Nelly Korda misses cut at U.S. Open

 

A much-improved second round wasn't enough for tournament favorite Nelly Korda to reach the weekend at the U.S. Women's Open, as the world No. 1 missed the cut by two strokes after finishing 36 holes at 10-over par.

Korda concluded her day at even par at a punishingly difficult Lancaster Country Club, but it wasn't enough to erase a disastrous 80 in the first round.

Her miserable start to the event featured a septuple-bogey 10 on the par-3 12th. Korda was much more consistent Friday, with three birdies on the front and eight consecutive pars on the back before a bogey at the last.

Luka Doncic “who’s crying, motherfucker”

 

Ouch, perhaps a little too far?

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic had a hilarious response to a heckling fan during the team's dominant, series-clinching victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.

After drawing an and-1 to push the team's lead to 36 in the middle of the third quarter, Doncic turned to a fan and appeared to say, "Who's crying, motherfucker?"

Panthers take series lead

 

The Florida Panthers defeated the New York Rangers 3-2 in Game 5 on Thursday to move within one victory of their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance.

The result was the series' fourth consecutive one-goal game, with the previous three requiring overtime.

New York jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second period after a shorthanded goal from Chris Kreider, which marked his and Mika Zibanejad's first points of the series. Gustav Forslinganswered for the Panthers later in the period, then Florida took the lead midway through the final frame on a tally from Anton Lundell.

Mavericks reach Finals

 

Luka Doncic was in his element, hitting shots from everywhere on the court, hushing the crowd and flashing those sly smiles as the Dallas Mavericks delivered a knockout performance.

Now one of the global sport’s young superstars gets his first trip to the NBA Finals.

Doncic had a 20-point first quarter on his way to 36 points for his high this postseason, and the Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-103 on Thursday night to breeze through the Western Conference finals in five games.

Isaiah Buggs charged for animal cruelty

 

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs turned himself in to the Tuscaloosa County Jail on Thursday on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.

Buggs was later released on $600 bond for two counts of cruelty to dogs in the second degree.

The Tuscaloosa Police Department found two dogs that were “seriously malnourished” and “emaciated” March 28 on the back porch of a house that Buggs had rented, according to court documents. The court filings reported that a neighbor said a pitbull and a Rotweiler mix had been left there for at least 10 days and had no access to food or water.

Slavin wins Lady Byng

 

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin was named the 2024 recipient of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on Thursday, edging out Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The honor recognizes sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of play and is voted upon by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Jorge Lopez tosses glove into stands

 

The New York Mets plan to designate reliever Jorge Lópezfor assignment, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

López threw his glove into the stands in frustration following an ejection in the eighth inning of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Aaron Boone ejected AGAIN

 

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels.

Boone started arguing after star outfielder Juan Soto was ruled to have interfered with Angels shortstop Zach Neto on an infield fly, resulting in a double play.

Criminal charges against Scheffler dropped

 

Criminal charges against Scottie Scheffler have been dismissed, ending a legal saga that began with images of the world’s top golfer being arrested and handcuffed in Louisville during the PGA Championship.

Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell asked a judge Wednesday afternoon to drop the four charges against Scheffler, who was not required to be in the courtroom. The prosecutor said his team reviewed the case in a “thorough and expeditious manner.”

Lue gets contract extension

 

The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to a long-term contract extension with head coach Tyronn Lue, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday.

The 47-year-old, who was set to become a free agent after the 2024-25 season, will become one of the league's highest-paid bench bosses with the new deal, Wojnarowski added. Earlier this month, it was reported that Lue was considered a candidate for the vacant Los Angeles Lakers job after Darvin Ham's firing.

Estrada strikes out 12 batters straight

 

San Diego Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada became the first pitcher in the expansion era to strike out at least 12 consecutive batters in a season, according to MLB.com's Sarah Langs.

Estrada accomplished the feat when he fanned Miami Marlins third baseman Jake Burger in the top of the ninth inning during Tuesday's 4-0 win.

Rory McIlroy at Canadian Open

 

The PGA TOUR heads north of the border this week for the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

Two-time Canadian Open winner Rory McIlroy headlines the 156-man field. Golfers will take on the Harry Colt design that most recently hosted the TOUR's third-oldest event in 2019, which McIlroy won by seven shots with a score of 22-under.

Following that tournament, a renovation reshaped every green on the course, added fairway bunkers to increase the challenge off the tee, and added more short grass in place of bunkers around the greens.

Texans sign Collins

 

The Houston Texans are signing wide receiver Nico Collins to a three-year extension worth approximately $24 million per season, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Collins' deal - which has a base value of $72.7 million - is worth up to $75 million and includes $52 million in guaranteed money, his agents told ESPN's Adam Schefter. His new average annual salary ranks seventh in the NFL among wide receivers, per Spotrac.

Lexi Thompson set to retire

 

LPGA star Lexi Thompson is retiring from professional golf at the end of the 2024 season, she announced Tuesday.

Celtics sweep Pacers

 

The Boston Celtics erased a multi-possession deficit in the clutch for the third time in four contests to sweep the Indiana Pacers with a 105-102 road win in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals Monday.

Boston will take on the winner of the Dallas Mavericks-Minnesota Timberwolves duel in the NBA Finals. Dallas holds a 3-0 advantage over Minnesota. The series will begin on June 6.

The Pacers were up 98-90 with just under six minutes to play before the Celtics finished the game on a 15-4 run capped by a 3-pointer by Derrick White in the final minute to break a 102-102 tie. Indiana didn't score in the final 3:32 of the contest.

Sheldon Keefe press conference

 

Sheldon Keefe believes he's improved at his job in his half-decade as a bench boss at the highest level.

"After five years and six playoff rounds, I'm a far better coach than when I arrived in the NHL," the New Jersey Devils head coach said Tuesday at his introductory press conference.

The Devils confirmed Thursday that they hired Keefe after the Toronto Maple Leafs fired him May 9 following yet another early-round exit. The Boston Bruins vanquished the Maple Leafs on David Pastrnak's overtime winner in Game 7 five days earlier.

Umpire Angel Hernandez retires

 

It’s about time. Bye!

Thank goodness, umpire Angel Hernandez will retire from Major League Baseball on Tuesday after a 34-year career, a source told USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Hernandez is widely considered baseball's most controversial and polarizing umpire. He reportedly spent the past two weeks negotiating a financial settlement with the league.

The 62-year-old worked his first MLB game on May 23, 1991, and his last contest on May 9, 2024, as the home plate umpire between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians.

Brandon McManus accused of sexual assault

 

The Washington Commanders said Monday they were made aware of a lawsuit filed in civil court last week against kicker Brandon McManus, and the Jacksonville Jaguars acknowledged they are also being sued.

A Commanders spokesperson said the team is looking into the situation and has spoken with McManus’ agent and the NFL office, adding, “We take allegations of this nature very seriously.”

ESPN reported two women are suing McManus for sexually assaulting them during a charter flight to London last year when he was playing for the Jaguars, who said they are aware of the complaint and the significance of the claims being made.

Kraken hiring Dan Bylsma as head coach

 

The Seattle Kraken are hiring Dan Bylsma as the second head coach in franchise history, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedmanreports.

Bylsma, 53, has coached the Kraken's AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley for two seasons. He won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.

Davis Riley wins Charles Schwab

 

Davis Riley led the Charles Schwab Challenge from the second round to the final hole, prevailing by five strokes over Scottie Scheffler and Keegan Bradley on Sunday.

Riley was paired with Scheffler, the world's No. 1 player, for Round 4 and fired an even-par 70 on the final day after Saturday's 66 and Friday's 64. He sunk four birdies but also bogeyed four holes Sunday. Riley led by four strokes entering the final round.

Teams are calling for Necas

 

Multiple teams around the NHL have called the Carolina Hurricanes regarding the availability of forward Martin Necas, sources told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

The 25-year-old is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who can become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Evolving-Hockey projects Necas will earn $8.8 million annually on an eight-year contract.

Kyle Bradish throws 7 inning no hitter

 

The Baltimore Orioles removed Kyle Bradish from Sunday's start despite the right-hander holding the Chicago White Sox hitless through seven innings.

Bradish threw 103 pitches and tied his career high with 11 strikeouts. Danny Coulombereplaced Bradish to start the eighth inning.

Acuna Jr. OUT for the season

 

Atlanta Braves outfielder and 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.will miss the remainder of the season after an MRI revealed a torn ACL in his left knee, the club announced Sunday.

Acuña sustained the injury during Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with what the team initially called knee soreness.

Acuña's knee appeared to buckle when he attempted to steal third base following his leadoff double. He immediately collapsed to the ground and gingerly walked off the field with the help of training staff.

Aiyuk value in the NFL

 

Brandon Aiyuk isn't necessarily trying to become the NFL's highest-paid receiver as he negotiates a new contract with the San Francisco 49ers.

The benchmark for Aiyuk's new deal is the pact the Detroit Lions gave wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The Lions signed St. Brown to a four-year extension on April 24 worth $120.01 million, according to Spotrac. The pass-catcher's average annual salary ranks second in the NFL at his position, with Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown recently signing a three-year deal at $32 million per year.

Marchment scores to even the series

 

Mason Marchment and the Dallas Stars were playing with a Game 7 mindset, even though it was only the second game of the Western Conference Final and it took them a bit to really get in that mode.

Jake Oettinger withstood a flurry of shots by Edmonton in the first period after Stars captain Jamie Benn scored on their first shot, and Marchment put them ahead in the third period in a 3-1 victory Saturday night that evened the series.

Grayson Murray dead at 30

 

Professional golfer Grayson Murray died at the age of 30 on Saturday, the PGA TOUR announced.

"We were devastated to learn - and are heartbroken to share - that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words," commissioner Jay Monahan said. "The PGA TOUR is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.

Rangers even the series

 

Tough guy Matt Rempe added the excitement the Rangers lacked in Game 1 against the defending Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers. Linemate Barclay Goodrow gave New York and its fans something even more important — an overtime goal.

Goodrow scored 14:01 into the extra period to give the Rangers a 2-1 victory in Game 2 on Friday night, evening the conference final. The fourth-line center has four goals in the postseason, matching his total in 80 regular-season games.

Raiders give Crosby huge pay raise

 

The Las Vegas Raiders are rewarding star pass rusher Maxx Crosby with a $6 million raise this season and another $1.2 million next year, a person with knowledge of the deal said Thursday.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract details had not been announced.

Three years remain on Crosby's contract. He signed a four-year extension in March 2022 worth about $95 million. He was scheduled to approximately $19.38 million this year and $21.92 in 2025, according to Spotrac.

Don Waddell resigns from Hurricanes

 

Carolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell resigned from his post Friday, the team announced.

Assistant general manager Eric Tulsky will take over for Waddell on an interim basis with the support of fellow assistant Darren Yorke. The organization has begun a full search for a permanent GM.

Robots at Home Plate

 

Major League Baseball says robot home plate umpires are unlikely for 2025.

“We still have some technical issues,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday at a news conference following an owners meeting. “We haven’t made as much progress in the minor leagues this year as we sort of hoped at this point. I think it’s becoming more and more likely that this will not be a go for ’25.”

MLB has been experimenting with the automated ball-strike system in minor leagues since 2019. It is being used at all Triple-A parks this year for the second straight season, the robot alone for the first three games of each series and a human with a challenge system in the final three.

Juan Soto goes DEEP twice

 

The love affair between New York Yankees fans and star outfielder Juan Soto continued during Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners.

Soto blasted a pair of home runs in New York's 7-3 victory and was serenaded with "MVP" chants after the second big fly.

Panthers take Game 1

 

Sergei Bobrovsky had a long stretch without seeing a shot on goal in the middle of the game, and then there was a flurry in the third period.

No matter, he stopped everything that came his way.

Bobrovsky had 23 saves for his first shutout of the postseason, and the Panthers beat the New York Rangers 3-0 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Lamar Jackson sheds a few pounds

 

Baltimore Ravens quarterback and two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson said he expects to be even more elusive after dropping weight this offseason.

"I don't really know how many pounds I lost," Jackson said Wednesday after Baltimore's second OTA practice, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "I'm like (200-something pounds) right now. But I (will) just say it was important enough to be able to move around a little bit extra, that's all."

Devils hire Sheldon Keefe

 

The New Jersey Devils are hiring Sheldon Keefe as their new head coach, reports TSN's Darren Dreger.

He'll join his new team on a four-year deal, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun. The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Keefe to a two-year extension in 2023, but it didn't kick in before he was relieved of his duties on May 9.

The Devils are expected to officially announce the hiring Thursday.

Tocchet wins Jack Adams

 

Vancouver Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet was named the 2023-24 Jack Adams Award winner on Wednesday, beating out finalists Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators and Rick Bowness of the Winnipeg Jets as coach of the year.

David Bell meltdown in dugout

 

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell tossed and kicked a chair in his team's dugout after another one of his players was hit in the hand by an inside pitch during Tuesday's 2-0 win over the San Diego Padres.

"We've had a lot of guys, a lot of guys hit in the hand, and that's where that came from," Bell said of his reaction to Jake Fraleygetting hit by a pitch during the first inning, according to WCPO's Caleb Noe.

Aaron Rodgers big return

 

Aaron Rodgers is officially putting his torn Achilles tendon behind him.

The New York Jets quarterback has no limitations as he practices with the team during organized team activities, which began Monday.

“He’s doing everything,” coach Robert Saleh said Tuesday.

Oilers eliminate Canucks

 

The Edmonton Oilers staved off a third-period comeback attempt by the Vancouver Canucks to win 3-2 in Monday's Game 7 of their second-round series and set up a clash with the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final.

The Oilers appeared to be in cruise control after three consecutive second-period goals, but the Canucks struck twice in four minutes midway through the final frame to set up a frenetic finish.

Justin Jefferson no show

 

The Minnesota Vikings have one major piece of roster management remaining on their agenda before the regular season: signing superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a contract extension.

Without a new deal in place, Jefferson was absent on Monday when the Vikings held their first of 10 allowable organized team activities, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Devers homers 6 games straight

 

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers set a new franchise record by homering in a sixth straight game following a two-run blast in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.

Yu Darvish is dominating

 

Yu Darvish dominated a slumping Braves offense and extended his career-high scoreless innings streak to 25 while earning his 200th professional win as the San Diego Padres hammered Atlanta 9-1 on Sunday night.

Darvish (4-1) gave up only two hits, struck out nine and walked one on 99 pitches in seven innings, and lowered his ERA to 2.08.

Raiders legend Jim Otto dead at 86

 

Jim Otto, the Hall of Fame center known as “Mr. Raider” for his durability through a litany of injuries, has died, the team confirmed Sunday night. He was 86.

The cause of death was not immediately known.

“The Original Raider,” the club said in a statement posted on the social platform X. “The personification of consistency, Jim’s influence on the American Football League and professional football as a whole cannot be overstated. His leadership and tenacity were a hallmark of the dominant Raider teams of the 1960s and 70s.”

Paige Spiranac in Happy Gilmour 2

 

Paige Spiranac will be in her happy place if the call comes for her to join the cast of a rumoured Happy Gilmore sequel.

The golf influencer, 30, has been chosen by fans to star alongside funnyman Adam Sandler when followup to the 1996 sports comedy moves forward.

Brock Boeser OUT for Game 7

 

The Vancouver Canucks will likely be without Brock Boeser for Game 7 of their second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Boeser is dealing with a blood clotting issue and his recovery timetable is unclear, but it's not a life-threatening situation, sources told Friedman.

David Johnson retires

 

Former Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans running back David Johnson retired from the NFL, he announced Sunday on Instagram.

"The relationships and brotherhoods I’ve formed with so many of my dawgs will never be forgotten. I’m going to miss the locker room, dining hall, and before-meeting vibes," Johnson said in the statement.

Brind’Amour signs contract extension

 

Rod Brind'Amour isn't going anywhere.

The former Jack Adams Award-winning head coach agreed to a multi-year extension with the Carolina Hurricanes, the team announced Sunday.

The contract is five years, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports.

Schauffele wins PGA Championship

 

Xander Schauffele got up-and-down from just off the green to birdie the 72nd hole of the PGA Championship and win his first major title on Sunday.

Schauffele edged out Bryson DeChambeau by just one shot to claim the Wanamaker Trophy. DeChambeau pressured the 30-year-old with a birdie on No. 18 a couple of groups before Schauffele responded with one of his own. That birdie helped Schauffele reach 21-under for the week - the lowest total at a major championship in golf history.

Nelly Korda wins AGAIN

 

Nelly Korda won a back nine showdown with Hannah Green of Australia with a par on the 18th hole to capture the Mizuho Americas Open by a stroke Sunday for her sixth win in seven starts on the LPGA Tour this year.

The victory made the 25-year-old American the first player since Inbee Park (2013) to record six wins in a single season.

Fanatics files lawsuit

 

Fanatics filed a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court on Saturday against Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.for alleged breach of contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The merchandise company states the two sides signed an agreement last May while he was at Ohio State, but Harrison's team says no deal was signed, Schefter adds. 

The alleged deal is worth more than $1 million and allows Fanatics to sell autographs, signed trading cards, game-worn apparel, and other marketing opportunities, a source told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.

Oilers force Game 7

 

The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks are going the distance.

The Oilers handily defeated the Canucks 5-1 in Game 6 on Saturday to force a winner-take-all contest Monday night in Vancouver.

The winner of Game 7 will book a ticket to the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars.