SA RACING CHAMPION ROBERT WOLK SHOT DEAD IN KEMPTON PARK ROAD-RAGE INCIDENT

Police are investigating a murder case after a 41-year-old touring car champion was killed while on his way to catch a flight to Cape Town

Robert Wolk was a celebrated South African racing driver whose career spanned almost three decades. Photo: Motorsport South Africa

South African motorsport is mourning celebrated racing driver Robert Wolk, who was shot and killed in Kempton Park on Wednesday (September 16).

The 41-year-old was due to fly to Cape Town for a race when he was killed in what police described as a road-rage incident in Esther Park, reports The Citizen.

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Wolk was shot on the corner of Camwood Street and Portland Drive.

“He was declared dead at the scene. An Audi vehicle believed to belong to the victim was also found at the scene. No arrests have been made, and a murder case has been opened,” she said.

Road-rage argument

According to witnesses, Wolk’s Audi collided with a Volkswagen Jetta at low speed. Wolk got out of his vehicle to assess the damage when an argument broke out.

Caxton Network News reported that a video of the incident circulating on social media appears to show Wolk pleading with the other driver before the man produces a firearm and appears to shoot him as he walks away.

The shooter then appears to retrieve an item from the ground before fleeing the scene.

Police said the motive for the shooting is being investigated.

Tributes to racing champion

According to the Knysna-Plett Herald, Wolk’s death has sent shockwaves through South African motorsport.

His career spanned almost three decades and included success in karting, single-seaters, touring cars and circuit racing.

His achievements included multiple Formula Ford titles, the SA Formula Volkswagen championship in 2013, the Formula 1600 championship in 2015 and back-to-back SA GTC titles in 2021 and 2022.

He won the SA Touring Cars championship in 2024.

In May, he claimed his second Simola Hillclimb King of the Hill title before returning to South African Touring Cars in June with a victory at Aldo Scribante. Driving an Investchem Gould GR55, he posted a winning time of 35.024 seconds in the Top 10 Shootout.

‘Profound void’ in motorsport

Motorsport South Africa wrote on its website that it is deeply saddened by Wolk’s death.

“Robert was a hugely respected figure in South African motorsport, with a career spanning almost three decades and success across karting, single-seaters, touring cars and other forms of circuit racing.”

The organisation said Wolk’s passion for racing remained evident until the end of his career. He was still competing at national level and was due to race at Killarney race track this weekend.

“His passing leaves a profound void in South African motorsport. Robert will be remembered not only for the championships and victories he achieved, but for the passion, commitment and sportsmanship he brought to the sport throughout his career,” Motorsport South Africa said.

Tributes have also poured in from fellow drivers and fans, with many remembering Wolk for his professionalism, humility and passion for racing.

His death is expected to be keenly felt at Simola Hillclimb, where he was a familiar and much-loved competitor.

- Faizel Patel and Hugo Redelinghuys

 

JOSÉ MOURINHO REVEALS HE SIGNED CONTRACT TO SUCCEEDED ALEX FERGUSON AT MAN UTD

 

The Portuguese has said in a new Netflix documentary about his life he had agreed to move to Old Trafford in 2013.

José Mourinho has revealed he signed a contract to succeed Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013 only to tearfully renege on the deal and return to Chelsea.

The football world was rocked when the Scottish great announced he was retiring having overseen a 13th Premier League title triumph win during a spell of unrivalled dominance at Old Trafford.

United have failed to return to the top of the English game since Ferguson stepped down, with successor David Moyes sacked after only 10 months in charge.

David Moyes did not last long as Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United (Martin Rickett/PA)

Mourinho was later brought in, spending two and a half years in charge from 2016, but revealed in a new Netflix documentary about his life that he had agreed to come earlier.

“I go to Chelsea in 2013 but in that period there is something nobody knows,” the Portuguese said in ‘Mourinho’.

“I think I can say because I don’t hurt anyone with the truth, and I think the objective of this work that we are doing is to tell the truth.

“When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after .”

Mourinho continued: “I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester United has an incredible appeal.

“When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close.

Jose Mourinho celebrates Real Madrid scoring against Ferguson’s United (Martin Rickett/PA)

“But one thing is love for football, and another thing is love for a certain club.

“I think this is more powerful than love for football and, fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved.”

Ferguson was one of the footballing figures interviewed for the new documentary and admits he was under the illusion Mourinho was accepting the offer, only for the situation to change in a matter of hours.

“Early evening he phoned me and he was crying,” the United great said. “And he says, ‘Alex, I can’t take it – I’ve given my word to Chelsea, and I’m not going to break my word’.

“The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed.”

Mourinho had a strong bond with Chelsea after leading them to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups during an unforgettable first spell.

The Portuguese parked differences with owner Roman Abramovich to return to Stamford Bridge after leaving Real Madrid, winning another league crown and League Cup before being sacked in December 2015.

Mourinho took in two spells as Chelsea boss (John Walton/PA

“For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Alex Ferguson was dramatic, but I don’t regret because it was a decision that I made with my heart,” Mourinho, now back in charge of Real Madrid, said.

“And I think it is nature that says something that when you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong. I think it’s nature. I did it for love.

“I went back with the feeling of, yes, I go home, but with big responsibility because what I did before is history, and you don’t want to destroy your legacy.”

- Simon Peach

WHY ZIMBABWE AND INDIA CRICKETERS ARE WEARING BLACK ARMBANDS FOR THE SECOND T20I

India and Zimbabwe players were seen wearing black armbands during the second T20I in Harare on Saturday - here’s why.

The two teams took on each other in the second game of the three-match T20I series on Saturday (July 25). At the toss, which was won by Zimbabwe, both skippers, Shreyas Iyer and Sikandar Raza, were seen wearing black armbands, the reason for which was later confirmed by the BCCI.

Why are India and Zimbabwe wearing black armbands for the 2nd T20I?

According to a statement by the Indian cricket board, both Team India and Zimbabwe players are paying their respects to the Zimbabwe Cricket vice-chairman Sylvester Matshaka, who passed away last night.

Zimbabwe Cricket mourned the loss of Matshaka, 76, who passed away following a short illness on Friday. He joined the ZC board in 2006 and served as the vice-chairman since 2015. He was also part of the leadership that oversaw Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in 2011, after a six-year absence.

Zimbabwe Cricket’s chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, paid tribute to Matshaka: “Mr Matshaka was a steady hand during some of the most defining moments in our history and his wisdom, sound judgement and quiet strength helped shape the organisation we are today, while his passion for growing the game touched countless lives across Zimbabwe.”

India make one change, Ashok Sharma dropped

India made one change to their XI, bringing in debutant Yash Thakur for Ashok Sharma for the game. Ashok, who had also made his debut in the last game, conceded 0-29 in four overs on Thursday. Zimbabwe were unchanged, hoping to draw level in the series after India clinched the first game by seven wickets.

The third T20I will be played tomorrow, Sunday, July 26

- Wisden

HISTORIC WORLD CUP FUROR AT 'INCOMPREHENCIBLE' FIFA DECISION TO LET U.S. FORWARD BALOGUN PLAY

ILE - FIFA President Gianni Infantino, right, awards President Donald Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Dec. 5, 2025.

Chris Carlson/AP

GENEVA — An all-time controversy in the World Cup's 96-year history was raging Monday ahead of the co-host United States and forward Folarin Balogun facing Belgium with a quarterfinals place at stake.

The Belgian soccer federation said it is challenging FIFA's ruling to let Balogun play despite getting a red card in his previous game — a shocking move made Sunday after pressure on the world soccer body's leader Gianni Infantino from his close ally, U.S. President Donald Trump.

The "deeply concerned" Belgians' statement just 11 hours before starting their round of 16 game in Seattle showed clear frustration with FIFA at what seemed a lack of good faith in shaping an urgent legal process.

European soccer body UEFA earlier criticized FIFA for an "incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," that it said "crossed a red line" by not enforcing Balogun's mandatory one-game ban for his foul tackle against Bosnia-Herzegovina last Wednesday.

FIFA's ruling Sunday — to defer Balogun's ban for one year of probation — deviated from soccer's traditional rule of law and drew stinging criticism globally including from former World Cup stars and coaches at this tournament.

"It's a bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision that will hurt the World Cup," Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said Sunday after his team beat Brazil to reach the quarterfinals.

UEFA, whose member federations include Belgium, insisted: "Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not."

"When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined," said the European soccer body, which has often clashed with Infantino during his decade in FIFA power.

"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," said UEFA, where Infantino was its CEO-like general secretary from 2009 until being elected to lead FIFA in February 2016.

FIFA was asked Monday to comment on the UEFA criticism.

Infantino's predecessor Sepp Blatter, who was forced from office in 2015 in fallout from corruption scandals, posted Monday on social media: "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies."

Belgium's legal options

Belgian officials had been preparing an appeal in Seattle in the early hours of Monday to challenge the Balogun ruling with a FIFA-appointed appeals judge. They said FIFA had not provided documents key to filing a valid appeal.

The round of 16 game against the U.S. is due to kick off at 5 p.m. local time.

"Regardless of the sporting outcome of the match," the Belgian federation said, "(we are) deeply concerned by the way these events have unfolded and will continue, in the hours, days and months ahead, to pursue every available avenue to uphold the fundamental principles of ethics, sporting fairness and the interests of football as a whole."

Soccer rules require teams ultimately judged to have fielded an ineligible player to default the game as a 3-0 loss. Belgium must first appeal to FIFA and then to the Court of Arbitration for Sport based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Balogun's tackle

Balogun was sent off directly for planting his cleated foot on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic during a 2-0 win for the U.S. in the round of 32.

That kind of challenge has been a routine red card all season in competitions worldwide, and Balogun could have expected a two-game ban for serious foul play under the FIFA disciplinary code.

Still, similar challenges by star players have gone unpunished at this World Cup — by Lionel Messi for Argentina against Algeria and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi vs. Brazil. Bernardo Silva of Portugal got just a yellow card against Congo.

"I think a yellow card would have been fair," Balogun later suggested.

FIFA's interventions

This World Cup has been remarkable for FIFA under Infantino seeming to rewrite the norms of disciplinary action even before the tournament began.

A pattern of pardons opened FIFA to suggestions of executive intervention in the statutory independence of its judicial bodies, including the disciplinary committee that formally reprieved Balogun.

Cristiano Ronaldo was cleared to play in Portugal's opening World Cup game despite getting a red card for serious foul play in a qualifying game against Ireland last November. He struck an opponent with an elbow.

Ronaldo served his mandatory ban in Portugal's final qualifying game but he was reprieved from an expected two-game ban because FIFA introduced the idea of probation. An imposed three-game ban was less meaningful as two games were deferred during a one-year probationary period.

At the opening game on June 11, South Africa's Themba Zwane got a red card against Mexico for a similar offense to Ronaldo's and FIFA imposed a three-game ban with no probation. Zwane did not play again at the World Cup.

Three players sent off in their teams' qualifying games last year were surprisingly told by FIFA in May they could serve their bans in a future competition instead of at the World Cup, which was the long-standing norm.

Ecuador midfielder Moisés Caicedo, Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi and Qatar defender Tarek Salman all had their bans waived for the World Cup.

US exceptionalism

This, FIFA said in May, was to ensure teams "can compete with their strongest possible squads on the biggest stage of men's international football."

The Balogun decision simply took this policy further, though not for other players shown a red card so far who were mandated to miss at least one game.

"It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions," UEFA said, "let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension."

- The Associated Press

DUSTY MAY AGREES TO BECOME DALLAS MAVERICKS HEAD COACH

 

Michigan national champion coach Dusty May is finalizing a deal to become the Dallas Mavericks’ next head coach, pairing him with Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg |Michigan basketball coach Dusty May | Image by Getty Images 

Michigan basketball coach Dusty May is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, according to multiple reports.

The move comes weeks after the Mavericks mutually agreed to part ways with Jason Kidd following a 26-56 season. May, who led Michigan to the 2026 NCAA national championship, would make the jump from college to the NBA in what would be the first direct college-to-pro head coaching hire since 2019.

Mavericks Coaching Search Background

The Mavericks began their coaching search in May 2026 after parting ways with Kidd. In a statement at the time, Mavericks President Masai Ujiri said at the time that “Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals. … As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team.”

The Dallas Express previously reported on the search, noting Ujiri’s emphasis on future-oriented decisions around rookie star Cooper Flagg. Candidates included assistants and college coaches, with exploratory talks involving May and others.

Dusty May’s Coaching History

May built his reputation at Florida Atlantic University before moving to Michigan. At FAU from 2018 to 2024, he compiled a 126-69 record, leading the Owls to the 2023 Final Four as a No. 9 seed — one of the most improbable runs in NCAA history. He was the program’s all-time wins leader.

Prior to FAU, May served as an assistant at Florida (2015-18), Louisiana Tech, and other programs after starting as a student manager at Indiana. He was hired by Michigan in 2024 to replace Juwan Howard and quickly restored the Wolverines to national prominence, winning the 2026 national title in his second season.

Reactions on X

Social media lit up with the news. One user posted that “After winning a National Championship at Michigan, Dusty May is leaving the Wolverines to coach Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks, per multiple reports.”

Another noting owner Patrick Dumont’s role, posted, “Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont convinced Rick Welts to come out of retirement, he convinced Masai Ujiri to run his basketball team and now Dusty May to coach his team. The ungodly amounts of money he’s spent…”

No official Mavericks statement confirming the hire had been released as of Monday morning, but reports from Adam Schefter, Shams Charania, and Pete Thamel indicated the deal was nearing completion.

First Game and Future Outlook

May’s first regular-season game with the Mavericks is expected in late October 2026, when the NBA season typically tips off. No exact date has been announced pending the official hire and schedule release.

The hire pairs May with Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick and 2025-26 Rookie of the Year, who averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. It marks a rebuild-focused move under Ujiri aimed at long-term contention. Michigan will now search for its next coach.

- Tiffany Chartier 

MCLAREN BOSS ADDRESSES FERRARI DEFECTION RUMOURS

 

McLaren Team Principal has been linked with a move to Ferrari

McLaren Formula 1 Team Principal Andrea Stella has responded to increasing speculation linking him with a sensational switch to Ferrari.

Stella is seen by many as the architect of McLaren’s success in recent years, rising through the ranks of the team since joining in 2015 from Ferrari as Head of Race Operations.

Promoted to Performance Director in 2018, and then Racing Director in 2019, he assumed the role of Team Principal in 2023, spearheading McLaren’s double constructors’ titles in 2024 and 2025.

But the Italian has been linked to Ferrari, given the sensational news that GianPiero Lambiase will join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer in 2028.

But Stella has firmly rejected these rumours, jokingly confirming the speculations “made me smile.”

“Honestly, some of the recent rumours, including those regarding astronomical salaries and mythical pre-contracts, have made me smile,” said Stella. 

Andrea Stella rumours showing ‘silly season’ now covers Team Principals?.

“Silly season”, covering driver moves, now seems to cover off Team Principals, the paddock seemingly connecting the dots of moves in the Team Principal market.

Jonathan Wheatley has departed Audi, heavily linked to Aston Martin, replacing Adrian Newey, while Stella’s supposed departure could lead to Fred Vasseur leaving Ferrari.

Stella had a somewhat unusual analogy to describe the whispers going in the paddock.

“It almost seems as though the ‘silly season’, which usually begins before summer, has arrived early!” he said.

” I’m quite used to this sort of thing by now and I take with a smile. 

“It almost looks like that some envious pastry chef has tried to spoil the preparation of a good dessert at the McLaren patisserie. 

“However, we do know very well how to distinguish the good ingredients from the poisoned biscuits….”

Stella’s firm denial is to be expected, but speculation will continue to grow until McLaren announces a firm contract renewal. Ferrari is also conspicuous in its silence.

- James Phillips

JAKE PAUL SLAMS BOXING ISSUES AMID FLOYD MAYWEATHER- MANNY PAQUIAO TENSION

 

Credit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable Promotions

Jake Paul delivered a sharp public critique of boxing this week, calling the sport “archaic” while directly addressing Floyd Mayweather Jr. during ongoing talks for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao. The comments came in an interview with Fight Hub TV and quickly spread online. Paul focused on how top-level negotiations often slow down major fights.

His remarks arrive as plans move forward for a September 19, 2026, bout in Las Vegas. The rematch follows their 2015 fight, which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and remains one of boxing’s biggest events. The upcoming fight is set to stream on Netflix.

Jake Paul Calls Out Boxing Culture

Jake Paul used the moment to speak about what he sees as a bigger problem in boxing. He said the sport struggles with professionalism at the highest level.

“The problem with boxing is people in the sport who aren’t professional,” Paul said. “And it makes us all look bad. It’s terrible, and it’s so archaic and old.”

He pointed to the role of teams and decision-makers behind fighters. According to Paul, some of these groups create delays that affect major events. He said the presence of large egos makes it harder to complete deals.

Jake Paul also spoke about how this affects the sport’s image. He said the lack of smooth negotiations hurts both fighters and fans. His comments focused on the structure of boxing and how it operates during fight talks.

Contract Disputes Highlighted in Mayweather Talks

Paul then turned his attention to the details that often come up in negotiations. He listed issues like glove type, ring size, and footwear rules.

“And it all comes down to… it’s down to like, ‘Oh well, ring size and you can’t wear these shoes. And this type of glove. You can’t wear THIS GLOVE,’” Paul said.

He linked these points to the ongoing discussions about the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch. While no official dispute has been confirmed publicly, Paul suggested that such issues are common in big fights.

“It’s just, bro, stop being a bitch. Just fight. That is the problem with [the] sport,” he added. “That’s probably what they are running into: lack in professionalism and IQ.”

The rematch is set to take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas. It will be the first professional boxing event at the venue. The fight also marks more than a decade since their first meeting at the MGM Grand. That 2015 event drew 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and generated record revenue.

Reaction Builds as Rematch Approaches

Paul’s comments have led to mixed reactions across boxing audiences. Some observers pointed to long-standing issues in the sport’s business side. Others noted that similar delays have affected major fights in the past.

The upcoming rematch already carries strong interest due to the history between Mayweather and Pacquiao. Both fighters are now in their late 40s and remain among the most recognized names in boxing. The Netflix broadcast adds another layer by bringing the fight to a global streaming audience without the traditional pay-per-view model.

As of now, Mayweather has not responded publicly to Paul’s remarks. There has also been no official statement linking current negotiations to the issues Paul raised.

Paul, who recently fought Mike Tyson in a Netflix-streamed exhibition, continues to speak about changes he believes boxing needs. His latest comments place attention on how major fights come together behind the scenes.

With the fight date set, attention now remains on whether the rematch will move forward without delay.

- Dogli Wilberforce

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SUES SHOWTIME AND STEPHEN ESPINOZA

Instagram: 50cent https://www.instagram.com/p/DUUbspqDVzM

Floyd Mayweather filed a lawsuit against Showtime Networks and its former sports president Stephen Espinoza. 

The lawsuit alleges $340 million of his career earnings was misappropriated. The complaint accuses Showtime and Espinoza of acting as enablers in a fraud that allegedly funneled money away from Mayweather’s personal accounts.

Mayweather claims that funds generated were routed directly into accounts controlled by Al Haymon rather than being paid to the fighter. The suit specifically targets several causes of action, including “aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, civil conspiracy to commit fraud, conversion, and unjust enrichment.”

Instagram: floydmayweather

The Lawsuit

Central to the dispute are Mayweather’s two highest-grossing fights: the 2015 against Manny Pacquiao and the 2017 bout with Conor McGregor. The lawsuit alleges that despite these bouts, Mayweather’s final compensation did not reflect the actual revenue generated. 

While Al Haymon is not currently named as a defendant in this specific filing, legal action could follow. Mayweather’s attorney, Bobby Samini, has stated that the retired 50-0 champion is prepared to “go the distance” in the courtroom to recover the funds he rightfully earned.

“Floyd is one of boxing’s biggest pay-per-view draws. He generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for Showtime. Mr. Mayweather now takes this fight to the courtroom to recover what he rightfully earned. Retiring undefeated at 50-0, Mr. Mayweather will go the distance in the courtroom just as he has in the ring,” Bobby Samini (Mayweather’s attorney)

Instagram: floydmayweather

Finances

The filing comes after Mayweather denied claims he was broke, as the boxer continues to face scrutiny over his finances. 

“I work hard to build my name, to build my reputation, and I’m not going to let anyone go out there and speak my name or talk bad about me, my family, or my companies. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. If we call having two private jets, owning a hundred buildings, and being able to do what you want bankrupt, then I’m pretty sure everybody wants to live like that,” Mayweather stated

- Boxing News 

CHELSEA CHARGED WITH 74 BREACHES OF FA AGENT RULES FROM 2009 TO 2022 FROM 'SELF-REPORTED' TRANSFER PAYMENTS

The charges against Chelsea relate to payments to player agents between 2009 and 2022 [Isabel Infantes/Reuters]
 https://aje.io/ebr7sf

Chelsea have been charged with 74 breaches of the English Football Association's (FA) regulations on agents, intermediaries and third party ownership.

The FA said the charges relate to incidents between 2009 and 2022, when the club was owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, with the bulk of the alleged breaches taking place between the 2010-11 and 2015-16 seasons. In response Chelsea said they had been aware of "potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions and other potential breaches of FA rules" during due diligence for the Clearlake Capital-led consortium in the spring of 2022. This was then reported to the FA upon completion of the sale.

The Blues have until September 19 to formally respond to charges which include breaches of regulations around the disclosure of the identity of agents involved in transactions. The FA's statement said: "The Football Association has today charged Chelsea FC with breaches of Regulations J1 and C2 of The FA Football Agents Regulations, Regulations A2 and A3 of The FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries, and Regulations A1 and B3 of The FA Third Party Investment in Players Regulations.

"In total, 74 charges have been brought against Chelsea FC. The conduct that is the subject of the charges ranges from 2009 to 2022 and primarily relates to events which occurred between the 2010-11 to 2015-16 playing seasons. Chelsea FC has until 19 September 2025 to respond."

Chelsea will hope that their self reporting and cooperation with the FA investigation eases any potential sanction they could face. That all the offenses took place prior to the involvement of the US owners could also come into consideration. The Blues described themselves as having "shown unprecedented transparency" and that they were "pleased to confirm that [their] engagement with The FA... is now reaching a conclusion."

Their statement said: "Chelsea FC is pleased to confirm that its engagement with The FA concerning matters that were self-reported by the club is now reaching a conclusion.

"The club's ownership group completed its purchase of the club on 30 May 2022. During a thorough due diligence process prior to completion of the purchase, the ownership group became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions and other potential breaches of FA rules. Immediately upon the completion of the purchase, the club self-reported these matters to all relevant regulators, including The FA.

"The club has demonstrated unprecedented transparency during this process, including by giving comprehensive access to the club's files and historical data. We will continue working collaboratively with The FA to conclude this matter as swiftly as possible. We wish to place on record our gratitude to The FA for their engagement with the club on this complex case, the focus of which has been on matters that took place over a decade ago."

- James Benge

MAYA MORE | BASKETBALL 🏀 GOAT 🐐

Maya Moore is a retired American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time.

 • WNBA Career: She played her entire professional career for the Minnesota Lynx (2011–2018, 2020–2021) in the WNBA. During that time, she won four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2013.

 • College Success: Before that, she was a superstar at the University of Connecticut (UConn), where she led the Huskies to two NCAA championships (2009, 2010) and finished as a two-time Naismith Player of the Year.

 • Accolades: She was a six-time WNBA All-Star, the 2014 WNBA MVP, and also won Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio).

 • Beyond Basketball: In 2019, Moore stepped away from the game at the peak of her career to focus on criminal justice reform. She was instrumental in helping secure the release of Jonathan Irons, a wrongfully convicted man, whom she later married.

Her legacy goes beyond basketball — she is celebrated both as a Hall of Fame-level athlete and as a social justice advocate who used her platform for impact.

'REAL FEMALE ROCKY'DIES AT 47 AS TRIBUTES PAID TO SIX-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BOXER

Former Argentine boxer Alejandra "Locomotora" Oliveras has died

A six-time world champion boxer, who described herself as a "female Rocky" has died at the age of 47 after suffering a stroke just two weeks ago

A six-time boxing world champion who described herself as “a female Rocky but for real” has died aged just 47 a fortnight after suffering a stroke.

Medics at a hospital in the Argentinian city of Santa Fe where Alejandra Oliveras had been admitted on July 14 confirmed the sad news overnight. Three days of mourning have been declared in the province of Santa Fe, where Alejandra moved into politics after hanging up her gloves in 2017.

Argentinian president Javier Milei, whose right-wing politics the former boxer championed, was among those who paid tribute to her.

Referencing Alejandra by her famous nickname La Locomotora which in English translates as Locomotive, he said alongside a photo of them together: “Goodbye Locomotora. Always on the correct side, rest in peace.”

Alejandra competed from 2006 to 2015, gaining a place in the Guinness Book of World Records with different world titles in different categories and federations.

She won six world titles, including the WBC female super bantamweight title from 2006 to 2008; the WBA female lightweight title from 2011 to 2012; the WBO female featherweight title from 2012 to 2013; and the WBC super lightweight title from 2013 to 2014. She retired with 33 professional wins, two draws and three defeats.

During the Covid pandemic Oliveras, who had 1.6 million Instagram followers, intensified her philanthropic work by creating an organisation called Team Locomotora which engaged in social work and collected food to support soup kitchens.

She also gave low-income youngsters the chance to explore the sport she used to practice professionally by running several boxing schools.

Alejandra, a teenage mum who turned to boxing in her native north-west Argentinian province of Jujuy to escape poverty and domestic violence, switched her focus to politics in 2021 when she made a failed attempt to become an MP with right-wing party called UNITE.

In 2024 she was appointed to head up a programme designed to prevent violence in youth sport after joining the electoral team of a then-candidate to the Argentine presidency.

The stroke she suffered had left her paralysed on the left side of her body and medics at Santa Fe’s Jose Maria Cullen Hospital where she died had described her condition as “critical” when she was admitted.

One fan paying tribute to her online said late yesterday: “A born fighter and an example of motivation and persistence. She deserves a tribute and recognition as a national and world champion.”

Another said: “Fly high champ. You were authentic and genuine. A great warrior.”

The WBC said in a tribute, describing Alejandra as an inspiration to others: "She had a remarkable boxing career, becoming a multiple-time world champion.

"In May 2006, she knocked out Jackie Nava to become the WBC super bantamweight world champion—a title she successfully defended three times.

"She held the WBC featherweight world title from 2012 to 2013. That same year, she stopped Lely Luz Flores in seven rounds to capture the WBC super lightweight world championship. Alejandra retired from professional boxing in 2017.

"Outside the ring, she found a new way to inspire others. She built a community on social media where she shared motivational messages, especially aimed at women, people in vulnerable situations, and those who felt alone. Her words were often intertwined with boxing themes.

"At the World Boxing Council, we deeply mourn the loss of our champion. Her legacy will live on in our minds and hearts."

- Natalia Penza

S KOREA TO FACE U.S., MEXICO IN AWAY FOOTBALL FRIENDLIES

SEOUL, May 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will face two of the three host countries of the next FIFA World Cup in away friendly matches this fall, the sport's national federation said Wednesday.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) said South Korea, coached by Hong Myung-bo, will play the U.S. team at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, at 5 p.m. on Sept. 6 (6 a.m. on Sept. 7, Korean Standard Time). Then South Korea will play Mexico on Sept. 9 at a venue to be determined later.

The United States and Mexico will be co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, along with Canada.

These will be the first set of away friendly matches for South Korea since they played Wales and Saudi Arabia in Wales and England in September 2023.

Members of the South Korean starting lineup pose for photos before taking on Jordan in their Group B match in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualification at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, on March 25, 2025. Top row (L to R): Hwang In-beom, Park Yong-woo, Cho Yu-min, Kwon Kyung-won, Jo Hyeon-woo and Son Heung-min. Bottom row (L to R): Lee Dong-gyeong, Lee Tae-seok, Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung and Seol Young-woo. (Yonhap)
 

South Korea last played the U.S. in February 2014, when the Americans prevailed 2-0. The U.S. are No. 16 in the current FIFA rankings, seven spots ahead of South Korea. But South Korea hold the all-time edge with five wins, three draws and three losses.

The previous meeting between South Korea and Mexico came in November 2015 in Austria, where Mexico had a 3-2 win. South Korea have had four wins, two draws and eight losses against Mexico, currently world No. 17.

South Korea are on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. In the ongoing third round of the Asian qualification, they are leading Group B with 16 points with two matches to go, three points ahead of Jordan and four better than Iraq. And with the top two teams booking their tickets to the World Cup, South Korea can grab one with at least a draw against Iraq in their next qualifying match on June 5.

The final qualifying match will be at home against Kuwait on June 10.

The KFA said Hong will announce his squad for those matches May 26.

South Korea have played in every World Cup since 1986, including as a co-host alongside Japan in 2002.

- Yoo Jee-ho

 

 

REAL MADRID COACH CARLO ANCELOTTI'S TAX EVASION TRIAL OPENS IN SPAIN

Spanish prosecutors accuse the successful Italian coach of defrauding the state of €1 million in 2014 and 2015. He maintains his innocence.

Copyright AP Photo

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti's tax evasion trial has opened at a Spanish court, with prosecutors accusing the 65-year old legendary Italian coach of defrauding the state of €1 million in 2014 and 2015.

The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of up to four years and nine months on two counts of tax fraud.

Ancelotti, who maintains his innocence, is accused of using shell companies to hide his true earnings, allegedly using one company based in the Virgin Islands which did not engage in any bona fide business.

As Ancelotti entered the courtroom on Wednesday, journalists questioned whether he had faith in the judicial system, to which he responded “I do.”

When he was first accused last year, he proclaimed his innocence, arguing he was not a fiscal resident of Spain for part of the time period in question — claims which prosecutors have disputed.

“I already paid the fine, the money is with them, and now the lawyers are talking to try to find a solution,” Ancelotti said in March 2024, adding “let’s see what the judge says”.

The 65-year-old is one of football's most successful coaches, bringing his teams to a Champions League win a record five times.

Ancelotti secured three league wins with Real Madrid and another two with AC Milan. He is also the only coach to have won domestic league titles in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France.

Football stars in tax trouble

Ancelotti's case is the latest in a string of legal battles between high profile football figures and Spanish authorities, who are cracking down on unpaid taxes — although no defendants have actually been sent to prison so far.

In 2019, former Madrid coach Jose Mourinho received a one-year suspended sentence after reaching a guilty plea for tax fraud. Star players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have also been found guilty of tax fraud in Spain.

Similar to Ancelotti, all three were accused of using shell companies outside Spain to hide revenue from image rights.

Ronaldo agreed to pay a fine of nearly €19 million in 2019, and was handed a two-year suspended sentence that he didn’t have to serve.

Messi and his father were also found guilty of defrauding tax authorities of €4.1 million but like Ronaldo, avoided a jail sentence by paying hefty fines.

In Spain a judge can suspend a sentence of less than two years for first-time offenders.

Some of those accused of fraud reached deals with the tax authorities and accepted guilt to reduce their sentences.

- Estelle Nilsson-Julien

THE HISTORIC EMAIL THAT SNATCHED FUTURE BALLON D'OR CANDIDATE FROM ESPANYOL TO BARCELONA

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

In January 2015, a seven-year-old boy was making waves at CF La Torreta, a small club based in La Roca del Valles, Barcelona. 

Born in July 2007, his talent on the pitch was already impossible to ignore, attracting attention from some of the biggest youth academies in Catalonia. 

Coaches and scouts had started taking notice, recognising that this young footballer had exceptional potential.

Among those closely following his progress was Oscar Hernandez, who at the time was working as the coordinator of FC Barcelona’s under-10 team. He had been keeping tabs on this promising young player, convinced that he had come across a special talent.

A story that could have changed everything

However, in February 2015, he learned that CF La Torreta was on the verge of finalising a collaboration agreement with Espanyol. 

Realising that time was of the essence, Hernandez decided to act quickly. He sent an email to Marc Serra, who was formerly in charge of La Masia, urging him to arrange a trial for the youngster as soon as possible. 

He knew that if Barcelona did not move fast, the player could slip through their fingers and end up joining Espanyol instead. That boy was Lamine Yamal. 

Now, in 2025, he is 17 years old and regarded as one of the best footballers in the world.

The historic email

Recently Jijantes revealed the email Hernandez had sent, shedding light on how Barcelona secured one of their most prized talents. 

The message made it clear that there was a small window of opportunity to bring Lamine Yamal to La Masia before Espanyol formalised their agreement with CF La Torreta.

“We want him to come and try the child born in 2007. LAMINE YAMAL NASRAQUI EBANA (Prebenjamín “A”). At most in two weeks he would be here,” read the email. 

Following the email, Barcelona wasted no time. They arranged for Lamine Yamal to take part in trial matches, ensuring that they got ahead of Espanyol in the race for his signature. 

“We must do this management during this week since this club during the month of February will sign a contract of collaboration with Espanyol. Greetings, Oscar Hernandez,” it added.

By the age of 15, he had already made his first-team debut for Barcelona under Xavi. Meanwhile, Hernandez has since moved on from Barça’s youth setup. 

- Swapnil Bhopatkar

MIAMI STAR, LIONEL MESSI NAMED MLS, MVP, SETS GOAL-SCORING MARK

Lionel Messi was named winner of the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the 2024 MLS season Friday, beating out the Columbus Crew's Cucho Hernández, the Portland Timbers' Evander, Christian Benteke from D.C. United and his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez.

Messi, 37, won thanks to his 20 goals and 16 appearances in just 19 matches.

He joins Carlos Vela in 2019 (LAFC, 34 goals, 15 assists) and Sebastian Giovinco in 2015 (Toronto FC, 22 goals, 16 assists) as the only players in league history with at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season.

The MVP award is determined by a poll that includes players, club technical staff and selected members of the media. Messi received 38.43% of the votes averaged compared to second-place finisher Benteke (33.70%).

This was his first full season with the club, having joined in July 2023.

MLS commissioner Don Garber made the announcement Friday alongside Inter Miami Academy students and Messi's three sons in a video.

"Truly, it is an honor for me to receive this award from all of you," Messi said to the Academy players. "It's a source of pride to watch you all train. I'm very happy to be here every day. I'm very happy to be in this city, in this Club that is growing. It's a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams."

Messi received his MVP award from his sons, Thiago, Ciro, Mateo, and the Inter Miami youth academy. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Miami captain won the award despite playing in only 55% of competitive matches of the 34-game regular season. He missed 62 days between June 1 and Sept. 14 with an ankle injury sustained during Argentina's win over Colombia in the Copa América final.

During this time, the Herons played well, winning eight of nine games without him.

The award considers a player's contributions and impact on the pitch at a minimum of 1,000 minutes played in the regular season, which is the league requirement for an MVP nomination.

Per FotMob, Messi averaged more than one goal every 90 minutes, which led the league. In 1,485 minutes, Messi averaged 2.18 goal contributions per match, which is a league record, according to MLS.

The MLS MVP trophy is yet another entry on the absurdly long list of career honors for Messi. He's an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, eight-time FIFA player of the year winner, a seven-time LaLiga MVP, past UEFA player of the year, past Champions League player of the season, World Cup golden ball winner, Club World Cup golden ball winner, and the list goes on from there.

"Unless you're living in the world of global football, it's hard to imagine the overall appeal and the massive popularity and stardom that Leo Messi has," Garber said. "I mean, he is Michael Jackson meeting Taylor Swift -- and he's playing in our league."

His numbers and impact on the pitch helped Inter Miami win the Supporters' Shield and set the single-season points record this season with 74 points. Despite its strong regular season -- earning the No. 1 seed for the postseason -- Inter Miami lost to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs, ending their 2024 campaign in a disappointing way.

In November, Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who had taken the coaching role in June of 2023, resigned for personal reasons. Miami named Javier Mascherano -- a former Barcelona and Argentina teammate and friend of Messi -- to replace Martino.

The MLS Cup final is on Saturday in Carson, California, where the LA Galaxy host the New York Red Bulls. The Galaxy look to win a record sixth Cup, while the Red Bulls seek their first.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

- Luis Miguel Echegaray, ESPN

- 

EBERFLUS: BEARS' CLOCK MANAGEMENT HANDLED 'THE RIGHT WAY'

Chicago Bears' star Keenan Allen criticized head coach Matt Eberflus for not calling a timeout during the team's loss to the Detroit Lions. Despite strong performances, including QB Caleb Williams' 222 yards and three touchdowns, Eberflus defended his decision, citing strategy. The Bears have now lost six straight games under Eberflus' leadership.

DETROIT -- With 36 seconds remaining, trailing by three points after putting together a furious second-half comeback, the Chicago Bears were in position to tie or defeat the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.

But late-game clock mismanagement assured the Bears would not get the chance to complete a come-from-behind victory against their division rival. As time ran out on Chicago to solidify a sixth consecutive loss in a 23-20 defeat, coach Matt Eberflus defended his decision to not call a timeout in the final moments of the game.

"We're at 36 seconds right there and our hope was, because it was third [down] going into fourth [down], that we would rerack that play at 18 seconds, throw it inbounds, get it in field goal range and then call a timeout," Eberflus said.

Upon getting the ball back at Detroit's 1-yard line with 3:31 to play, the Bears ran 13 plays before facing second-and-20 from the Lions' 35-yard line. Quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked for a 6-yard loss with 32 seconds remaining as Detroit defensive end Za'Darius Smith went untouched to bring the rookie down.

Instead of calling a timeout ahead of what became Chicago's final play while facing third-and-26 from Detroit's 41-yard line, the Bears let the clock wind down. About 10 seconds passed before Williams frantically alerted the offense to get lined up for a pass play, and the ball was not snapped until there were six seconds remaining.

Williams launched a deep ball to rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze that bounced off the turf inside the 5-yard line as time expired.

"I knew when we snapped the ball that the [clock] was going to run out, so I was trying to get to the end zone," Odunze said "We just didn't get a great coverage for it. Moving forward, I'll know what I need to do to get there."

When asked postgame how the Bears should have managed the final sequence in retrospect, Eberflus doubled down on the team's late-game operation.

"I like what we did there," Eberflus said. "Again, once it's under seven [seconds], you're going to call a timeout there -- actually under 12 and then really you don't have an option because it's third to fourth, you have to throw it into the end zone then.

"To me it's -- I think we handled it the right way, I do believe that you just rerack the play, get it in bounds and call timeout, and that's why we held it and didn't work out the way we wanted it to."

Twenty-six seconds elapsed from the time Williams was sacked to when the ball was snapped on the final play. The quarterback had called a timeout earlier in the drive but intimated that he was not in position to do so again, which led him to change the play with 13 seconds remaining to take one final shot.

"I made an adjustment because I saw the clock running down, knowing that if we complete a ball inbounds or anything like that, we won't have time to kick a field goal or anything like that," Williams said. "So, I made an adjustment and knew Rome was either going to be one-on-one or he was going to beat the safety and be one-on-one there and I tried to give him a shot and we got the shot and missed."

Kicker Cairo Santos would have been in position to kick a 58-yard field goal on the final play, but Eberflus said the Bears were out of field goal range. Santos' career long is 55 yards, which he has made twice (2020 at the Carolina Panthers, 2023 at the Minnesota Vikings). But the kicker's recent ups and downs, including blocked 48-yard field goals in back-to-back games against the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota (along with kicking a field goal to send the Bears to overtime in Week 12), might have factored into Chicago's decision to get closer to the end zone before sending out its kicking unit.

Santos, who was warming up on the sideline, did not expect the final moments to unfold the way they did.

"I didn't see that happening," Santos said. "We rehearse these scenarios, and I imagine myself kicking that. I know we want to play for the win, but I just kind of imagine myself at least getting a shot there."

Considering the Bears' plan was to run a play once the clock hit 18 seconds to get into field goal range, Eberflus was also asked why he didn't call a timeout at that moment upon seeing that the ball had not been snapped.

"Once it gets under 12 [seconds], you got to hold onto it then," Eberflus said.

Eberflus pinned the Bears' failures on the "whole operation" but defended Chicago's communication in the final 36 seconds.

"We were all on the same page there, we just have to do it a little bit better," he said.

The loss drops the Bears to 4-8. According to ESPN Research, since turnovers were first tracked in 1933, the Bears are the first team to go on a six-game losing streak without committing multiple miscues in any of those games. The Bears have lost four games this season decided by three or fewer points, which is tied with the Jets for the most in the NFL and tied for the most such losses in a season in franchise history (1983 and 2015).

Several Bears players were shocked that a timeout was not called.

"I all of a sudden see everybody come on the field and the game is over," tight end Cole Kmet said. "So, I was like, 'What the eff just happened?' The sack happens. By the time I turned around, Caleb was pretty much on the ground. We just got to find a way to not take a sack there, and unfortunately the clock keeps running and I am sure the thought process was then to be able to get some yardage and then take the timeout and then kick the field goal. But we were just a little too late on that."

Wide receiver DJ Moore, who logged a team-high eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown, expressed similar disbelief over how the game ended.

"I mean, you're just like, 'What the hell?' Nah, it's like, 'What the bleep' but it is what it is," Moore said. "It's not it is what it is, but we've got to find a way to win. We keep coming back in these games and be having time to actually win the game and we just s--- the bed."

After being outgained by 226 yards, gaining one first down and being shut out in the first half, the Bears thundered back from a 16-point deficit beginning with a 74-yard touchdown drive to open the third quarter. Williams led the Bears on three touchdown drives in the second half, along the way setting a franchise rookie record for passing touchdowns at 15.

Thursday's loss extends Eberflus' record to 5-19 in one-score games, the worst mark by any coach with at least 20 such games in NFL history.

"It was tough," wide receiver Keenan Allen said. "I feel like we did enough as players to win the game."

- Courtney Cronin, ESPN Staff Writer

CAVALIERS TOP HORNETS, TIE 2ND-BEST START TO NBA SEASON (15-0)

CLEVELAND -- Darius Garland scored 25 points, Ty Jerome matched his career high with 24 in place of Donovan Mitchell, and the Cleveland Cavaliers stayed unbeaten with a 128-114 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night.

The Cavs are the fourth team to start 15-0 and are tied for the second-best start to a season in NBA history, trailing only the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (24-0). The Warriors set the league record by winning their first 24 games on the way to a 73-9 season.

The 2015-16 Warriors, 1993-94 Houston Rockets (started 15-0) and 1948-49 Washington Capitols (15-0) all made the NBA Finals.

Evan Mobley had 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Jarrett Allen had 21 points and 15 rebounds for Cleveland, marking the second time the Cavaliers have had four 20-point scorers in consecutive games in franchise history, and the first time since 1972.

The Cavs also extended the longest winning streak in team history and have given Cleveland sports fans something to be excited about in the midst of a football season that crashed long ago for the Browns.

"It's incredible," Allen said of how the city is embracing the Cavs. "Everyone is showing tons of energy, all over the city. It's incredible how Cleveland has adopted us. They come to every game, yelling for everything. The city of Cleveland has our backs."

Although they wanted to keep their winning streak alive, the Cavs felt getting Mitchell rest was more important. It's a long season with bigger games ahead, and first-year coach Kenny Atkinson, who has yet to lose with Cleveland, said sticking to the plan with Mitchell was a priority.

The Cavaliers barely missed a beat without Mitchell, who was coming off a season-high 37-point performance. One of the many pluses during the winning streak is that it's allowing Atkinson to further develop his bench.

As has been the case in almost every game, the Cavs got positive minutes and moments from everyone Atkinson put on the floor. They also overcame some adversity as both Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade were forced out in the second half with ankle injuries. Wade, who has made seven starts, left Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in a walking boot.

The Cavaliers will put their perfect start on the line Tuesday against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics at TD Garden.

"Boston Garden," Atkinson said. "What's better than that?"

As NBA games in November go, not much.

This is the fourth time in NBA history a team on a win streak of 15-plus games faces off against the defending NBA champion, and the first time since the Chicago Bulls faced the Rockets in 1996. One of these instances came in 1972, when the Los Angeles Lakers saw their NBA-record 33-game win streak come to an end against the Milwaukee Bucks.

"It's great for the NBA, right?" said Atkinson, the only coach to win his 15 first games with a new team. "Everybody is going to be watching, and I know our guys are anxious. I know they remember last year. We're going well. They're going well. It's great for the league. Great for our franchise. We're excited."

Mitchell didn't play in the final two games of last year's Eastern Conference semifinals, when the Cavs were eliminated in five games by the Celtics, who went on to win another championship.

Allen missed that entire Boston series with a broken rib and said he and his teammates are looking forward to seeing how they measure up with the Celtics now.

have some players. And we didn't have me, so I want to try and beat them and test where we are with them."

Atkinson feels the same way. If the Cavs have title aspirations, this a chance for them to see if they're real.

"It's going to be a great test for us," he said. "They obviously play a different style, five-out with five shooters, so it's going to be a real good test for us. We're at that point right now -- 15-0 and let's test ourselves against the best and see where we stand and see where we're going to make adjustments or not make adjustments.

"It actually comes at the perfect time."

ESPN Research and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

- ESPN News Services

CAVALIERS IMPROVE TO 12-0, BEST START SINCE 2015-166

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell congratulates Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome after his three-point score in the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

CHICAGO -- The Cavaliers improved to 12-0 on Monday night with a 119-113 victory over the Bulls, making Cleveland the eighth team in NBA history to begin a season undefeated in its first 12 games.

Cleveland is the first team to rack up this many wins to start the season since the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who went an NBA-record 24-0 to begin that campaign, which they finished 73-9, also a record.

"It's great to be part of history," said Cavs star Donovan Mitchell, who had a season-high 36 points against Chicago. "I never want to take those things for granted along the road when we're doing it in various ways. We're doing it in ways where we are blowing out teams. We're winning from behind. We're winning close games. And it's somebody different every night leading the charge. It's always a group effort."

The Bulls pushed the Cavaliers to a competitive game, jumping out to a first-quarter lead and staying within one point at halftime, despite 25 points from Mitchell in the first half.

Chicago took a nine-point lead in the third quarter, but Cleveland's all-bench lineup helped lead the charge back into the game. That included Ty Jerome, who finished with 12 points and six assists as the Cavs outscored the Bulls by 21 points during his 21 minutes.

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said he could tell his starters were feeling fatigued during the third period and that he turned to the bench lineup to give them a breather, which ended up fueling a run.

"He's trusting guys, one through 15," Jerome said. "That's what a team is. Throughout the regular season, you need depth."

Five of the previous seven teams to start at least 12-0 went on to reach the NBA Finals.

"This group is locked in," Atkinson said. "I do think there's [been] questions about this group, whether they can get to the next level, can they make the next step? So, I think when you have that, you have that chip [on your shoulder], you focus even more.

"There's another level of concentration, another level of focus, another level of detail that these guys use to carry us to 12-0 so far."

The Cavs' fast start comes in the first season with Atkinson as head coach. He had been an assistant with the Warriors the previous three campaigns and was the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020.

Atkinson credited Cleveland's continuity for its start. He joined a team that already had Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley -- a core in the third season together as teammates.

"Kenny did a great job of infusing everybody," Mobley said Monday night. "We knew the defensive system coming in, and he had an offense scheme for us that he wanted to work out. And he mended that very well, and I feel like everyone just bought in right away. Since then, we've just been going up from there."

Cleveland's next three contests are all favorable: on the road against a short-handed Philadelphia 76ers squad on Wednesday before hosting the Bulls on Friday and the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

Atkinson said he wanted his players to celebrate the 12-0 start, and Mitchell agreed it's a record they should cherish right now. However, the Cavs star acknowledged the true test will be how the Cavs respond to this early momentum for the rest of the season and whether they can sustain it.

"It's great. We're playing well, vibes are good, but we have to continue to be this team," Mitchell said. "And that's been my message to the guys in the locker room. This is great. We're going to get teams' best shots. We're going to get tested early, but are we going to continue? And I never -- no doubt we will -- but that's been my thing. Are we going to continue to be this team January, February, March, April?

"I think the guys all feel it, but it's great to enjoy these moments too while you're still having a humble approach to it."

- Jamal Collier, ESPN

COMMANDERS BEAT BEATS ON JAYDEN DANIELS' LAST-SECOND HAIL MARY

LANDOVER, Md. -- Jayden Daniels had a couple of very simple thoughts going through his head with the Washington Commanders needing to make a long-distance throw to beat the Chicago Bears.

"Buy some time and don't throw the ball out of bounds," Daniels said.

Daniels scrambled around for nearly 13 seconds and heaved the ball from the Washington 35-yard line with no time on the clock. The pass tipped off the hands of Tyrique Stevenson short of the goal line and into the waiting arms of Noah Brown, who was standing alone in the end zone, for a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown that gave the Commanders an improbable 18-15 victory Sunday and sent players, coaches and fans into a frenzy.

It was the fifth go-ahead Hail Mary TD in the final 10 seconds since ESPN began tracking them in 2006. At 52 yards, it was the second longest of the bunch, behind the Rodgers-to-Rodgers Miracle in Motown play against the Detroit Lions in 2015.

"That was wild," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said as part of his opening statement to reporters. "That was so much fun, and what I love about the team is that we're never out of the fight."

The rookie quarterback never even saw Brown make the catch.

"I just heard people screaming and our sideline rushing the field. That's how I knew," said Daniels, whose status was uncertain until hours before kickoff because of a rib injury. "That's kind of like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not too many people get to experience stuff like that."

Daniels' heroics came after the Commanders (6-2) fell behind with 25 seconds left on a TD run by Roschon Johnson after a pass-interference penalty put the ball on the 1-yard line. There were just 19 seconds left after a kickoff return to the 24.

Three completions later, Daniels added his best highlight yet to a season that has made him one of the NFL's most electric players and the favorite to be AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.

"We're blessed to have '5' leading this team: The things he can do is special," Brown said. "I wouldn't want to play with any other quarterback."

Offensive lineman Sam Cosmi said it was "like a movie."

"Front-row seats to something amazing," Cosmi said. "That was just crazy. This will always stick in my head forever. What a moment."

It was the first game since Nov. 13, 1977, where each team scored a go-ahead touchdown in the final 30 seconds.

In the NFL's sixth matchup of rookie quarterbacks taken with the top two picks in the draft, Daniels threw for 326 yards and ran for 52. Caleb Williams, taken first by the Bears (4-3), completed four of his first 16 passes and finished 10-of-24 for 131 yards.

Chicago, which had its winning streak snapped at three, had just 172 yards of offense before the fourth quarter started and did not get on the board until D'Andre Swift's 56-yard TD run late in the third.

"That's just us shooting ourselves in the foot and that comes from details and focus in the game, throughout the week," said Williams, a Washington-area native who was playing back home for the first time as a pro. "That comes from myself. I'm included in that for sure. Definitely missed a few passes that I don't miss typically so, tough, but very encouraging because we stayed in it."

Daniels was not himself at times and looked a bit off because of the rib injury, which knocked him out of last week's win over Carolina and kept him from practicing Wednesday and Thursday. He took several hits after letting go of the ball but was at his best when it mattered.

"We knew he had it in him," running back Brian Robinson Jr. said. "He just showed us today what he's capable of and how tough he is."

ESPN Research and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

- ESPN News Services

SABRINA LONESCU SECURES LIBERTY GAME 3 WIN VS. LYNX IN WNBA FINALS

MINNEAPOLIS -- Sabrina Ionescu had to watch video in the locker room of her winning 3-pointer Wednesday night to know just how long it was. But she said that as soon as she launched it, she thought, "Yeah, this is in."

Ionescu's 28-foot dagger that swished with 1 second left -- "definitely the biggest shot of my career" -- gave the New York Liberty an 80-77 come-from-behind win over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. The Liberty are now one victory away from their first league title in franchise history.

"I would say I visualize a lot when I'm practicing in the offseason, the night before a game, the day of a game," Ionescu said. "I'm always visualizing different scenarios and putting myself in tough situations. Obviously, I didn't play my best tonight, but finding a way to continue to stick with it ... I feel like that's been a big growth for me, whether the ball is going in or not."

This one went in, the 10th 3-pointer of the game for the Liberty. Ionescu's shot left the Lynx's record crowd of 19,521 stunned, much like Minnesota did to the New York crowd in Game 1, a 95-93 Lynx win in overtime.

The Liberty lost an 18-point lead in that game; the Lynx lost a 15-point edge Wednesday. In both cases, there were dramatic momentum shifts and huge plays in the kind of heavyweight matchup expected when the top two seeds play for a championship.

"The hardest thing to do when we're in a series ... is there's so many ups and downs and swings," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said, "and it takes special mental toughness and physical toughness to weather those swings. We're disappointed -- we're home, we played well and just couldn't come up with the win.

"We have to dust ourselves off and get another crack at it here at home. We'll see what we can do on Friday."

The teams will return to Target Center with the Lynx trying to send the series back to New York for a deciding Game 5 on Sunday. Minnesota has an uphill battle, but it has been done before. Four other teams have won the WNBA title after being down 2-1 in the Finals, including the Lynx in 2017.

The Liberty want to end the series Friday. They are one of three original WNBA teams still in the city where they started; the other two, the Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury, each have won three titles.

New York  has played for the championship five times before this year. One of the most dramatic of those series losses was in 1999, when the Liberty won Game 2 of what was then a best-of-three series at Houston on Teresa Weatherspoon's shot at the buzzer from beyond half court, only to lose the next day to the Comets.

Weatherspoon's shot, often cited as the most famous in league history, is one of four times that a WNBA player has made a winning 3-pointer in the last 5 seconds of a Finals game. The others were Minnesota's Maya Moore in Game 3 in 2015 against Indiana, and Los Angeles' Nikki Teasley in Game 2 in 2002 against New York.

Teasley's shot won that series in what was then still a best-of-three Finals. Moore and Minnesota lost Game 4 of the 2015 Finals, but then won Game 5 and the title.

So Ionescu is the fourth player to pull off this feat, and it came in a game that was eerily similar to New York's victory when Weatherspoon made her shot 25 years ago. The Liberty led for just 2 minutes, 19 seconds Wednesday, the second-shortest amount of time leading in a Finals win in WNBA history.

The shortest time to lead in a Finals win? You guessed it: Game 2 of the 1999 Finals, when the Liberty led the Comets for just 2:15 before Weatherspoon's buzzer-beater.

Trying to win a long-awaited championship for New York has been on Ionescu's mind since she was drafted No. 1 in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that cancelled the NCAA tournament her senior season at Oregon.

Ionescu then suffered a season-ending ankle injury in her third Liberty game. She left the WNBA's COVID-19 bubble in Bradenton, Florida, and went home to California to rehab. Ionescu said she couldn't bring herself to watch many Liberty games on television the rest of that season, as the team finished 2-20.

Then, before the 2023 season, she was joined by free agents Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot, and Jonquel Jones, who arrived via trade. Those players and Ionescu helped form the core of the team that is playing in its second consecutive WNBA Finals.

The Liberty lost 3-1 to the Las Vegas Aces last season, but the players said they learned a lot about themselves in the process. This season, New York had the best record in the regular season (32-8) and is the No. 1 seed.

The Liberty didn't look like it in the first quarter Wednesday. Contrary to fast starts in the first two games of the Finals, the Liberty trailed 28-18 after the first quarter. They cut the deficit to 43-35 by halftime.

In the third quarter, though, Stewart took over, scoring 14 points and bringing New York to within 62-61. The Lynx defense was hampered somewhat by forward Alanna Smith dealing with a back injury she suffered in the second quarter. She still played nearly 20 minutes but was clearly in pain.

Stewart previously won WNBA titles in 2018 and 2020 with the team that drafted her No. 1 in 2016, the Seattle Storm. Now playing for the team in her home state of New York, Stewart had a tough finish to Game 1 when she missed a free throw at the end of regulation and a layup at the end of overtime.

Since then, though, Stewart has come back strong. Along with her game-high 30 points Wednesday, she had 11 rebounds and 4 blocks.

"That was just a great All-WNBA second-team performance."

Sabrina Ionescu, named to the All-WNBA second team earlier Wednesday

"We don't win this game without Stewie," Ionescu said.

Ionescu, Jones and Leonie Fiebich each finished with 13 points.

Ionescu was named to the All-WNBA second team earlier Wednesday; some thought she should have been on the first team.

"That was just a great All-WNBA second-team performance," Ionescu joked after the game.

New York coach Sandy Brondello said even if Ionescu was 4-of-11 from the field before the winning shot, she never doubted for a minute she should take it.

"Obviously, Stewie got us back in there, willed us in there," Brondello said. "But I thought, '[At] the right time, this is Sabrina.' She's a great shooter.

"What I love about her is that she backs herself. Not everyone can take those big shots and make them. She can."

ESPN Research contributed to this report.

- Michael Voepel, ESPN Senior Writer