Former cycling world champion Rohan Dennis has publicly condemned the media for creating a false narrative following his suspended prison sentence over the death of his wife, Melissa Hoskins.
Ms Hoskins, a celebrated Olympic track cyclist, died in 2023 after being struck by a vehicle driven by her husband in an Adelaide suburb.
A court previously heard she had held onto the car as he attempted to drive away following an argument.
The 35-year-old admitted to an aggravated count of creating the likelihood of harm and received a suspended sentence of just over 16 months.
‘False narrative’ and media criticism
In a recent statement posted to social media, the two-time time trial world champion strongly denied any intention to cause physical harm.
“The narrative which the media ran with was clear,” wrote the Australian rider.
“They wanted me to look like the husband who abused his wife.”
Demands for family privacy
The former Olympian also accused journalists of harassing his family, expressing particular concern over the ongoing treatment of his children.
“The media speak about the children and how saddened they are for the children, yet they happily stalk, follow and harass not just adults in my family but even when the kids are involved,” he stated.
“They know I never intentionally or unintentionally used a vehicle as a weapon… Time for all you so-called journalists and media outlets to back off and leave my family alone.”
Decorated careers on the track
Prior to stepping away from the sport, the former professional was considered one of the foremost time trial specialists of his generation.
His late wife was equally decorated, securing a team pursuit gold medal at the 2015 World Championships.
She also proudly represented Australia at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Ireland will open their 2026 Women’s Six Nations campaign against England on 11 April, driven by a determination to banish the memory of their recent World Cup quarter-final exit.
Six months have passed since a heartbreaking 18-13 defeat by France in Exeter ended their global ambitions.
Head coach Scott Bemand now wants his squad to use that lingering disappointment as fuel to reach new heights in the upcoming championship.
The girls in green have secured back-to-back third-place finishes under their current boss.
However, closing the substantial gap to tournament heavyweights England and France remains the ultimate objective.
New leadership and fresh faces
To facilitate this upward trajectory, the management team has introduced nine uncapped players into a revitalised 36-player panel.
Former captain Amee-Leigh Costigan and co-captain Edel McMahon have both been omitted from the latest squad.
The captain’s armband has consequently been handed to returning back-row forward Erin King.
The 22-year-old recently recovered from a serious knee injury that cruelly forced her to miss the summer tournament.
Bemand, who recently extended his contract until 2029, believes the new skipper embodies the resilient future of Irish rugby.
Closing the gap on European heavyweights
Securing an elusive victory over the French side is a primary target following several agonisingly close encounters.
That challenge will be formidable given that both crucial fixtures against France and the dominant Red Roses are away from home.
England are current world champions and have remarkably won seven consecutive Six Nations titles without losing a single match since 2018.
“We’ve always said we don’t want to be afraid to talk about winning; winning games and competitions.”
The head coach acknowledged the progress made during the World Cup but stressed the need for continuous improvement.
“We pushed France close, but we have to be another school better.”
King shares this ambitious mindset, insisting that being highly competitive against the top two nations is a completely realistic goal.
The newly appointed captain noted that her side led the French 13-0 at half-time during their summer meeting.
She also recalled trailing the English by just two points at the break in Cork last year before fading in the second half.
Patrick Reed has revealed his desire to experience traditional tournament golf and spend more time with his family were the primary reasons behind his sudden departure from the LIV Golf Tour in January.
The 2018 Masters champion originally resigned from the PGA Tour in June 2022 to join the Saudi-backed breakaway league.
However, the 35-year-old made a surprising turnaround earlier this year when he announced his intention to regain his American main tour card.
Chasing the traditional thrill
Speaking ahead of the first major of the season at Augusta National, the American admitted the decision to leave the 54-hole circuit was made very quickly.
He explained that competing on the DP World Tour in Dubai reminded him of the adrenaline associated with standard tournament formats.
I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join – have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but get back to the traditional way of golf and playing.
The former Ryder Cup star highlighted the thrill of battling rivals on a standard, staggered leaderboard rather than LIV’s controversial shotgun start format.
For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings, especially with the way I played those last three weeks.
Family priorities and future eligibility
A grueling international schedule with the breakaway circuit also heavily impacted his home life.
The Texan noted that he urgently wanted to watch his 11-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son grow up.
To be honest with you, it was one of those decisions that I felt like was the best, not just for the golf game, but also for my family to spend more time with them.
Since stepping away from the LIV Tour, he has become a renewed force in Europe.
Masters contender in formidable form
The former rebel has secured two victories and three runner-up finishes on the DP World Tour since the start of the year.
Those impressive results have guaranteed him one of the 10 PGA Tour cards handed out to top finishers in the Race to Dubai standings.
Because of his past champion status, he is eligible to return for invitational events from late August and on a full-time basis in 2027.
That blistering recent form makes the former Augusta winner a genuine contender to secure a second Green Jacket this week.
Caroline Dubois has captured the unified WBC and WBO lightweight titles after knocking down Terri Harper in their highly anticipated all-British championship clash.
The unbeaten 23-year-old produced a commanding performance to overcome her highly experienced compatriot.
A pivotal knockdown proved decisive as the younger fighter imposed her relentless power and precision on the contest.
Dubois signals new era at lightweight
Victory secures both the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization belts, firmly establishing the Londoner at the summit of the 135lb weight class.
Her triumph marks a significant milestone in a rapidly ascending professional career that follows a stellar amateur background.
The newly crowned unified champion dictated the pace for long periods, showcasing the calculated aggression that has become her trademark.
Harper shows resilience in defeat
Despite touching the canvas, the former super-featherweight world champion demonstrated immense bravery to survive the heavy onslaught.
The Yorkshire fighter relied on her vast championship experience to navigate the later rounds against a ferocious opponent.
However, the 27-year-old ultimately fell short against the sheer momentum and accuracy of the sport’s rising star.
This definitive domestic showdown clarifies the world title picture in a marquee division transitioning into an exciting new era.
George Russell must view Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli as a title threat equivalent to a peak Lewis Hamilton following the teenager’s surprise early championship lead, according to Martin Brundle.
The Silver Arrows have started the 2026 Formula 1 season in dominant form by winning the opening three races.
However, it is the 19-year-old Italian who holds an unexpected nine-point advantage over his more experienced British counterpart.
Early championship battle emerges
Antonelli claimed consecutive victories in China and Japan to overturn an initial deficit from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Fortune favoured the young driver in Suzuka, where a well-timed safety car allowed him to leapfrog the former Williams star to secure the win.
Russell had been widely installed as the clear pre-season favourite to claim a maiden drivers’ title.
He spent three years partnering seven-time world champion Hamilton before the veteran departed for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Brundle’s warning for Russell
Former F1 driver and current broadcaster Martin Brundle believes the developing garage dynamic should be a major cause for concern.
“If I was George, I’d be more concerned after three races than I was at the beginning of the season.”
Brundle noted that the British driver served a long apprenticeship at the back of the grid before finally securing a race-winning machine.
“George did all those hard yards at Williams and spent an extra year or two there, goes to Mercedes, just as they stopped dominating and has to tolerate all that.”
“Now they look like they’ve got a championship car and you’d say George has got the upper hand and all of a sudden he’s got to be looking across the garage and thinking, ‘hang on a minute, this is nowhere near certain. I’ve got to beat this teenager yet’.”
“It’s difficult times for George and he’s got to treat Kimi Antonelli just as if he’s Lewis Hamilton in his peak and a threat for the championship.”
Resilience impresses pundits
The young Italian has also demonstrated significant mental fortitude during his sophomore campaign.
A heavy crash during final practice in Melbourne almost prevented him from participating in qualifying entirely.
Despite the setback, he recovered to secure second place on the grid and maintained that position throughout the race.
The Memphis Grizzlies equalled the NBA single-game record by hitting 29 three-pointers on Monday night, yet still suffered a 142-126 home defeat by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Nine different players found the target from beyond the arc for the Tennessee franchise.
However, their historic perimeter shooting was not enough to secure victory against a dominant visiting side.
The home team shot an impressive 49.2% from deep, converting 29 of their 59 attempts.
A historic but fruitless achievement
This remarkable tally matches the overall NBA benchmark previously shared by the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics.
Milwaukee set the original milestone during a 144-97 victory over the Miami Heat in December 2020.
Boston subsequently equalled that feat earlier this season during an October win against the New York Knicks.
Consequently, this performance marks the highest number of three-pointers ever made by a losing team in basketball history.
They surpass the previous unwanted record of 27, which was established by the Golden State Warriors in 2024.
Reserves shine amidst difficult run
Bench players Adama Bal and Dariq Whitehead led the perimeter barrage with six three-pointers apiece.
Lucas Williamson added five more from deep, while Olivier-Maxence Prosper successfully converted four of his five attempts.
The team sank 10 threes in both the first and fourth quarters to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Conversely, the victorious Cavaliers only required 12 successful shots from three-point range to comfortably seal their road win.
This latest defeat extends a dismal run of form for a struggling Memphis squad.
They have now lost 18 of their past 20 fixtures, despite vastly exceeding their season average of 13.7 three-pointers per game on this historic night.
Arsenal are reportedly pursuing Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP following a string of domestic cup exits.
The north London club have travelled to Portugal for the first leg of their crucial European tie.
They are seeking to bounce back immediately after a devastating FA Cup defeat to Championship side Southampton on Saturday.
That unexpected cup exit followed last month’s Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta has seen his team’s quadruple ambitions completely shattered in the space of just a fortnight.
The Premier League leaders still hold a nine-point advantage over defending champions City, who currently possess a game in hand.
Interest in Barcelona playmaker
Off the pitch, the Gunners have reportedly shown strong interest in signing Spain international Dani Olmo.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been struggling to secure regular starting opportunities under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
Spanish publication Sport claims Arsenal attempted to capitalise on this situation alongside Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Qadsiah FC.
However, the highly-rated attacker rejected both approaches to fight for his long-term place at the Nou Camp.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola previously monitored the former RB Leipzig man during last summer’s transfer window.
Martinelli to avoid further FA sanction
Meanwhile, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is expected to avoid retrospective punishment for a controversial incident during the recent loss at St Mary’s.
The Brazilian attacker shoved referee Sam Barrott while attempting to take a quick free-kick in stoppage time.
Barrott immediately issued a yellow card to the frustrated forward on the pitch.
Former Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief Keith Hackett believes the on-field booking will prevent further disciplinary action.
Football Association regulations generally prohibit the governing body from re-evaluating incidents that have already been managed by match officials.
“Because the referee has issued a yellow card, it is unlikely that the disciplinary panel will review the decision.”
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett speaking to Football Insider
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer left Monday’s 14-2 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers after two innings with right forearm tendinitis.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner allowed two runs and two hits before departing his abbreviated start.
The 41-year-old saw a notable drop in velocity, with his fastball averaging 92.1 mph compared to 93.4 mph during his previous outing against Colorado.
Despite the early exit, manager John Schneider expressed confidence that the veteran right-hander will be able to make his next scheduled start.
Rotation woes deepen for Toronto
Scherzer’s potential injury represents another major concern for a Toronto pitching staff already devastated by early-season fitness issues.
The Canadian franchise currently has four starting pitchers languishing on the injured list.
Right-handers Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage are all yet to pitch this season as they recover from elbow and shoulder problems.
Cody Ponce also joined the casualties last week after injuring his knee while fielding an infield grounder during his first major league appearance since 2021.
Reinforcements called upon
Left-hander Josh Fleming, newly promoted from Triple-A Buffalo, was forced to take over from the ailing starter in the third inning against Los Angeles.
The Dodgers offense capitalised heavily on Toronto’s pitching struggles, sparked by a first-inning Teoscar Hernandez home run.
In response to their mounting rotation crisis, the Blue Jays signed 36-year-old veteran Patrick Corbin to a one-year contract last Friday.
The newly acquired left-hander recently began his preparation by allowing a single run over five innings for Single-A Dunedin.