Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has revealed that a severe battle with facial shingles significantly delayed his recovery from a torn right Achilles.
The 26-year-old missed the entirety of the NBA season after suffering the devastating leg injury during Game 7 of last June’s Finals.
While rehabilitating, the point guard was diagnosed with the viral infection in February and forced to step away from the franchise.
He has since experienced extreme swelling, a rash, and the loss of part of his eyebrow.
Physical toll and medication changes
Speaking to reporters in Indianapolis on Monday, the former lottery pick explained the harrowing physical impact of the past two months.
“I couldn’t even go in front of a camera if I wanted to early, because my eye was basically closed shut.”
The American playmaker also appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, detailing how multiple medication changes and a Botox injection were required to manage the pain.
A side effect of his latest prescription has resulted in noticeable weight gain and a puffy facial appearance.
Setbacks in Achilles rehabilitation
Although the illness did not cost him additional playing time, it served as a frustrating setback during an already tedious rehabilitation process.
The Pacers talisman was initially scheduled to begin full-contact scrimmages following the All-Star break.
Instead, those crucial basketball activities were postponed until last week while he isolated.
Despite the delays, the franchise cornerstone noted that his surgically repaired leg no longer causes him any concern.
Focus shifts to summer healing
His attention now shifts to a crucial off-season of healing from the lingering viral symptoms and returning to peak physical condition.
Having watched his father suffer from a stomach infection caused by the same virus last year, he offered a stark warning to the public.
“I would tell anybody over 50 years old to get the shingles vaccine. This has sucked.”
New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick has announced his retirement from the NHL at the age of 40 following a decorated two-decade career.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion confirmed that Monday’s start against the Florida Panthers serves as his final professional game.
The fixture in Sunrise marks his 921st career appearance across both regular-season and playoff action.
Decorated career and championship pedigree
The American netminder established himself as one of the finest goaltenders of his generation during a highly successful spell with the Los Angeles Kings.
He backstopped the Californian franchise to Stanley Cup glory in 2012 and 2014, lifting the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff most valuable player during the first of those title runs.
The Milford-born veteran added a third championship ring to his collection in 2023 whilst serving as a backup for the Vegas Golden Knights.
On the international stage, the former Olympian was the starting goaltender for the United States at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.
Rangers pay tribute to departing veteran
Quick elected to conclude his illustrious career in New York after joining the Rangers for his final NHL campaign.
Rangers general manager Chris Drury praised the departing star’s immense contribution to the sport in a statement released on social media.
He earned the respect of his teammates, coaches and staff members through his work ethic and dedication to his craft.
Jonathan is a special person and player, and the entire Rangers organization wishes him – along with his wife, Jackie, and three children, Madison, Carter and Cash – all the best in retirement.
FIFA has officially refused to relocate Iran’s upcoming 2026 World Cup group stage matches from the United States to Mexico despite ongoing geopolitical conflict.
The Middle Eastern nation had requested a venue change for their Group G fixtures against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
Tensions escalated significantly following the outbreak of military conflict involving the US, Israel and Tehran in late February.
Security concerns rejected
Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj previously expressed major concerns over player safety in North America.
Taj stated that US President Donald Trump could not guarantee the security of the visiting national squad.
However, Mexican President Sheinbaum confirmed that world football’s governing body vetoed any proposed switch to Mexican stadiums.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues.”
Sheinbaum told reporters at a recent news conference in Mexico City.
“It would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA.”
Infantino expects full participation
Team Melli are currently scheduled to play their group games in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, before travelling to Seattle on 26 June.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently met with Iranian players and officials during a friendly match in Turkiye.
The 54-year-old Swiss administrator remains adamant that the current tournament draw will be respected entirely.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”
Infantino also dismissed suggestions that the national side might be forced to withdraw from the competition.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. That’s why we’re here. I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine.”
Contingency plans remain
Uncertainty continues to surround the team’s ultimate participation should the international conflict intensify over the coming months.
Should the three-time Asian Cup winners pull out of the tournament, another Asian Confederation side would likely be drafted in as a replacement.
England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a significant selection dilemma ahead of this summer’s World Cup as he considers integrating teenage talents Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha into his squad.
The German tactician recently signed a contract extension with the Football Association until 2028, shifting his mandate from an immediate win-at-all-costs approach to long-term development.
This new agreement forces the 51-year-old to consider the future implications of fast-tracking promising youngsters into the senior setup.
Teenage prodigies state their case
Liverpool forward Ngumoha has drawn widespread attention following a stunning individual goal and irresistible overall performance against Fulham.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Arsenal academy product Dowman is already being heralded by industry insiders as a generational talent.
The Gunners prospect recently demonstrated his game-changing abilities with a magical substitute appearance against Everton.
While the national team boss has publicly left the door open for such youth prospects, the challenge remains whether restricted tournament minutes justify disrupting their crucial developmental years.
The battle for the right wing
Beyond the youth conundrum, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager must also resolve a fierce battle on the right side of his attack.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka remains the undisputed first choice when fully fit, but the competition to be his primary deputy is intensifying.
Noni Madueke initially established himself as the natural understudy, delivering a strong European performance against Sporting Lisbon.
However, the Chelsea attacker struggled during a subsequent domestic outing against Bournemouth, opening the door for his international rivals.
West Ham captain finds form
West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen has seized this opportunity by producing sensational domestic form amid his club’s Premier League relegation battle.
The 27-year-old delivered an outstanding display against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night.
That pivotal performance means the energetic forward has now registered five assists in his last five league appearances.
With nine goal involvements across his previous ten domestic matches, the Hammers talisman presents a compelling case for a permanent role in the upcoming international campaign.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has apologised to the club’s supporters following an angry confrontation in the wake of a 4-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City.
The Hungary international drew widespread criticism for his reaction towards the travelling away end at the Etihad Stadium on 4 April.
Following a dismal performance that featured an Erling Haaland hat-trick and a missed penalty from Mohamed Salah, frustrated supporters loudly booed Arne Slot’s team at the full-time whistle.
The 24-year-old was seen visibly reacting to the dissent, waving his arms and shrugging before being led away by team-mate Federico Chiesa.
Clearing the air before Paris Saint-Germain
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, the midfielder insisted his emotional response was misinterpreted.
“To make it clear it was a misunderstanding with me and the fans, I didn’t mean it in a bad way,” he explained during a press conference.
“If it was a misunderstanding then I apologise, they can feel also that I am not feeling better than them, exactly the same as they do.”
The former RB Leipzig playmaker emphasised his deep commitment to the Anfield fanbase while reiterating that the squad shares their profound disappointment.
Anfield impact needed to overturn deficit
Liverpool face a monumental task to rescue their European campaign, having suffered a passive 2-0 defeat in the French capital during the first leg.
Slot’s men bounced back with a routine 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, though the match was overshadowed by fan protests regarding planned ticket price increases.
Despite the recent friction, the Hungarian has called for absolute unity as the Reds attempt to mount a historic comeback on Merseyside.
“We saw it many times this and last season for sure, it’s going to be not only 11 and subs, it’s the whole stadium,” he noted.
“We know how it feels to be at LFC with these fans at Anfield and we don’t need any more motivation.”
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been granted permission to compete under their national flags at senior World Aquatics events following the lifting of a strict ban.
Competitors representing the two nations had previously been restricted to neutral status since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Swimming’s global governing body had already permitted junior competitors to race under their own colours since December.
Strict testing protocols required for return
The latest update aligns senior regulations with a recent recommendation from the International Olympic Committee summit.
World Aquatics president Husain Al Musallam stated the organisation is committed to keeping international conflict out of the sporting arena.
“We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition.”
The official statement confirmed that political conflict guidelines will no longer apply to those holding Russian or Belarusian sporting nationality.
Anti-doping and background checks implemented
Swimmers returning to international waters must first successfully pass a minimum of four successive anti-doping controls.
Thorough background evaluations will also be conducted by the Aquatics Integrity Unit alongside the International Testing Agency.
This decision mirrors a similar move by the International Paralympic Committee during the recent Games.
Meanwhile, Fifa president Gianni Infantino indicated earlier this year that world football’s governing body might consider lifting its own ban on Russian participation.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two new allegations of rape during an appearance at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.
The 32-year-old appeared in the dock to formally deny twice raping a woman in London on a specific date in December 2020.
These fresh charges follow his previous not guilty pleas to five counts of rape and one allegation of sexual assault dating back to 2021 and 2022.
In total, the Ghana international now faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations from four different women.
Trial timeline extended
Judge Tony Baumgartner, the Recorder of Westminster, agreed during Monday’s hearing that all of the allegations should be tried together.
This consolidation means the original trial date set for November could now face delays, potentially pushing proceedings back to January of next year.
The player spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas while wearing dark grey trousers and a black jumper over a white shirt.
A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for May 14, where a finalised trial date is expected to be determined by the incoming trial judge, Mr Justice Bennathan.
Bail conditions and background
The former Atletico Madrid player remains on bail during the ongoing legal proceedings under strict conditions prohibiting contact with the alleged victims.
He was absent from a preliminary hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last month, though his legal representation indicated at the time that he would deny the charges.
The midfielder spent five years in north London after completing a £45m transfer in 2020, before departing for Spanish side Villarreal last summer.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, he remains an integral part of his national side and is expected to represent them at the upcoming World Cup.
Scottish 200m record holder Beth Dobbin has announced her retirement from athletics at the age of 31 following a three-year battle with an undisclosed, life-changing health issue.
The former Olympian represented her country at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, where she impressively reached the semi-finals of her signature sprinting event.
On the international stage, the talented runner secured a 4x400m relay bronze medal for Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
The 31-year-old also proved her consistency at the highest level by competing at three European Championships and two World Championships during her distinguished career.
A delayed breakthrough and historic records
Despite missing out on junior selections early in her career, the late-blooming sprinter finally burst onto the senior scene at the age of 24.
In 2018, she shattered a long-standing Scottish 200m record that had remained untouched for 34 years before being crowned British champion later that same season.
The record-breaking athlete subsequently set her personal best time of 22.50 seconds at the prestigious Anniversary Games in London the following year.
An enforced and cruel departure
Revealing the heart-breaking news of her departure across social media, the esteemed track star admitted she could not possibly list all the highs she had experienced.
However, she chose to keep the specific details of her debilitating medical condition private while reflecting positively on her unconventional journey to the top.
“I am very proud of my journey. From never getting close to making junior teams to breaking through at 24.”
Discussing her prolonged and difficult absence from competitive action, the Scottish athlete highlighted the isolated nature of dealing with severe sickness compared to standard sporting ailments.
“Unlike injuries, where you are surrounded by physio expertise, this often isn’t the case with illness.”
“Instead it’s been a journey of getting answers and trialing treatment.”
Leaving the track with fulfilled dreams
The physical toll and lengthy diagnostic processes ultimately forced the Commonwealth medalist to step away from the sport prematurely.
“On one hand it feels like my career has been cut short and it feels cruel not to be retiring on my own terms. On the other, I achieved so much more than I ever expected.”
“I may not be leaving the sport with an Olympic medal, but I’m leaving with many dreams fulfilled.”