was a small break as a shocked Kimmel gasped: "Oh no".
In the same interview, when Tyson was asked if he intends to be high during his bout with Paul, he replied: “I’m going to be so high off life, yeah." Kimmel then asked: “Will you be high on marijuana, as well?" Tyson replied: "That’s a possibility, too." The host then commented: "Oh no my bet is getting lower as we talk".
JAPAN SUFFERERS BLOW WITH AYSE UEDA OUT FOR REST OF 2024
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| Japan star Ayase Ueda has been ruled out for the rest of 2024 after picking up a hamstring injury in Feyenoord's 2-0 loss to Ajax in the Eredivisie on Oct. 30. ANP via Getty Images |
Japan suffered a blow in their bid to lock up a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when striker Ayase Ueda was ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering a hamstring injury playing for his Dutch club Feyenoord.
Ueda was forced to leave the pitch before halftime after sustaining the injury in a 2-0 loss to Ajax in an Eredivisie clash last Wednesday.
"Ayase Ueda will no longer play this calendar year," Feyenoord said in a statement. "The attacker is struggling with a thigh injury that will keep him out until at least the winter break."
The 26-year-old has scored 14 goals in 18 matches for his country over the last two years but will now miss the Asian qualifiers against Indonesia on Nov. 15 and China four days later.
Japan, looking to qualify for an eighth straight edition of the World Cup, lead Group C of the third round of Asian qualifying by five points over Australia after four of the ten rounds.
The top two from each group will punch their tickets to the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- Reuters
BRAZIL GRAND PRIX: WILLIAMS 'HURTING' AFTER THREE BIG CRASHES BY
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| F1.com |
Williams boss James Vowles said he was "hurting" after the Formula 1 team suffered three costly crashes in Brazil on Sunday and dropped a place in the constructors' world championship.
Franco Colapinto and Alex Albon both crashed in qualifying at Interlagos, postponed from Saturday, with the latter driver unable to take part in the race because the mechanics were unable to rebuild his car in time.
Argentine rookie Colapinto then crashed again in the race, triggering red flags.
With Renault-owned Alpine finishing second and third with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly in a rain-hit grand prix, Williams fell to ninth in the standings with three rounds remaining and 27 points between them and eighth-placed RB.
"The nature of Formula One is that you can have some of the most incredible feelings and results, as well as some of the lowest moments that you can feel within a sport. I think it's fair to say this weekend is the second of those two," Vowles said.
"We've had three incredibly large crashes in just a few hours from one another and have a tremendous amount of work to get ourselves back on top of our spares situation before we go to Las Vegas in just a few weeks' time."
Vowles said he had watched the race through to the end, despite Colapinto crashing before the half-distance, because he wanted "to make sure I remember today because this isn't what I want us to be feeling in the future."
Albon said it had been a tough few weeks with the team now in a challenging position.
"I really didn't expect the incident in Turn One to happen, so we need to take a proper look to figure out what happened," he added.
"It's disappointing as it would've been a great opportunity to score points, as we knew coming to Brazil there is always a chance for crazy races, however it's our competitors who've been able to capitalise on this."
- Reuters
MCLAREN BOSS STELLA INSISTS FOCUS ON CONSTRUCTORS' TITLE
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| Zak Mauger/Motorsport Images |
McLaren have said their priority is to win the Formula 1 constructors' title after Lando Norris's challenge for the drivers' crown was all but ended in Brazil at the weekend.
"The constructors' championship was always our priority, so this doesn't change anything," team boss Andrea Stella said after Norris started on the pole and finished sixth, while Max Verstappen won from 17th on the grid.
The Red Bull driver is now 62 points clear of the Briton, his closest rival, with three rounds and 86 points still to fight for.
That means Verstappen could clinch a fourth successive title in Las Vegas later this month.
McLaren increased their lead over Ferrari to 36 points, however.
Verstappen's race was acclaimed as one of the great drives in the sport's history, even by those who had criticised his style previously, although Norris suggested there was an element of luck involved.
"He drove well, he got a bit lucky," Norris told Sky Sports.
Verstappen did not feel that way after the second phase of qualifying when he was caught out by a red flag that left him 12th with an additional five place drop for an engine change.
The Dutch driver had been fastest in the first phase of qualifying, while Norris just squeaked through in 15th position with his final effort, and admitted later he had felt like tearing up the garage.
In the race, Verstappen was helped by a red flag that gave him a free tyre change after Norris had pitted. But that came after he had overtaken six cars on the first lap and got himself into a position to take full advantage.
Norris, meanwhile, made a couple of mistakes, running off track and losing positions. The wet conditions also meant there was no advantage from drag reduction.
Stella blamed the car rather than the driver, pointing to brake problems.
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| McLaren.com |
"When we lock the tyres with a car like we have today, I am not looking at the driver. I am looking at why the car keeps locking the front tyres in conditions like this. I don't think pressure was a significant factor at all," Stella said.
"We have struggled with the lockups all weekend in wet conditions with both drivers, and I think from a car point of view this is also something that we need to look into."
Only five of the 1,121 previous championship races had been won from 17th or lower and Verstappen's victory, his eighth of the season, ended a 10-race run without success for the Dutch driver.
He also beat Michael Schumacher's record of 896 consecutive days leading the championship.
- Reuters
NEYMAR SUBBED OFF WITH INJURY
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| Neymar felt his thigh in Al Hilal vs Esteghlal Yasser Bakhsh / Getty Images via AFP |
Neymar made his second appearance for Al Hilal as he continues his return following a year-long absence due to an ACL tear, but it didn't last long.
The Brazil international came on in the 58th minute of his team's 3-0 win in an Asian Champions League Elite match on Monday, but was subbed off less than 30 minutes later after going to ground and grabbing the back of his right leg having seemed to pull up while stretching his leg out for the ball in the penalty area.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a hat trick to lead Al Hilal to the win and put them at the top of the league phase table of the Asian Champions League
Neymar saw his first action for Al Hilal, who he joined in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain, on Oct. 21, but hadn't played again until Wednesday's game against Esteghlal as he cannot be registered for Saudi Pro League games until January.
Al Hilal had planned a slow return for Brazil's all-time leading scorer, who suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury during Brazil's qualifier against Uruguay shortly after joining the Saudi side and underwent surgery last November.
Neymar was also left off Brazil's latest squad for a pair of November World Cup qualifiers, with coach Dorival saying the team and federation didn't want to rush his return to the national team.
Brazil are fourth in their World Cup qualifying group, four points adrift of leaders Argentina after 10 games.
Information from Reuters was used in this story.
- ESPN News Services
DARIOUS GARLAND SCORES 39, CAVS IMPROVE TO 8-0 WITH 116-114 WIN OVER STRUGGLING BUCKS WITHOUT GIANNIS
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| Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) goes to the basket past Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) |
CLEVELAND -- — Darius Garland scored 39 points, Evan Mobley added 17 and the Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 8-0 with a 116-114 win on Monday night over the Milwaukee Bucks, who played without injured superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Cavs also went 8-0 in 1976.
Garland drained a go-ahead 3-pointer with 45 seconds left and the Cavs rallied down the stretch, outscoring the Bucks 18-8 over the final 6:06.
Jarrett Allen added 14 points, 15 rebounds and had a huge block on Milwaukee's Damian Lillard in the final seconds.
Lillard scored 36 for the Bucks, but committed a costly turnover when he was called for an over-and-back violation with 56 seconds left.
Bobby Portis added 21 points and 18 rebounds for Milwaukee, which has lost six in a row.
It was Cleveland's second win in three days over Milwaukee. On Saturday, Donovan Mitchell made a jumper in the final seconds to give the Cavs a 114-113 win.
Antetokounmpo sat out with a strained adductor muscle, an injury the two-time MVP sustained during the loss to Cleveland.
Takeaways
Bucks: Showed grit in giving all they had despite not having Antetokounmpo, who averages 31 points. Milwaukee's schedule hasn't helped, with five of seven games on the road.
Cavaliers: Another good lesson to not take any team for granted. The Cavs also survived without Mitchell carrying them. He only scored one point after the first quarter, finishing with 14.
Key moment
Mobley displayed his all-around game over a span of seven seconds in the second quarter. Protecting under the rim, the 7-footer soared to block a layup, grabbed the rebound, dribbled the length of the floor and dunked to ignite a 10-2 run.
Key stat
The Cavs were just the second team in history to start 7-0 with every player averaging less than 30 minutes. Seattle did it in 1978.
Up Next
The Bucks host the Utah Jazz on Thursday. The Cavaliers are at New Orleans on Wednesday.
- AP
Monday 4 November 2024
SAN ANTONIO SPURS COACH GREGG POPOVICH OUT INDEFINITELY WITH HEALTH ISSUE
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| AP Photo |
Longtime San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who experienced an undisclosed health issue over the weekend, will not be with the team for upcoming games in Los Angeles and Houston, the Spurs announced Monday.
Popovich, 75, experienced the issue Saturday and did not coach during the Spurs' 113-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves later that night in San Antonio. Assistant Mitch Johnson, who coached Saturday, is expected to serve as the Spurs' interim coach amid Popovich's indefinite absence.
Johnson said he was told he would take over as head coach about an hour or 1 1/2 hours before the Spurs' game against the Timberwolves.
"He is not feeling well," Johnson said, when asked about Popovich. "This has happened before. I think Everybody just always got to be ready for the next man up, right? With injuries, and sometimes people get sick or don't feel well and things come up in life. He is just not feeling well."
Popovich is the all-time winningest coach in NBA history, with 1,390 regular-season wins and 170 postseason victories. The five-time NBA Finals champion is in his 29th season with the Spurs.
The Spurs (3-3) will face the Los Angeles Clippers (2-4) at 10:30 p.m. EST Monday in Los Angeles. They will take on the Houston Rockets (3-3) on Wednesday in Houston.
The Spurs will return home for a matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers (2-5) on Thursday at the Frost Bank Center.
- Alex Butler
REAL MADRID'S ANCELOTTI: 'FOOTBALL HAS TO STOP' AMID SPAIN FLOODS
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| RealMadrid.com |
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said all football in Spain should have been put on hold after flash floods in Valencia left at least 217 people dead.
Madrid's LaLiga game at Valencia -- which was due to be played on Saturday -- was postponed, along with Villarreal's game with Rayo Vallecano, but the remaining eight top-flight matches in Spain went ahead.
LaLiga has been collaborating with the Red Cross to raise money for those affected by the flooding, after thousands of homes and businesses were damaged, and transport links disrupted, in one of the most severe natural disasters in recent Spanish history.
"It's been a week of tragedy, and we're sad," Ancelotti said in a news conference on Monday. "We're very close to Valencia and all the affected towns. Hopefully it can be resolved soon. Talking about football is difficult, and so is playing football. We are part of this country, and it affects us a lot."
Madrid, whose appearance saw them beaten 4-0 by Barcelona on Oct. 26, host AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.
"Your head isn't in your work," Ancelotti said, when asked if it had been difficult to prepare. "We are going to prepare for the game, because we're professionals. That's what we have to do."
A number of players and coaches have suggested that no professional football should have taken place in Spain over the weekend, with Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone saying the decision to continue "makes no sense."
"Everyone has been clear," Ancelotti said. "Nobody wanted to play. But we are not the ones in charge. Those at the top make the decision ... Football is a party, and you can celebrate and have a party when you're OK.
"When people are not OK, you don't have to party. Football has to stop. Because it is the most important of the least important things."
"The power we have is equal to zero," Ancelotti added. "All the coaches wanted to stop the games. Some played, others did not. The decision-making power of the coach, in these cases, is equal to zero."
"The coach is absolutely right," full-back Lucas Vázquez said. "Our opinion is zero, our strength is zero. We have to be professional, and do what we are told."
Ancelotti denied that forward Vinícius Júnior has been affected by missing out on the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or, which was won by Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri last week, with Vinícius second.
"He's doing fine," Ancelotti said. "Fortunately we didn't play on Saturday and Vinicius has trained well, like everyone else ... Vinicius is sad, not because of the Ballon d'Or, but because he's seeing the situation in Valencia."
- Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez
EDU: ARSENAL SPORTING DIRECTOR SET FOR EXIT
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| Edu spent 4 seasons and played 79 games as a player at Arsenal. AFP |
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar will leave the club, a source has told ESPN.
Edu joined Arsenal in July 2019 as technical director and led a culture shift at the club that saw Mikel Arteta hired as manager and the side battle for the Premier League title. Edu was later promoted to sporting director in November 2022.
It is unclear when he will leave the club.
The Spaniard's tenure as director came after a four-year playing career between 2001 and 2005, during which he won the Premier League title in 2001-02 and 2003-04 under Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal suffered their second Premier League loss in three games on Saturday, falling to a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James' Park. That result followed a home draw with Liverpool and a 2-0 reverse at Bournemouth.
The expected return of captain Martin Ødegaard from an ankle injury should boost morale at the north London club ahead of another big week that sees them take on Inter Milan at San Siro on Wednesday before a trip to Enzo Maresca's Chelsea on Sunday.
Arteta's team are fifth in the league, seven points behind pacesetters Liverpool.
- Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC
MUSIC LEGEND AND ARTISTIC ADVISER FOR THE 2008 BEIJING GAMES QUINCY JONES DIES AT AGE 91
As the Olympics come to a close…I want to congratulate all of the athletes for doing such an INCREDIBLE job in the midst of an undoubtedly trying time. I had the honor of being appointed the only American Artistic Adviser for the 2008 Beijing Games & co-composed/arranged/produced the theme song “Grace” for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics (which also appeared as the B-side to “We Are the World)…so, I’ve been a part of this space for a very long time, & I know how much work y’awl put into training. It makes me smile to see humanity persevering during a pandemic, to come together in the form of the Olympics & remind us of what determination can do. Big-time props to all-a-y’awl, & to the beautiful country of Japan for hosting!
- Quincy Jones
11 YEAR OLD RAFAEL NADAL | NOVEMBER 1997
November 1997: 11 years old Rafael Nadal during a youth tournament in Hilversum, the Netherlands.
SAQUON BARKLEY'S REVERSE HURDLE LEAVES EAGLES 'SPEECHLESS'
PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles coach Nick Sirianni is a man of many words, but even he was left "speechless" after running back Saquon Barkley's reverse hurdle over a defender Sunday in a 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"It was the best play I've ever seen," Sirianni said. "What I think is so cool, there's going to be kids all over the country and all over Philadelphia trying to make that play and talking about that play and simulating that play as they play backyard football or peewee football. They ain't going to be able to make it -- I believe he's the only one in the world that can do that. I'm speechless. It was unbelievable."
With the Eagles facing a third-and-6 early in the second quarter, Barkley took a pass from Jalen Hurts in the flat, broke a tackle and then put a spin move on Devin Lloyd that had Lloyd grasping at air as he fell to the ground. Barkley was just getting warmed up. He then stepped so his back was to cornerback Jarrian Jones, elevated and blindly leapfrogged Jones for an extra 5 yards on what turned out to be a 14-yard gain.
The fans in attendance rose to their feet and began looking at one another in a state of shock.
"I've got to give credit to God, man. I'm not going to lie ... I feel like God gave me the ability to play this position and gave me some instincts. Sometimes you've got to let go and let God and your instincts take over," Barkley said.
This wasn't the first time Barkley has pulled off this move: He jumped backward over an Iowa defender his sophomore year at Penn State but said that one "wasn't as cool." This one was off the charts.
"Crazy," receiver DeVonta Smith said. "I ain't never seen nothing like it."
Barkley ended the day with 199 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. He is just the second player in Eagles history to record 1,000-plus scrimmage yards and eight-plus touchdowns through eight games, joining LeSean McCoy, who was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame Sunday.
Barkley wasn't the only Eagle who dazzled against Jacksonville. With A.J. Brown sidelined with a knee injury he suffered at the end of the first half, Smith rose to the occasion and made an incredible one-handed catch in the back of the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter that ended up being the difference in the game.
Sirianni had no update on the status of Brown, who did not play in the second half.
"It's always tough when he goes down because he's such a dynamic player, such a big part of this team and this offense," Smith said. "If he goes down, I kind of get the feeling like I have to step up. For me, I'm always ready for the challenge."
Fellow receiver Jahan Dotson had a circus catch of his own, skying over a defender and tipping the ball to himself early in the third quarter for a 36-yard gain down the left sideline.
"I feel like there were three plays in that game: Dotson, Smitty and Saquon, plays that just make you go, 'Wow, this is why I love watching football,'" right tackle Lane Johnson said.
- Tim McManus, ESPN Staff Writer
BRUNO FERNANDES APOLOGISED TO ERIK TEN HAG AFTER MAN UNITED SACK
Bruno Fernandes has revealed he called Erik ten Hag to apologise after the Dutchman was sacked by Manchester United.
Fernandes scored a penalty as United drew 1-1 with Chelsea in their first Premier League game since Ten Hag's dismissal on Monday.
The midfielder said he has spoken to his former boss following the decision and admitted the players must take their share of responsibility for Ten Hag's departure.
"Whenever you see a manager go you have to take some of the blame on yourself, it is because the team is not doing so well," Fernandes told Sky.
"It is easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players. I spoke to the manager [Ten Hag] and apologised to him, I was disappointed he has gone and I tried to help him. I wasn't scoring goals, we are not scoring goals and I feel responsible.
"It is not good for anyone at the club when the manager goes. The team is not the best, the results are not the best and he is the one who pays for it."
Following Ten Hag's departure, United have beaten Leicester in the Carabao Cup and drawn with Chelsea in the Premier League under caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
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| Bruno Fernandes scored Manchester United's only goal in their Premier League clash against Chelsea. Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images |
He has another two games in charge before Rúben Amorim takes the reins on Nov. 11.
Van Nistelrooy admitted it's been a "difficult" week at the club and said the players have had to "look in the mirror" after a poor start to the season.
"It has been very difficult from last Monday to today, six days, a rollercoaster of emotions," Van Nistelrooy said. "It's very sad seeing Erik leave.
"The next day you have to start to focus on getting the lads ready for Leicester because 75,000 people show up here at Old Trafford and the players feel they have an obligation to do better.
"They look in the mirror and their reactions then and today show they think about things."
Van Nistelrooy's long-term future remains up in the air after Amorim stated his intention to bring his own coaching staff to Old Trafford.
The 48-year-old will lead the team against POAK in the Europa League on Thursday and against Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday but is still waiting to learn whether he will stay beyond the November international break.
"I am open for the future," he said. "We all will be backing him [Amorim] and helping him to get Man United where we want them to be.
"I look forward to get to know him better. He has done very well in Portugal. He's a young, talented coach and he's done very well in Portugal."
- Rob Dawson, Correspondent
OLYMPIC RUNNER REBECCA CHEPTEGEI FINAL MOMENTS REVEALED AS 'NEIGHBOURS FLED TO HELP'' WHEN SHE WAS 'DOUSED IN PETROL AND SET ON FIRE' BY JER EX-BOYFRIEND'ON HORRIFIC ATTAC
The final moments of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei before she was doused in petrol and set alight by her ex-partner have been revealed.
Cheptegei, who tragically died at the age of 33 in hospital today, suffered burns to over 80% of her body in Sunday's brutal attack that was reportedly carried out by Dickson Ndiema, according to medical officials.
She was rushed to the intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but the facility's acting director Dr Owen Menach confirmed Cheptegei died late last night after all her organs failed.
She and Ndiema has been bickering over the land upon which her hose was built, local media outlets reported.
Before the vicious attack on Sunday, neighbours heard the pair loudly arguing before he began pouring a can of petrol on her.
After he set her alight, neighbours rushed to her aid and helped to put the horrific fire out, before they were both rushed to hospital with all-consuming injuries.
Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said: 'The couple was heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her. The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns.'
Cheptegei's father, Joseph, has told journalists he has lost a daughter who was 'very supportive' and hopes to get justice.
'As it is now, the criminal who harmed my daughter is a murderer and I am yet to see what the security officials are doing,' he said. 'He is still free and might even flee.'
Cheptegei has two children, aged nine and 11, who are fathered by a different man living in Uganda.
One of Cheptegei's daughters is said to have witnessed the assault at her mother's home. She told Kenya's The Standard: 'He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother.
'I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible,' added the girl, who has not been named.
Cheptegei's father Joseph had previously described his daughter's attacker as an 'animal' who tormented her for months before setting her ablaze.
Speaking earlier this week from hospital alongside his other daughter Evalyne Chelagat, Mr Cheptegei claimed that his daughter and Ndiema were fighting over her land at Endebes in Trans Nzoia shortly before the alleged attack occurred.
'They were just friends and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter,' Cheptegei Snr told The Star.
The athletic world has already begun mourning the loss of the Olympic athlete.
A statement from the Ugandan Athletics Federation on social media read: 'We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.'
World Athletics president Lord Coe, meanwhile, pledged to look at ways to better protect female athletes.
He said: 'Our sport has lost a talented athlete in the most tragic and unthinkable circumstances.
'Rebecca was an incredibly versatile runner who still had lots left to give on the roads, mountains and cross country trails.
'I have been in touch with our council members in Africa to see how we can help, not only in our capacity as governing body of the sport Rebecca competed in, but to assess how our safeguarding policies might be enhanced to include abuse outside of the sport, and bringing together stakeholders from all areas of athletics to combine forces to protect our female athletes to the best of our abilities from abuse of all kinds.'
Renowned athletics TV commentator Rob Walker wrote on X: 'I've witnessed great progress in East Africa over last 20 years. But the treatment of successful female athletes by jealous husbands/boyfriends must now be addressed. This is utterly appalling.'
Reported attacks on women have been on the rise in Kenya and the country's sports minister Kipchumba Murkomen added: 'This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which has increasingly affected even elite sports.'
Cheptegei began her career in 2010 and was initially a 1500m runner before moving up to long distances. She finished second in the Madrid and Cantalejo half marathons in 2011.
In 2022, she won gold in the up and downhill mountain race at the inaugural World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
Cheptegei also won the Padova marathon in Italy earlier that year, before finishing second in the Abu Dhabi marathon in 2hr 22min 47sec – the second fastest time by a female Ugandan.
She finished 14th in the marathon at last year's World Championships in Budapest, then came 44th at the Paris Olympics in 2:32:14.
Fellow Ugandan runner James Kirwa said: 'She was a very affable person. She helped us all even financially and she brought me training shoes when she came back from the Olympics. She was like an older sister to me.'
- Perkin Amalaraj
LAMAR JACKSON LEADS RAVENS ROUT WITH PERFECT PASSER RATING
BALTIMORE -- Practice makes perfect -- except if you're Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Despite practicing just once this past week, Jackson was sharp as he has ever been, recording a perfect 158.3 passer rating in Sunday's 41-10 rout of the Denver Broncos. This marked Jackson's fourth career game with a perfect passer rating, which is tied with Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history, according to ESPN Research.
"I feel like it doesn't matter if it's one day or half a day [of practice], he's going to be ready," Ravens running back Derrick Henry said.
BALTIMORE -- Practice makes perfect -- except if you're Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Despite practicing just once this past week, Jackson was sharp as he has ever been, recording a perfect 158.3 passer rating in Sunday's 41-10 rout of the Denver Broncos. This marked Jackson's fourth career game with a perfect passer rating, which is tied with Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history, according to ESPN Research.
"I feel like it doesn't matter if it's one day or half a day [of practice], he's going to be ready," Ravens running back Derrick Henry said.
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| Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammates after throwing for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos. Getty Images |
"It's like your ideal point guard in a basketball situation -- somebody that sees people, sees their strengths, sees ways to get them won," Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor said. "He's a special player, and I think we all know that. He approaches the game a certain way to be the best version of him every time he steps on the field."
This was the first time Jackson had missed any practice time in the regular season this year. When asked after the game if Jackson would get as many rest days as he wanted going forward, Ravens coach John Harbaugh smiled.
Harbaugh said he could tell how sharp Jackson was early in the game. Jackson completed his first four passes and finished the first half by connecting on 11 of his first 12 throws, including two touchdown passes to Zay Flowers of 7 and 53 yards.
"I believe I mentioned it to one of the guys on the [headset] after the second or third series, 'Lamar is one fire. He's on fire throwing the ball,'" Harbaugh said.
Jackson didn't seem at full strength when scrambling, running for 4 yards on three carries. It was his fewest rushing attempts since December 2022, when he left a game against the Broncos in the first quarter with what became a season-ending knee injury.
Jackson's big plays all came with his arm. He was 5-of-5 for 157 yards and a touchdown on throws that traveled at least 20 yards in the air, which are the most such completions in his career.
"He's dangerous with his arm, and I think he showed that," Henry said. "If you want to take away him running the ball, [he'll] go over your head and throw it. If he has to run it, he'll do that as well. Hats off to him. He's an engine that makes this thing go -- 'MV3.'"
With a strong supporting cast, Jackson led the Ravens to seven straight scoring drives as Baltimore put up 40 or more points for the third time in five weeks. On the ground, Henry ran for 106 yards and scored two touchdowns, becoming the 10th player in NFL history to reach 100 career rushing touchdowns. In the passing attack, Flowers became the first Ravens player to total 100 yards receiving and two touchdown catches in the same game since Marquise Brown in 2019.
Now, midway through the season, Jackson is back to being the favorite for NFL MVP. According to ESPN BET, Jackson's odds improved to +225, which moves him past Josh Allen (+360).
Flowers summed up Jackson's performance with a one-word response: "Lamarvelous."
- Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer
Sunday 3 November 2024
ENGLAND RUGBY STAR JOE MARLER RETIRES JUST DAYS AFTER CAUSING NEW ZEALAND HAKA FURY
Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby after missing England's agonising 24-22 defeat against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.
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| Joe Marler of England (Image: Dan Mullan/RFU/Getty Images) |
England's forward, Joe Marler, has declared his retirement from international rugby.
The announcement was made by Marler on social media on Sunday morning, following England's heart-wrenching 24-22 loss to New Zealand at Twickenham the previous day. The 34 year old had been in the spotlight leading up to the match due to his call for a ban on the Haka.
Despite later retracting this viewpoint, the controversy led to a tense few days before the game. The Harlequins prop has now decided to end his 95-cap career with a heartfelt post on Instagram.
His message read: "Playing for England always felt like I was living in a dream bubble. I kept waiting for it to pop and me to suddenly go back to being a gobby, overweight 16-year-old again. But you know when it's time. I can't do what I used to do as well as I once could.
"I can't keep talking about my family being my priority unless they actually are. I want to keep untarnished all these memories of my career, both good and bad. I don't want to leave my house with my kids crying. I'm ready to make the change.
"The first team-mate I told was Dan Cole. We were sharing a room at the England hotel. I hugged him, he hugged me. The conversation went a bit like this: I love you, mate. I love you too. What's up? I'm done, mate. I know you are.
"It's the friendship and respect of team-mates like Dan that I'll cherish the most. The fun we had reaching the Rugby World Cup final in Japan in 2019. Coming off together in the semi-final against South Africa in 2023, sitting down on the bench, patting each other on the leg and saying, we did alright there, old son.
"Rugby has taken me places I could never have imagined. We have a big map of the world up on the wall in our kitchen. We put pins in where we've been. The kids have pins in four or five holiday places, Daisy the same. They can't believe how many I've stuck in. Dad, have you really been there? What's Uruguay? When you come from a little town in East Sussex, that's not normal. It's a wonderful thing.
"When I first got picked to play for England, 14 years ago, I was terrified. I wasn't good enough. I had bleached hair with red bits in it. I couldn't even drive myself to Pennyhill Park. I had to ask a mate to drop me off. When he did, he asked me if I could nick him some stash as a souvenir. I met Martin Johnson before training, and he towered over me and told me to get a haircut.
"So I'm incredibly grateful I got to play 95 times for my country. I have to pinch myself. Did I really do that? I'm grateful to all those people who showed patience as I kept messing up.
"I'm grateful to the fans who made each match special. I'm grateful to the team-mates who pushed alongside or behind me, and the ones who could do all the things with a ball that I can't. But most of all I'm grateful to Daisy, Jasper, Maggie, Felix and Pixie for the unwavering support.
"I'm sad to say goodbye to international rugby. But I'm really proud, too. Time to exit one dream bubble; time to enter a new one. Big Love x".
- FELIX KEITH
AJAZ STARS AS NEW ZEALAND BEAT INDIA 3-0 IN HISTORIC TEST SWEEP
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| New Zealand's Ajaz Patel celebrates the win against India at the end of their third Test in Mumbai (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE) |
New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel took six wickets as his side sealed a historic 3-0 Test sweep in India with a thrilling 25-run win in the third Test on Sunday.
Chasing 147 for victory, India were bowled out for 121 in 29.1 overs on day three, after Rishabh Pant hit a valiant 64 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
Ajaz roared in delight as he bowled Washington Sundar to take the final wicket and the Black Caps celebrated a first Test series win on Indian soil in style.
It was the first time India had been swept in a Test series at home since South Africa's 2-0 win in 1999-2000 and the first time they were beaten 3-0 at home.
"This will be a very low point in my career, having lost three games at home," India skipper Rohit Sharma told reporters.
"I fully take responsibility for that. As a leader, I have not been at the best of my abilities right from the start of the series.
"With the bat as well, I have not been good enough."
New Zealand did the unthinkable under new captain Tom Latham, and in the absence of senior batsman Kane Williamson, who was recovering from a groin injury back home.
The Black Caps turned around their fortunes from a 2-0 whitewash in Sri Lanka, and made India suffer their first Test series loss at home in 12 years.
"Very ecstatic," said Latham. "Looking back at the start of the series, to now be in this position, the boys have done a fantastic job over the last three Test matches."
Mumbai-born New Zealander Ajaz ended with a match-haul of 11 wickets at a venue where he created history by claiming all 10 wickets in a Test innings in 2021.
In a tricky chase on a turning pitch, New Zealand reduced India to 29-5, before the left-hander Pant made counter-attacked with his half-century.
- Pant controversy -
Ajaz, after lunch, had Pant caught by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, a decision denied by the on-field umpire but successfully reviewed by New Zealand. An unconvinced Pant trudged back.
"If we say something, it will not go down well. If the decision is not conclusive then the decision has to stand with what the on-field umpire calls," said Rohit.
"I don't know how that decision was overturned."
Glenn Phillips then got two in two balls and Ajaz wrapped up the innings to be named player of the match.
India bowled out New Zealand quickly for 174 in the first session, with Ravindra Jadeja taking five wickets on a turning wicket for 10 in the match.
But the New Zealand bowlers led by Ajaz ripped into India's top order.
Fast bowler Matt Henry dismissed Rohit Sharma in the third over, getting the captain to mis-hit to Phillips at midwicket for 11.
He extended his poor run with the bat in the series with scores of 2, 52, 0, 8 and 18 in his previous five innings.
Ajaz bowled Shubman Gill and then had Virat Kohli, on one, caught by Daryl Mitchell at slip to silence the home crowd.
Kohli has also struggled in the series, with just one half-century and four single-digit scores in the series.
Pant put on 42 runs for the sixth wicket to revive the chase, but Ajaz struck again to remove Jadeja for six.
Will Young's 71 and 51 in the two New Zealand innings proved key and he was named player of the series for amassing 244 runs.
- Faisal Kamal
NEW VIDEO LEADS NBA TO REOPEN INVESTIGATION INTO LAKERS' HAYES
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| NBA to reopen investigation on Jaxson Hayes after new video © Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images |
The NBA is reopening an investigation into a 2021 incident involving Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes after TMZ posted a video Saturday of the altercation between him and his then-girlfriend.
"As a result of the media report and video posted this morning, we are reopening our investigation," NBA spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN in a statement.
TMZ posted 5½ minutes of security camera footage from an incident showing Hayes -- then a member of the New Orleans Pelicans -- arguing with Sofia Jamora. The video shows Hayes appearing to pull Jamora out of a doorway while she can be heard saying, "Stop. Let go of me." Hayes can be heard replying, "What the f--- is wrong with you?"
Footage from a Ring camera is time-stamped July 28, 2021, starting at 1:35 a.m.
Hayes and Jamora then are shown leaving the residence and continuing their argument in the driveway. "I'm not going to let you hit me anymore," Jamora can be heard saying in the video. "What the f--- do I look like, a punching bag?"
Not long after that comment, the video shows Hayes walking away from Jamora then turning his head back to spit in her direction.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the scene in Woodland Hills, California, after a domestic disturbance call, and Hayes was arrested. In June 2022, he was sentenced to three years of probation, 450 hours of community service and a year of weekly domestic violence classes.
The NBA did not discipline Hayes following its initial investigation into the arrest.
"There has already been an extensive investigation that we cooperated with the league on, and as that investigation reopens, we will continue to do so," a spokesperson for Hayes told ESPN on Saturday.
Hayes also was ordered to pay restitution at the time, according to Los Angeles City Attorney's Office spokesman Rob Wilcox.
Police body camera video showed Hayes scuffling with officers and being hit twice with an electronic stun gun after they ordered him out of the home while they sought to question a woman inside. Hayes told officers the woman was his girlfriend and that she had been "throwing some stuff" at him while they argued.
Hayes was treated at a hospital after the altercation. An officer thrown against a wall by Hayes was treated for an elbow injury.
Although more than three years have passed since the incident, there was new litigation this week.
A lawsuit filed Tuesday by attorneys representing Jamora and obtained by ESPN alleges that Robert T. Tamate, the officer whom Hayes scuffled with, had "previously met with Hayes's attorneys and was compensated monetarily by Hayes for unknown reasons."
"We understand that the NBA has a no-tolerance policy against domestic violence, and therefore the victim welcomes any further investigation into Hayes' actions and will cooperate with said investigation," a spokesperson for Jamora told ESPN.
Hayes signed a two-year, $4.6 million contract with the Lakers in the summer of 2023.
"I think the most important thing is we take those things very seriously and do a full vetting process," Rob Pelinka, Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager, told reporters at the time when asked about signing Hayes. "Jaxson has been very sincere [with] his apologies around handling that and has moved beyond it to where he's had a year or two in the NBA playing after it. It was something that we felt like he owned, took responsibility for it, and is going to be a better person on the other side of it."
A Lakers spokesperson contacted Saturday night told ESPN, "We are cooperating with the league."
Hayes, 24, is averaging 5.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game for the Lakers in their 4-2 start to the season.
ESPN's Baxter Holmes and information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
- Dave McMenamin, ESPN Staff Writer
RAPTORS RETIRE VINCE CARTER'S NO. 15 ON EMOTIONAL NIGHT
TORONTO -- An emotional Vince Carter acknowledged his contentious exit from Toronto as his No. 15 jersey became the first number retired by the Raptors in a halftime ceremony during Saturday night's game against Sacramento.
"It's not just Carter 15 going up, it's all of us going up," Carter told fans before a banner with his name and number was lifted to the rafters. "The memories, however you view it, goes up tonight. I hope and pray we enjoy our jersey being retired forever together."
Carter walked to center court to begin the ceremony and gestured with his hands to request cheers from the crowd, and then balled his fists and roared "Come on!" before saluting the response.
Former Toronto teammates Tracy McGrady, Antonio Davis, Kevin Willis, Charles Oakley, Morris Peterson, Dee Brown, Jerome Williams, Alvin Williams and Muggsy Bogues joined Carter, his family and Raptors president Masai Ujiri on the court for the ceremony.
"He taught us how to fly," Ujiri said in introducing Carter to the cheering crowd.
Carter had to pause several times to control his emotions or dab at tears during a pregame news conference. At one point, speaking about his family, a tearful Carter beckoned his young son Vincent Jr. to join him at the podium for an embrace.
The only player in NBA history to play in four decades, Carter spent the first six-plus of his record 22 seasons with the Raptors. He was the 1999 Rookie of the Year in his first season and an All-Star and the Slam Dunk champion in his second, when Toronto made the playoffs for the first time.
Swept out of the first round by the Knicks in his first postseason, Carter and the Raptors returned to the playoffs the following spring and upset New York by winning Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.
Before Saturday's game, Carter recalled that series victory as one of the best memories of his time in Toronto.
"Going through what [former Knicks coach] Mr. Jeff Van Gundy put me through with his defense, I was excited to have that opportunity to go against that defense again," Carter said.
Carter is credited for impacting basketball across Canada, influencing a generation of future NBA players such as Tristan Thompson, former Raptors guard Cory Joseph and current Toronto forward Kelly Olynyk.
"The legacy is still growing," Carter said. "This is the icing on the cake."
Thompson was one of several players, including Stephen Curry and former Raptors Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, to record a congratulatory message for Carter in a video that played before the on-court ceremony.
"I wouldn't be here without you," Thompson said.
Early on in his Toronto tenure, Carter earned the nickname "Air Canada" for his high-flying dunks. As injuries mounted and his production declined, Carter faced criticism from fans for becoming less aggressive when he settled for jumpers rather than driving and drawing contact.
In December 2004, Carter was traded to the Nets for Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams, Aaron Williams and a pair of first-round draft picks. Mourning never played for Toronto.
For years, there was anger and animosity from Raptors fans toward Carter after he pushed to be traded out of Toronto.
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| Getty Images |
A decade on from that deal, the relationship-mending began when Carter visited Toronto with the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 19, 2014. The Raptors, who were celebrating their 20th anniversary that season, honored Carter with a tribute video during a first-quarter timeout.
Speaking in the halftime ceremony, Carter called it "a day I'll never forget."
Although a few fans booed as the montage began that night, most of the sellout crowd of 19,800 soon stood and cheered. An emotional Carter raised his arms, tapped his heart and wiped tears from his eyes.
During his pregame news conference, Carter was overcome with emotion again as he recalled watching that video almost a decade ago.
"It's something about seeing those highlights in this building, because that's where it was created," he said.
Carter retired in 2020 at age 43. Last month, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Earlier Saturday, a mural of Carter was unveiled in downtown Toronto. In September, the Raptors unveiled a revitalized Vince Carter Court at a Toronto park.
- Associated Press
MARCELO'S FLUMINENSE CONTRACT TERMINATED AFTER CLASH WITH COACH
RIO DE JANEIRO -- Former Real Madrid great Marcelo had his contract at boyhood club Fluminense terminated two months early on Saturday, one day after the defender's touchline spat with coach Mano Menezes.
The Brazilian club said in a statement that the decision was by mutual agreement.
"The institutional and emotional bonds between Fluminense and Marcelo remain untouched," Fluminense said.
Marcelo did not comment.
Last year, Marcelo won the Rio de Janeiro state championship and the Copa Libertadores titles with Fluminense, his first professional club before he joined Real Madrid at the end of 2006 at age 18. He won five Champions Leagues and six La Ligas at Madrid.
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| Marcelo's contract with boyhood club Fluminense has been terminated. Ruano Carneiro/Getty Images |
Menezes was going to use the 36-year-old Marcelo as a substitute in the final minutes of Fluminense's clash against Gremio in a Brazilian league match. The defender appeared to dispute the coach's instructions, who decided to field striker John Kennedy instead.
Fluminense led 2-1 at the time, but Gremio scored from the spot shortly before the final whistle to equalize at the Maracana Stadium.
"I was going to bring Marcelo in at that time, but I heard one thing that I did not like and I changed my mind," Menezes said at a news conference. "He wasn't going in to solve any problem for us, he was stepping in to let us keep what we had [on the scoreboard]. It was just two, three minutes to the end."
Fluminense is 12th in the Brazilian league with 37 points from 32 matches.
- Associated Press
JOEL EMBIID CONFRONTS, SHOVES COLUMNIST
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| AP Photo |
PHILADELPHIA -- Joel Embiid was involved in an altercation with a local columnist in the locker room after the 76ers' 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, shouting at him during an exchange of words before eventually shoving him.
"We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation," an NBA spokesman said in a statement.
Embiid took issue with a recent column by Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. In it, Hayes mentioned Embiid's son and late brother -- both named Arthur -- while questioning Embiid's professionalism and effort to stay in shape.
As reporters entered the locker room to talk to players, Embiid stood and confronted Hayes.
"The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I'm going to do to you and I'm going to have to ... live with the consequences," Embiid said to Hayes.
Embiid continued, with several instances of profanity. Hayes offered an apology, which Embiid did not want. "That's not the f---ing first time," Embiid said.
Embiid later said he doesn't care what reporters say. "But you do," Hayes answered.
Embiid appeared to raise his voice at that point and not long afterward pushed Hayes on the shoulder while the team's public relations chief got between them. Another team official moved Tyrese Maxey's interview to the hallway outside the locker room to try to clear reporters from the locker room.
At the same time, a team security person asked reporters not to report on what had happened. Embiid yelled over the security guard.
"They can do whatever they want," Embiid said. "I don't give a s---."
76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey told ESPN's Tim Bontemps that the team was aware of the incident.
"We take the situation very seriously and are investigating, and have already spoken to the NBA," Morey said in a statement.
Embiid didn't play in Saturday's contest, the fifth consecutive game he has sat out to begin the campaign because of left knee injury management. Both he and Paul George, who sustained a bone bruise in his left knee when stepping awkwardly in a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 14, have yet to play this season for the 76ers (1-4).
Speaking to reporters Friday after practice at the team's facility for the first time in a few weeks, Embiid expressed frustration with the concept that he doesn't want to play.
"Everybody has been on the same page," Embiid said of his recovery plan. "If your body doesn't react well, and if your body tells you one thing [sit out]. I've done it. From what I can tell you, I've broken my face twice; I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. I have broken fingers. I still came back. When I see people say, 'He doesn't want to play,' I've done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk, for people to be saying that."
Embiid had surgery on his left knee after sustaining an injury in January, limiting him to 39 games last season. He then returned in April, playing in Philadelphia's six games of a first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks, before helping Team USA win gold at the Paris Olympics.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
- ESPN News Services
Saturday 2 November 2024
ARSENAL'S DISMAL NEWCASTLE DEFEAT PROVES MIKEL ARTETA MADE MISTAKE ARNE SLOT NEVER WILL
Arsenal has won just three of its last seven matches in the Premier League and the Gunners now sit seven points off the top of the Premier League - with Liverpool leading the way.
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| Slot and Arteta embrace in October (Image: 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Plc) |
There have been plenty of twists in the Premier League title race since the October international break, and of all the teams that are expected to be in contention at the business end of the season,
That issue is that Arsenal may be over-reliant on its captain, Martin Odegaard, having won just three from seven in the Premier League since the Norwegian sustained a serious injury in September. Odegaard is still recovering after damaging ankle ligaments during a Nations League game between Norway and Austria earlier in the season.
The reality is, without Odegaard, the Arsenal team lacks a heartbeat and somebody that can set the tempo of its play, so it is perhaps no surprise that the Gunners are struggling for form without arguably their best player.
At Liverpool, meanwhile, it is not the case that the team is so reliant on any one player. Of course, Mohamed Salah has been viewed as the Reds' most dangerous attacking threat since joining the club seven years ago, but when he is not firing, there are plenty of other attackers who are capable of producing the goods.
In Liverpool's midfield, too, there is no one player whose presence is as closely linked to the team's performance as Odegaard's is to Arsenal. Arsenal signed Mikel Merino in the summer and, while he is a good player, he is not in Odegaard's class. Meanwhile, Declan Rice, Jorginho and Thomas Partey are all completely different players to Odegaard, which is why it's been so difficult for Arteta to find a solution to his captain being injured.
On the other hand, Liverpool's midfielders are all of a similar level of quality, while they also share plenty of similar attributes. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai make up Slot's favored midfield trio, but he also has Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo in reserve, as well as Harvey Elliott when he returns.
The situation goes some way to explaining why Liverpool has opened up a seven-point lead over Arsenal. Of course, things change quickly in the Premier League, but the Gunners have plenty of work to do to reestablish themselves as title challengers.
- Liam Corless