Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have turned to legendary former coach Gregg Popovich for guidance as they prepare for their first NBA Finals appearance since 2014.

The Texas franchise recently secured their spot in the championship series following an emotional Game 7 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Upon landing back in San Antonio, Wembanyama made it an immediate priority to seek out his former mentor.

“I saw Pop right away when we landed,” Wembanyama said.

“The emotion was something I haven’t felt in a while. Coming back down from this is a challenge. We still need to really come back down to Earth and realize we haven’t done the hardest task yet.”

A lasting legacy at the Spurs

Popovich’s remarkable coaching career effectively ended last November after he suffered a stroke.

However, the 77-year-old remains a daily fixture at the Victory Capital Performance Center following his rehabilitation sessions.

These recovery workouts are notably led by five-time champion and Hall of Fame forward Tim Duncan.

Spurs Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson emphasised the immense respect the squad still holds for the veteran tactician.

“When Popovich enters a room, you shut the f— up,” Johnson said.

Championship pedigree providing an edge

Current head coach Mitch Johnson, who took interim charge following Popovich’s health scare, continues to appreciate the ongoing tutelage.

The current boss originally guided the team through 77 games during a challenging transition period last season.

Veteran guard De’Aaron Fox highlighted that the roster benefits from an entire building filled with basketball royalty.

Legends such as Manu Ginobili, David Robinson and Sean Elliott are frequently present during shootarounds and practice sessions.

“It’s a lot of people walking through this building that have been there and done that,” Fox explained.

“You can ask them anything. Obviously, Pop is going to come in. He’s going to speak his mind.”

This wealth of institutional knowledge could prove vital as the current generation attempts to capture the ultimate prize.

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians due to a bone bruise in his right shoulder.

An MRI scan revealed the extent of the damage after the reigning American League Most Valuable Player experienced nagging soreness.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the physical issue is actively hindering the outfielder’s swing mechanics.

The Yankees boss remains optimistic that this will not develop into a long-term problem, though the superstar is scheduled to undergo further evaluation with medical specialists on Tuesday.

Recent slump highlights physical struggles

The underlying shoulder problem may explain a recent and drastic dip in form for the powerful right-handed hitter.

Despite maintaining a respectable seasonal batting average of .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs, his offensive output has collapsed over the past fortnight.

Over his last 15 days at the plate, the two-time AL MVP is hitting a dismal .178 and has cleared the outfield fences just once since 11 May.

Tactical reshuffle against Cleveland

Jose Caballero will step into right field as a direct replacement while the franchise awaits further medical clarity on their captain.

Arsenal have faced severe criticism from pundits for their negative tactical approach after losing the Champions League final to Paris St-Germain on penalties.

Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten 4-3 in the shootout by the French champions following a 1-1 draw in Budapest.

The Premier League winners took an early lead through Kai Havertz but spent the remainder of the match absorbing intense pressure.

Dugarry condemns ‘unbearable’ approach

Paris St-Germain eventually equalised in the second half when Ousmane Dembele converted from the penalty spot.

Former France international Christophe Dugarry launched a scathing attack on the setup deployed by the English club.

“Their intentions were clear from the start of the match: absolutely nothing, zilch, they did nothing.”

Speaking on French radio, the 1998 World Cup winner accused the Gunners of systematic time-wasting.

“It was simply unbearable, intolerable.”

Match statistics highlight dominance

The underlying match data starkly illustrated the contrast in ambition between the two finalists.

The result means the Parisians become only the second club in the modern era to successfully defend their European crown.

‘A victory for positive football’

Former England striker Gary Lineker echoed sentiments that the right team ultimately lifted the trophy.

“As a complete neutral I would say it’s a victory for positive football over negative football.”

Speaking on his podcast, Lineker acknowledged the defensive organisation of Arteta’s team but insisted the outcome was beneficial for the sport.

Arsenal must now regroup ahead of their domestic title defence next season, having narrowly missed the chance to secure a historic double.

Star wide receiver A.J. Brown has completed his trade to the New England Patriots from the Philadelphia Eagles in a deal involving two future draft picks.

The defending AFC champions acquired the 27-year-old in exchange for a 2028 first-round selection and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

The former Philadelphia standout took part in his first practice session in Foxborough on Tuesday.

Having dreamt of representing the franchise since childhood, the newly acquired receiver expressed his delight at finally wearing the famous uniform.

“Obviously I know this ain’t heaven. But it’s close to it.”

Brown said following the conclusion of his first training session.

Fulfilling a childhood dream

The powerhouse wideout previously hoped New England would select him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

He famously left his own draft party in devastation when the franchise opted to draft Arizona State receiver N’Keal Harry instead.

Entering his eighth professional season, the former Titan believes the timing is finally right for this new chapter.

“Better late than never. We’re right on time. I’m so excited.”

he added.

Moving on from Philadelphia

The highly sought-after playmaker declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his departure from Pennsylvania after four seasons.

Instead, the veteran receiver insisted his complete focus remains on the upcoming campaign with his new teammates.

“None of that stuff matters. What’s done is done. I’m here. Moving forward.”

he stated.

The elite pass-catcher also dismissed any lingering concerns regarding a knee problem, declaring himself completely healthy and ready to compete.

A new number and establishing a legacy

Despite wearing the number 11 jersey throughout his tenures in Tennessee and Philadelphia, the new recruit will don number one for New England.

Patriots legend Julian Edelman had given his blessing for the newcomer to take his former squad number.

However, out of respect for the three-time Super Bowl champion, the latest offensive weapon chose to revert to his college number to forge his own path.

“I’m going to let that be and create my own legacy here. It’s just getting back to my roots.”

he explained.

When questioned about how much longevity remains in his career, the confident star simply smiled and promised that observers will soon see.

Fifa will introduce advanced semi-automated offside technology at the 2026 World Cup to deliver faster decisions and significantly reduce the reliance on delayed flags.

The new system will send a real-time audio alert to the assistant referee if an attacker is more than 10cm beyond the last defender.

Previous iterations of the software, trialled at the Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup, only triggered notifications for margins greater than 50cm.

Putting an end to the delayed flag

While match officials will remain in charge of when to stop play, world football’s governing body hopes the rapid alerts will allow assistants to raise their flags immediately rather than waiting for a move to conclude.

This shift aims to remove frustration among supporters and mitigate the risk of players sustaining injuries during needless passages of play.

The severe dangers of delayed decisions were highlighted in May 2025, when Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma following a collision with a post after an assistant waited to signal an infringement.

However, the system remains unable to identify extremely tight positional calls under 10cm, and technical limitations persist when players are on the ground or tightly clustered together.

Digital avatars to enhance accuracy

To further improve decision-making, life-like 3D avatars powered by artificial intelligence will be generated for every participant at the global tournament.

The organisers plan to conduct one-second digital scans of all 1,248 players across the 48 participating nations during their pre-tournament media duties.

These detailed renders will produce enhanced broadcast animations to clearly explain offside calls to television viewers and fans inside the stadiums.

Tracking out-of-bounds and deflections

Alongside the offside upgrades, new tracking systems will determine whether the ball crossed the perimeter lines before a goal is scored.

This development addresses contentious incidents such as Aston Villa’s disallowed goal against Brentford in February, where video assistants struggled to conclusively judge if the ball had gone out of play.

A connected microchip housed inside the match ball will also identify exactly which player applied the final touch to the ball.

This tracking feature will grant video officials the power to review corner kick decisions using precise data rather than relying solely on visual evidence.

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has returned to organised team activities while prosecutors consider whether to formally file charges following his arrest on domestic abuse allegations.

The 28-year-old was present on the field for the second week of training in Wisconsin on Tuesday.

Head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the media before the session, insisting that the ongoing legal situation has not distracted the squad.

“I would say business as usual,” LaFleur stated.

Arrest and legal denial

The three-time Pro Bowler was apprehended in Brown County on 26 May facing allegations of strangulation, suffocation, and other offences.

Police had initially been dispatched to a complaint involving the player three days prior to his arrest.

Following his release from a Wisconsin jail during the opening week of training, the athlete’s legal team issued a firm denial.

“[He] vehemently denies the allegations,” his lawyers confirmed in a statement.

Additional evidence requested

District Attorney David Lasee has confirmed that it is currently too early to make a definitive charging decision.

“Our office has requested additional investigation, as there is reason to believe that additional evidence may exist that would impact whether criminal charges are appropriate,” Lasee explained.

Crucial figure for Green Bay

On the field, the former Las Vegas Raiders standout remains a vital piece of the Green Bay offence.

He rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, leaving him as the only player on the current roster to have surpassed the 200-yard rushing mark during the previous campaign.

This offensive output followed an outstanding prior season where he amassed 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Over a seven-year professional career, the All-Pro runner has recorded 7,803 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the premier weapons in the NFL.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams will end her retirement to make a highly anticipated return to professional tennis in London next week at the age of 44.

The American sporting icon previously stepped away from the court but is now ready to resume her legendary career.

Her impending appearance in the English capital adds another remarkable chapter to a dominant legacy spanning nearly three decades.

The former world number one joins an exclusive club of elite female players who have successfully reversed their retirement decisions.

Clijsters and Hingis set the standard

Belgian great Kim Clijsters famously serves as the gold standard for a successful second act on the professional tour. After leaving the sport in 2007 to start a family, she returned just two years later to win the US Open as an unranked competitor.

Martina Hingis also enjoyed multiple distinct phases during her time in the professional ranks. The ‘Swiss Miss’ initially walked away at 22, only to later return as a doubles specialist in 2013.

She subsequently secured 10 additional major titles and an Olympic silver medal before her final departure in 2017.

Surprise returns and familiar faces

Justine Henin shocked the sporting world when she abruptly quit in 2008 while sitting at the top of the global rankings.

The seven-time major winner came back the following year to reach the Australian Open final before an elbow injury sadly curtailed her progress.

Williams will also follow a similar path to her close friend Caroline Wozniacki. The Danish 2018 Melbourne champion announced her own comeback in the summer of 2023 after having two children.

Overcoming early adversity

Jennifer Capriati took a vastly different route regarding her own hiatus from the demanding professional circuit.

The American prodigy played just one match between August 1993 and 1996 amid a series of well-documented personal struggles.

She ultimately rebuilt her life and career to capture three major crowns, proving that extended breaks can occasionally precede ultimate sporting triumph.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Zach Werenski has won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top all-around player at his position following a stellar regular season.

The 28-year-old finished ahead of Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar and Buffalo Sabres blue-liner Rasmus Dahlin in the final voting.

Makar was seeking his third Norris Trophy, while this marks a maiden victory for the Michigan native after finishing as runner-up during the 2025-26 campaign.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association vote on the award at the conclusion of the regular season.

The franchise record-holder was surprised with the accolade during a family gathering as part of a new league initiative to create viral moments.

Offensive dominance drives historic win

The American enjoyed an outstanding offensive campaign, registering 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points.

He averaged 26 minutes and 37 seconds of ice time per game, representing the second-highest workload in the league.

The standout blueliner finished second overall in points by a defenceman and tied for the league lead in even-strength goals at his position alongside Washington’s Jakob Chychrun.

Olympic gold caps milestone year

This accolade arrives during his 10th season in the league, all of which have been spent representing Columbus.

He is already the all-time assists leader for the Blue Jackets with 330 and sits second in total points for the Ohio-based organisation.

Securing the NHL’s top defensive honour completes a remarkable calendar year for the defenceman, who recently won Olympic men’s hockey gold with Team USA at the Milan Cortina Games in February.

He becomes only the sixth American player in history to be named the league’s best defenceman.

Bouchard misses out despite points lead

Edmonton Oilers standout Evan Bouchard narrowly missed out on a finalist spot, finishing fourth in the voting despite leading all defencemen with 95 points in 82 games.

Meanwhile, New York Islanders sensation and NHL rookie of the year Matthew Schaefer appeared on eight ballots to finish 12th overall.