VINICIUS JR SPARKS MAJOR CONTROVERSY WITH SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY HOURS AFTER REAL MADRID RED CARD

 

Vinicius was sent off for pulling the hair of an opponent during Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Villarreal.

Vinicius Junior has responded in telling fashion after he was sent off for pulling an opponent's hair during Real Madrid's 1-0 La Liga win over Villarreal.

Yan Diomande scored the only goal of the game for Real on 63 minutes, but Jose Mourinho's side were forced to protect their lead following Vinicius' straight red card.

The Brazilian thought he had scored Real's second goal on 72 minutes, but VAR spotted that he had pulled the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba in the build-up and the goal was rescinded, with a red card awarded to Vinicius. The 26-year-old has reportedly since apologised to his team-mates for the incident - but his social media activity could land him in some hot water.

'What a disgrace...' - Vinicius' social media activity sums up red card feelings

Vinicius also apologised to fans on social media for his red card - though a re-post to his story appears to question other decisions against him this season.

On his Instagram page, he re-posted a post from a Vinicius Jr fan page - which has over 500,000 followers - that features a series of fouls on Vinicius from other players during the 2026/27 season that did not result in red cards.

Image: Instagram/@vinijr

The post is captioned: "And the one who gets the yellow and red is Vinicius, what a disgrace." Vinicius commented on the post with three laughing emojis.

While the Brazilian is clearly not questioning the decision to give him a red card, his apparent criticism of refereeing decisions towards other players compared to him will no doubt spark huge debate.

Jose Mourinho skips post-match press conference

According to Spanish outlet MARCA, Real manager Jose Mourinho refused to appear at the post-match press conference - for a reason most fans can probably guess.

It is claimed that Mourinho did not want to speak to the media due to his fury towards the refereeing of Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos, allegedly stating that he 'want[s] to be on the bench against Sevilla and Barcelona' in Real's upcoming matches.

Once again, no Real player conducted press duties either, meaning there was no post-match reaction in the press room from anybody connected with Los Blancos after the 1-0 win.

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, though, did speak to Real Madrid TV over the Vinicius sending off.

"I don't know what's going on with the referees," he said. "With this red card, I don't understand. The most important thing is the victory."

For Diomande, his winning strike was the Ivorian's first competitive goal for Real after his club-record €125 million move from RB Leipzig last summer.

He may have to play an even more crucial rule when the next instalment of El Clasico takes place later in October. Vinicius is currently set to miss the upcoming La Liga fixture against Sevilla, but that ban could be extended to as high as three games for violent conduct should La Liga deem it necessary - which would rule him out of the away fixture against Barcelona on October 25.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

- Ryan Smart

NEWCASTLE UNITED YOUNGSTER FORCED TO APOLOGISE AMID NATION'S FURY AT CONTROVERSIAL SOCIAL MEDIA POST

Park Seung-soo landed himself in hot water in the aftermath of helping South Korea win the Asian Games

Gold medalists of team South Korea pose for a group photo during a victory ceremony at the Asian Games(Image: 2026 Zhizhao Wu)

Newcastle United youngster Park Seung-soo has issued an apology after posting an image on social media wearing a 'discharge cap' in the aftermath of South Korea's Asian Games victory on Saturday.

Park was an unused substitute as South Korea's under-23s beat Japan 1-0 in the final of the Asian Games to win the gold medal which meant every member of the squad had earned a military exemption.

Under South Korean law, most able-bodied men must perform 18 to 21 months of military service. Special exemptions are granted for athletes and classical artists who excel in certain kinds of international competitions tied to national prestige. For athletes, that means any medal at the Olympics or a gold medal at the Asian Games.

Park and his team-mates have now earned that exemption and after posting an image of himself wearing a 'discharge cap', he has received a huge backlash in his homeland.

So much so, the 19-year-old took to Instagram to issue an apology, as he posted: 'Hello. This is Park Seung-soo, a member of the Asian Games football national team. Regarding the photo I posted on SNS right after the final match, I would like to apologise to all fans. I sincerely apologise to those who felt uncomfortable due to my actions.

"Right after the match, I received a cap from a fan at the venue and wore it. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for winning the gold medal after months of preparation and effort, I took a photo and posted it on SNS without deeply considering the cap’s meaning at that moment.

"However, I never intended to mock or belittle those serving their national defence duties. I have also never taken the significance of the Taegeuk Mark lightly.

"I am fully aware that the opportunities and privileges from this gold medal are not something to be taken for granted. I will demonstrate greater responsibility to repay the public’s support and expectations. Once again, I sincerely apologise to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to my reckless actions."

Ryu Seung-min, president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, also commented on the situation, as he added: "Players may think of it as an individual expression, but such remarks do not align with public sentiment.

"As these issues sparked controversy, they must have learned and reflected. Younger athletes are particularly exposed. Moving forward, we will explore ways to ensure national team members maintain dignity and decorum in interviews and SNS posts within the athletes’ village, aligning with the expected standards."

Park, who was the youngest member of the South Korea squad, featured twice across their Asian Games campaign and will now return to Newcastle looking to kick on with the under-21 side.

The talented teenager impressed in pre-season last summer immediately after joining the club from Suwon Bluewings and was twice named on the bench for the first team last season.

Matthias Jaissle has shown he has faith in the club's youngsters and Park has plenty of competition out wide at under-21 level with Michael Mills, Kyran Thompson and Matheos Ferreira all pushing for first team opportunities, too.

- Sean McCormick

ANTHONY JOSHUA SHARES PRIVATE EMAIL FROM DOPING AGRNCY ASKING FOR TYSON FURY'S WHEREABOUTS

Anthony Joshua shared the email communication to his Snapchat story earlier this morning.

Anthony Joshua has shared a private email communication from VADA to his Snapchat story, in which the doping association’s President sought details regarding Tyson Fury’s whereabouts.

The shared email arrived after Fury uploaded a post-training session video to Instagram on Monday, captioned: “Coming for you AJ, if you ever grow a pair and fight.”

Joshua shared the VADA email to his public Snapchat story on Tuesday morning, with the doping association’s President seeking enrollment from the Gypsy King, and his whereabouts form.

Anthony Joshua shares VADA President email concerning Tyson Fury’s whereabouts

VADA, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, did not suggest Fury had failed a doping test. Instead, the association’s President simply asked: “Is Mr. Fury going to enroll?”

“Typically, we enroll opponents at the same time,” continued the email. “We also need the whereabouts form to enroll either fighter.”

Joshua captioned the email screenshot: “I’m not accusing [Tyson Fury] of anything,” ahead of their slated December 11 bout. The fight’s date, venue and time are yet to be confirmed.

By completing a whereabouts form, VADA would be able to locate an athlete, in this case, Fury, to complete an unannounced, out-of-competition sample collection.

The form would likely ask for Fury’s home addresses, training locations, any pre-existing travel arrangements, and availability windows.

However, as Joshua’s shared email communication implies, Fury has not provided VADA with such information, ahead of the pair’s long-awaited clash.

The Gypsy King is yet to respond publicly to Joshua’s post, and there remains no indication that Fury has failed, or declined to participate in a VADA testing.

Ahead of their battle, tentatively set to take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Eddie Hearn previously raised questions regarding Fury’s testing timeline.

Hearn, head of Matchroom Boxing’s division and ‘AJ’ promoter, revealed that Fury’s contract appeared to lack the testing obligation contained in Joshua’s agreement.

As a result, Fury, unlike his British opponent, might not be contractually required to enrol with VADA at the same stage as Joshua.

Hearn also revealed that he believes the Gypsy King is “fearful” of Joshua, claiming: “He’s afraid to lose. I think he knows the physical presence of Joshua, as well.

“It will be a real handful for him. And any advantage he can get, he’s going to try and get, [because] that’s what he’s like,” concluded the Matchroom Boxing promoter.

Tyson Fury hits out at 'poppadom chin' Anthony Joshua via Instagram

After seemingly endless back-and-forths between Fury and Joshua’s camps, amid perpetual disagreement regarding the Netflix event’s venue, the Gypsy King broke his short-lived silence on Monday.

“Just finished a brutal session in the gym here,” began Fury. “Training like a Trojan warrior. It’s alright, Joshua, I know you’re afraid. But I won’t hurt you, I’ll make it quick.

“I’ll make it a quick KO, so you can get back to your business of being a landlord. I’ll make it very fast, and I’ll make it pain-free for you and your team, and Eddie [Hearn].

“I promise not to hurt [you] too bad. It’ll be swift… You’ll know who the spartan is. If he ever gets the guts, because, at the minute, I hear he’s yellow.

“He’s running around yellow, like a little coward. That’s what he is. White flag, where are you, white flag? You big, useless dosser. Paper chin, poppadom chin. Silly, useless piece of s***,” concluded Fury.

As it stands, the two Englishmen are set to face in Cardiff, after weeks of venue confusion. Joshua’s camp held to the UK-based provision in his fight contract, while New York was briefly suggested by Netflix.

Their bout is slated to take place on Friday, December 11, however, this match-up remains anything but straightforward.

- Kedar Bayley

LIONEL MESSI'S 1ST INSTAGRAM POST AFTER ARGENTINA'S WIN VS JORDAN TAKES INTERNET BY STORM

Lionel Messi struck a note of unity after Argentina wrapped up a perfect FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign.

Messi in action/ AFP

Lionel Messi struck a note of unity after Argentina wrapped up a perfect FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign, with the captain declaring, "One more win to complete the group stage. We're still together," in an Instagram post following the reigning champions' 3-1 victory over Jordan. The message came after yet another historic outing for the 39-year-old, who continued to rewrite the World Cup record books with a trademark free-kick that made him the tournament's all-time leader in goals scored from outside the penalty area. 

Introduced in the 60th minute, Messi curled home Argentina's third goal in the 80th minute to register his sixth World Cup strike from outside the box, surpassing Brazil legend Rivelino's long-standing record of five.

The goal also lifted Messi's overall World Cup tally to 19, extending his record as Argentina's leading scorer in the competition. It was his sixth goal of the ongoing tournament after a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria in the opening two group matches.

Messi also became the first men's player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances, adding another landmark to his glittering international career. The Argentine captain further joined an elite group by becoming only the fourth player to score in all three group-stage matches of a single FIFA World Cup since the current format was introduced in 1998, following Cristiano Ronaldo (2018), David Villa (2010) and Fernando Torres (2010).

Argentina's victory was equally significant for the team, as it marked the nation's 50th win at the FIFA World Cup, making La Albiceleste only the third country after Brazil and Germany to reach the milestone.

With qualification already assured, head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting XI, but Argentina remained in complete control. Giovani Lo Celso marked his World Cup debut with a stunning first-half free-kick before Lautaro Martinez converted a penalty after a VAR review.

Jordan briefly threatened through Musa Al-Tamaari's goal in the 55th minute, but Messi's introduction changed the tempo of the contest, and his brilliant late free-kick ensured Argentina completed the group stage with three wins from three. Argentina will face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 in Miami on July 4, while Jordan exited the competition after losing all three group-stage matches.

- ANI

VOZINHA HAS REACHED 14.5M INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Cape Verde hero Vozinha has hit 14.5 MILLION followers on Instagram since his starring role against Spain 🇨🇻

He had just 50,000 followers over a week ago and is about to surpass Manuel Neuer 🧤👀

The power of the World Cup is unmatched 🤯

CABO VERDE GOALKEEPERS VOZINHA HAD 50,000 FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM BEFORE FACING SPAIN 👀

 

MADONNA, SHAKIRA AND BTS ANNOUNCED AS CO-HEADLINERS FOR FIRST EVER HALFTIME SHOW AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP FINAL

The 2026 World Cup final will take place on Sunday, July 19, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey

Shakira, BTS and Madonna.
Credit : Kevin Mazur/Getty; Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty; Marc Nader/ZUMA Wire/Shutterstock

The 2026 World Cup final is going to have some global superstars headlining its first ever halftime show.

On Wednesday, May 13, the official FIFA World Cup Instagram account announced that Madonna, Shakira and BTS will be performing at the final in July. 

“On July 19, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show is coming to New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring superstars@madonna ,@shakira , and@bts.bighitofficial , curated by@coldplay ‘s Chris Martin!” the post read.

The tournament’s final will be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the match kicking off at 3 p.m. ET. 

Madonna performs at Coachella 2026.
Kevin Mazur/Getty

The post added, “A FIFA World Cup first, the Halftime Show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative working to raise $100 USD million to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world. Throughout the tournament, USD 1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be donated to the Fund.”

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also shared the news in an Instagram video featuring BTS on FaceTime, along with the help of Sesame Street’s Elmo and Muppets characters Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, the Cookie Monster and Statler and Waldorf. 

This will be the first time a halftime show has taken place during a World Cup final.

The news comes after Madonna announced her new album Confessions II last month and made a surprise appearance at Coachella during Sabrina Carpenter's headlining set. The Queen of Pop’s new record, a sequel to her 2005 hit album Confessions on a Dancefloor, will be released on July 3.

The 2026 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico and features 48 teams, begins on June 11 when Mexico take on South Africa. 

Earlier this month, the likes of Katy Perry, J Balvin, Future, Michael Bublé, Tyla and Lisa were announced to be among those performing at the three opening ceremonies of the soccer tournament.

Shakira performing in New York City in September 2025.
Theo Wargo/Getty 

While Perry will headline the U.S. opening ceremony on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, J Blavin will headline the opening ceremony in Mexico City and Bublé, Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara will co-headline in Toronto.

According to Variety, the soccer World Cup Finals are the most-watched annual sporting event, with the 2022 final drawing in more than 500 million live viewers.

- Kirsty Hatcher

FORMER FOOTBALLER FROM ZAÏRE (NOW DR CONGO) AND FATHER OF ROMELU LUKAKU HAS PASSED AWAY

'Life will never be the same again' - Romelu Lukaku removes all Instagram posts with Napoli striker in mourning after his father passes away aged 58

Romelu Lukaku is in mourning after the passing of his father, Roger, at just 58. The Napoli striker, currently sidelined with injury, removed all Instagram posts and left a single tribute to his late father. Lukaku, who played a key role in Napoli’s title-winning campaign last season, now faces a period of personal grief alongside his road to recovery.

Getty Images Sport

A family tragedy for the Lukakus

Lukaku has announced the death of his father Roger, who passed away at the age of 58. The Napoli striker, joined by his brother Jordan, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing: “Life will never be the same again.” 

Lukaku's emotional gesture on Instagram for his father

As part of his mourning, the Belgian striker has since deleted all previous posts from his profile, leaving only a picture with his father. In it, he thanked Roger for protecting and guiding him, admitting the pain “flows like rivers.” The symbolic act underlines the depth of his grief during what is already a testing period due to injury. 

Lukaku posted on his Instagram profile in memory of his father: "Thank you for teaching me everything I know. I will always be grateful and appreciate you. Life will never be the same again. You protected and guided me like no one else could have done. I will never be the same again. The pain and tears are flowing freely. But God will give me the strength to get back up. Thank you for everything."

The man who shaped his sons’ careers

Roger Lukaku, a former striker for Zaire who also played in Belgium and Turkey, had a complicated yet influential role in his sons’ lives. Though his relationship with Romelu and Jordan suffered following his divorce, Roger expressed his hopes of reconciliation in 2023, saying: "I hope this article reopens the floodgates. I feel like one day things will be okay again, because the current situation is hurting me so much." Despite past struggles, Romelu credited him for teaching him “everything I know.”

What lies ahead for Lukaku and Napoli

Lukaku who delivered 14 goals and 10 assists in Serie A last season, is currently recovering from a thigh injury that could rule him out until early 2026. Napoli will hope he can return fully fit, but for now, football takes a back seat as their No.9 focuses on family, healing, and eventually finding strength to step back on the pitch.

Additional reporting by Stefano Silvestri.

- Chirayu Parmar

MUSIALA SAYS 'NO ONE TO BLAME' FOR SERIOUS LEG INJURY AT CLUB WORLD CUP

The Germany star posted an update on Instagram on Wednesday, when he thanked people for their support after he fractured his fibula (bone in the lower leg) during Bayern's loss to PSG in the QF.

Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala says there's no one to blame for the left leg fracture he sustained in a tackle from Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Club World Cup.

The Germany star posted an update on Instagram on Wednesday, when he thanked people for their support after he fractured his fibula (bone in the lower leg) during Bayern's loss to PSG in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

It's nice to see how the football world comes together in a time like this and I really appreciate it, Musiala said.

Musiala was flown back to Munich on Sunday for surgery on the injury that Bayern said was associated with an ankle dislocation.

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had criticized Donnarumma for his action, suggesting his Italian counterpart didn't necessarily have to go in like that and that he had knowingly risked causing an injury.

Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl also criticized Donnarumma, saying there was a big danger something can happen with the goalkeeper jumping in to secure the ball and that the action was not without risk.

Donnarumma, who was visibly upset after seeing Musiala's injury, posted a message tagged to Musiala: All my prayers and well wishes are with you.

Thank you for your wishes and don't worry! That's part of football, the German player responded.

In his own post, Musiala appeared to address Neuer and Eberl's criticisms.

The surgery went really well, I'm in good care, and I wanted to say there's no one to blame for this, the 22-year-old forward said. I think situations like this happen and now I'm just going to use the next period of time just to build up my strength and positivity again. I'm looking forward to seeing you guys again.

Musiala spent much of last season injured. He missed around 2 months with a muscle tear in his left hamstring and had only made his comeback at the Club World Cup. He previously missed around a month in October with a hip injury.

- Syndicated feed

GEORGE RUSSELL REACTS TO MAX VERSTAPPEN SOCIAL MEDIA PAST: 'I WAS A BIT SURPRISED'

Max Verstappen took accountability for causing the clash with George Russell in Barcelona via an Instagram post a day after the Spanish Grand Prix.

George Russell has reacted to Max Verstappen's post-Spanish Grand Prix social media post in which he took accountability for causing the controversial clash with the Mercedes driver.

Ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, the Briton has confirmed that he was a "bit surprised" to read the Dutchman's words a day after the incident in Barcelona, which moved Verstappen just a penalty point away from a ban.

The four-time F1 champion received three penalty points and a 10-second time penalty for driving directly into Russell at Turn 5 of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, demoting him to 10th at the chequered flag. 

Despite the aggressive move, which some believe should have seen Verstappen black-flagged, Russell is confident the Red Bull driver was not trying to cause a crash.

"He was trying to run me off the road. I don’t think he was trying to intentionally crash into me," Russell told the media in Montreal. "He wanted to just sort of scare me a bit, but he just misjudged it.

"Again, it wasn’t going to scare me, it was just all a bit surprising. I’m not looking for an apology. His actions cost him, and they benefited me. So I should be almost thanking him. 

"Obviously I’d be feeling very differently if it took me out of the race. But it is good to see that he took accountability. I was a bit surprised about that."

Verstappen's initial response in the media pen after the race caused further debate. 

Sarcastically, the 27-year-old offered his rival a tissue once informed of Russell's criticism. Remarkably, Russell was humoured by the comment and recently spoke to Verstappen at an airport.

"That was quite funny to be fair and I did have a giggle about that. We bumped into each other at the airport a few days ago on Sunday morning when I was going to Roland Garros," he revealed.

"To be honest, I totally forgot about Barcelona because he was there with his newborn. And we were at the security machine. So he just had a quick chat and then he was busy folding the pram down to put it through the machine."

- Nick Golding

FORMULA 1 TEAMS' SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS

 

LAKERS STAR LEBRON JAMES SAYS HE'S TAKING SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK

LOS ANGELES -- LeBron James says he's taking a break from social media.

The NBA's all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star posted on X and Instagram on Wednesday to announce that he's stepping away from his pages. James has 159 million followers on Instagram, 52.9 million on X.

James started the farewell by reposting something that Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant's longtime manager, posted to X on Oct. 24.

"We can all acknowledge that sports is the last part of society that universally brings people together. So why can't the coverage do the same?" Kleiman wrote that day. "It's only click bait when you say it. When the platform is so big, you can make the change and allow us all an escape from real life negativity. I for one find it all a waste of breath."

James, on Instagram, posted a screengrab of Kleiman's post and added the caption, "Amen!!" and then below it wrote, "Damn shame what it's come to!" On X, his repost of Kleiman simply said, "AMEN!!"

Kleiman has posted only a handful of times since his Oct. 24 post, and evidently, James isn't planning to post much -- or anything -- until further notice.

His announcement came one day after he said "everybody on the internet called me a liar all the time" when he said he was watching Dalton Knecht's college games last year at Tennessee -- long before the Lakers drafted the sharpshooting guard.

"And with that said I'll holla at y'all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y'all take care," James posted, followed by emojis of a hand holding up two fingers -- often symbolizing someone leaving a place -- and a crown, a nod to his "King James" moniker.

James, who will turn 40 next month and is the NBA's oldest active player, is a four-time NBA champion and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, the most recent of those coming earlier this year at the Paris Games.

The Lakers are 10-4, winners of six straight and next play Thursday at home against Orlando.

- Associated Press 

MANCHESTER CITY MEME 😄

 

LEWIS HAMILTON ON HIS SINGAPORE STRATEGY | VIA INSTAGRAM

 

CARLOS SAINZ ON HIS.CRASH WITH SERGIO PEREZ | VIA INSTAGRAM

 

A BILLION FANS | CRISTIANO RONALDO

 

CRISTIAN RONALDO CELEBRATES 1 BILLION SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS

Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday thanked his supporters after reaching the milestone of 1 billion social media followers across all platforms.

The Al Nassr captain has 638 million followers on Instagram, 170m on Facebook and 113m on X.

He recently launched his YouTube channel, "UR · Ronaldo," that became the fastest channel to hit 1 million subscribers on the platform and has now reached over 60 million.

"We've made history -- 1 BILLION followers! This is more than just a number -- it's a testament to our shared passion, drive, and love for the game and beyond," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.

"From the streets of Madeira to the biggest stages in the world, I've always played for my family and for you, and now 1 billion of us stand together.

"You've been with me every step of the way, through all the highs and the lows. This journey is our journey, and together, we've shown that there are no limits to what we can achieve. Thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life."

Ronaldo, 39, this month became the first men's player in history to score 900 goals in official matches.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner said: "The best is yet to come, and we'll keep pushing, winning, and making history together."

- Adriana Garcia

ESPN SAYS SHANNON SHARPE WILL COHOST 'FIRST TAKE' MONDAY AFTER INSTAGRAM INCIDENT

• The analyst and podcaster broadcast live audio of an apparent sexual encounter on Instagram.
• ESPN considers the matter closed.

PARAS GRIFFIN/GETTY

Shannon Sharpe said Wednesday that he’s an “active, healthy male.” He is still actively employed by ESPN as well.

The network said Thursday that Sharpe will cohost First Take as usual Monday, less than a week after the NFL Hall of Famer went viral for sharing an apparent sexual encounter on Instagram.

On Wednesday, Sharpe’s Instagram went live with audio of the 56-year-old and a woman having what Sharpe later confirmed was a sexual encounter. An employee of Sharpe’s later posted from his account that the NFL legend had been “hacked,” but Sharpe admitted Wednesday night that the audio was genuine. 

“I threw my phone on the bed, engaged in an activity,” Sharpe said Wednesday night on his YouTube show “Nightcap,” which he cohosts with Chad Ochocinco. “I did not know IG Live. I’ve never turned IG Live on so I don’t know how it works and all of sudden my other phone is going off.”

While Sharpe claimed it was an accident, going live on Instagram requires users to open the app and press several buttons to begin a live broadcast.

Sharpe said his “heart sank” when his longtime “marketing guy” told him that viewers could hear what sounded like a sex act.

Sharpe, who began appearing regularly on First Take in 2023, said he immediately alerted ESPN that the audio was genuine. (ESPN said that his absence from the show on Thursday was in line with his normal schedule, which has him appearing on-air on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.) In June, Sharpe agreed to a long-term contract extension with ESPN, tying the podcaster and network together as First Take continues to dominate morning sports talk. Sharpe also hosts the ultra-successful interview podcast Club Shay Shay.

“I called my agents, I called ESPN, I just got to tell them the truth,” Sharpe said Wednesday night. “My phone wasn’t hacked, it wasn’t a prank, it was me being a healthy, active male,” he said.

Sharpe and Ochocinco also referred to ongoing speculation about Sharpe’s sexuality, and Sharpe repeatedly denied that the incident was “staged” to make a point.

He then extensively discussed the incident with Ochocinco, the former NFL receiver turned media personality. After a somber opening monologue about how he was “embarrassed” about having “one of your most intimate details” broadcast worldwide, the pair launched into a raucous discussion. 

Johnson mocked Sharpe for his ineptitude with technology, saying his cohost would regularly “butt-dial” him. Sharpe joked that his underwear was headed to the Hall of Fame.

The episode already has been viewed over one million times, and its primary sponsor was an erectile dysfunction drug, which Sharpe seamlessly opened the show with an ad read for. (Later in the show, he joked that “I’m looking for a mattress sponsor now.”)

Inappropriate live broadcasts on Instagram have landed ESPN talent in hot water before. In 2021, former NBA player Paul Pierce was fired for posting a video of himself in a room with scantily clad dancers and cigars. (Pierce revisited the incident earlier this year, saying “I didn’t do nothing illegal, and that’s the story. I got fired for literally having a good time.”)

ESPN considers the matter with Sharpe closed. A spokesperson for the network said that Sharpe’s comments about the incident on “Nightcap” have addressed the issue.

- DENNIS YOUNG

STEPHEN CURRY SAYS FAREWELL TO KLAY THOMPSON: "

 

USA TODAY Sports 

Stephen Curry shared a public goodbye to "Splash Brothers" partner Klay Thompson, who is headed from the Golden State Warriors to the Dallas Mavericks in a reported sign-and-trade.

Curry posted a lengthy series of photos to his Instagram story, all of them featuring Thompson, his longtime backcourt mate with whom he won four NBA championships. The story concluded with a nod to the success of the unmatched shooting duo.

"Gonna miss you @klaythompson," Curry wrote on Instagram. "Even though we won't finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again. Couldn't have imagined a better run with you and (Draymond Green). Changed the whole Bay Area. Changed the way the game is played. Killa Klay at the center of it all. Thank you for everything bro. Go enjoy playing basketball and doing what you do.

"Splash Bros 4 life my guy."

The Warriors on Monday night bid farewell to Thompson and promised his No. 11 jersey would be retired by the team.

The team did not comment on the specifics of the trade, which will reportedly involved the Charlotte Hornets as well as Dallas. ESPN reported Thompson would sign a three-year, $50 million contract to join the Mavericks and team with All-Star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Warriors will receive a financial trade exception and two future second-round picks.

A career 41.3 percent 3-point shooter, Thompson averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in 793 games (742 starts) with the Warriors. He scored 17.6 points per game last season, his first season under a 20-point average since 2013-14 (18.4 points per game). His 38.7 percent 3-point accuracy last season was the second-lowest of his career.

Thompson spent part of last season coming off the bench. In 14 games as a reserve, he averaged 19.8 points and shot 43 percent from 3-point range.

- Reuters 

MBAPPÉ ANNOUNCES PSG EXIT AHEAD OF LIKELY REAL MADRID MOVE

Getty

 Kylian Mbappé has announced he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, after which he is expected to join Real Madrid.

The announcement brings Real Madrid closer to ending their yearslong pursuit of the France international, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in world football.

PSG face Toulouse at the Parc des Princes on Sunday, which will be Mbappé's final home game. His final game for the club is scheduled to be the French Cup final against Lyon on May 15.

He said in a video posted to Instagram: "Hi everyone, it's Kylian. I wanted to speak to you. I've always said that I would speak with you when the time comes and so I wanted to announce to you all that it's my last year at Paris Saint-Germain.

"I will not extend and the adventure will come to an end in a few weeks. I will play my last game at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

"It's a lot of emotions, many years where I had the chance and the great honour to be a member of the biggest French club, one of the best in the world which allowed me to arrive here, to have my first experience in a club with a lot of pressure, to grow as a player of course, by being alongside some of the best in history, some of the greatest champions, to meet a lot of people, to grow as a man as well with all the glory and the mistakes I've made."

Mbappé thanked all five managers he has played for at PSG -- Unai Emery, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Christophe Galtier and Luis Enrique -- as well as the club's sporting directors.

He added: "Despite everything that can happen on the outside, all this media hype that surrounds the club sometimes, there are some real club lovers who want to protect it and make it shine, and it's great, and I know that with all these people, this club is in great hands.

"It's hard, and I never thought it would be this difficult to announce that, to leave my country, France, the Ligue 1, a championship I have always known but I think, I needed this, a new challenge, after seven years."

That new challenge is likely to come in Madrid. Sources told ESPN Mbappé is still expected to join Madrid, having been in negotiations with the club since at least February.

In 2017, after starring for Monaco, Mbappé came close to joining Madrid, but he chose PSG instead after the club agreed a world-record deal for a teenager, worth €180 million.

Mbappé went on to become PSG's club captain and all-time top scorer with 255 goals, winning six Ligue 1 titles in seven seasons.

At international level, he won the World Cup with France in 2018 and scored a hat trick in their World Cup final defeat to Argentina four years later.

After the video was published, Mbappé went to the Parc des Princes with his family where he joined the club's Ultras in their end of the season BBQ and thanked them for their support.

"It's a club that I will keep in my memory my entire life. I will tell everybody, my whole life, that I had the chance to play here and I won't be a player anymore, but I will continue to watch every game of course, because it's a club that I will always be interested in and I will always closely follow up its news," Mbappé added.

"It was me, with my qualities and defects, but I tried to give the best version of myself during those seven years. But beforehand I want to say thank you because without you all I would have never experienced half of the emotions I felt. And just for that, I am grateful for life. Thank you all.

"I hope we will finish this year with a last trophy. We are going to have good moments for what's left, and believe that you will remain in my heart forever. Ici c'est Paris. Goodbye."

- ESPN