Sports
Gable Steveson Delivers 13-Second Knockout at Dirty Boxing Championship, Sends Message to UFC
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson made a stunning statement in his second professional fight, delivering a devastating 13-second knockout of Billy Swanson at Dirty Boxing Championship 4 in Nashville. Despite being known primarily as an elite wrestler - he became the youngest freestyle super heavyweight to win Olympic gold at age 21 in 2020 - Steveson showcased impressive striking power with devastating uppercuts that ended the fight almost immediately. UFC legend Jon Jones served in Steveson's corner, while UFC Vice President of Talent Relations Mick Maynard watched from the front row. After the fight, Steveson directly addressed Maynard, saying "Mick, you've seen a little bit, but I hope to show a lot more," signaling his interest in joining the UFC roster. The heavyweight bout was over quickly, with Steveson dropping "Big Sexy" Swanson moments after the opening bell. The card also featured several other notable performances, including Bryan Battle's first-round knockout of Nick Kohring, Montavious Ware's impressive striking display against Alexander Schenk, Jaleel Willis's second-round stoppage of Peter Stanonik, and veteran Francisco Trinaldo's decision victory over Nayanesh Ayman. Steveson's latest dominant performance, following his first-round finish last month at LFA 217, continues to raise his profile in the combat sports world as he pursues opportunities with major promotions.
Lamar Jackson Returns with Four Touchdown Passes in Ravens' 28-6 Victory Over Dolphins
Lamar Jackson threw four touchdown passes in his return from injury, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. Jackson, playing his first game since Week 4, went 18-of-23 for 204 yards and added 14 rushing yards on five carries. The Ravens improved to 3-5 while the Dolphins fell to 2-7, adding pressure on Miami coach Mike McDaniel's future. Baltimore led only 14-6 at halftime despite being outgained 225-109 yards with Miami attempting just one punt compared to Baltimore's four. However, the third quarter belonged entirely to the Ravens, who outgained Miami 166-39, outscored them 14-0, and held the ball for 11:10. Jackson's touchdown passes covered 2 and 20 yards to Mark Andrews, 3 yards to Charlie Kolar, and 9 yards to Rashod Bateman. It marked his second four-touchdown game this season and gave him 14 total touchdowns. Eight players caught passes, with Zay Flowers leading with five receptions for 64 yards, and Derrick Henry contributed 119 rushing yards on 19 carries. Miami struggled mightily in key situations, going 0-for-3 in the red zone and committing three turnovers. Tua Tagovailoa completed 25 of 40 passes for 261 yards with one interception, while Jaylen Waddle caught six passes for 82 yards and De'Von Achane rushed for 67 yards on 14 carries with six catches for 39 yards. The game continued a concerning Week 8 trend where 12 of 13 games were decided by double digits.
LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward Departs; Verge Ausberry Named Interim
LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward has agreed to part ways with the university, effective immediately, the department announced. Woodward, a Baton Rouge native and LSU alumnus, served in the role since April 2019. Board of Supervisors Chair Scott Ballard thanked Woodward for his six years of service and wished him well, emphasizing the department's focus on moving forward and achieving its potential. Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry has been appointed as Interim Director of Athletics, also effective immediately. Ausberry, a New Iberia native and multiple-time LSU alumnus, will oversee the athletic department and lead the search for the next head football coach. As a former LSU football player, Ausberry was a four-year letterwinner, two-year captain, and played in four bowl games. He joined the athletic department in 1991 and has over 30 years of experience in various roles including academics, fundraising, corporate relations, marketing, and sport administration. He was promoted to Executive Deputy Athletic Director in 2019. Board Athletics Committee Chair John Carmouche praised Ausberry, calling him a "native son of Louisiana and LSU" and the ideal leader to uphold championship standards. Ausberry expressed his honor in the appointment, stating his commitment to moving the department forward, including hiring the best football coach. He is married to Cheri Morial and has two sons, Austin and Jaiden.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry Blasts LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward After Football Coach Firing
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry publicly criticized LSU athletic director Scott Woodward after the school fired football coach Brian Kelly, escalating a long-simmering feud between the conservative politician and the more progressive athletic administrator. Landry declared he wouldn't be involved in hiring Kelly's replacement after previously disagreeing with Woodward's hiring and contract decisions. The conflict stems from multiple disagreements since Landry took office in 2024. Landry criticized LSU's women's basketball team for remaining in the locker room during the national anthem at an NCAA tournament game, threatening to revoke scholarships. He also insisted on bringing back the tradition of parading a live tiger around the field before football games, transporting a Bengal tiger from Florida while the school's actual mascot wasn't used. Landry further urged Woodward to fire basketball coach Matt McMahon and rehire Will Wade, who left LSU amid an NCAA investigation into paying players. Woodward refused both requests. The recent tension culminated when Landry slammed Woodward for giving Kelly his contract that resulted in a $54 million buyout after Kelly's termination. Louisiana political figures describe Landry as someone who "picks fights and never forgets a slight" and holds a "personal vendetta" against Woodward.
Ravens vs. Dolphins Live: Lamar Jackson Returns as Both Teams Struggle on Thursday Night Football
Lamar Jackson is back under center after a three‑week hamstring layoff, and the Ravens and Dolphins have opened Week 9’s Thursday Night Football at Hard Rock Stadium. Jackson, who leads the NFL with a 130.5 passer rating and a 10‑1 touchdown‑to‑interception ratio, returns to a Baltimore squad sitting 2‑5 after being projected Super Bowl favorites. Miami, also at 2‑6, enters on the heels of a 34‑10 upset of Atlanta in which Tua Tagovailoa threw four touchdowns and the Dolphins’ rush defense limited Bijan Robinson to 48 yards. The game tips off at 8:15 p.m. ET, streams on Amazon Prime, and opened with Baltimore favored by 10½ points and an over‑under of 50½ (FanDuel). Early action saw Miami take a 3‑0 lead on a 49‑yard field goal after a strong opening drive. Baltimore responded by forcing a fumble on a fourth‑down conversion attempt, with safety Alohi Gilman stripping the ball and the Ravens converting the turnover into a seven‑point score when Jackson hit tight end Mark Andrews. The Ravens added another touchdown before the first quarter ended, as Jackson found Andrews again after two Miami defenders collided, giving Baltimore two passing scores in just over one quarter. De’Von Achane contributed several long runs for the Dolphins, but a false start on fourth‑and‑1 and a missed 35‑yard field goal kept Miami off the board after a promising red‑zone possession.
Yesavage fans record 12, Blue Jays rout Dodgers 6-1 in World Series Game 5
Trey Yesavage delivered a historic performance in World Series Game 5, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and putting Toronto one win from the title. Pitching in a hostile environment at Dodger Stadium, the 22-year-old rookie thrives under boos and heckling, telling pitching coach Pete Walker before the game, “I love this!” He dominated the Dodgers for seven innings, setting World Series records with 12 strikeouts without a walk and 23 swings and misses in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008), according to MLB’s tracking. Yesavage did it with his unorthodox delivery—short stride, high release, windmilling motion—while leaning heavily on a devastating split-finger that he threw 30 times and the Dodgers whiffed on seven. The Blue Jays’ game plan with catcher Alejandro Kirk was executed to perfection. Toronto is now 7-1 when Yesavage starts, with the one loss coming in ALCS Game 1 when his split was absent. The Dodgers tried to simulate Yesavage with a Trajekt robotic pitching machine matching his release point and shape, but it didn’t help. Game 6 is Friday night in Toronto.
Best College Basketball Team in Each State for 2025‑26 Season
Matt Norlander’s 2025‑26 “United States of College Basketball” map ranks the top Division I men’s program in each of the 49 states, using his Top 100‑And‑1 player rankings, forecasts and advanced metrics. In the Southeast, Alabama’s Crimson Tide claim the state after Bruce Pearl’s retirement, while Georgia’s Bulldogs edge Georgia Tech despite NIL constraints; South Carolina’s Clemson Tigers, even with expected regression, remain the state’s best. In the Southwest, Houston stands as Norlander’s No. 1 team nationally, with Texas Tech a strong second, and Arizona’s Wildcats stay a consistent top‑10 force while Arizona State lags far behind. The West features BYU, powered by freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa, as Utah’s leader, and Gonzaga again dominates Washington. In the Midwest, Purdue remains atop Indiana, Ohio State leads Ohio, and Marquette holds the edge in Wisconsin. On the East Coast, Duke tops North Carolina, St. John’s claims New York, and UConn rules Connecticut. The preview highlights notable coaching changes—Buzz Williams at Maryland, Niko Medved at Minnesota—and rising programs such as Boise State (Idaho) and New Mexico under Eric Olen. The map reflects a blend of perennial powers, program turnarounds and emerging contenders poised to compete for March Madness.
Lamar Jackson Returns to Miami for Third Career Start Against Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will return to his hometown area tonight when the Ravens face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, marking his third NFL start in Miami. Jackson missed more than a month with a hamstring injury but has fully recovered for the crucial divisional matchup. His first start in Miami came in Week 1 of the 2019 season during his first MVP campaign, when he delivered a spectacular performance by completing 23 of 26 passes for 378 yards and five touchdowns in a 59-10 Ravens victory, achieving a perfect 158.3 passer rating. However, his second Miami start in 2021 resulted in a disappointing 22-10 loss despite Baltimore entering as 8.5-point favorites over the then 2-7 Dolphins. For tonight's game, Baltimore is favored by 7.5 points with both teams struggling at 2-5 and 2-6 respectively. The Ravens appear better positioned for victory, particularly with Jackson healthy and motivated for his homecoming. The game has gained significance following both teams' recent wins and Jackson's full recovery from his hamstring injury.
Louisiana Governor Says LSU Athletic Director Won't Select New Football Coach After Brian Kelly Firing
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced Wednesday that LSU athletic director Scott Woodward will not be involved in selecting the Tigers' next football coach, saying he'd "let President Donald Trump do it before Woodward." The announcement comes after LSU fired Brian Kelly on Sunday following a 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M that dropped the Tigers to 5-3 overall. Kelly, 64, compiled a 34-14 record over four seasons at LSU, winning approximately 71% of his games before the recent struggles that saw LSU lose three of its past four games after climbing to No. 3 in the AP poll earlier this season. Landry criticized Woodward during a news conference at the state capitol in Baton Rouge, specifically targeting the 10-year, $95 million contract Woodward agreed to with Kelly that included incentives and created a $54 million buyout for LSU. "Maybe we'll let President Trump pick it," Landry said, noting that Trump "loves winners." The governor emphasized that the LSU Board of Supervisors will form a selection committee to find the new coach, but Woodward won't participate if Landry has his way. Landry also criticized Woodward's pattern of extending large contracts to coaches, mentioning similar issues from his time at Texas A&M. The governor acknowledged meeting with LSU officials Sunday night to discuss the legalities of firing Kelly and the buyout responsibilities. "My role is about the fiscal effect of firing a coach under a terrible contract," Landry stated, adding that he was concerned about taxpayers bearing the financial burden while LSU raised ticket prices during a losing season.
Thunder Guard Nikola Topic Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer, Begins Chemotherapy
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has begun chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, general manager Sam Presti announced Thursday. The 20-year-old Serbian guard and No. 12 pick in the 2024 draft underwent a biopsy procedure in early October at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. After receiving the results, Topic requested the Thunder keep his diagnosis private until he started chemotherapy treatments. Doctors are "extremely positive" about his long-term outlook, according to Presti. Topic sat out his rookie season while recovering from a torn ACL. Despite his current treatment, he has been able to work out while undergoing chemotherapy. Presti emphasized the team has no timetable for Topic's NBA debut and that his recovery is the top priority. "Our only expectations for him are to focus on this," Presti said. "This is his most important priority. He'll be back playing basketball when he's able to, but we're not putting any time length or expectations on that, obviously. He has our total support, encouragement and love."
Nebraska Extends Coach Matt Rhule's Contract Through 2032 Season
The University of Nebraska announced a two-year contract extension for Head Coach Matt Rhule, keeping him with the program through the 2032 season. The restructured agreement maintains Rhule's base salary while adding escalators for College Football Playoff appearances. Athletic Director Troy Dannen praised Rhule as "the right leader at the right time" and emphasized the importance of continuity for the program's evolution. University President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold highlighted Rhule's leadership in building a culture of "toughness, accountability, and doing things the right way." In his third season, Rhule has delivered significant results: Nebraska's first winning season in eight years in 2024, the program's first bowl victory since 2015, and this season's 6-2 start - the best eight-game record in nine seasons. The program has also excelled academically, posting a 3.304 cumulative GPA in spring 2025, the highest in program history. Rhule expressed gratitude for the leadership support and reiterated the goal of building Nebraska into a "perennial championship contender." The Cornhuskers return to action Saturday night against USC at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
College Football Coaching Chaos Set to Reshape Athletic Budgets Amid Revenue-Sharing Era
College football is heading toward perhaps its most chaotic season of coaching changes in recent memory, with moves arriving weekly and LSU’s costly decision to part with Brian Kelly after a home loss to Texas A&M the latest headline. Already, more than $100 million in head coach buyouts have been committed before November, flipping the narrative on last year’s fiscal restraint in the revenue-sharing era. Expect the spending to accelerate: top coaching hires will carry huge salaries, expanded support staffs, deeper front offices, and richer compensation pools for player acquisition via revenue sharing under the House settlement and any above-the-cap NIL deals. That arms race will reverberate across entire athletic departments, including men’s basketball. With a department-wide revenue sharing cap of $20.5 million per year, every dollar directed to football players is a dollar taken from basketball, baseball, volleyball, and Olympic sports. Basketball programs are already unsure how large their 2026 rev-share slices will be, and the fear is that football hires will force athletic directors to divert funds toward football to help a new coach win quickly. One power-conference assistant said his school had hoped to move from roughly $4 million to about $6 million in revenue sharing but now worries a football change will sink those hopes. How much this matters depends on whether the cap is enforceable. Some legal and NIL experts are eager to challenge it, and the uneven rollout of the clearinghouse platform NIL Go has led schools to push limits or ignore rules due to slow turnarounds. If the market stays as unregulated as last year—men’s basketball roster budgets approaching eight figures—then a smaller rev-share budget simply means more outside fundraising: tedious but not impossible. But if violating the cap becomes a hard line, every dollar matters more: teams will operate with smaller budgets and tighter constraints, so moving $500,000 to $1 million from men’s basketball to football could reshape roster construction. In a market where the average basketball roster budget is around $5 million, that’s 10% to 20% of the cap—often the price of a starting-caliber player. The uncertainty has coaches nervous about dollars needed for player acquisition being flexed to football. Coaching searches also take time and money, so an active football cycle could slow basketball movement, with schools hesitant to launch another major search just months after a football hire. LSU’s Matt McMahon enters the season on the hot seat after missing the NCAA tournament in each of his first three years, and his buyout—just over $6 million—is modest compared with the total cost to replace Brian Kelly. Yet LSU has already paid that football price, which could buy McMahon some leniency even as he was the lowest-paid public SEC coach last season. Virginia Tech fired football coach Brent Pry early and kept basketball’s Mike Young despite a tough 13–19 season, though the belief had been Young needed to win this year after receiving improved NIL resources. Tech has secured nearly $50 million in additional funds for fiscal 2026, but heavy investment in a football hire could blunt appetite for a basketball upgrade, especially with Young having just one year left. Bottom line: even the wealthiest schools face resource limits. A football cycle this expensive will affect the rest of the department, including revenue-producing men’s basketball—and the impact may be magnified now that roster budgets are already in flux. Still, expect the usual spring coaching churn to proceed. As one agent said, “If you’re horrible, places just find the money.” The cycle’s lesson is simple: winning and losing trump fiscal responsibility.
Eagles Acquire CB Michael Carter II from Jets in Trade Deadline Deal
The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets completed a trade on Wednesday ahead of the NFL's Nov. 4 trade deadline. The Eagles acquired cornerback Michael Carter II and a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth-round pick. This move represents one of the first major trades as the NFL's trade deadline approaches, with the Nov. 4 deadline now just days away. Both teams appear to be addressing roster needs as the regular season continues, with the Eagles strengthening their secondary by adding Carter II while the Jets gain depth at the receiver position with Metchie III. The trade comes amid a busy period of NFL trade activity, with teams making final roster decisions before the deadline. The Post continues to monitor the latest NFL rumors, news, and potential deals as Tuesday's deadline approaches, with several teams potentially looking to make moves to improve their playoff positioning.
Dodgers' defensive mistakes prove costly in World Series Game 5 loss to Blue Jays
The Los Angeles Dodgers' defensive lapses haunted them in a 6-1 Game 5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, leaving the defending champions facing elimination in the World Series. Defensive mistakes by Mookie Betts' errant throw, Teoscar Hernández's missed sliding catch on a Daulton Varsho drive that became a triple, and four wild pitches by Dodgers pitchers helped Toronto take a 3-2 series lead. Betts' wide relay in the third inning forced Blake Snell to throw seven extra pitches, while Hernández's mistake allowed Varsho to score on a sacrifice fly. The Dodgers' offensive struggles compounded the defensive problems - they scored just one run as their top four hitters (Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman) went a combined 1 for 15 with eight strikeouts. Despite Snell throwing 116 pitches and allowing just one run, the Dodgers couldn't overcome the defensive breakdowns. Toronto rookie starter Trey Yesavage impressed in only his 45th major league game, striking out 12 while limiting Los Angeles to three hits. The Dodgers now must win two consecutive games to defend their World Series title.
College Football Playoff race: Big tests for Vanderbilt, USC highlight pivotal Week 10 slate
Week 10 is a pivotal point in the 2025 college football season with the first College Football Playoff rankings set to be revealed on Tuesday, Nov. 4, adding extra weight to several ranked matchups. No. 9 Vanderbilt travels to No. 20 Texas in a critical game for Vanderbilt’s Cinderella run; the Commodores likely must split their remaining games against Texas and No. 14 Tennessee and handle Kentucky and Auburn (combined 1-9 in SEC play) to remain in at-large contention. Texas quarterback Arch Manning (head injury) is questionable; backup Matthew Caldwell played well in overtime to help the Longhorns avoid a disastrous loss to Kentucky, and a Texas win would throw a wrench into the playoff race. No. 18 Oklahoma visits No. 14 Tennessee with no margin for error for either side. Oklahoma is 1-2 in its last three and cannot afford another slip as it faces a gauntlet of ranked teams; Tennessee, meanwhile, is 0-2 against top-25 foes and has allowed every SEC opponent to score at least 30 points. Both teams need to stay at two losses to remain viable. No. 23 USC heads to Nebraska after a bye, needing a statement win before a late-season test at No. 6 Oregon; USC is 1-2 in its last three, and Nebraska is still seeking its first ranked win under Matt Rhule, who is 0-18 against top-25 opponents since 2016. In the Big 12, No. 17 Cincinnati (undefeated in conference play) visits No. 24 Utah in both teams’ biggest test to date; Cincinnati aims to stay unbeaten before a looming showdown with No. 10 BYU, while Utah needs a marquee victory after losing to top-15 programs Texas Tech and BYU. The dark horse of the slate is No. 10 Miami at SMU, a classic trap game for Miami given its history of surprising losses; SMU is 11-1 in ACC play since joining the conference and hasn’t lost at home since Sept. 6, 2024, and a win would keep the Mustangs in the conference race.
Nationals Hire Blake Butera as Manager in Historic Move
The Washington Nationals have made a surprise hire for their next manager, with 33-year-old Blake Butera reportedly taking the job. Butera, whose birthday is August 7, 1992, will be 33 years, 231 days old when the Nationals play their first game of the 2026 regular season, making him the youngest MLB manager since the 1970s. He has agreed to a deal with the Nationals, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Butera's professional playing career ended after two seasons in the minors, but he moved into coaching starting with the 2017 season and became manager of the Hudson Valley team in 2018. He served as senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays for the past two seasons and was also a bench coach on Mike Piazza's staff with Italy during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The Nationals are hoping to find stability in the managerial chair after Davey Martinez's eight-year run with the club from 2018 to '25. Martinez was fired on July 6 after a 37-53 start to this season, and Miguel Cairo finished out 2025 as the interim manager. The team has been mired in a prolonged rebuild since winning the 2019 World Series and has lost several star players, including Juan Soto. Butera is taking over a long-term rebuild with the Nationals that should afford him the leash to develop in his role as they continue to add more young talent to the roster.
T.J. Dillashaw Questions Tom Aspinall's Intent After Eye Poke Stopped UFC 321 Fight
Former UFC champion T.J. Dillashaw has joined the chorus of fighters questioning Tom Aspinall's decision not to continue after an eye poke from Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The heavyweight title fight ended in a no-contest in the first round when Aspinall was unable to continue following Gane's illegal eye poke. While Dillashaw acknowledges Gane committed a foul, he expressed skepticism about the severity of Aspinall's injury. "From the optics, and the way that it looked, his eye was closed when he got poked in it," Dillashaw said on the JAXXON podcast. "He was saying he couldn't see, and he wasn't even trying to open his eye to see if he could see." The former two-time bantamweight champion pointed out that Gane was having success in the opening round and questioned whether Aspinall used the incident as "the easier way out." Dillashaw noted that pictures after the fight showed Aspinall's eye looked fine, contrasting with more severe eye injuries he's witnessed where fighters continued. "It's a no-contest; he gets to come back, he gets paid $3 million. Come back and do it again," Dillashaw said. UFC CEO Dana White has stated the promotion intends to book the rematch between Aspinall and Gane as soon as possible.
Week 9 Fantasy Start/Sit: Running Backs Lead the Advice, Rico Dowdle Moves Up
Nathan Jahnke’s Week 9 fantasy football start/sit column opens with two quick picks—start Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid, who will see increased action against the Chiefs, and sit Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, whose limited targets don’t justify a start against Carolina. The bulk of the analysis targets the running‑back position, where Rico Dowdle tops the rankings. Dowdle, the backup to Chuba Hubbard, has out‑performed the starter over the past two weeks: 53 carries for 389 yards and a touchdown, plus seven receptions for 84 yards and another score. The Panthers have rotated the backs by drive, with Dowdle getting the bulk of the work on longer drives despite Hubbard’s return. Coach Dave Canales has publicly praised Dowdle, hinting at a larger future workload. The only concern is this week’s matchup. Carolina faces the Packers, who rank third in fantasy points allowed to running backs, are usually ahead in games (limiting opponent carries), and sit in the top quarter of the league in run‑defense grade and yards‑per‑attempt allowed. Because of the tough test, Dowdle projects as a low‑end RB2 rather than an RB1, though he still sits ahead of other lead backs who share a backfield and have been less effective. Jahnke concludes by reminding readers to check PFF’s weekly fantasy rankings for the most current data and to consider the additional start/sit options listed at the end of each position group.
NBPA Condemns NBA’s Unpaid‑Leave Decision for Heat Guard Terry Rozier Following Federal Gambling Indictment
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) condemned the NBA’s decision to place Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier on unpaid leave after he was indicted as part of an alleged gambling scandal involving a mob‑linked poker ring. In a statement reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the NBPA said it agrees the league must protect the game’s integrity, but argued the unpaid‑leave ruling violates the presumption of innocence and runs counter to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The union said it plans to challenge the decision through proper channels. The NBA placed both Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups on “immediate leave” after their indictments were unsealed, and multiple outlets reported that neither will receive pay while the legal proceedings unfold. Rozier’s paycheck will be held in escrow; his first installment of a $26.6 million annual salary was due later this week. The Heat will not receive any immediate salary‑cap relief. The FBI has arrested 31 people linked to a rigged poker game ring allegedly backed by New York City organized‑crime families. Among those charged are mobsters such as Nelson “Spanish G” Alvarez, Thomas “Tommy Juice” Gelardo, and Robert “Black Rob” Stroud, as well as professional poker players like Saul Becher, Lee Fama, and Seth Trustman. Federal documents allege that Rozier used insider NBA knowledge, telling a friend in 2023 that he would exit a Charlotte game early with a purported injury. That tip was sold to bettors, who placed hundreds of thousands of dollars on his under‑performance props. The NBA said it will continue cooperating with authorities and treat the allegations with the utmost seriousness.
Blue Jays One Win Away from 2025 World Series Title After 6-1 Victory Over Dodgers in Game 5
The Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from being crowned 2025 World Series champions after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-1 in Game 5, taking a 3-2 series lead. The decisive victory featured a masterful pitching performance by rookie Trey Yesavage, who set a World Series record with 12 strikeouts while allowing just three hits in seven innings. The Blue Jays jumped out to an extraordinary start when Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit back-to-back home runs on the first two pitches of the game - the first time in World Series history this has occurred. Despite significant injuries to key players including George Springer and Anthony Santander, Toronto has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the postseason, recovering from a 2-1 series deficit and earlier losing the first two games of the ALCS at home. The Blue Jays return to Toronto for Games 6 and 7, where they posted a 54-27 regular season record and 59-30 including playoffs - the best home mark in baseball. Starting pitcher Max Scherzer credited the team's transformation since late May, when they were 26-28 before going 68-40 the rest of the regular season to clinch their first AL East title since 2015. The Blue Jays aim to close out the series at home, bringing the World Series trophy back to Toronto for the first time since 1993.