49ERS OWNER JED YORK PLEADS NO CONTEST TO 2 MISDEMEANOR CHARGES IN OHIO

 

San Francisco 49ers team owner Jed York speaks at a news conference in San Francisco, California on Feb. 2, 2026. The 46-year-old York took over day-to-day control of the 49ers from his parents in 2008. (Jeff Chiu/AP 

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was arrested over the weekend in Ohio and pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools.

York was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, and was released after posting a $5,000 bond. He was sentenced to one day in jail for both offenses to be served concurrently and was credited with one day served when he pleaded no contest Monday morning.

He also was fined $1,150.

Court records show that York initially was charged with engaging in prostitution, but prosecutors amended that to disorderly conduct.

Jed York speaks during a press conference after Super Bowl LX on Feb. 9, 2026 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.

Records also show that York had a cellphone returned to him and that $160 that was seized was to be given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement. York also completed an online course.

The 49ers and the NFL didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

The 46-year-old York took over day-to-day control of the 49ers from his parents in 2008. He became the team’s principal owner in 2024. After some initial struggles under York’s leadership, the team has been a consistent contender since hiring coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch in 2017.

The Niners have made the Super Bowl three times under York’s leadership, losing in the 2012 season under coach Jim Harbaugh and the 2019 and ’23 seasons under Shanahan and Lynch.

York also oversaw the building of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The team moved from San Francisco to the new stadium in 2014. The stadium has hosted two Super Bowls, a World Cup and a College Football Playoff title game.

- Josh Dubow

VFB STUTTGART SIGN DŽENAN PEJČINOVIĆ FROM WOLFSBURG

Dženan Pejčinović scored 12 goals in 34 appearances for Wolfsburg in 2025/26. - © DFL/Getty Images/Boris Streubel

VfB Stuttgart have completed the signing of Dženan Pejčinović from Wolfsburg on a contract until 2031.

Former Bayern Munich youngster Pejčinović scored 12 goals in 34 appearances for the Wolves last season but was unable to prevent the club from being relegated to Bundesliga 2.

The 21-year-old striker is Stuttgart’s sixth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Marius Funk, Leo Sauer, David Preu, Grischa Prömel and Tim van der Leij.

"I can hardly wait to get started at VfB, I’m really looking forward to it," said Pejčinović. "I already know some of my new teammates from the DFB youth teams and had very good talks with the management, so I didn’t have to think twice when I heard about VfB’s interest. Now I want to settle in as quickly as possible and contribute to a successful season for VfB.”

“Dzenan has everything it takes to be a valuable option in attack immediately, and as a young player, he still has a lot of potential for development,” added Fabian Wohlgemuth, Stuttgart’s board member for sport. "Last but not least, it's a great sign that a player who is highly sought after on the market has decided to join us. This also confirms VfB Stuttgart's continuous upward trend in recent years."

Born in Munich to Montenegrin parents, Pejčinović started his career with Bayern before moving to Augsburg in 2017.

He signed for Wolfsburg in 2022 after five years with Die Fuggerstädter’s academy, making his debut for the club in a 2-1 defeat at Hertha Berlin on the final day of the 2022/23 season.

Pejčinović spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf before returning to Wolfsburg for the following campaign. He scored eight goals in 18 league outings between December and May, and was also on target in the second leg of the Wolves’ play-off defeat to Paderborn.

The young frontman represented Montenegro at Under-15 level before pledging his allegiance to Germany. Currently part of their Under-21 squad, he scored 39 goals in as many youth international appearances between October 2020 and September 2024. In total, he has bagged 41 goals and provided 10 assists for German youth teams.

- BUNDESLIGA 

SENEGAL TEAM DICTOR 'TRAINED AS A GYNAECOLOGIST', FEDERATION PRESIDENT SAYS

Senegal's team doctor lacked the specialist background needed to support the squad during the World Cup in ​North America, the president of the country's football federation said ‌on Monday, as the governing body took stock of a disappointing campaign.

The team doctor was “trained as a gynaecologist” and the issue was discovered late and had ​raised concern among players about the level of medical ​support available, federation chief Abdoulaye Fall told a press conference.

"Based ⁠on the feedback I received, the players were not sufficiently ​reassured about being supported by him,” Fall said. The federation sought additional ​medical expertise to reassure the squad, he added.

"We had to find convincing expertise so they could feel reassured, because health comes before everything," said Fall.

The Senegalese ​Association of Sports Medicine rejected the allegations as "unfounded and defamatory" in ​a statement issued late on Monday.

IMAGN IMAGES vis Reuters 

It said the team doctor, Abderahmane Fediore, holds ‌a ⁠specialist diploma in sports medicine and sports biology from Cheikh Anta Diop University's faculty of medicine.

He previously led the physiotherapy department at Fann Hospital and has worked as Senegal's team doctor since 2017 including ​at three World ​Cups and five ⁠Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal fired coach Pape Bouna Thiaw on Saturday, saying their results at the World ​Cup necessitated a change.

Senegal had hoped to be contenders ​at the ⁠World Cup, after beating Morocco in January’s Africa Cup of Nations final, but had a disappointing tournament.

They lost their opening two group games ⁠to ​France and Norway and let slip a ​2-0 lead with five minutes remaining against Belgium in the last 32 before going down ​3-2 in extra time.

- Ayen Deng Bior; Editing by Ken Ferris (Reuters)

MOGUL ATTACKED: MILLIONAIRE FORMER PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB OWNER STABBED IN HIS OWN HOME AFTER CONFRONTING MASKED ROBBERS

MILLIONAIRE football mogul Fawaz Al-Hasawi was stabbed when he confronted masked ­robbers in his home.

The former Nottingham Forest owner was injured as they tried to ransack his £10million house.

The Kuwaiti entrepreneur, 57, is thought to have been sleeping when thugs burst into his room, leaving him with stab wounds on his hand and neck injuries.

They fled and it is not clear if anything was taken in Mayfair, central London, earlier this month.

Images online show Mr Al-Hasawi in a bloodied hospital bed and with his hands bandaged.

His lawyers urged cops to give more details of the attack, claiming that other visitors from the Arabian Gulf “fear facing similar incidents”.

Al-Hasawi is a collector of watches, flashing them on social media.

The Met said the injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing and inquiries were continuing.

The businessman bought Forest from the estate of Nigel Doughty in 2012 and sold the Midlands club to Evangelos Marinakis in May 2017 after going through nine different managers in five years.

It comes just weeks after Manchester City star Ruben Dias and his girlfriend Maya Jama were left devastated after an “away day” gang ransacked their home.

Raiders are believed to have stolen more than £1million of designer watches, jewellery, handbags and clothes at their £4 million mansion in Cheshire.

Ruben and Maya had moved into the four-bedroom property before Christmas.

Prem stars fear that someone they know is tipping off burglars with several spooked by last month’s raid.

In December, The Sun revealed the shocking moment thieves fled Tottenham star Yves Bissouma’s mansion after stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of designer gear.

The Premier League ace, 29, has since opened up on several “traumatic” raids on his home, which saw luxury watches, bags and jewellery nicked.

Bissouma, who earns £50,000-a-week at Spurs, has been targeted by thieves three times – losing £1million worth of precious items.

While the month before, Raheem Sterling confronted the masked burglar gang who broke into his home with a knife, it is understood.

The brave dad reportedly got hold of the weapon to protect his young family after the group of robbers smashed into his house.

- Thomas Godfrey

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 

SIR ALEX FERGUSON SENT DARREN FLETCHER WARNING BEFORE TAKING MAN UTD JOB

Darren Fletcher will get the chance to manage Manchester United in Wednesday's clash with Burnley, having learned from one of the very best in Sir Alex Ferguson

Darren Fletcher played 342 games under Sir Alex Ferguson(Image: Clint Hughes/Getty Images)

Wednesday will see Darren Fletcher become the fifth player from the school of Sir Alex Ferguson to manage Manchester United for at least one game. Fletcher, 41, has been installed as the club's interim manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim on Monday.

The former United midfielder, who came through their academy before making 342 appearances for the first-team, will lead the Red Devils in their trip to Burnley, joined by ex-team-mate Jonny Evans as part of his coaching staff. Fletcher has no experience of first-team management but he's been learning his trade in the world of coaching over the past few years.

In July, the Scot was appointed as head coach of United's under-18 side. Fletcher previously worked in assistant roles under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag, and became the club's first ever technical director in 2021.

Having been diagnosed with a chronic bowel disease in 2011 and been forced to stop playing temporarily, the five-time Premier League winner delved into coaching. A decade and a half later and he'll be on the touchline as United's interim boss.

Fletcher joins Solskjaer, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy as those to have played under Ferguson and gone on to stand where he did for the best part of 27 years. But not everyone is cut out for management in the long term, Ferguson has warned.

In 2017, the legendary former United manager spoke to West Bromwich Albion about Fletcher's prospects as a coach. "I think his long-term position will be as a coach," Ferguson explained.

"Maybe even management. He's got the presence, he's got the sacrifice. When you become a manager, Martin (interviewer), it's a sacrifice.

"You give up your family life, which I did. I scouted my own players, I went to games every week - midweek and everywhere. That's the kind of sacrifice and you need to have the type of wife who understands that."

Sir Alex Ferguson warned Darren Fletcher about the sacrifices of being a manager(Image: Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)

While coaching at youth level brings its own pressures, nothing compares to a top job, especially at Old Trafford. Still, managing United is Fletcher's dream job.

"When I take my first steps on the management ladder, the goal is to become Manchester United manager because that's the pinnacle for me," he told the UTD Podcast in 2019. "Nothing tops that, nothing's bigger."

The road to becoming United's full-time manager may well start at Turf Moor. Currently, Fletcher is also expected to be remain in charge for Sunday's FA Cup tie at home to Brighton.

- Nathan Ridley

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.

MIKE TYSON & FLOYD MAYWEATHER SET FOR SPRING 2026 MATCHUP IN BATTLE OF BOXING LEGENDS

The exhibition match between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather has been officially announced, marking a unique chapter in boxing history that will see two icons return to the ring in spring 2026.

The event was confirmed by production company CSI Sports, which will facilitate broadcast and promotional coverage for the fight. Although the date and venue have not yet been specified, both fighters have signed contracts.

Mike Tyson Vs. Floyd Mayweather

Mike Tyson, who turns 60 next year, is returning after his last ring appearance in November 2024 – a loss to Jake Paul. His professional career featured 50 wins out of 59 contests, including 44 by knockout. Tyson held the world heavyweight title and remains a central figure in the heavyweight division’s history.

Floyd Mayweather, age 48, retired unbeaten following a career spanning five different weight classes, with 50 victories and no defeats. His last official bout occurred in 2017 against Conor McGregor. Since retirement, Mayweather has made several exhibition appearances, most recently facing John Gotti III in August 2025.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 15: Mike Tyson (in black short) and Jake Paul (in silver short) exchange punches during their heavyweight world titles of the Premiere Boxing Championship on Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States on November 15, 2024. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Mayweather described the upcoming exhibition as “legendary,” emphasizing his continued legacy in the sport and declaring, “You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. I’m the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want”.

Event Details

CSI Sports organizers noted their ambition for the event to break broadcast, streaming, and economic records previously set by Tyson’s 2024 fight. Tyson and Mayweather are expected to compete under special exhibition rules, meaning the result will not affect their professional records. The event is being positioned as “Legend vs. Legend,” with both fighters’ promotional teams and Fight Sports listed as partners. CSI Sports plans to introduce new in-ring technology designed to reshape live boxing presentation and scoring going forward.

Weight And Regulation

Tyson typically fought at heavyweight, weighing 228.4 pounds in a recent bout with Jake Paul; Mayweather’s most recent bouts were in the welterweight division, with his weight at 160.8 pounds against John Gotti III. The exhibition status of the fight allows for flexibility in weight and other conditions.

Broadcasting And Promotion

No broadcasting partner has been finalized, but the involvement of executives with backgrounds at ESPN, DAZN, HBO, and Showtime indicates strong competition for rights. Netflix, which previously aired Tyson’s match with Jake Paul, may also be in contention as a global streaming provider. The Tyson vs. Mayweather exhibition is set to be one of the most talked-about events in contemporary boxing, uniting two generations of fans and highlighting the sport’s evolving dynamics.

- Timothy Wheaton

ESPN WILL NOT AIR SPIKE LEE'S DOCUMENTARY ON COLIN KAEPERNICK

Photo: Getty Images North America

A Spike Lee-directed docuseries on Colin Kaepernick, which was originally set to air on ESPN, has been scrapped.

On Sunday (August 17), ESPN confirmed that it would no longer be airing Lee's Kaepernick documentary due to "creative differences."

“ESPN, Colin Kaepernick, and Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences,” the network said in a statement, per Reuters. “Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film.”

On Friday (August 15), Lee told Reuters that the project “was not coming out,” adding that he was limited in what he could share due to a nondisclosure agreement. Kaepernick hasn't spoken publicly about the decision.

Lee's docuseries was initially announced in 2022 as an in-depth look into Kaepernick’s life, activism, and the fallout from him kneeling during the national anthem while playing for the San Francisco 49ers.

Kaepernick began protesting racial injustice in 2016, sparking nationwide debate and backlash, including from then-President Donald Trump. The former quarterback left the 49ers in 2017 and has not played in the NFL since. In 2019, Kaepernick reached a settlement with the NFL in a collusion lawsuit alleging the league blackballed him due to his activism.

Though details about the cancellation remain limited, production of the docuseries reportedly faced delays and disagreements over its creative direction.

- Jovonne Ledet

GERMAN ATHLETE LAURA DAHLMEIER HAS DIED IN A CLIMBING ACCIDENT IN PAKISTAN, OFFICIAL SAYS

 

PESHAWAR, Pakistan — German biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has died on a mountain peak in northern Pakistan following a climbing accident, and efforts are underway to retrieve her body, a local government spokesman said Wednesday.

Dahlmeier, an Olympic gold medalist, was climbing Laila Peak in the Karakoram mountain range on Monday when she was struck by falling rocks. Rescuers on Wednesday confirmed Dalhmeier’s death on the mountain, said Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the regional Gilgit-Baltistan government.

Her body will be brought to the city of Skardu when it is retrieved by rescuers, Faraq said.

Military helicopters were on standby to assist but have been unable to deploy because of bad weather, Faraq said. Climbers including two Americans have been attempting the same ascent done by Dalhmeier to try to join the rescue operation, he said.

Authorities launched the rescue mission Monday after receiving a distress signal from Dahlmeier’s climbing partner, Marina Eva, who managed to descend to base camp with help from rescuers Tuesday.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier offered his condolences to Dahlmeier’s parents, writing that she “was an exceptional sportswoman.” He recalled that he presented her with the highest honor on German sport, the Silver Laurel Leaf, shortly after she won her first Olympic gold medal in 2018.

“Laura Dahlmeier was an ambassador for our country in the world, a role model for peaceful, cheerful and fair coexistence across borders,” he said.

Dahlmeier was injured at an altitude of about 5,700 meters (18,700 feet) around noon Monday, according to her management team in Germany. German broadcaster ZDF reported she suffered serious injuries in a rockfall.

Dahlmeier won seven gold, three silver and five bronze medals at Biathlon World Championships, along with 20 World Cup races and the overall World Cup in the 2016-17 season, according to her website.

She won gold medals in the sprint and pursuit races at the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018 and the bronze medal in the individual competition.

Dahlmeier ended her biathlon career in 2019, when she was 25. She grew up in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the German Alps and turned to mountaineering challenges after ending her biathlon career. She had been a state-certified mountain and ski guide since 2023 and volunteered for the Garmisch-Partenkirchen mountain rescue team.

Hundreds of climbers try to scale mountains in northern Pakistan every year and accidents are common because of avalanches and sudden weather changes.

The region has also been battered by above-normal seasonal rains, triggering flash floods and landslides. Since last week, at least 20 Pakistani tourists have been missing after floodwaters swept them away near the northern district of Chilas.

Copyright © 2025 The Washington Times, LLC.

- Riaz Khan, Associated Press

ZVEREV MAKES WINNING TORONTO RETURN AFTER A MONTH OFF COURT

Top seed Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates a victory over Australian Adam Walton to reach the third round of the ATP Canadian Open (MATTHEW STOCKMAN)

Alexander Zverev made a storming return after a month away from tennis on Tuesday, with the top seed pounding out a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 win over Adam Walton to reach the third round of the ATP Toronto Masters.

The German top seed, who lost in the Wimbledon first round, has spent the last weeks dealing with mental burnout and also made a trip to Rafael Nadal's Mallorca academy for consultations and perhaps some career advice during his time away.

The ATP world number three came from 4-1 down in the opening set tiebreaker and did not face a break point until he found himself down 0-40 as he tried to serve out victory leading a set and 5-3.

Though he lost that game, the German immediately broke back, with his Australian opponent double-faulting on a Zverev match point.

His victory included a massive 52-shot rally, with the triumph putting Zverev on 499 wins for his career.

"Sometimes it's just about winning," Zverev said. "It was not the prettiest match, though."

The 2017 champion in Canada will now play Italian Matteo Arnaldi, who  defeated qualifier Tristan Schoolkate 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Third-seeded Lorenzo Musetti and number five Holger Rune both eased into action with comfortable straight set wins. The pair began after byes and wasted little time in advancing into the third round, with Musetti hammering Australian qualifier James Duckworth 7-5, 6-1.

Rune dispatched big hitter Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (9/7), 6-3.

Number eight Casper Ruud put out Roman Safiullin 6-3, 6-3 for another seeded win.

The event is missing the absolute cream of the player field, with both number one Jannik Sinner and second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz out with injury and fatigue issues.

Musetti, a former semi-finalist at both Wimbledon and Roland Garros, was ruthless with Duckworth, advancing in 82 minutes.

He broke for a set and 5-1 on his opponent's double-fault and finished up a game later with an ace.

The Italian is coming back into form after losing his only grass match of the summer (Wimbledon) and then going down last week in his Washington opening match. His last victory came in early June in the Roland Garros quarters.

Musetti had 17 winners while Duckworth was undone by more than 30 unforced errors.

The Italian next faces American Alex Michelsen, a 7-6 (9/7), 6-3 winner over Chilean qualifier Tomas Barrios Vera.

Rune, who was back in action a month after a first-round Wimbledon defeat, handed French Mpetshi Perricard a fourth career loss against top 10 players.

Denmark's four-time finalist at the Masters level produced his first hardcourt win since last March at Indian Wells.

"It was a very tricky first match for me, he's a big server and (there was) not a lot of rhythm in the match," Rune said after his 75-minute win.

"I had to really take care of my own serve, and then just look for the opportunities.

"It was about finding a way to win at the end of the (first set) tiebreak.

"In the second set I was pretty good when it mattered. I think I was serving very well today."

World number nine Rune limited his unforced errors to just 10 -- less than half of those struck by his opponent.

Elsewhere, 11th seed Karen Khachanov beat Juan Pablo Ficovich of Argentina 6-4, 6-2.

Last year's winner in Canada, Alexei Popyrin, defeated local wild card Nicolas Arseneault 7-6 (9/7), 6-3.

Canadian Denis Shapovalov continued his unlucky home streak taking a 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 loss to Learner Tien and extending a losing run dating to 2019 at home.

Tenth-seeded former champion Daniil Medvedev got through his opening match and will next face Popyrin after a 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 win against Czech lucky loser Dalibor Svrcina, ended with more than 40 unforced errors.

- AFP

MEET LOIS BOISSON, THE WORLD 361 WHO SHOCKED JESSICA PEGULA AT FRENCH OPEN AT HOME

Lois Boisson scored the biggest win of her career by beating third seed Jessica Pegula at the French Open 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Lois Boisson's fairytale run continued at the French Open 2025 with a stunning upset win over World No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the fourth round. The chips were stacked against her after going down a set in her first-ever meeting against a top 10 player. However, the 22-year-old buckled down and dug deep to score a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 comeback win. She now finds herself in a Major quarterfinal on her main draw debut.

However, the road to glory hasn't been easy for Boisson. Born in Dijon on May 16, 2003, she started competing on the ITF circuit in 2019. She made her debut on the WTA Tour in 2021 after receiving a wildcard into the doubles draw in Lyon. She went out in the first round. She continued to ply her trade on the ITF circuit over the next few years.

Boisson's breakthrough came at the Saint-Malo Challenger a year ago, winning the biggest title of her career. Her efforts ensured her a wildcard into the main draw of the French Open. Unfortunately, tragedy struck after she injured her ACL, which ruled her out for nine months and caused her to miss her home Slam.

Boisson returned to the tour earlier this year. She made her WTA debut in singles at the Open de Rouen in April and reached the second round. She received a wildcard into the French Open main draw, making her Major debut after a year than originally planned.

The 22-year-old has certainly proved the organizers were right to give her a wildcard. Ranked 361st in the world, she punched way above her weight to upset 24th seed Elise Mertens in the first round. Following wins over Anhelina Kalinina and Elsa Jacquemot, she became the only player from the host nation to reach the fourth round in singles, where she beat Pegula.

Boisson will be gunning to keep the French flag flying high in the quarterfinals too, though it won't be easy. She will take on sixth seed Mirra Andreeva for a spot in the last four.

Lois Boisson to meet Mirra Andreeva in the French Open quarterfinals

Lois Boisson has already delighted the French crowd with her run at the clay court Major. By advancing to the quarterfinals, she became the first player from the host nation to make the last eight since Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic did the same in 2017.

Boisson also became the lowest ranked woman to reach the quarterfinals of any Major since Kaia Kanepi at the US Open 2017. Next up for her is sixth seed Mirra Andreeva, who hasn't lost a set all week.

However, after taking down one top 10 opponent, Boisson will be feeling confident of her chances. While Andreeva won a couple of WTA 1000 tournaments earlier this year, she hasn't replicated the same level of success on clay, though she did reach the semifinals in Paris last year.

Boisson, currently ranked No. 361, has ensured herself a spot in the top 130 after the conclusion of the tournament. Should she win her next match, she would zoom into the top 70. She would also become the first woman from France to reach the semifinals since Marion Bartoli in 2011. With so much on the line, she would be keen to continue her Parisian dream.

- Rohit

BOXING LEGEND SAYS FLOYD MAYWEATHER IS NOT THE BEST EVER: "I'M ABSOLUTELY BETTER"

A retired boxing icon has ranked himself higher than Floyd Mayweather Jr as an all-time-great.

‘Money’ Mayweather had a professional boxing career that many fighters could only dream of. Throughout the course of his tenure, he captured no less than 15 world championships across five weight divisions, defeating all 50 of the opponents he faced.

He holds victories over the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez to name a few, all of which are generational greats. He called time on his career back in 2017, just a short while after he stopped MMA legend Conor McGregor in the tenth round of their crossover showdown in August of that year.

Despite many holding Mayweather in the highest regard, there is one legendary fighter who believes he ranks even higher than the 48-year-old from Michigan.

That man is Sugar Ray Leonard, who was asked in a resurfaced interview if he thinks he was a better fighter than Mayweather was during his prime years.

“Absolutely [I was greater than Floyd], and I’m not bragging but then again my mindset as a fighter, as a champion will always tell me I could beat Mayweather, I could beat Tyson, that’s what made me who I became.”

He was then asked how he would have approached a fight with Mayweather and did give him immense credit.

“There’s no one way to fight Floyd Mayweather, he is that good, he is that talented. No one could penetrate his defence, he was one of the best guys out there.”

Leonard has, however, in the past said that his stoppage victory over Mayweather Sr in 1978 gives him the confidence he would win, telling Floyd:

“I knocked your father out. Like father, like son.”

The all-time great had an outstanding career of his own, and is perhaps most notable for being one of the ‘Four Kings’ alongside Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran. ‘Sugar Ray’ won world titles across five weight classes, as well as the undisputed welterweight championship which he held back in 1981. 

- Toby Morgan

TRUMP ANNOUNCES WASHINGTON D.C. TO HOST 2027 NFL DRAFT

Reuters 

WASHINGTON - The National Football League will host its 2027 draft in Washington, D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday at the White House, bringing the league's biggest off-season event to the nation's capital for the first time since 1940.

The three-day event that regularly attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors is expected to take place on the National Mall, a stone's throw from the White House

"The draft is a celebration of one of our country's most cherished cultural institutions," said Trump, speaking from inside the Oval Office.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters he expects more than one million visitors at the 2027 draft, far more than the estimated record 775,000 who attended the 2024 edition in Detroit.

The announcement comes days after the Washington Commanders struck a deal with the District of Columbia to return to the site of the club's former RFK Stadium, where Washington played from 1961-1996 and enjoyed the most successful era in franchise history.

The new stadium is expected to open in the nation's capital in 2030.

Commanders owner Josh Harris, who agreed to buy the team in 2023 after a turbulent period under previous owners Dan and Tanya Snyder, was in attendance to present the U.S. president with a team jersey with "Trump" emblazoned on the back.

"You are the ultimate commander, so it is a Commanders jersey," said Harris.

The draft has rotated through multiple cities since the NFL ended New York's five-decade-long reign as host in 2015. The three-day 2025 draft was held last month at Lambeau Field, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, home of the Green Bay Packers, with next year's selection of college players joining the NFL to be held in Pittsburgh.

Reuters 

Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl in February, where the crowd at the Superdome in New Orleans greeted him with a mix of cheers and boos, but he has a long and complicated history with the league.

Trump bought into the doomed upstart United States Football League in the 1980s and sought to have it compete directly with the NFL.

In 2017, during his first term in the White House, he spent weeks attacking the NFL over players who knelt during the pre-game playing of the national anthem in protest over police brutality and racial inequality.

Goodell, who stood next to Trump as the president addressed the media, in February had defied Trump's calls for private companies to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs, saying the league would continue its DEI efforts.

Trump's current term will overlap with several major international sporting events in the United States, with the Club World Cup set to take place in 11 U.S. cities from June 14-July 13.

The United States will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada, while the 2028 Summer Olympics are set for Los Angeles.

Reporting by Gram Slattery in Washington, D.C., writing by Amy Tennery in New York, Editing by Bill Berkrot

- Reuters 

JÜRGEN KLOPP TO PHILIPPE COUTINHO IN 2017

 

JELENA OSTAPENKO STUNS ARYNA SABALENKA TO CLINCH STUTTGART TITLE

Jelena Ostapenko (Pic credit: WTA)

Jelena Ostapenko stunned Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to win the Stuttgart WTA 500 title, marking her first clay court title since 2017. The unseeded Ostapenko dominated the match, breaking Sabalenka early in both sets. This victory, which included wins over Swiatek and Alexandrova, will propel Ostapenko to world number 18, while Sabalenka's search for a Stuttgart title continues.

Latvian tennis star Jelena Ostapenko pulled off a stunning upset on Monday, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to win the WTA 500 title in Stuttgart.

The unseeded Ostapenko, ranked 24th prior to the tournament, delivered a dominant 6-4, 6-1 victory to claim her ninth career title and first clay court crown since her 2017 French Open triumph.

Ostapenko established her authority early in the final, breaking Sabalenka’s serve in the opening game and repeating the feat at the start of the second set. The aggressive start visibly rattled Sabalenka, who struggled to find her rhythm and showed signs of growing frustration throughout the match. Despite a minor slip on the clay, the Belarusian quickly assured officials she was uninjured, but her game never recovered.

 -TIMESOFINDIA.COM

FORMER ROCHDALE MIDFIELDER THOMPSON DIES AT 36

Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has died at the age of 36.

He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in April last year, five years after he retired from playing.

Thompson was found to have stage four lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - which had spread to his lungs after twice recovering from the disease during his playing career.

The Bath-born player began and finished his career with Rochdale, and had three spells with the club.

Rochdale said they were "devastated" and that he had passed away peacefully at home on Thursday with his family by his side.

"We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality," Rochdale said., external

"He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.

"Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae.

"Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this incredibly sad time."

Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and again in 2017.

But, after twice being given the all-clear, he notably went on to score the goal which saw Rochdale avoid relegation from League One in 2018.

He retired from playing in 2019 after making 203 appearances for Rochdale and saying he had "pushed his body to the absolute limit".

Thompson's wife Chantelle said during his illness he had "walked every step with courage and pride".

"Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against the odds," she said.

"I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy."

Thompson came through Manchester United's academy from the age of nine before going on to join Dale, where he spent the majority of his 13-year career.

He also played for Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, Southport and Bury.

He was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma while at Tranmere in 2013 and was given the all-clear the following year.

After being diagnosed with cancer again in March 2017 during his third spell with Dale, he was able to return to football during the 2017-18 season after being told he was in "complete remission".

In his finest moment for Rochdale, Thompson scored against Charlton Athletic to secure their place in League One for another season, describing his goal as "written in the stars, fate, destiny".

Following the end of his playing career, Thompson worked in the media as a pundit as well as mentoring and as a motivational speaker.

In October 2024, he took part in a 21-mile fundraising walk in order to raise awareness of cancer treatments following his third diagnosis.

About 300 people took part in the walk from Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium to Rochdale's Crown Oil Arena home.

Tributes to Thompson poured in following news of his passing.

Manchester United described him as "a man who epitomised our club's values," before adding: "We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.

"A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time."

Tranmere and Carlisle both sent their condolences to Thompson's family and said they would be holding a minute's applause at their home games on Friday.

"Joe was an inspiration to all those who knew him," both clubs said.

Bury added: "Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this sad time. RIP Joe - Once A Shaker Always A Shaker."

Southport said: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Joe Thompson. We send our deepest condolences to all of Joe's friends and family at this tough time."

In 2019, Thompson received the Sir Tom Finney award at the annual EFL awards ceremony, an honour presented to a player who has had an outstanding career and contributed an exception amount to the Football League and game in general.

The EFL described Thompson as "an inspiration to so many" and added: "The EFL is deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Thompson. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs at this very difficult time."

ARYNA SABALENKA ROCKS STYLISH BLACK & BLUE FIT FROM NIKE 24.7 COLLECTION DAYS AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN HEARTBREAK

Aryna Sabalenka at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, is sponsored by Nike for her sportswear requirements. Sabalenka has been wearing Nike for a very long time and has been promoting the brand across several social media platforms. Sabalenka has also been featured in several ads for Nike, with the most recent advertisement surfacing on January 12, just before the start of the 2025 Australian Open.

Nike dropped its latest apparel collection, ‘24.7’, on January 25. The athletic wear is designed to meet the daily requirements of an athlete’s life.

Evolve/Instagram 

The collection unveiled two innovative materials used in the apparel — ImpossiblySoft, a Spacer-Knit fabric — that enables four-way stretch and gives a luxurious feel at the same time, and PerfectStretch which gives a polished feel. The collection consists of various clothing pieces, like half zips, crew necks, joggers, pleated skirts, and woven shirts.

The three-time Grand Slam champion donned the new collection and rocked the blue and black fit. Sabalenka sported white shade sunglasses and a classic black fanny pack which complimented her attire. Sabalenka earned praise for her look on the internet.

Evolve/Instagram 

Notably, Naomi Osaka-owned talent agency company, ‘Evolve,’ manages Sabalenka. They posted Sabalenka’s stunning pictures in the new outfit which gained a lot of traction.

The Nike 24.7 apparel collection will be available globally at retail locations from January 30 onwards.

Evolve/Instagram 

After missing out on a 'three-peat' at the 2025 Australian Open, Sabalenka is most likely to play the Middle Eastern swing in Qatar before Indian Wells and Miami Open in March. Sabalenka has been playing the Dubai duty-free tennis championships since 2017 and has not missed a single season. But she is yet to win the tournament in her eight attempts. Her best outing at the event remains three quarterfinal finishes. The World No.1 will aim to change that this time around.

The last time Sabalenka played at Doha was in 2022, till then she had played it three times in a row and even won the title in her debut season at the tournament in 2020. She had defeated Petra Kvitova in the final in straight sets. The 2025 Australian Open runner-up is expected to participate in the tournament and come back after three years.

Evolve/Instagram 

The Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025 begins on February 9 and Dubai championship begins on February 16. The Polish superstar, Iga Swiatek will look to defend her title in Doha, as her race to regain the World No.1 position will continue.

- Prem Mehta

ABDULLAH HAYAYEI: UK ATHLETICSLICS AND MAN CHARGED OVER PARALYMPIAN'S DEATH IN LONDON TRAINING ACCIDENT

Abdullah Hayayei finished fifth in the F34 discus at the 2015 World Championships.Photograph: Warren Little/Getty Images

UK Athletics has been charged with corporate manslaughter over the death of a Paralympian who was hit on the head by a metal pole while preparing the London World Para Athletics Championships in 2017. Keith Davies, the head of sport for the championships, also faces charges of gross negligence manslaughter after the pole, which was attached to a throwing cage, fell on Abdullah Hayayei while he was training.

UKA and Davies have also been charged with a health and safety offence over the incident, which occurred at the Newham Leisure Centre in east London.

Emergency services were called to the venue but the 36-year-old from the United Arab Emirates was pronounced dead at the scene 20 minutes later.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised criminal charges against UK Athletics Limited and a 77-year-old man following the death of United Arab Emirates Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei.

“Mr Hayayei, 36, died after a metal throwing cage fell on him while he was training for the shot put at Newham Leisure Centre in London on 11 July, 2017.

“UK Athletics Ltd has been charged with corporate manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence,” he added. “Keith Davies, the former head of sport [for the championships] at UK Athletics Ltd, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence.”

UK Athletics and Davies will appear at Westminster magistrates’ court on 31 January.

Hayayei had been preparing to participate in the F34 shot put, discus and javelin events at London 2017. At the Rio 2016 Olympics, he finished sixth in the javelin F34 and seventh in the shot put F34. The father of five finished fifth in the discus and eighth in shot put at the 2015 World Championships in Doha.

- Sean Ingle

EURO 2025: ENGLAND TO FACE DUTCH IN GROUP STAGE; SPAIN VS ITALY

Reuters 

The draw for the UEFA Women's European Championship 2025 was made on Monday, with holders England set to face France in Group D and World Cup winners Spain to come up against Italy in Group B.

England will also play against 2017 winners the Netherlands and tournament debutants Wales in what is a tough draw for the reigning champions, while Spain and Italy's group will feature Belgium and Portugal.

England coach Sarina Wiegman guided the Dutch to the trophy in 2017 before leading the Lionesses' triumph in 2022. Montse Tome, meanwhile, will be hoping Spain can pick up the only major title that the nation's men's and women's teams have not yet claimed.

Eight-time women's Euros winners Germany were drawn against Denmark in Group C as well as Sweden and Euro 2025's other newcomers Poland.

Hosts Switzerland will play Iceland, Norway and Finland in Group A. The Swiss open the tournament on July 2 against Norway, who they also faced at the 2023 Women's World Cup where they played out a 0-0 draw in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Draw in full:

Group A: Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Finland

Group B: Spain, Italy, Belgium, Portugal.

Group C: Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Poland.

Group D: France, England, Netherlands, Wales.

- ESPN