Four former Alabama State basketball players have been permanently banned by the NCAA for accepting payments from gamblers to fix a game against Southern Miss in December 2024.
The governing body announced on Friday that Amarr Knox, Shawn Fulcher, Corey Hines, and Tony Madlock deliberately manipulated the outcome of their 81-64 collegiate defeat.
Southern Miss entered the contest as six-point favourites before the corrupt agreement took place.
According to investigators, two known bettors offered the group a combined total of $2,000 to intentionally lose the match.
First Four hero implicated in scandal
Knox, Hines, and Madlock were the top three scorers for the Hornets during the 2024-25 season, while Fulcher operated as a rotational reserve.
The former leading scorer had previously cemented his place in the university’s history by hitting a last-second layup to secure their maiden NCAA tournament victory over Saint Francis.
None of the disgraced athletes were active on any collegiate roster during the most recent sporting calendar.
FBI investigation uncovers corruption
The illicit scheme was uncovered after Hines transferred to Temple University, prompting the school to immediately alert enforcement staff.
Temple officials confirmed that the former guard had been interviewed by the FBI and confronted with incriminating text messages regarding his time at his previous programme.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania indicted the two bettors in January on wire fraud and bribery charges connected to the sporting integrity violations.
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been arrested and is currently being held in a Douglas County jail on suspicion of domestic violence and criminal mischief.
Jail records released on Friday confirm the defender is facing two counts of domestic violence alongside a single count of criminal mischief.
Court hearings for the accused have been scheduled for both Friday and Monday to address the allegations.
Broncos issue response amid off-season programme
The NFL franchise has released a brief official statement acknowledging the developing situation surrounding their pass rusher.
The Broncos are aware of the matter and are gathering more information.
This legal development occurs just days after the Colorado-based team commenced the on-field portion of their off-season training schedule.
Background and recent career performance
The former Ohio State standout originally entered the professional league as a seventh-round draft selection in 2021.
He has since established himself as a reliable presence on the defensive line, starting every game for his current employers since the beginning of the 2023 campaign.
Across his playing career, the edge rusher has amassed a total of 31.5 sacks.
That tally includes eight sacks recorded during the most recent regular season, along with an additional sack secured during the post-season.
NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and legendary broadcaster Ned Jarrett has died peacefully of natural causes at his home in North Carolina aged 93.
The two-time Cup champion secured 50 race victories during a remarkable career that peaked with top-tier titles in 1961 and 1965.
His second championship was particularly extraordinary, as the motorsport icon won 13 times and finished in the top five in 42 of 54 races despite breaking his back in a mid-season crash.
Early retirement and broadcasting fame
The North Carolina native chose to step away at the pinnacle of his profession aged just 34, retiring during the 1966 season after Ford withdrew their manufacturer support.
Following his driving days, he transitioned into a beloved media figure with extensive broadcasting stints across national radio and television networks.
One of his most enduring moments behind the microphone occurred at the 1993 Daytona 500, where he famously abandoned journalistic neutrality to cheer his son Dale across the finish line ahead of Dale Earnhardt.
Both men are now enshrined in the Hall of Fame, representing only the second father-son duo to capture championships at the sport’s highest level.
Tributes paid to ‘Gentleman Ned’
His family released a heartfelt statement on Thursday confirming his passing and paying tribute to his exceptional character.
“Our father was a devout Christian and a devoted, loving family man,” the Jarrett family said.
“While we mourn his passing, we celebrate the remarkable life of an amazing man and truly the best father anyone could have wished for.”
Often referred to affectionately as ‘Gentleman Ned’, the revered competitor was officially inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame in 2011 as part of its prestigious second class.
NASCAR chief executive Steve O’Donnell praised his enduring legacy both on and off the racetrack.
“Despite his calm demeanor, ‘Gentleman’ Ned Jarrett was as fierce a competitor as NASCAR has ever seen,” O’Donnell stated.
“Ned was an outstanding ambassador for the sport for more than six decades, and he will be dearly missed.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has confirmed his contract extension talks have stalled, setting a late July deadline to secure a long-term deal.
The former first overall draft pick is currently entering the third season of a three-year contract extension signed in 2024.
Despite his desire to remain in Florida, the signal-caller admitted negotiations have not progressed to a satisfactory level.
“Obviously, yes, I would love to have a long-term deal done, but they know my deadline,” Mayfield stated.
Training camp deadline set
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht previously suggested there was no strict timeline for an agreement.
However, the experienced quarterback and his representation have informed the franchise that discussions will cease once training camp opens.
“As soon as training camp starts, we’re not doing any contract stuff. It’s all ball,” he added.
The 29-year-old currently averages $33.3m per season, placing him 16th among all NFL quarterbacks in average annual value.
This financial figure positions the former Cleveland Browns starter just below fellow veteran Sam Darnold, despite recent impressive performances.
Evans departure ‘disappointing’
Away from his own future, the Texas native also addressed the high-profile exit of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans.
The franchise’s all-time leading scorer departed Tampa in free agency to join the San Francisco 49ers.
“There’s no way to sugar-coat it, it’s disappointing to not have him back,” the quarterback confessed.
Having spent 12 seasons with the Buccaneers, Evans was widely expected to finish his professional career with the NFC South organisation.
The high-profile departure now places added pressure on remaining offensive weapons like Chris Godwin to maintain the team’s competitive edge.
Martin O’Neill has agreed to become the permanent manager of Celtic on an initial one-year deal following successful talks with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.
The 74-year-old has given the green light to remain at Parkhead after guiding the club to a spectacular domestic double last season.
The decision follows extensive discussions with Desmond, who had also spoken to former striker Robbie Keane regarding the managerial vacancy.
However, the potential appointment of the Republic of Ireland legend drew significant criticism from various supporter groups.
A remarkable return to Parkhead
The veteran coach initially stepped in on an interim basis following the unexpected departure of Brendan Rodgers.
He later returned to replace Wilfried Nancy until the end of the campaign, culminating in a dramatic final-day Scottish Premiership title triumph.
That monumental season was capped off by lifting the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park earlier this month.
Overcoming initial reluctance
Following that cup final victory, the former Leicester City boss had cast doubt on his long-term future in Glasgow.
He previously stated he felt the Hoops could be “looking at somebody younger” as they searched for a permanent successor.
Instead, the experienced tactician will now attempt to defend Celtic’s domestic crown while preparing for another gruelling campaign.
Bayern Munich are exploring a surprise summer transfer for Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha as the German club look to bolster their attacking options.
The Bundesliga giants have identified the highly-rated forward as a primary target for the upcoming transfer window.
Interest from the Bavarian side comes at a transitional period for the Merseyside outfit, who recently appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager.
Rebuilding the Anfield attack
Iraola is already facing a significant squad rebuild following the high-profile summer departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.
The Reds are determined to strengthen their frontline rather than sanction further exits.
To fill the substantial void left by Salah, the six-time European champions are actively pursuing RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
Positive discussions have reportedly taken place regarding the Leipzig attacker, placing the Premier League club at the front of the queue for his signature.
Bayern seek to capitalise
Despite Liverpool’s reluctance to lose more attacking talent, Bayern remain keen to test their resolve over Ngumoha.
The German heavyweights are eager to refresh their own forward line ahead of the new campaign.
It remains to be seen whether the Anfield hierarchy will entertain any bids for the promising winger during this period of significant squad upheaval.
Incoming manager Xabi Alonso has visited Chelsea’s Cobham training ground this week to begin preparations alongside his coaching staff ahead of officially taking charge on 1 July.
The Spaniard was appointed as the permanent successor to Liam Rosenior and is already familiarising himself with his new surroundings.
It is understood the former midfielder held discussions with current backroom members regarding the upcoming pre-season campaign.
Dialogue with the sporting directors concerning recruitment and potential summer transfers has also been ongoing for several weeks.
Assembling the backroom team
The highly sought-after tactician was accompanied on his initial reconnaissance by his core coaching entourage.
Alberto Encinas, Sebastian Parrilla, Benat Labaien and Ismael Camenforte Lopez all toured the Surrey base.
They will integrate with the existing staff structure independently employed by the West London club.
This setup includes head of goalkeeping Ben Roberts and specialist set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva.
Restoring former glories
Calum McFarlane, who previously served as caretaker head coach, will remain part of the setup working under the new regime.
The Blues have endured a highly frustrating domestic campaign and are relying on their new boss to revitalise an underperforming squad.
McFarlane insists the latest managerial arrival possesses the requisite pedigree to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
“[He is] very talented, massive pedigree. Yeah, really excited for the club,” stated McFarlane.
“We’re all looking forward to working with them.”
“It’s a massive club. I think we’ve got really exciting players coming to play here.”
“Even though it’s a disappointing season, they are showing at times this year the kind of quality that we have.”
Joseph O’Brien’s Thundering On delivered a spectacular last-to-first surge under jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle to win the Betfred Oaks at Epsom on Friday.
The Frankel filly was sent off at 5-1 and spent the early stages of the prestigious Classic anchored at the rear of the field.
However, as challengers faded up the famous home straight, the Irish champion jockey remained entirely motionless in the saddle.
Sweeping past eventual runner-up Legacy Link at the furlong marker, the impressive three-year-old pulled clear to record a commanding three-and-three-quarter-length success.
Seagulls Eleven snatches dramatic Diomed Stakes win
Earlier on the card, Seagulls Eleven edged a thrilling finish to claim the Group Three Diomed Stakes for trainer Hugo Palmer.
Owned by a syndicate of footballers including James Milner, Danny Welbeck and Lewis Dunk, the 5-2 favourite followed up a recent victory in France.
Jockey Oisin Murphy guided the four-year-old to the front entering the straight, leading the field towards the stands rail.
Defending champion Persica launched a fierce challenge under Sean Levey, but the Palmer-trained victor rallied bravely to win by a nose on the line.
“I thought we were done, I must admit,” Palmer said.
“Luckily, he put his head down where it mattered.”
“He’s so tough, him and Oisin get on very well and he said he’s a pleasure to ride these days after all the difficulties earlier in his career.”
The winning trainer revealed that future targets for his tough competitor could include the Sussex Stakes, the Celebration Mile at Goodwood or the Summer Mile at Ascot.
Hickory Lad claims Woodcote triumph
Elsewhere at the famous Surrey venue, Phillip Makin celebrated a notable juvenile victory as Hickory Lad dominated the Woodcote Stakes.
Building on a promising debut at Thirsk, the star prospect led his rivals a merry dance to cap off a thrilling day of elite racing.