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NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Corey Day is coming off his first win, driving to victory at Talladega Superspeedway and proving he is one of the top prospects in racing. With a seat potentially opening up next season in the Cup Series at Hendrick Motorsports, there has been some speculation that Day might get a ride at only 21 years old.

Speaking on Day’s win on the latest episode of Action Detrimental, future Hall of Fame driver Denny Hamlin was asked if he thought Hendrick’s top prospect could race in the Cup Series next season.

“Next year? Oh man, that’s quick. I wouldn’t recommend it, but you never know.”

Denny Hamlin on whether Corey Day can reach the Cup Series in 2027

RELATED: Denny Hamlin eyes revenge on fellow driver

• Corey Day Statistics (O’Reilly Series): 399 points, 1 win, nine top-10s, four top-5s, 1 pole, 1 DNF, 191 laps led, 8.09 average starting position, 8.36 average finishing position

Day, who won’t turn 21 until November, is widely viewed as one of NASCAR’s top prospects in 2026. He signed a development contract with Hendrick through 2024 and ran 11 races with the team in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series last season.

The young driver of the No. 17 Hendrick car got off to a poor start in his first full-time season in the O’Reilly Series. After qualifying sixth, Day finished 27th at Daytona to start the season. However, in the last 10 races he has finished 12th or better in every race with an average finishing position of 6.5.

Between Day being out at OARS and Alex Bowman having a disastrous contract year, it seems likely the young driver will take over the No. 48 car at least next season. It would be a short-term gamble, but Hendrick can see it as a long-term move to prepare Day for his future with a top team and he will gain valuable experience racing in a consistent Next Gen car.

However, Connor Zylisch is a perfect example of why HMS wants to play slowly with Day’s development. The 19-year-old had a historic dominance in the O’Reilly Series last year, winning 10 races and leading 1,013 laps. Now driving the No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing in his rookie season, he has the third-worst average finishing position (27.0) and fourth-worst average starting position (28.3) among full-time Cup Series drivers through 10 races.

The car and support staff that Day will have in the No. 48 car will certainly be better than the one that worked with Zillisch this season at Trackhouse. However, this could ultimately be detrimental to the young driver as expectations would be higher and his early struggles racing in a top-flight car would be more pronounced.

Hamlin’s advice that Day should spend two full seasons in the O’Reilly Series, with perhaps a few Cup starts mixed in, is probably the right approach for the rising player. If all goes well and he continues to sharpen his racing with experience in OARS, he will soon be in the Cup Series.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Eight days into his tenure with the New Jersey Devils, the real work has begun for new general manager Sunny Mehta.

Mehta has a long list of items to address this offseason, and when you think about it, he doesn’t have two months to prepare between now and the 2026 NHL Draft.

There are a lot of important questions that need to be answered if New Jersey is going to reach the tipping point Mehta believes they will. More information on the above questions is given in the link below.

Elsewhere, Detroit is having a fire sale? Buffalo charges, and Pittsburgh is backed into a corner.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: There is no exaggeration in the fact that this offseason could be one of the most important in franchise history. Sunny Mehta has outlined his work with his newly inherited team. Here are eight key questions regarding an important offseason for New Jersey.

📺 devil’s rink report: So, what priorities will Mehta face as he steps into his new role as general manager in New Jersey? We break it down in the latest Devils Rink report.

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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Buffalo hockey now: Josh Norris couldn’t get any break. The Buffalo Sabers forward missed Game 3 due to injury, while their exciting rookie returned to the lineup.

Forever Blueshirts: The New York Rangers rookie explains that it’s easier to get into the NHL than it is to stay in the NHL. Jim Cerny explains that he should accept the challenge.

Athletic ($): Connor McDavid avoided the worst with a potential injury. However, so far, the Anaheim Ducks have kept him off the scoresheet. Chris Johnston says now comes an even bigger question.

Pittsburgh hockey now: The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the brink of elimination and their backs are against the wall. Trailing 3-0 in Game 4, one of their key players knows what it’s like to overcome that hurdle.

Detroit hockey now: Is there a Devil’s Trade partner available? Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman says no one is untouchable.

Montreal hockey now: Mark Dumont breaks down which Montreal Canadiens forwards are performing well in the playoffs and which defensemen need to step up.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

This may be the most important offseason in New Jersey Devils franchise history.

Sunny Mehta has an extensive list of tasks to get the Devils back on track as playoff and Stanley Cup contenders this summer.

He began his introductory press conference by stating that he was extremely optimistic about the roster as currently constructed.

“I am extremely optimistic about this team,” Mehta began. “We have a lot of talented players, and I really believe that these talented players are going to reach a turning point and get over that hurdle. It’s my job to make sure this roster is consistently filled with the amount of talent needed to be a championship team, and I intend to do that.”

However, that doesn’t mean New Jersey shouldn’t make changes, on and off the ice.

To reach that hit point, Mehta will have to press all the right buttons.

True to his poker player nature, Mehta didn’t reveal his hand as to what was going to happen through the rebuild. He explained anything and everything is being evaluated.

This leaves us with several key questions regarding the important offseason.

Will Sheldon Keefe stay?

When Mehta was introduced at the Prudential Center earlier this week, head coach Sheldon Keefe was in attendance. Mehta thanked Keefe and the Devils players in attendance for their hospitality.

The new Devils GM explained that he and Keefe have already had several conversations, emphasizing that Keefe is a “fantastic guy” while reminding everyone that everything will still be up for evaluation.

Still, when discussing the team’s identity and roster construction, Mehta admitted he hadn’t given it much thought on his second day on the job. However, he clarified that he would talk to Keefe to get a better idea on how to move forward with building his team.

So, will Keef return? We don’t know for sure. However, his attendance at the introductory conference and his involvement towards the settlement indicate that Keefe may be behind the Devils’ bench again next season.

What happens to Dougie Hamilton?

Certainly, this is no mess that Mehta has created. However, it has to be cleaned up somehow.

Dougie Hamilton’s situation is a strange one for Mehta. By now, you know that Hamilton has not been made available to the media since December, refusing to speak on multiple occasions after his agent made public his mockery of the former regime.

His reluctance to speak in exit interviews indicates that tensions remain despite Tom Fitzgerald’s absence.

This is an important part of what happens with the Devils this offseason. Will Mehta decide that a fresh start is best for everyone for Hamilton and waive his $9 million cap hit?

Or, will Mehta see Hamilton’s 28 points in the final 37 games speak loudly for the Devils GM as part of the solution moving forward?

Either way, once Hamilton’s situation is resolved, it may have little impact.

What is Simon Nemec’s influence?

One of the key questions hinged on the Hamiltonian situation is, whichever way it works, what impact does it have on Simon Nemec?

Nemec is a pending restricted free-agent who has shown positive growth from the blueline this season.

The 22-year-old defenseman got a clutch gene en route to an 11-goal year. His offensive touch also gets him top power play minutes.

What Nemec lacks, however, is his defensive game. In their region, they have shown slower growth than anticipated. Nemec is still a green banana that may take a while to ripen. Still, for the Devils to return to the playoffs, can they afford the No. 17 pick to develop his defensive game at the NHL level?

Either way, it feels like whether Hamilton stays or goes, Nemec will have an adverse impact.

Trade or keep the 2026 first round pick?

The Devils’ chances of moving up in the Draft Lottery are quite slim. Right now, they are 12th from the bottom in the league-wide standings and are only eligible to reach second place overall.

We’ll find out in two weeks where the Devils are going to select. Still, unless they have a chance at Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg, the Devils should plan on moving this selection in favor of a top-six forward to play with Jack Hughes.

How aggressive will Mehta be in pursuing reforms?

Leaving aside the trade discussion regarding their 2026 first-round pick, we wonder how aggressive Mehta will be in improving the team.

Devils have certain needs. First of all, as I said earlier, the Devils need a top six forward to pair with Jack and Jesper Bratt. If Mehta is going to do this, it’s more than likely he’ll use the first-round pick they currently have.

However, could Mehta also have decided that he needed to shake up the culture? If a big-name player like Brady Tkachuk or Jason Robertson becomes available on the trade market, would Mehta be included as a serious trade partner? If Mehta feels that the current core has not worked, and perhaps they are not aligned with his analytical thinking, then it is not far-fetched to think that he would make a deal that would break a piece off from the core.

After all, Mehta has no attachment to anyone on the roster as of now. While Fitzgerald probably had a lot of love for his own roster, there should be no strings attached to Mehta in terms of making a trade.

And let’s not forget that the bottom six needs work too. The Devils rank 27th in goals scored this season. There was no reduction in their depth which impacted the top six.

How many new faces will we see in September?

Can Mehta fix the goaltending?

The Devils’ goaltending was structured as the last line of defense. Obviously, right? You have to beat the goaltender to score.

However, Jacob Markstrom was brought in for his high-threat defensive pedigree. Fitzgerald locked down Allen as a reliable 1B/backup. Only one of those two things happened in 2025-26.

The problem is that both goaltenders are on the wrong side of 35. Mehta could work with Allen who is on the hook for just $1.8 million for the next four seasons.

However, Markstrom’s new two-year contract begins on July 1 and runs through 2027–28.

Markstrom has shown signs of decline this season, and if it gets even worse, the Devils are going nowhere fast. Is there any solution this summer? They don’t have a 20-team trade list, so Mehta’s only option is to go with 11 other teams.

Otherwise, perhaps Mehta should reconsider Dave Rogalski as the goaltending coach.

Big ticket for Nico Hischier?

Perhaps the biggest question of the offseason. Will the Devils extend Nico Hischier when he becomes eligible on July 1?

When asked about his pending contract during the regular season, Hischier stated in his exit interview that he wanted to win a Cup in New Jersey.

However, if Mehta cannot resolve his contract with Hischier as soon as possible, it could put a halt to the crucial 2026-27 season. Allowing Hischier to reach unrestricted free agency would be an obvious mistake.

Coming from Florida, one of the comparisons to Hischier would definitely be Sasha Barkov. Could Hischier sign the same 8x$10M contract that Florida’s captain signed in 2021?

Five years later, you’ll have to account for the cost of inflation in an era of rising salary caps.

Short or long term extension for Arseniy Gritsyuk?

Arseniy Gritsyuk’s rookie season could only have been better if he had not been injured in the final stages of the season.

The 25-year-old first-year NHLer scored 13 goals and 31 points in 66 games this season, and is an outside candidate to receive a Calder Trophy nomination.

Everything about Gritsyuk screams core player.

Still, the Devils have been burned by KHL-imports before. Looking at you, Nikita Gusev.

So will Mehta commit to Gritsyuk long-term? Or is the bridge contract ready?

Everyone, including Jack Hughes, wants Gritsyuk to stay long term. But, again, Mehta has no relation to the player.

Gritsyuk has passed both eye tests and his analysis is impressive. It seems like he is a player Mehta would like to keep around for a long time.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker scored a quick win by stopping Brian Suarez in the opening round at the M&S Bank Arena on April 18, 2026. The contest lasted only two minutes and 20 seconds, as Whittaker improved his record to 11–0–1 with eight knockouts.

The fight was made at short notice after Callum Smith withdrew from the planned fight due to injury. Despite the late change, Whittaker stepped into the main event and seized the moment without any delay. The quick finish marked his second consecutive first-round stoppage and drew a strong reaction from the crowd in Liverpool.

Ben Whittaker stops Brian Suarez in the opening round

Whittaker started the fight at a fast pace and quickly took control. He used his jab to create space and set up his shots. Within moments, he landed a clean overhand right that dropped Suárez to the canvas. The impact was obvious, and referee Howard Foster immediately stepped in to stop the contest.

The stoppage gave Whittaker another quick win after his previous first round finish against Benjamin Gavazzi. The result extended his unbeaten streak and added to his growing record in the light-heavyweight division.

After the fight, Whittaker talked about his progress and confidence. “For me, they can all call me out. They’re calling me out for a reason. The more I get in this ring, the more experience I get, the more comfortable I get, it’s dangerous for them.”

The performance showed his ability to control and end the fight quickly without the need for additional rounds. The early finish also meant that he suffered little loss and remained active as he progressed in his career.

Eddie Hearn confirms US debut as he outlines next steps

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Whittaker’s next move immediately after the fight. Speaking on DAZN, he said the British fighter will make his American debut on June 27 at the Barclays Center.

The fight will take place on the undercard of the bout between Jaron Ennis and Xander Zayas. The event is expected to give Whittaker exposure to a new market as he continues to raise his profile.

“We know exactly what we’re doing. Next, he’s going where he needs to be, he’s going where all the superstars go and love to walk in front of the bright lights – New York, he’s coming.”

Eddie Hearn also shared plans ahead of the US debut in an interview. He said Whittaker is expected to return to headline a major fight in Birmingham later this year. He said a final eliminator for the world title could be part of that plan.

“Jaron Ennis – 175-pounder in.”

The win in Liverpool and confirmation of the US date marks the next step in Whittaker’s career as he continues to move up the light-heavyweight ranks.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

British boxer Connor Benn has signed a new multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, expanding his partnership with the group led by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh. The announcement on Friday came just days after Benn defeated Regis Prograis by unanimous decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 12.

The 10-round catchweight bout marked Benn’s first appearance under Zuffa since leaving Matchroom Boxing earlier this year. The new deal confirms his long-term commitment to the promotion after a short-term deal which reportedly paid him £11.19 million for the Progress fight.

Strong start builds long-term Zuffa commitment

Ben’s performance against Progress was instrumental in securing a new deal. He controlled the fight in all 10 rounds and won by clear decision on the scorecards. The result improved his professional record and brought Zuffa Boxing early success in the sport.

The April 12 event attracted attention as one of Zuffa’s first major boxing shows. Benn’s victory showed that he could operate in a high-profile setting outside the traditional campaign structure. It also supported Zuffa’s aim of holding competitive matchups with recognized names.

After the fight, Ben confirmed his new deal. “Yeah guys, I just signed a new multi-fight deal that I’m very, very excited about. Our visions are the same; our goal is the same: to win world titles, but, more importantly, to give the people the fights they want. Mega fights. If you guys want it, you guys can get it,” he said.

Dana White also confirmed the agreement. White said, “Conor and I signed a new deal after his one-fight deal. We’re excited to have him. We’re ready for some big fights.” His statement reinforced Zuffa’s focus on staging major bouts as part of its long-term planning.

Deal sets new direction by separating from Matchroom

Benn’s decision to remain with Zuffa follows his departure from Matchroom Boxing, which is led by Eddie Hearn. The move ended a long-standing relationship and moved Ben away from the traditional UK boxing structure.

His first deal with Zuffa was a single-fight deal. The new agreement expands that arrangement into a multi-conflict commitment. Reports indicate that the deal may involve several fights over several years, although the exact terms have not been publicly confirmed.

The deal places Ben among the premier fighters on Zuffa’s growing roster. The promotion aims to establish itself as a dominant force in boxing by holding events on larger platforms and focusing on high-profile matchups.

Ben turned professional in 2016 and is undefeated by no contest against Chris Eubank Jr. His recent win and new deal mark an important step in his career as he continues to pursue a world title.

Zuffa Boxing is still in its early stages, but the company has moved quickly to sign notable fighters. Ben’s decision to proceed with his deal confirms his role in that scheme. The announcement Friday adds another development to the ongoing changes in boxing promotions as new organizations look to compete with established names.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

Andy Ruiz Jr has renewed calls for a third fight with Anthony Joshua, saying their rivalry is still incomplete six years after their first meeting. The former unified heavyweight champion recently spoke in an interview reflecting on his two bouts in 2019. Ruiz, now 35-2-1 with 22 knockouts, said both men changed after those bouts and he believes a trilogy would settle the score.

Their first clash ended in a major upset, while the rematch saw Joshua regain his title. Ruiz said he acknowledged his role in the second outcome but insisted that the third fight would see a different outcome if the two fighters met again at their best.

Andy Ruiz demands a trilogy with Anthony Joshua

Ruiz clarified his position while discussing his rivalry with Anthony Joshua on Casino.org. “I think there should be a trilogy with ‘AJ.’ “His life changed when we fought, and my life changed when we fought. I beat him; he is the one who beat me [in the rematch] Because I let him. I let him beat me in the second fight because I was stupid; I should have taken that fight more seriously.”

He said he is not trying to pressure Joshua into a fight. “I’m not going to go out there and force him or push him. But I think it will be a good fight for both of us to come back. But I will definitely beat him 100 percent.” Ruiz said he wants the fight to happen at the right time.

Revisiting the battles of 2019

The rivalry began in June 2019 at Madison Square Garden. Ruiz entered as a late replacement and knocked down Joshua several times before stopping him in the seventh round. The result gave Ruiz the heavyweight title and marked one of the biggest upsets in boxing.

They met again in Saudi Arabia in December 2019. Joshua used a different approach, controlling the 12-round fight to win by decision and regain his belt. Ruiz later admitted that he was in no shape for that fight. “I weighed about 300 pounds, so I was out of shape, and yet I lasted 12 rounds. So, I think when people saw the fight they didn’t see the best in me.”

Ruiz said he wanted another chance to improve on that performance. “I want to redeem myself. I gave my rematch.”

Ruiz reflects on discipline and Joshua’s form

Ruiz said discipline has been important to furthering his career. “Right now, I think patience is key, and I just have to stay motivated and stay disciplined. If you’re not disciplined, shit’s going to happen. And that’s what I wasn’t with AJ.”

Since the rematch, Ruiz has wins against Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz and a draw with Jarrell Miller. Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua has suffered setbacks, including defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. Ruiz said fighters should not overlook Joshua.

“I think a lot of fighters look at [Joshua’s] The past and the things he’s been through and the losses he’s suffered, but every warrior can save himself. Anyone can come back stronger.” He also told about Joshua’s style. “Sometimes, when he’s fighting, I think he’s too cautious… I think his instincts are what let him down sometimes.”

Ruiz said he will remain patient while waiting for a possible third fight. “I hope it’s good, so we can do a trilogy.”

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

Deontay Wilder defeated Dereck Chisora ​​by split decision on April 4, 2026 at The O2 Arena. The Deontay Wilder vs. Dereck Chisora ​​fight went a full 12 rounds, with the judges scoring it 115–111 and 115–113 for Wilder, while one judge scored it 115–112 for Chisora.

The contest included heavy exchanges, blows and constant pressure from both sides. Wilder improved his record with the win, but after the final bell, attention turned to his comments about officiating during the fight.

Deontay Wilder vs Dereck Chisora ​​Feature Action Fight

Deontay Wilder vs Dereck Chisora ​​The fight started at a fast pace. Chisora ​​pushed forward early, while Wilder used his reach to land clean punches.

In the early rounds, Wilder landed heavy shots and looked close to stopping the fight in the third round. However, the fight continued as Chisora ​​remained active and kept moving forward.

In the post-fight interview, Wilder said he was hit in the back of the head several times during the fight.

“It’s crazy. If the referee was fair, you’d probably be looking at a stoppage in the third round. A lot of things kept happening. I got hit in the back of the head at least 10 to 12 times.”

He said the punches had an impact on him, but did not stop him from moving forward.

“I was feeling dizzy at times, but I kept bouncing back. Then, when I tried to retaliate, they pointed fingers at me.”

The Deontay Wilder vs. Dereck Chisora ​​fight went long, with both fighters exchanging punches for all 12 rounds before the judges made their decision.

Deontay Wilder questions referee’s decision after fight

Deontay Wilder vs. Dereck Chisora ​​After the fight, Wilder talked about the referee’s actions and how they affected the fight.

“When his team came into the ring it was considered a disqualification. I felt like I was fighting Derek and the ref at the same time. It’s crazy.”

He also expressed concern about the impact of the punches on him.

“You know how many fighters get hit in the head and don’t wake up the next day? That’s why I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight. I feel fine on the outside, but inside there’s something developing that I can’t see right now.”

Wilder said his team warned officials before the fight.

“It was one of the things the referee asked about before the fight, if we had any concerns. Shelley brought it up. We told him not to allow shots to the back of the head.”

The Deontay Wilder vs. Dereck Chisora ​​fight ended with a decision victory for Wilder, while his post-fight comments increased the buzz surrounding the bout.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

Nick Voltemed has hit out at the growing criticism that his form is being misunderstood because he is no longer playing as a striker.

22 year old striker Speaking to SueddeutscheZeitungWho asked him about his current downfall at St. James’s Park.

He scored several goals in the Premier League, making him an instant fan favourite.

While other big signings struggled elsewhere, He looked ready for the Premier League. Then the goals slowed down and the questions started. Speaking about it now, he dismissed the idea that he had “lost the thread”.

“I don’t look at it as negatively as from the outside, for me it’s still a normal process,” He said.

“Of course, you can look at it from the outside and say: He only scored one goal in the New Year, what’s wrong with that? But anyone who really knows my game knows why that is.”

A very different Newcastle United role

Pressed on what has changed, Nick Voltemed explained that he has been deployed much further away from the penalty area. Newcastle now often uses him as a midfielder.

“I’m playing in a very different position than at the beginning of the season,” He added.

“Recently in the game against Chelsea, I played some kind of man-to-man coverage against Cole Palmer in midfield, and he is an attacking ten. You can imagine what areas I was traveling across the field.

“I know you associate me with goals, but you can’t compare the goal percentage of a striker with that of a midfielder who plays 50, 60, 70 meters from the opposition goal.

“I’m a completely different Nick Voltmead than I was at the beginning of the season. At this point, I have to be rated more on how I lead my duels or secure positions.”

Nick Voltmead’s broken rhythm

Nick Woltemade is happy to admit that goals have slowed down, but he’s not too worried. Instead he insists that the change is part of his ongoing Newcastle United development.

“Of course, I score very few goals,” He said.

“But I’m completely relaxed, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to expand my repertoire. This is the job I’ve got, and I’m trying to master it. And I believe it will make me stronger in the long run, if I learn to deal with such stages as well.”

He is also pushing for suggestions of a form crisis. Instead he believes there are no critics watching Newcastle regularly.

“The irritation may be too much, but it bothers me. I’m playing half left or half right in a five-man midfield at the moment and would like to be assessed based on this profile. If someone’s form shows signs of distress, I’d just say he doesn’t watch many Newcastle United games.”

eddie howe is not the problem

The striker is also ready to support his manager. Eddie Howe has faced criticism for his use of the striker and deploying him deeper. There have been suggestions that he does not like making big signings in the summer.

However, Nick Voldemort did not like this suggestion, as it had worked well at the beginning of the season.

“I don’t think you can say that. It worked well for me in attack in the first few months,” When asked directly whether he did not fit into Howe’s strategy, he argued.

Instead, Woltemade believes that other factors such as injuries have forced Howe to reshuffle things to try to fit them in.

“Many things have come together. First Bruno Guimarães is out, our playmaker, and then some other midfielders. We are not an individual athlete, but a team. It is normal that you have to help as a player in other positions.” He concluded.

“I played a position forward, and I think I performed quite well there. In any case, the coach was satisfied with me. At the same time he could have wished for a little more depth in the attacking centre. Of course, a player like Anthony Gordon can give us that.”

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Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye has admitted he is thinking about his position at the club after impressing on international duty with Switzerland this week.

Ndoye was in good form for his country this week as Switzerland hosted Germany in an international friendly.

He scored the first goal in that game in an impressive all-round performance despite a 4–3 defeat.

After which it was highly praised in SwitzerlandExplaining SRF That he gained ‘new confidence’ with the national team. That confidence has been sorely lacking at Nottingham Forest.

nottingham forest conflict

The 25-year-old joined Nottingham Forest in a €42m deal from Bologna in the summer after impressing in Italy.

But the transition to the Premier League has not been easy. He has managed only two goals and two assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for Nottingham Forest this season.

He has not been able to play even 90 minutes in the Premier League since 9^Of november. In fact, his 78 minutes for Switzerland this week were his most since the end of November.

question the situation

He admits that it is a situation he is racking his brain about.

“It’s been a long time since my first goal against Germany at Euro 2024,” he told RTS. Via FC Inter News.

“It’s always a pleasure to be in the decider against such a team. When I get a chance to play, I always give my all.”

“At club level I don’t get many minutes, but today I showed that I have some quality. I feel very good with Switzerland, and I want to enjoy these moments.

“It was important for me to get playing time and also to score. Why don’t I play for Nottingham Forest? I ask myself the same.”

Chances of getting out of summer

Given everything that has happened this season, Dane Ndoye looks certain to leave Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window.

He is clearly not happy with the situation. And January transfer window report Already connecting with him from a step away.

Now the international break has made him realize what he is missing. Perhaps this will inspire him to seek the step he needs.

The memories of Game 7 won’t fade away soon. Last time the Toronto Blue Jays came inches away from a World Series championship – several times – but fell short.

However, now it’s time to turn the page (and) [Andy] Pages), as he threw the first pitch of the 2026 season in an attempt to defend his American League championship. Are the Jays a better team this season? General manager Ross Atkins thinks they are. But it doesn’t mean much until they get between the white lines and we see how this team comes together.

Bo Bichette and Chris Bassitt have been the most notable absentees this season. Isiah Kiner-Falefa isn’t back either, but Toronto fans will want to forget the last time they saw him in a Jays uniform.

Atkins hopes to replace Bichette’s production with Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto. The additions of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to the pitching staff have compensated for the loss of Bassitt on the mound (although his clubhouse presence will be missed).

So what questions does this team have in 2026? Well, very much. Let’s take a look at the four biggest ones:

4 questions facing the Blue Jays in 2026

1. Can Okamoto really replace what Bichette provided at the plate?

Okamoto had a .277 average and .882 OPS in his 10 seasons in Japan’s NPB. With an on-base percentage and slugging PCT of .355. Hitting .521, he has shown that he not only has power, but also strong contact skills. He has always maintained a low strikeout rate and ability to draw walks. Most experts believe those skills should transfer well to the major leagues. His .316 average and 1.066 OPS among 23 Grapefruit League at-bats are promising signs.

2. Can Addison Barger take the next step into full-on breakout slugger?

Barger gave Jays fans some tempting appetizers in 2025, including 21 long balls in 502 plate appearances in the regular season and a memorable, historic grand slam in the World Series.

When Billy Donovan was asked about the possibility of leaving the Chicago Bulls to coach North Carolina, he expressed complete reservations. According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Donovan would not deny that he had some interest in coaching the Tar Heels, instead turning his attention to his job with the Bulls.

“My main focus is on these guys and this new team,” Donovan said. “I understand there are things out there, and I understand there will be some speculation. But, I’ve got to focus on this group, and really, my focus is on what we’re doing here in Chicago, having a game tonight, and traveling to play back-to-back.”

The message in these comments suggests that Chicago’s current head coach is still keeping the door open to a move to North Carolina after the season. The Bulls will play their final game on April 12, but he is under contract with Chicago after signing a multi-year deal last offseason. This line of thinking is in line with ClutchPoints’ report that there was some uncertainty over Donovan’s future.

Brett Siegel reported, “This has led to a lot of questions being asked among NBA personnel about Donovan’s long-term future with the Bulls.” “One of which revolves around whether he would really consider going back to college to a prolific program like North Carolina if he was offered the job.”

If Billy Donovan were ever to return to college after his successful stint at Florida from 1996 to 2015, it would likely be for the allure of a program like North Carolina.

Chelsea’s development plan for Mateo del Blanco is already facing mixed signals in ArgentinaThe latest reports show that the situation is much less advanced than previously presented.

In our first coverage, journalist Renzo Pantich described A clear path is being prepared. He clearly stated that del Blanco ‘Will be bought by Chelsea and loaned to Racing de Strasbourg’Framing this move as an expectation of something happening soon.

That version structured the deal and aligned with Chelsea’s multi-club model. Strasbourg will act as a first step, allowing the 22-year-old left-back to adapt ahead of any potential move to Stamford Bridge.

However, reporting from Argentina now paints a more cautious picture.

The situation was seen differently in Santa Fe

argentina outlet hail The situation has been addressed from inside the union – and the tone is notably different.

Both the club and the player’s representatives insist that there has been no formal offer from Chelsea. On the Santa Fe side, the situation is still being treated as speculation, even if Europe’s interest has been acknowledged.

Importantly, it is not designed as a running deal. Instead, it is described as a rumor that is growing in visibility, but with no concrete steps behind it.

Del Blanco is attracting interest – but no offers

Ole also provides wider context about the player’s rising profile. Mateo del Blanco was the top assist provider in the 2025 Clausura, registering five assists, and remains one of the standout performers in the current Apertura.

That form has already attracted attention from elsewhere in South America. Brazilian clubs such as Red Bull Bragantino and Corinthians followed him closely during the last window. However, as is the current situation with Chelsea, no formal bid was made.

The union responded to that interest by securing its future. The club extended his contract until December 2028, strengthening both his playing position and his negotiating leverage.

Youngsters still at the center of union plans

Mateo del Blanco remains a prominent figure in Santa Fe. He is a guaranteed starter under manager Leonardo Madellon and is one of the team’s most influential players.

A sale would represent a significant sporting loss, even though it could become one of the club’s most significant financial operations in recent years.

That balance helps explain the current stance. The club is aware of the increased attention, but is not yet dealing with any concrete situation.

Next Steps for Bluco

The new report means it now becomes a situation to monitor rather than complete.

Pentich’s claims suggest internal planning and intention. Meanwhile, reporting on hail reflects the reality on the ground in Argentina, where no formal measures have been taken.

This difference is common in early stage transfers, especially in South America. Interest may persist for months before developing into conversation.

For now, Matteo del Blanco sits in between those two versions. A player clearly on Chelsea’s radar, but still waiting for that interest to translate into something tangible.

🇵🇹 Exclusive: Maxi Araújo

⏩Tottenham and Chelsea are in contact
➡️ Source gave information @UllalIBT
➡️There is also further Premier League interesthttps://t.co/K17lRpjlUG #thfc #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 22 March 2026

The Milwaukee Bucks are entering a pivotal period, and Brian Windhorst’s recent comments have added to the uncertainty. As trade discussions involving the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo begin to unfold, the timeline no longer feels secure. That tension has also opened the door to more questions about their future, even if nothing is official yet.

Concerns grew during Windhorst’s appearance on the Rich Eisen Show.

“The Bucks’ way to really retain Giannis is to sign him to a five-year, $270 million contract extension this fall,” he said. Then came the pause. “And I ask the question, and I don’t know the answer here. I’m not reporting anything, I’m just saying, are the Bucks willing to pay him $275 million at this point?”

This is not a report. This is a real question. The Bucks sit at 28-40 with only 14 games left. The play-in chase is slipping away. It looks like the season is about to end. In those circumstances, every decision has greater importance.

A decisive decision is looming for the Bucks

Brian Windhorst pioneered the idea on the Rich Eisen Show.

“Maybe the answer is still perfect and he signs it and he doesn’t get traded, but not only did you not trade him and you have a lost season here, how do you feel about his health now that he’s 30 years old?

That line comes down hard. It’s not just about money. It’s about timing, about risk and about what happens next.

He added, “For me, I’m not sure it was a completely thoughtless thing to do.”

With the Bucks franchise now standing at a crossroads, Giannis Antetokounmpo trade questions are quietly beginning to surface. Reports suggest that the team may lay him off to protect his health. This is a sign of a change. There is no focus on this season anymore. This is the future.

The crowd once believed that this path was simple. Expand Superstar. Chase another title. Now the noise has become louder. So what do the Bucks decide, and what does it mean for everything going forward?

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Santiago Bueno has openly admitted that the club’s January transfer business has left the team “significantly weakened”.

talking to efe and relayed by Mundo DeportivoBueno addressed the impact of losing several players during the January window.

Jørgen Strand Larsson, John Arias, Emmanuel Egbadou, Fer López, Marshall Munetsi and Kijana Hoever all left Wolves in January, while the club only added Adam Armstrong and Angel Gomes.

The club saw those deals as part of a long-term team rebuild, with the prospect of a drop into the Championship becoming increasingly likely.

“We were weakened quite a bit” – Bueno on Wolves’ winter exit

Bueno appeared unhappy with the club’s turnover and made it clear how his departure affected the team.

“It was a little difficult for us because we were very depleted, and I don’t think we brought what it took to replace him,” He said.

“Despite this, the team is very united, and we are all pulling together to move forward.”

Why Fer López struggled and why Bueno still believes in him

While Strand Larsson, Arias and Egbadou left on permanent deals, Ferr López returned to former club Celta Vigo on loan.

He was one of several summer signings who failed to make an impact at Molineux this season.

Since returning to Spain, she has rediscovered her form and happiness. He now plays regularly for the team that finished seventh in La Liga and competes in the Europa League.

That turnaround has seen him go from starting just two league games at Wolves since his return to appearing in seven La Liga matches and three Europa League games. Expectations remain that he will leave permanently in the summer, but Bueno defended the 21-year-old.

“Feir is a brilliant player. He is a very young boy who has not played many professional matches. It is not easy to get to the Premier League, which is the most demanding league in the world,” He said.

“It is a very physical competition and very different from what they are used to, which is why the players need an adaptation period. The team situation also worked against them, and when such situations arise, it becomes very difficult.

“He is showing at Celta what a good player he is, and if not now, he will perform at this level here or wherever he plays in the future.”

A message the wolves can’t ignore

Santiago Bueno’s honesty reflects concerns shared by many supporters. Wolves needed reinforcements, not a net loss of quality.

His comments stop short of directly criticizing the club, but they do underline a team stretched thin and relying heavily on unity to reach the end of the season.

That unity has been visible lately, which can only be a positive for the difficult months ahead.

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Giza, Egypt, with the fight taking place near the Pyramids. The event will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN pay-per-view.

The fight has attracted attention throughout boxing after it was approved as a full title defense by the WBC Board of Governors. The sanctioning body initially placed the matchup as a special event, later confirming that it would be contested for the belt.

That change has sparked debate within the sport, including a reaction from rising British heavyweight Moussa Itauma.

Moussa Itauma questions WBC decision

Moses Itauma spoke to Ariel Helwani after the WBC confirmed the fight would receive full title status. The 21-year-old said Usyk has earned the right to choose his opponents, but questioned whether the decision was fair.

“Usyk, he can do whatever he wants. He’s earned this right. But I don’t like to use the word fair, but I don’t think he should be allowed to fight for a world title.”

“Obviously, like I said, Usyk has earned the right to do whatever he wants, but I don’t think it’s right for Rico to be able to fight for a world title in his first fight. It’s a little crazy.”

Itauma also addressed the occasion on Verhoeven’s behalf.

“If Rico got a chance to fight Usyk for the WBC title, it would be foolish for him not to take it. It’s only fair if he’s able to fight for it in his first fight. It’s a little crazy.”

Rico Verhoeven enters his first major boxing title fight

Rico Verhoeven, 36, is a longtime kickboxing champion who has built his reputation on glory with victories over the top names in that sport. His professional boxing record includes one fight in 2014.

The fight against Usyk will be his first appearance in a major boxing event. The WBC’s decision to sanction the bout as a title fight came after its initial status was changed.

Dan Rafael and other members of the media reported the WBC’s earlier stance on the matchup.

“The WBC fully supports this crossover fight. This will be the WBC’s signature event. And we will create an incredible belt featuring elements of the Egyptian pyramids. The WBC supports Fury vs. Ngannou [sic]Joe proved to be very competitive, and we have full respect for Rico as a great kickboxing heavyweight champion. At this time, the request for a title defense has not been discussed and only a special event involving the WBC Heavyweight Champion has been discussed.

That situation later changed, with the WBC confirming that the fight would be for the title.

“After careful consideration. The WBC Board of Governors has ruled in favor of approving the voluntary title defense of WBC World Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk against veteran kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven.”

Organizers have positioned the event as a global showcase with international distribution through DAZN pay-per-view.

Usyk prepares for next title defense

Oleksandr Usyk entered the bout undefeated with a 24-0 record and 15 knockouts. The Ukrainian holds multiple heavyweight titles and remains active at the top level of the division.

The May 23 contest will serve as his next defense of the WBC belt, with Verhoeven stepping up to challenge despite his limited boxing experience. Itauma, who has a 13-0 record with 11 knockouts, continues to build his career with an eye on growth in the heavyweight division.

The decision to upgrade the bout to a title bout has put the focus on the matchup, with eyes now turning to how the bout plays out and what it could mean for future opportunities in the heavyweight division.

When it was revealed that the NBA was set to vote on allowing expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle through the 2028-2029 season, many were thrilled.

Adding more teams has long been a hot topic in the NBA, and now, it may finally become a reality. The last time the league added a new member was in 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats franchise was granted.

However, ESPN’s Bobby Marks expressed his misgivings about expansion, using the Brooklyn Nets to emphasize his argument.

“After seeing some of these numbers over the past few nights we might want to reconsider the expansion,” Marx wrote on X.

“In the last two games, Brooklyn has trailed by a combined 60 points at halftime.”

He posted it after the Nets scored just 24 points in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center on Wednesday. This is the team’s lowest performance since the 1997–1998 season.

For perspective, the Thunder had 28 points in the first quarter.

The Thunder are dominating the nets 👀

The 24 points in the first half matched Brooklyn’s fewest points since 1997–98. pic.twitter.com/tkdwEqkuNF

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 19 March 2026

Some have argued against expansion because it could dilute talent. Having new teams means having specific players spread out more across rosters, which will further dilute the competitive balance.

This season, the Nets, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings have all separated the top-tier teams from the bottom-tier teams, all with less than 20 wins.

Additionally, with the NBA already dealing with the polarizing issue of load management, expansion would lead to heavier schedules, more travel and less rest. There is also the matter of rearranging conferences.

At the time of writing, the Nets are trailing the Thunder 99-67 in the fourth quarter.

Denmark head coach Brian Reimer has refused to reveal private talks with Kasper Schmeichel. It comes after the Celtic goalkeeper withdrew from the national team last week.

Schmeichel recently withdrew from the Denmark squad for the next international break citing a shoulder injury.

The decision caused confusion in Denmark with Martin O’Neill revealing that the veteran player was feeling much better on Friday. Reimer later acknowledged that the national system had concerns.

“Our conversations are private” – Reimer brushes off questions

The topic was put to the Danish coach again today, Continuing with his comments in bold. But he was unwilling to reveal what happened between him and the Celtic goalkeeper.

“Kasper is a goalkeeper who has played 120 international matches for Denmark and has been a big part of the national team’s history,” he said.

“He is probably the person I know who has the biggest and most bleeding heart for Denmark, so it is natural to ask this question.

“As I would with all other players, our discussions are obviously a private matter between me and him. That’s the same situation here.”

What this means for Denmark and Celtic

Reimer insisted it was Celtic’s responsibility to update him on the injury. As a result, he wants all questions directed at the Scottish club.

“What I’m dealing with is that Kasper is injured. So, anything to do with his injury and Celtic, I’ll direct the questions that way because that’s not our job,” he said.

He confirmed that Denmark would proceed with the players currently available. He is likely to turn to West Ham’s Mads Hermansen as Filip Jorgensen is injured.

He concluded, “We are working with players we can select and players who will perform for us in the upcoming training camp.”

Denmark now prepare to face North Macedonia on March 26 without their most experienced goalkeeper. It is a huge blow, in a game that is crucial to their hopes of making the World Cup this summer.

MIAMI – After the Miami Heat picked up a big win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, the team prepares for four more games at home against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. As the Heat look to pick up a satisfying win over the Hornets, the team will likely have to do so without stars like Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell.

Looking at Wiggins, he was playing through knee tendinitis but is now dealing with left foot inflammation, which is the real reason he is missing Sunday’s game against the Pistons. Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra will speak on how “debilitating” a toe injury can be to a player, as the team has seen stars like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro miss time due to toe problems.

“I don’t want to say this because it’s not like that, but when athletes get turf toe, it’s a debilitating injury. Wiggs doesn’t have that,” Spoelstra said before Sunday’s contest against Detroit. “But we’ll just treat him. Every injury is different. So he’s dealing with both things right now, we think we can fix it in the short term, and we’ll just see. He’s getting a lot of treatment, so it’s definitely helping, and he’s making some progress, but let me be clear, he does not have turf toe. I was trying to make a point about the importance of the toe or how debilitating it can be.”

Erik Spoelstra talks about Andrew Wiggins’ toe injury and how debilitating it can be, emphasizing that it is not turf toe.

When asked what the Heat are missing with Wiggins off the field, how he deserves more attention, and what Myron Gardner has done with the starters: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/wY22pnrq1t

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 8 March 2026

While Wiggins is an important part of the starting lineup, so is Powell, who has missed the last four games due to a groin strain and was initially labeled as “week-to-week” by the team. With an unknown timeline for the team’s leading scorer, Spoelstra would say Powell is “definitely capable of doing more.”

“So again, I think we locked him down at a responsible time to be able to try to fast-track it. But I don’t have any updates on this timeline, but he’s definitely doing more,” Spoelstra said.

Erik Spoelstra doesn’t have a timeline for Norman Powell or Simon Fontecchio.

Although Powell says he is capable of doing more: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/gxWhcMAtlx

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 8 March 2026

Major stars missing from standouts who bring energy in the form of heat

While the Heat are dealing with injuries to Wiggins, Powell and others, the team has players who can step up and try to fill the void. Myron Gardner started in Friday’s win over the Hornets and played well in adding energy in the absence of key players.

Spoelstra would explain to ClutchPoints how Wiggins is “quietly” one of the better two-way players in the NBA, and though they’re not asking Gardner to fill the shoes, he fits in well with the starters.

“Wiggins is one of the most underrated two-way players in the association,” Spoelstra said. Wiggins is averaging 15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from deep. “He’s doing some really impressive things for us defensively, guarding one through five and making all the big, high-usage player challenges. He’s doing it quietly, for some reason, I don’t know why people aren’t recognizing it, and then offensively, you know, he just fits into our system. You know, he can really score in transition. If you sleep on him, he can easily put a 30 on you. That’s why he missed.”

“But Myron has given us a lot of impactful minutes throughout the season,” Spoelstra continued. “You know, we’re not expecting him to fill Wiggs’ spot. It’s not his responsibility, but he can do the job that he’s doing, which is extremely active on both sides of the floor, great rebounder, and he just comes in with the kind of effort and energy that helps any lineup – Spo if Wiggs and Gardner are the starter.”

With Gardner recently upgraded from a two-way to a standard contract, he and others look to help Miami until Wiggin and Powell return.

Recently, it was announced that Dallas Mavericks star point guard Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Mavericks fans likely won’t be disappointed by this news, considering the team is currently headed to another lottery selection after trying their luck at the Cooper Flag last year.

Over the weekend, the NBA All-Star festivities took place in Los Angeles, and now, Irving is attacking the NBA media for its conduct at the event.

“No real questions,” Irving said of the media, according to Sportsville on Instagram. “And whenever anyone asks a real question, it’s an argument for something else, or a brand setup or something. And you all know what real question I’m talking about… They don’t want to talk about anything that’s actually going on. You all know what I’m talking about.”

Although Irving didn’t reveal much else, he declined to do an interview with ESPN over the weekend, saying he “don’t really care” about the publication.

According to Al Jazeera, Irving also recently wore a shirt that honored journalists covering the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The tag on the shirt read, “Dedicated to our beloved journalists in Gaza for showing the truth to the world.”

Irving has never been shy about speaking his mind on real-world issues throughout his career, which has sometimes led to him facing criticism from league front offices, especially during his time with the Brooklyn Nets.

Shortly after the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the star has been out of the lineup since tearing his ACL last March, and this year he has watched from the sidelines as Flagg has turned into one of the best rookies in recent NBA history.

The Mavericks next face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday evening.