Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the NBA franchise and his agency have confirmed.
A cause of death for the former first-round draft pick, whose passing was announced on Tuesday, has not yet been disclosed.
‘An outstanding teammate’
The Western Conference team released a statement expressing their heartbreak over the tragic and sudden loss.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” the team said.
His representatives at Priority Sports also paid tribute, stating that it was impossible to put into words how much the professional would be missed.
A dedicated career in Memphis
Selected in the first round of the 2019 draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the athletic big man was traded to Tennessee just two weeks later.
The energetic frontcourt player went on to spend his entire seven-year professional career competing for the Grizzlies.
During his tenure, he established himself as a highly respected presence on and off the court for the Memphis-based organisation.
Match officials have released the VAR audio detailing the exact reasons why Benjamin Sesko’s controversial strike against Liverpool was awarded despite widespread handball appeals.
The latest broadcast of mic’d up refereeing decisions has provided unprecedented transparency into the contentious incident.
Spectators and opposing players were originally convinced the Slovenian international used his arm to bundle the ball into the back of the net.
However, the newly available recordings confirm the video assistant referee could not find definitive evidence of a deliberate infringement.
Reviewing the crucial moment
On-field officials allowed the effort to stand in real time, shifting the burden of proof directly to the team stationed in the video booth.
The broadcast reveals the remote squad meticulously studying multiple camera angles to determine the exact point of contact on the attacker’s body.
Because the available replays proved inconclusive, strict technology protocols dictated that the referee’s initial decision could not be overturned.
Ongoing drive for transparency
This public release forms part of a continuous initiative by the governing body to demystify complex and highly debated decisions for football fans.
The lightning-fast forward has built a formidable reputation for his clinical finishing, but this specific sequence left the opposition furious.
By sharing the direct communications between the pitch and the VAR hub, authorities hope to improve overall understanding of the often-debated handball laws.
Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese has died at the age of 36 following a sudden medical emergency during a routine training session in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
The national athletics federation confirmed the tragic news regarding the former Houston and Prague marathon champion.
She had been actively preparing for an upcoming road race in Ottawa scheduled for late May before falling unexpectedly ill.
Local media reports indicate that the experienced athlete was immediately rushed to a hospital in the Ethiopian capital.
Medical efforts in vain
Despite the swift response and best efforts of medical staff at the facility, she passed away shortly after her arrival.
Authorities have not yet made any further clinical details public regarding the exact cause of the fatal incident.
“The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expresses its deep sorrow over the sudden passing of this heroic athlete and offers condolences to her family, friends and fans.”
The governing body released the official statement to mourn the profound loss to the global sporting community.
A decorated international career
The 36-year-old enjoyed a highly successful career on the international road racing circuit.
Her standout competitive year came in 2015 when she secured prestigious victories at both the Houston and Prague marathons.
That same phenomenal season culminated in a second-place finish at the Chicago Marathon, marking her best ever result in one of the seven World Marathon Majors.
The East African talent also won the Shanghai marathon, while her most recent professional outing occurred at the Beijing marathon in May last year.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has urged Lewis Hamilton to retire at the end of the current season to make way for emerging young talent.
Hamilton currently sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship during his second campaign with Ferrari, level on points with reigning world champion Lando Norris.
The 41-year-old secured his maiden podium for the Italian manufacturer at the Chinese Grand Prix earlier this year.
However, subsequent sixth-place finishes in Japan and Miami have prompted criticism from six-time Grand Prix winner Schumacher.
Schumacher calls for youth progression
The German believes both the seven-time world champion and Fernando Alonso should step away from the sport entirely.
“Hamilton is in a better position again this year but, over the course of the season, he won’t stand a chance against Leclerc.”
Schumacher told Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast.
“It’s time – and I have to say the same about Fernando Alonso. Hamilton and Alonso have had a wonderful time in Formula 1. But now it’s time for both of them to step out of their cockpits at the end of the year and give young people a chance.”
Bearman backed as potential successor
Should the British veteran choose to end his career, Haas driver Oliver Bearman is viewed as the natural successor to partner Charles Leclerc.
Bearman has been part of the Ferrari driver academy since his teenage years.
Schumacher insists the 21-year-old is fully prepared for an immediate promotion to a front-running team.
“If he gets the chance, he’ll even pose a challenge to Charles Leclerc. I’m pretty sure of that – I’d say he’s actually better.”
Russell faces Mercedes pressure
Elsewhere on the grid, George Russell is facing intense scrutiny at Mercedes following the rapid rise of team-mate Kimi Antonelli.
The 28-year-old was expected to lead the Silver Arrows this season but has fallen 20 points behind his younger colleague.
Antonelli has claimed three consecutive victories, comprehensively overshadowing Russell’s opening-round triumph at the Australian Grand Prix.
Mechanical issues have hampered the former Williams driver in recent rounds, causing him to miss out on podium finishes in both Japan and Miami.
These ongoing struggles have led one former world champion to accuse the British driver of going missing when it matters most.
Paris Saint-Germain have begun specific training to counter Arsenal’s set-piece tactics ahead of their Champions League final meeting in Budapest on 30 May.
The Ligue 1 leaders are leaving nothing to chance as they anticipate a physical aerial battle against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Footage from the French giants’ training sessions shows goalkeepers Matvei Safonov and Lucas Chevalier rehearsing routines to deal with corners and free-kicks.
The Premier League contenders have built a formidable reputation from dead-ball situations this season.
Enrique skips awards to study Gunners
The Parisian club’s preparations are so intense that manager Luis Enrique chose to miss the recent UNFP award ceremony to focus on their English opponents.
“I never go to these kinds of events, I prefer to stay home, I need to study Arsenal.”
The Spanish coach praised his domestic peers but emphasised his immediate priority remains securing European glory.
Domestic duties remain
Before travelling to Hungary, the current league leaders must navigate their final domestic fixtures against Lens and Paris FC.
They currently sit six points clear at the summit of the French top flight with just two matches remaining.
Their manager highlighted the physical toll of a congested fixture list, with the upcoming Lens tie arriving just three days after their previous outing.
“We have injured players and others who have played two matches in a row. We have to manage it,” Luis Enrique added.
“Tomorrow, we will show what kind of team we are, our ambition.”
Defensive blow for north Londoners
The Gunners have their own injury concerns to manage ahead of the showpiece event.
Key defender Ben White has reportedly been ruled out of the final, dealing a significant blow to their tactical plans.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will make his highly anticipated racing debut at the legendary ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours this weekend in pursuit of old-school motorsport.
The prospect of the reigning Red Bull driver using a free weekend to compete in one of endurance racing’s most chaotic events has captured widespread attention.
Competing on the iconic German circuit has been a long-held ambition for the 26-year-old.
While he has completed thousands of virtual laps via his passion for sim racing, this year presents his first realistic opportunity to dovetail the gruelling event with his intense Formula 1 schedule.
Quest for proper racing
The Dutch driver recently expressed his desire to experience the pure thrill of the formidable track.
“It just shows that my love, it’s not only around Formula 1, I love racing, I love competing.”
Speaking about his motivation, Verstappen revealed that his main objective was the pursuit of authenticity.
“Just going back to a bit more old-school, proper racing, that’s what I’m trying to seek. And that’s what I get from driving at the Nordschleife.”
Despite his elite status at the pinnacle of motorsport, the championship leader had to earn a specialised licence to compete.
Securing the mandatory permit required passing classroom exams, completing test days, and participating in lower-tier GT4 events.
Taming the Green Hell
This weekend’s endurance spectacle takes place on a punishing 170-corner layout.
The demanding track combines the modern Grand Prix circuit with the infamous 12.9-mile Northern Loop.
Designed by Gustav Eichler in the 1920s, the unique circuit carves through the Eifel mountains and features a staggering 300-metre elevation change.
World number one Jannik Sinner equalled Novak Djokovic’s record of 31 consecutive Masters 1000 victories by reaching the Italian Open quarter-finals, while second seed Alexander Zverev suffered a shock defeat.
The home favourite comfortably dispatched Italian qualifier Andrea Pellegrino 6-2 6-3 at the Foro Italico.
The top seed has already set a new benchmark by winning a fifth straight Masters tournament in Madrid last weekend.
He is now bidding to become only the second player in history to win all nine current Masters 1000 events on the ATP Tour.
The dominant Italian has dropped merely two sets since suffering his most recent defeat against Jakub Mensik in February.
Zverev blasts ‘worst court ever’
While the world number one flourished, Germany’s second seed collapsed to a remarkable defeat against 18th seed Luciano Darderi.
The Italian underdog fought back from a set and 5-3 down, saving four match points to triumph 1-6 7-6 (10) 6-0.
The vanquished Olympic champion was furious with the playing conditions in the Italian capital following his dramatic exit.
I think this is the worst court I’ve ever played on.
Juniors, professional, futures, practice, I never played on a court where the court quality is that bad. I have match point and the ball jumps over my head. I have break point, the ball rolls.
Jodar achieves rare teenage milestone
Darderi advances to face 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar, who continued his stunning breakout season by dispatching Learner Tien 6-1 6-4.
The rising star becomes the first teenager to reach the men’s quarter-finals in Rome since Djokovic achieved the feat in 2007.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Norwegian specialist Casper Ruud eliminated Italian eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti in a notable upset.
In the women’s tournament, veteran Romanian Sorana Cirstea maintained her excellent form to reach the semi-finals.
The unseeded competitor, who previously eliminated world number one Aryna Sabalenka, comfortably defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-1 7-6 (0).
Fifa are considering granting referees unprecedented powers to penalise penalty box grappling before set-pieces are taken at the upcoming World Cup.
World football’s governing body wants to eradicate the aggressive wrestling at corners and free-kicks that has frequently marred domestic leagues this season.
Discussions are currently under way regarding how match officials might legally award fouls before the ball actually comes into play.
New directives could be introduced instructing referees to be extra vigilant regarding illegal blocking and clear holding.
Focus on preventative action
Premier League officials Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor are expected to be told that the recent spate of skirmishes requires decisive preventative action.
Match officials will receive their specific tournament orders when they arrive at their Miami training base early next month.
If implemented, the controversial change would mean free-kicks, penalties and cards could be awarded despite the current Laws of the Game stating non-violent offences can only be punished while the ball is active.
The issue of blocking at corners has been a significant talking point in the English top flight, with Arsenal recently having a late goal ruled out against West Ham amid VAR controversy.
International incidents scrutinised
Recent international fixtures are being used to highlight unacceptable blocking tactics to managers ahead of the global tournament.
One specific example under review is England’s friendly against Uruguay in March, where Ben White’s goal was overshadowed by accusations that Adam Wharton illegally blocked José María Giménez.
Former Chelsea manager and current United States women’s head coach Emma Hayes highlighted the issue during her television punditry duties for that fixture.
“I think nine times out of ten blocking off someone like that is a foul and I’m surprised it wasn’t given.”
Referees urged to take a firm stance
The proposed crackdown aligns with recent comments from the head of Fifa’s Technical Study Group, who warned officials must take a firmer approach to dead-ball situations.
Former Switzerland international goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler specifically highlighted the trend of disruptive set-piece tactics seen in the English tier.
“We have seen this, especially in the Premier League with Arsenal.”
“This is a trend, yes, of course, but I’m sure for our World Cup, we have the best referees there and those referees will be a key part of these situations.”
These strict new directives have reportedly already been discussed with national team managers as the countdown to the global showpiece accelerates.