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Jared Bednar puck to face

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar hospitalized after taking puck to face

April 12, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar was hospitalized after a bizarre incident that saw him take a puck to the face during Saturday’s game.

Bednar was struck by an attempted clearance while on the bench early in the third period during Colorado’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena in Denver, Co. The puck went over the boards and hit Bednar directly in the head.

Avs head coach Jared Bednar took an attempted dump-in from Keegan Kolesar to the side of the head and has left the bench 🤕 pic.twitter.com/Qh0uQQSXgd

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 12, 2026

Another view showed Bednar reeling after the puck seemingly hit him just below his right eye.

Here's an alternate angle of Jared Bednar's injury, where he took a puck to the face. Ouch. #goavsgo pic.twitter.com/DXdfV7NZrT

— Rachel Strand (@MileHighRachel) April 12, 2026

After the game, a team spokesperson said Bednar was “fully alert and fully conscious,” but was transported to a hospital as a precaution to have a CT scan taken, via Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post.

Taking a puck to the face is no joke. Bednar might be at an even greater disadvantage, as he had no reason to be concerned about getting hit and obviously was not wearing a helmet or facemask like many players do.

The Avalanche have already secured their place in the NHL Playoffs and will be the top seed in the Western Conference. Bednar will presumably hope he can be back behind the bench for the start of the postseason.

HockeyJared Bednar
Rory McIlroy on the course

Rory McIlroy’s comments before Masters Saturday did not age well

April 12, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Rory McIlroy had an ace up his sleeve heading into this weekend’s Masters Tournament. But he may have already used up all of that magic.

The Northern Irishman completely dominated the opening two days of this year’s competition at Augusta National in Georgia. He posted scores of 67 and 65 through Friday, which gave him a record-setting 6-shot lead midway through this year’s Masters.

McIlroy spoke to reporters on Friday night and shared the secret behind his success: familiarity.

“I think just spending time here,” McIlroy told the media, via Sports Illustrated Bob Harig. “Between the Players and starting (the Masters) on Thursday,  I’ve been on this golf course, geez, like Monday, Tuesday last week, then Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I was up here for a day the week before as well.

“I’ve been on this golf course so much the last three weeks, and that’s been a combination of practice and chipping and putting around greens, and then just playing one ball and shooting scores and ending up in weird places that you maybe never find yourself and just trying to figure it out.”

McIlroy even flexed that he had a “couple of days” when he dropped his daughter Poppy off at school in Florida before taking his private jet to Augusta for a round. He was able to fly back home to his Palm Beach Gardens mansion before dinnertime.

The reigning Masters champion may have jinxed himself. McIlroy’s swing was all over the place Saturday during his third round of play. His 6-stroke edge evaporated after a 73 (+1) performance, allowing American Cameron Young to match him for the co-lead heading into the final day of the tournament.

Despite his poor performance, McIlroy expressed full confidence that he could still pull out a win and become just the fourth back-to-back Masters winner ever. Several fans, however, seem to be hoping for a different outcome.

Golf2026 MastersRory McIlroy
Jiri Prochazka with a bloody lip after losing to Carlos Ulberg

UFC star got knocked out after showing ‘mercy’ to opponent who blew out his knee

April 11, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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UFC veteran Jiri Prochazka learned the hard way that there’s nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal.

Prochazka (32-6-1) looked like he was being gifted a victory Saturday against Carlos Ulberg (15-1-0) in the main event of UFC 327 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla. Ulberg visibly injured his leg in the first round while the two were on their feet in the middle of the ring.

Watch Ulberg’s right leg ripple as the two were exchanging blows.

Ulberg blew out his knee and KO’d Jiri in Rd 1! 😱 #UFC327 pic.twitter.com/DKEaulX0BL

— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) April 12, 2026

Instead of pouncing on his injured opponent, Prochazka proceeded to toy with Ulberg throughout the round. That left an opportunity for Ulberg to clock Prochazka with a wicked left hook that rocked the Czech fighter.

In case you missed it .! Jiri Prochazka couldn’t stop mocking and clowning.

The Humbling from Carlos Ulberg was really exciting.!! #UFC327 pic.twitter.com/88SqtmoVVW

— BL_ 23 (161st Judgian Empire) (@BLARA_23Jr) April 12, 2026

Ulberg won the vacant light heavyweight championship with the TKO of Prochazka, who was a sullen figure as he spoke to Joe Rogan after the match.

“F–k. I felt, like, mercy, you know?” said Prochazka as he looked stunned by the result.

“In that fight, I felt so sorry for him. Man, this is one of the biggest lessons in my life, man. I still can’t understand. That fight was won. I had it, it was in my hand. I just left him because I saw his injury, f–k man. … Life is about that, learn and be better.”

Jiri Prochazka said he showed Carlos Ulberg mercy before getting knocked out 😳

“F*ck. I felt so sorry for him. This is one of the biggest lessons in my life. I had it.

I left him because I saw his injury. F*ck man.” pic.twitter.com/8Nhkrl4lq9

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 12, 2026

Ulberg confirmed after the fight that he “blew out” his knee and would most likely need surgery. He’ll at least go into his rehab riding the high of a win over one of UFC’s most seasoned light heavyweights.

Prochazka aside, the next biggest loser in all this is the UFC. Prochazka, the crowd favorite during the match, looked poised to take the belt and begin a new light heavyweight title reign. Instead, the lesser-known Ulberg took him out before having to undergo what is expected to be a lengthy recovery himself.

HeadlinesMMACarlos UlbergJiri Prochazka
Texas Longhorns logo

Texas lands elite scorer in transfer portal

April 11, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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The Texas Longhorns are adding some scoring punch heading into next season.

Incoming sophomore guard Isaiah Johnson is transferring to Texas, according to a report from On3’s Joe Tipton. Johnson later confirmed the news on his personal Instagram account, posting several photos of himself in the school’s familiar burnt orange uniform.

“Hook ‘Em,” Johnson captioned his post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Isaiah Johnson (@isaiahj___)

Johnson joins a Texas squad coming off a surprising run to the Sweet 16 as an 11-seed in the recently concluded NCAA Tournament.

The Los Angeles native went from unranked prospect to one of the most impactful freshman guards in the country last season. He averaged 16.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 32 games for Colorado. He came off the bench for the first 17 games of the campaign before Buffaloes coach Tad Boyle inserted him into the starting lineup.

The Longhorns are losing two of their top three scorers, with Dailyn Swain declaring for the NBA draft and Tramon Mark graduating. TCU star forward David Punch is also expected to make the move to Austin soon, potentially giving Texas a considerable one-two punch off the transfer portal.

College BasketballIsaiah Johnson BasketballTexas Longhorns Basketball
Willson Contreras in a Red Sox uniform

Willson Contreras had emotional message in return to St. Louis

April 11, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Willson Contreras has nothing but love for his former fan base.

The Boston Red Sox first baseman returned to Busch Stadium this weekend for the first time since the St. Louis Cardinals traded Contreras in December. Contreras had a major impact in Saturday’s interconference clash, going 2-for-4 at the plate with a game-high 3 RBIs in the 7-1 Red Sox victory.

Contreras hit a 2-run double in the top of the 4th inning to give his team a 2-0 lead, and Boston never looked back.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME FEEL SOMETHING WILLSON CONTRERAS!

112.8 off the bat. He gets his revenge against Kyle Leahy. pic.twitter.com/2efaPTuH5O

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) April 12, 2026

After the game, the fiery Contreras showed his softer side by showing appreciation for the fans who cheered for him over the past three seasons.

“I’ll be honest. This is the first time that I got emotional. … I wasn’t expecting that good of an ovation,” Contreras told Ken Rosenthal.

“That melted my heart. I have really good memories here, I have very good friends on the other side.”

Contreras received a huge ovation from the fans as he squared up for his first at-bat. He ended up getting hit by a 91.2 sinker on the first pitch he saw.

Earlier this week, Contreras went into a rage after a similar HBP against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, the same thing had zero effect on him on Saturday night. Nothing was going to ruin the vibes for him in his return to St. Louis.

Contreras played for the Cardinals from 2023 to 2025. He batted .261 with 55 home runs, 183 RBIs, and an .817 OPS across three seasons. He transitioned from catcher to first baseman in his final year in St. Louis.

Football
A Saints helmet on the bench

14-year NFL veteran arrested for DUI

April 11, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Longtime NFL wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. has been arrested for DUI.

The 14-year veteran was charged with driving while intoxicated in Tarrant County, Texas. The Euless Police Department arrested Ginn on Saturday afternoon. He was later released after posting $1,000 bail, per a report from WSYX’s Kierstin Lindkvist.

The police encounter occurred just a day before Ginn was supposed to coach the Columbus Aviators for their third game of the season. He was hired as the UFL team’s head coach in December.

UFL Columbus Aviators HC Ted Ginn Jr. was arrested in Texas for DUI.

With a game on Sunday, the UFL announced that OC Todd Haley will serve as interim HC. pic.twitter.com/yW4n3LKCFK

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 12, 2026

“We are aware of an incident involving Head Coach Ted Ginn Jr. over the weekend and are in the process of gathering more information,” said UFL president & CEO Russ Brandon, via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “Offensive coordinator Todd Haley will handle the head coaching duties for the Aviators game on Sunday.”

Ginn, an Arkansas product, was drafted 9th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2007.

While Ginn never became the first-option wideout many envisioned, he was able to carve out a career spanning well over a decade. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and had two stints with the Carolina Panthers.

FootballPolice BlotterTed Ginn
Jaylen Warren looks on the field

Jaylen Warren shares his blunt take on Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain future

April 11, 2026 by Rex Villas
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Aaron Rodgers remains a mystery in the NFL offseason. His future with the Pittsburgh Steelers and in the NFL, for that matter, has largely been uncertain since the AFC North franchise was eliminated by the Houston Texans in the playoffs.

Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is fine with whichever direction Rodgers takes.

“You know, I’m not really expecting anything,” Warren said during Friday’s appearance on Good Morning Football, via Bobby Kownack of NFL.com. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m rocking with whoever’s at the quarterback position. But if he comes back, great. If he doesn’t, then we’ll miss him.”

Warren, who had a career-high 958 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 211 carries in 2025, is entering his fourth season with the Steelers, and, like most Pittsburgh supporters, he wants clarity at the team’s QB position. 

Even if Rodgers ultimately decides to give it another go with the Steelers, that doesn’t clear things up about the team’s long-term outlook under center. The future Pro Football Hall of Fame signal-caller passed for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns against 7 interceptions on a 65.7% completion rate in 2025.

Rodgers turned 42 years old in December. Pittsburgh currently has Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in its quarterback room, and neither is much to write home about.

FootballAaron RodgersJaylen WarrenPittsburgh Steelers
Caitlin Clark smiles

Caitlin Clark reacts to significant news about her Fever teammate

April 11, 2026 by Rex Villas
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Caitlin Clark is feeling great after the Indiana Fever’s latest move.

On Saturday, the Fever announced they had signed guard Lexie Hull to a new contract, ensuring continuity in the backcourt partnership between Clark and the former Stanford Cardinal star. 

The two also shared a video on social media to celebrate Hull’s deal.

Lip-syncing to Diamond Dondada’s “She’s Back,” Clark and Hull celebrated the news in a TikTok clip that has since gone viral.

@lexiehulll

🤫🤫🤫

♬ original sound – lexiehull

The 26-year-old Hull has been with the Fever since 2022, when Indiana selected her sixth overall in the first round of that year’s WNBA draft. During the 2025 WNBA season, she averaged career highs of 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds across 44 games, including 33 starts. Indiana needed her more than that season did, as the team missed Clark for several games due to injuries.

Clark, on the other hand, averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds, but appeared in only 13 games.

Still, the Fever won 24 games in 2025 and even won a playoff series before pushing eventual WNBA champions Las Vegas Aces to the edge in a 3-2 semifinals series loss.

With Hull back and Clark healthy again, the Fever have reason to hope that the 2026 season will be even better for them.

BasketballCaitlin ClarkIndiana FeverLexie HullWNBA
Shane Lowry waves to the gallery

Shane Lowry has amazing 4-word reaction to hitting another Masters hole-in-one

April 11, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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It sounded like just another day in the Masters office on Saturday for Shane Lowry.

The Irishman once again wowed the gallery at Augusta National with a hole-in-one on the 6th hole. He executed a perfect swing with his 7 iron to record an ace on the 190-yard par 3, becoming just the 7th Masters competitor ever to do so.

Lowry had the crowd pumping their fists and raising their hands in awe. Even fellow player Harris English, standing on the 16th green nearby, had to bow down to the Masters’ new hole-in-one king.

Needing one stroke on No. 6, Shane Lowry cards an ace. #themasters pic.twitter.com/SAr9uy2KBs

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 11, 2026

Lowry also had a hole-in-one on the 16th back in 2016, making him the first golfer in Masters history to notch two hole-in-ones at the prestigious tournament.

Asked about his single-stroke prowess at Augusta, Lowry had the perfect response ready.

“Maybe I’m just good,” Lowry said cheekily during his post-round press conference, via the Palm Beach Post’s Tom D’Angelo.

Every single golfer who qualifies for the Masters is “good.” Carding two hole-in-ones at Augusta is simply legendary.

Lowry scored a 68 in his third round, aided in part by his 6th hole ace. The strong Saturday performance dropped his total to -9, just two strokes behind leaders Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young.

The 39-year-old has been particularly prolific at racking up the hole-in-ones throughout his career. Perhaps he could score another one Sunday en route to his first-ever Masters win.

GolfShane Lowry
Rory McIlroy stands

Fans blast Rory McIlroy over his comments after losing Masters lead

April 11, 2026 by Rex Villas
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The first two rounds of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., felt like nothing more than part of a ceremony for an eventual Rory McIlroy coronation.

The Northern Irishman held a six-shot lead through 36 holes. 

That lead has now completely evaporated following a brutal Saturday from McIlroy, paired with an awesome third-round performance by Cameron Young.

Still, McIlroy seemed confident that he would pull through and get the job done on Sunday.

“I’d like to think that I’ll play a little bit freer and I’ll play like I’ve already got a Green Jacket, which I do,” the reigning Masters champion said, via Golf Channel.

“Sometimes I just have to remind myself of that, but I think as well that the stakes in terms of, the pairing will be just a little bit easier. The atmosphere out there will be a little bit easier. Yeah, I’m not worried about that at all.”

"I'll play like I've already got a green jacket, which I do."

Rory McIlroy details his comfortable mentality going into his first Sunday in contention as a former Masters champion ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/CjyhwmoudQ

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) April 11, 2026

Many fans, however, are not feeling the aura McIlroy tried to project with that statement.

Speaking of a green jacket he’s gonna drape one around an American’s arms tomorrow around 7 PM

— AlbatrossHunter (@ZebbaWax) April 11, 2026

I hope he chokes!!… this guy is not humble at all

— Pan Dulce (@dulcepan1970) April 12, 2026

Winning last year made him insufferable.

— Lauren Faby (@LaurenFaby) April 12, 2026

“Hi, my name is Rory and I think I’m bigger than the game.”

— 🅿️-Lubes (@PLubes33) April 11, 2026

Whats the surrender index on a statement like this? Are we… Making excuses Rory?

— Wayward Albie (@8feBirdshot) April 12, 2026

After firing 67 and 65 in the first two rounds, McIlroy struggled to sustain his form. He carded a 1-over 73 in the third round, while Young had a 7-under 65 to tie McIlroy for the lead heading into Sunday.

Whether he admits it or not, McIlroy will be under tremendous pressure to deliver and avoid a collapse as he looks to secure his second Green Jacket.

Golf2026 MastersPGA TourRory McIlroy
Alex Ovechkin in his Washington Capitals uniform

Penguins send a message to Alex Ovechkin in his possible Pittsburgh farewell

April 11, 2026 by Rex Villas
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The Pittsburgh Penguins showed respect to Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin on Saturday.

In what could be his possible final game in Pittsburgh, Ovechkin drew loud applause and a standing ovation from the fans inside the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa.

For over two decades, Ovechkin has been the face of one of Pittsburgh’s biggest NHL rivals, but Pittsburgh fans set that on-ice hostility aside to acknowledge the greatness of the most prolific goal scorer in the history of the league.

“Ovi, thank you for 21 years of the greatest rivalry in hockey. It has been a pleasure,”  the Penguins’ PA announcer said before seemingly trying to urge Ovechkin to run it back with the Capitals for at least one more season.

“And if you want, we’re ready to go for 22,” added the announcer.

All the respect for #8 🤝 pic.twitter.com/UjT1Jsxu4P

— x – Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 11, 2026

The three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner is playing in the final year of his current contract, as his future with the Capitals and in the NHL remains up in the air. Ovechkin has already said that he will decide on his NHL future in the summer, so there is a real possibility that Saturday’s game was the last time Pittsburgh hosted him, as the Capitals could miss the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

As for the game, Ovechkin and the Caps beat Pittsburgh, 6-3, with Ovechkin scoring a goal in the third period — his 32nd of the season and 929th of his NHL career.

HockeyAlex OvechkinPittsburgh PenguinsWashington Capitals
Scottie Scheffler smiling

Scottie Scheffler shuts down a reporter after a bizarre Masters question

April 11, 2026 by Rex Villas
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Scottie Scheffler was not going to let an odd question from a reporter ruin his incredible Saturday at the 2026 Masters.

Scheffler fired a 7-under 65 in the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., giving his chances of winning a Green Jacket this year a big boost. It was also his career-best round at the Masters, but a reporter still asked the world’s top-ranked player if his day could have been better.

“Scottie, that was a great round today. What do you feel like it could have or should have been?” asked the reporter.

The 29-year-old Scheffler did not try to sugarcoat his response, telling the reporter exactly how he felt about the question.

“Just a terrible question. Next question. Awful,” Scheffler said.

I kinda can't tell if he's joking or not…certainly softens it with the laugh and smile pic.twitter.com/BRhu2t6ZFC

— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) April 11, 2026

Scheffler undeniably had a masterclass on Saturday, showing everyone once again why he’s the best player on the planet. He had an eagle on the second hole of the third round, followed by five birdies. Scheffler never shot worse than par as he put the field on notice.

A four-time major champion, Scheffler is looking to win his third Green Jacket. He first won the Masters in 2022 and then again in 2024.

Scottie Scheffler also entered this year’s edition of the Masters with a win and three top-five finishes through six starts in the 2026 PGA Tour season.

Golf2026 MastersPGA TourScottie Scheffler
Texas A&M players helping with the tarp

Texas A&M baseball players ran on field to help grounds crew with tarp

April 11, 2026 by Grey Papke
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The Texas A&M baseball team had to come to the aid of the grounds crew on Saturday when a storm forced the game into a delay.

The Aggies’ game against Texas at Blue Bell Park in College Station, Tx. was forced into a delay thanks to a huge downpour on Saturday afternoon. Conditions were rough, and the grounds crew was struggling to get the tarp on the field.

Enter the Texas A&M baseball players, who ran onto the field to help get the tarp on.

Some issues with the tarp brought the whole Aggie baseball team out of the dugout to help, much to the delight of the crowd: pic.twitter.com/phtSiyXSW7

— 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕤 𝕃. 𝔹𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 (@Travis_L_Brown) April 11, 2026

The crowd roared their approval as the players intervened. Sure enough, they eventually got the field covered, and returned to the dugout to a standing ovation.

Getting a tarp on the field can be quite challenging, especially when the weather is already a mess. At that point, time is of the essence, and everything is already wet. Add in some wind and it gets really tough. Even MLB grounds crews can struggle at that point.

Aggies players are known for having fun. Turns out they make for an effective emergency grounds crew as well.

College BaseballTexas A&M Baseball
Fernando Tatis Jr. looking away.

Padres pull an unusual move with the struggling Fernando Tatis Jr.

April 11, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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The San Diego Padres are doing everything they can to wake up the slumping Fernando Tatis Jr.

San Diego revealed before Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rockies that they are starting the three-time All-Star Tatis at second base for the contest. It marks the first time in Tatis’ entire MLB career that he has started at second base.

Saturday starters. pic.twitter.com/vHjeKbVfkl

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 11, 2026

Tatis, 27, usually starts in right field, but moving him into the infield will allow the Padres to get Nick Castellanos’ bat into the lineup on Saturday as well. That said, Tatis, though he began his MLB career as a shortstop, only has one career inning of experience at second base (entering in the ninth inning of a blowout during a 2023 game).

It is possible that Tatis’ early-season slump factored into the Padres’ decision here. He is off to a 10-for-53 (.189) start to the season with zero home runs and five RBIs through 14 games.

Second base is a much less challenging position defensively than right field or even Tatis’ former position of shortstop. The thought for San Diego may be that a reduced load on defense can awaken Tatis’ bat before long.

The Padres sit at a respectable 8-6 to start the season but might have to gun for a Wild Card spot with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers going 10-3 to kick off the year. Tatis, the ex-NL home runs leader, also had some moments while participating in the World Baseball Classic last month, so the hope for San Diego is that he is just dealing with some fatigue at this point.

BaseballFernando Tatis JrSan Diego Padres
Nikola Jokic looks ahead

Nuggets have big Nikola Jokic decision to make for season finale

April 11, 2026 by Grey Papke
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The Denver Nuggets have a decision to make when it comes to playing Nikola Jokic during Sunday’s regular season finale against the San Antonio Spurs.

Jokic is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game after sitting out Friday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That leaves the star center with 64 games played, meaning he has to suit up Sunday to be eligible for end-of-season awards.

Thanks to a near-miss exemption, Jokic only has to play 15 minutes of Sunday’s game for it to count for award purposes. Coach David Adelman indicated that decision would be made on Saturday.

Coach Adelman on if Nikola Jokic will play on Sunday to qualify for end-of-season awards:

"We're gonna have that conversation tomorrow … This rule stares at us right now. We gotta make a proper decision and go in there with a real plan. Either he plays [the minutes necessary]…

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 11, 2026

The Nuggets can secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a win, which is not necessarily a huge incentive. They can still get the 3 seed with a Lakers loss, even if the Nuggets lose to the Spurs.

Teams having to decide on whether to play star players in a meaningless game 82 is probably not what the league envisioned when instituting the 65-game rule. The rule was introduced to try to minimize load management, but has drawn criticism from players for depriving legitimately injured players the opportunity to earn deserved honors. One could also argue it hasn’t done much about the rest issue. Despite that, Adam Silver has publicly stood by the rule.

Jokic remains in the MVP hunt, though it is still more likely to go to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That said, Jokic has All-NBA honors on the line, and he will undoubtedly want to play. One would expect the Nuggets to find him the minutes he needs.

BasketballNikola Jokic
Denzel Clarke missing a catch

Denzel Clarke gives up home run on robbery attempt

April 11, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Athletics center fielder Denzel Clarke has shown himself capable of stealing home runs during his MLB career. On Saturday, his attempt to do so against the New York Mets went very wrong.

Clarke was trying to line up a deep fly ball off the bat of New York’s Francisco Alvarez during Saturday’s game at Citi Field in New York, N.Y. He leaped up to try to make a leaping catch, but didn’t quite line it up perfectly and knocked the ball over the fence instead.

Denzel Clarke nearly made an incredible catch, but instead knocked this Francisco Alvarez ball over the fence for a home run pic.twitter.com/KsDM6H1reo

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 11, 2026

It wasn’t entirely clear if Alvarez’s hit would have left the ballpark without Clarke’s intervention, but it certainly would have been close. Either way, Clarke’s missed catch left no doubt.

Make no mistake: Clarke is more than qualified to try to make catches like that. If anything, the degree of difficulty on this one was lower than some of the catches he actually has made. Even the best don’t have a perfect success rate, though.

Clarke is off to a slow start at the plate this season, hitting .161 entering play Saturday. The A’s will gladly keep him out there for his defense, though.

BaseballDenzel Clarke
Caleb Williams in warmups

Caleb Williams-Kendall Jenner video sparks ‘Kardashian Curse’ concerns

April 11, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Fans of the Chicago Bears are getting a real scare this week.

Video went viral on Saturday of Bears star quarterback Caleb Williams attending this year’s Coachella Festival in Indio, Calif. The video showed that Williams was in sitting in the same VIP section as both Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner.

You can see the video at the link here.

Many users on X had some strong reactions to the video. They were all worried about the infamous “Kardashian Curse” potentially hitting Williams.

CALEB NOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/oHy0aiAHLi

— KR (@RigdonKeegan) April 11, 2026

pic.twitter.com/s97srTivV3

— BTR (@atlasrising__) April 11, 2026

pic.twitter.com/cm34YNzl1Y

— D'anthoney (@Danthoney83) April 11, 2026

Keep that family TF away from my QB please.

— 𝙹 𝚛𝚘𝚌 (@wayshegoes76) April 11, 2026

The ex-USC star Williams, 24, already looks like a stud for the Bears after leading them last year to an 11-6 record, a division title, and their first playoff game victory since 2010. Meanwhile, Kylie Jenner, 28, is in a relationship with actor Timothee Chalamet, but Kendall Jenner, 30, is single and has a long history of dating pro athletes.

The Coachella video did not show anything conclusive as there were several other people in the VIP section along with Williams and the Jenner sisters. But Bears fans will understandably be concerned given the notorious history of the alleged “Kardashian Curse” ensnaring talented athletes.

FootballGossipCaleb WilliamsKendall Jenner
Rory McIlroy frustrated

Rory McIlroy’s Masters lead slips away after brutal sequence

April 11, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Rory McIlroy lost his lead at The Masters on the back nine Saturday, with one sequence in particular hastening his fall.

McIlroy entered Saturday at -12 with a six-stroke lead, but saw it slip away thanks to a few poorly-timed bogeys and strong play from rivals. His day was best summed up on No. 11, when he turned in a double bogey thanks to a rough series of events.

The 36-year-old’s tee shot found the water, but he set himself up well to salvage a bogey after the bad first shot. Unfortunately for him, his putt didn’t quite land, forcing him to settle for double bogey.

Rory finds the water and then his bogey putt lips out on 11 😱

His lead is down to just one. pic.twitter.com/wOMSgcIHXu

— ESPN (@espn) April 11, 2026

McIlroy’s lead shrank to one stroke at that point, and slipped away completely when he bogeyed on No. 12.

After his win last year, McElroy had to hope some of the pressure would come off his shoulders in the future. Maybe it has, but he still saw a comfortable lead slip away on Saturday.

Golf2026 MastersRory McIlroy
Jazz Chisholm in his Yankees uniform

Jazz Chisholm blamed the weather for his slow start

April 11, 2026 by Grey Papke
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New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. is off to a slow start at the plate this season, and he thinks the reasons for it are outside of his control.

Chisholm was hitting just .170 entering play Saturday, but was not worried about his numbers. The second baseman said he wasn’t hitting because the weather has been too cold.

“It’s cold. It’s literally all it is,” Chisholm said, via Bill Ladson of MLB.com. “My swing feels great. When you step into that cold weather and you stand there a couple of innings, your body starts to freeze.

“I’m not using that as an excuse. I said the same thing last year. As soon as the weather heats up, I heat up. That’s what it is. I can’t explain why. It’s not like I’m not trying. I’m definitely trying. … It’s hard to function when you can’t feel the bat.”

Chisholm’s comments may sound like an excuse, but he has a point about his previous numbers. He hit just .157 through the first 22 games of 2025, but recovered to hit .242 by the end of the season. Of course, he went 0-for-4 Friday while playing indoors at Tropicana Field, so that does not quite hold up in every game, but he might really just hate the cold.

That said, even if one sympathizes, it’s hard to imagine any team paying Chisholm what he wants if he’s going to be a non-entity at the plate until spring temperatures kick in.

BaseballJazz Chisholm
George Springer on the ground in pain

Blue Jays will have nearly $100 million on IL after rough George Springer news

April 11, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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2026 has quickly become the season from hell for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays announced on Saturday that outfielder George Springer has suffered a fracture to his left big toe. Springer was injured when he fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning of Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ont.

George Springer fouled a ball off his foot and was removed from the game with a left big toe fracture pic.twitter.com/czcIiyeVcB

— Huskies in the Pros (@HuskyPros) April 11, 2026

Springer now joins an extended laundry list of high-salary players on the Blue Jays who are currently injured. Jose Berrios (elbow), Shane Bieber (elbow), Anthony Santander (shoulder), Alejandro Kirk (shoulder), Yimi Garcia (elbow), and Cody Ponce (knee) are all already on the injured list.

With Springer now hurt as well, that will mark $93 million in 2026 salary that the Blue Jays have on IL. That does not even count the injuries to Addison Barger (ankle), Bowden Francis (elbow), and Trey Yesavage (shoulder), all of whom are pre-arbitration players.

Blue Jays roster is decimated by costly injuries.

2026 salaries for injured Jays ($93M total).

$22.5M (Springer)
$18M (Berríos)
$16M (Bieber)
$16.5M (Santander)
$7.5M (Kirk)
$7.5M (García)
$5M (Ponce)

Barger, Francis, Yesavage all pre arb. https://t.co/SuVJ1KDS5A

— Bryan Mcwilliam (@bmcwilliamMLB) April 11, 2026

Toronto have managed to tread water up to this point of the MLB season, sitting at 6-7 overall. But the bottom could quickly fall out on them with the sheer number of valuable players that they have injured.

For the reigning AL champion Blue Jays, pitching in particular might be their biggest Achilles heel at the moment. Max Scherzer also had an injury scare earlier this week, and the Toronto bullpen is not doing much to inspire confidence right now either.

BaseballGeorge SpringerToronto Blue Jays

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