Jaguars star lands $110 million contract
Jacksonville Jaguars star pass rusher Travon Walker is getting a massive paycheck.
Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the Jaguars have agreed to a four-year deal worth $110 million with $77 million guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Details: 4 Years.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2026
$110M Contract.
$77M Total Guarantees.
&50M Fully Guaranteed At Signing — all per @eliteloyaltysp. https://t.co/qyE3nPw939
The Jaguars are investing in Walker, who was the top pick in 2022 with Michigan star Aidan Hutchinson going No. 2 overall to the Detroit Lions.
Walker had 10 sacks in 2023 and 10.5 sacks in 2024, but he recorded just 3.5 sacks in 2025 in 14 regular-season games.
Still, this is a nice value for Walker, with the average coming in at $27.5 million per season. The Baltimore Ravens gave Trey Hendrickson a four-year, $112 million deal in free agency, and Hutchinson inked a four-year, $180 million deal with the Lions in 2025.
Rapoport added that Walker and the Jaguars had been in contract discussions “for weeks” before finally getting things ironed out on Friday, and it’s a smart move for both sides of the equation.
The Jaguars won the AFC South in Liam Coen’s first season as head coach, but they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round. Still, there is plenty of hope in Jacksonville, and the former No. 1 pick is sticking around with a handsome new contract.
Luka Doncic may still qualify for NBA awards under rare exception
The 65-game rule for NBA players to receive an award now could impact Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.
Doncic exited Thursday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a hamstring injury, and concern has circulated regarding how long Doncic will be out.
Doncic has played in 64 games this season, and he is one game shy of meeting the 65-game minimum requirement. However, there is one exception Doncic could apply for that would make him eligible for an award, as Tim Bontemps reported on Friday.
“There is at least a path where [Luka Doncic] could be eligible to be on MVP ballots,” Bontemps said on SportsCenter. “There is one way he could potentially be eligible, and that is by filing an extraordinary circumstances grievance on the fact that he missed two games back in December for the birth of his child.”
"There is at least a path where [Luka Doncic] could be eligible to be on MVP ballots."@TimBontemps says Luka Doncic can still be eligible for MVP by filing an extraordinary circumstances grievance, regardless of the NBA's 65-game rule. pic.twitter.com/JWU7VJlXNB
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 3, 2026
The 65-game rule has been a hot topic of discussion. Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham, who has played 61 games this season, is likely out for the rest of the regular season due to a collapsed lung.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is close to playing in 59 games with six remaining, so he could also miss out due to the rule.
Despite the criticism, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver insisted the rule is working, although it could be something they try to change in the offseason.
Doncic is averaging 33.5 points (NBA-high), with 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds, and he has been flying up the NBA MVP ladder with his recent play.
For Doncic, at least, there seems to be a path he could take if he wants to, assuming he does sit out the remainder of the regular season due to the hamstring injury.
Warriors get big news on Stephen Curry’s injury return timeline
The Golden State Warriors have played the past two-plus months without superstar guard Stephen Curry due to a knee injury.
However, Curry’s return is right around the corner. On Friday, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported that Curry is expected to be back for Sunday’s game against the Houston Rockets.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is expected to be cleared to return on Sunday against the Houston Rockets after missing over two months and 27 consecutive games due to a persistent knee injury, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater. pic.twitter.com/Bvf1L7bFxJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 3, 2026
On April 1, Charania reported that the Rockets game was Curry’s goal for a return, but it depended on how things went in the following days.
Curry last played on January 30 against the Detroit Pistons, and his return comes at an important time for Golden State.
The Warriors are in 10th place in the Western Conference, which means they will be the last team in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and they are three games behind the Los Angeles Clippers and four games behind the Portland Trail Blazers, who are the No. 8 seed in the West.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said previously that they would want Curry to ramp up before the play-in games, so this aligns with that statement.
Curry is averaging 27.2 points per game with 4.8 assists on the season. The Warriors have just five games remaining in the regular season, so getting Curry some run before the play-in seems likely to happen, barring any last-minute changes.
New update emerges in Dusty May rumors involving North Carolina job
Dusty May and the No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines are set to face the No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats on Saturday in the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
May’s name has been tossed around plenty in the North Carolina Tar Heels head coach opening, and May’s name surfaced even more after Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd announced he is staying put with a new five-year contract.
May has been linked as a North Carolina target from the beginning, but CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein gave a big update with information he received from Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel.
Rothstein said that Manuel is “prepared when all this is over to do anything we have to do to keep our head coach.”
With Tommy Lloyd staying with Arizona, where does UNC look next in its head coaching search?
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 3, 2026
"(Michigan AD Warde Manuel) told me 'we're prepared when all this is over to do anything we have to do to keep our head coach.'"
— @JonRothstein on Dusty May's candidacy at UNC pic.twitter.com/WAzqe9TRaD
On Friday, May also was asked about the UNC opening, and the Wolverines coach said he loves Michigan and insisted he wouldn’t comment on another job.
Dusty May on the UNC opening
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 3, 2026
"I think it's well-documented how happy I am at Michigan. Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important. So, yeah, I love it at Michigan, but you'll never hear me comment on any other job, unless Michigan… pic.twitter.com/TNNGjtZkdb
May was recently mentioned as one of three targets for the Tar Heels’ job, alongside Lloyd and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, so this is quickly shrinking.
May went 126-69 in six seasons at Florida Atlantic, including the Cinderella Final Four run in 2023, before he was hired by Michigan.
Now, May has the Wolverines in the Final Four in just his second season in Ann Arbor, and all signs point to him staying put despite the rumblings about the North Carolina opening.
Jason Kidd doubles down after Mark Cuban’s comments on Luka Doncic trade
The fallout from the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade with the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks in 2025 is still happening.
Recently, Mark Cuban commented on the Doncic trade, even saying that Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd helped GM Nico Harrison with the trade.
On Friday, Kidd shut that down with a strong statement.
“I was not part of the process (in trading Luka Dončić), I was informed in the 11th hour and that’s the truth,” Kidd said.
Jason Kidd: “I was not part of the process (in trading Luka Dončić), I was informed in the 11th hour and that’s the truth.”
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) April 3, 2026
Kidd said that “We have to move forward. We planted our flag, that’s Cooper Flagg.”
Kidd later said he hasn’t talked to Luka, says it’s an internal thing. pic.twitter.com/EuzDIDm9eV
Cuban’s comments came at the same time that he said he had regrets about who he sold the Mavericks to.
Earlier in the week, Kidd responded to Cuban’s comments about the head coach knowing about the trade:
“When are we going to move on?” Kidd said. “We have to move forward.”
Now, Kidd has doubled down on that and flat-out stated that he had no information about any trade until the last minute. The Mavercisk head coach spoke for a long time to reporters on Friday, with the full interview available here.
The Mavericks’ decision to trade Doncic for Davis looks even worse now, with the Lakers star emerging as an NBA MVP candidate, and the fact that Davis was traded at this past deadline to the Washington Wizards.
Tommy Lloyd makes big announcement amid North Carolina rumors
Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd will not be going to North Carolina despite his name circulating in rumors for that job.
One day before Arizona’s Final Four game against Michigan, Lloyd announced he is staying at Arizona.
“I’m happy to announce I’m staying at Arizona,” Lloyd said. “We’ve been able to get some things done the past couple days…Arizona basketball, you guys know what it means to me.”
"I'm happy to announce I'm staying at Arizona."
— PHNX Wildcats (@PHNX_Wildcats) April 3, 2026
Arizona Head Coach Tommy Lloyd will remain in Tucson. pic.twitter.com/lPdOJwQO66
Lloyd added that “North Carolina’s an amazing place” and said it is an “honor to be considered” for that opening.
Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello of ESPN reported that Lloyd signed a new five-year deal with Arizona that will make him “one of the five highest paid coaches” in the sport.
Six coaches in college basketball are earning north of $6 million per season, with those names including Dan Hurley, Bill Self and Tom Izzo.
Matt Norlander of CBS Sports reported that Lloyd will make $7.2 million starting next year with the new contract.
Sources: UNC offered Tommy Lloyd a top-two contract in CBB. Lloyd took less to stay, but will still bump up to $7.2 million starting next season. Staff pool also will get a huge bump + incentives brought back to their contract structures. He'll also no longer report to the AD. https://t.co/irS6aGzVz3
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 3, 2026
Lloyd is in his fifth season as Arizona’s head coach, and he has the Wildcats playing in the Final Four for the first time since 2001.
After North Carolina fired Hubert Davis, Lloyd’s name emerged in rumblings. A recent report even stated that Lloyd, along with Michigan’s Dusty May and Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, were the leading candidates for the job.
On Thursday, Lloyd was asked about his name in the North Carolina rumors, and the Arizona coach ignited speculation since he didn’t shut it down entirely.
However, those talks can be put to bed now with Lloyd staying in the desert for the next five years, at least.
Lloyd and the No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats face Michigan and the No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
Dan Hurley calls UConn star the ‘best baby sitter’ ahead of Final Four
Once again, Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies are playing in the Final Four.
UConn won back-to-back national titles before a second-round exit last season, and now Hurley is back with hopes of a third title in four seasons.
Ahead of the Final Four game against Illinois, Hurley had quite the comparison for star Alex Karaban.
“It’s like hiring a baby sitter for your team. And he just baby sits your team for 4.5 years. He’s been the best baby sitter. I guess now we’re paying him in NIL,” Hurley said.
Dan Hurley on Alex Karaban: “It’s like hiring a baby sitter for your team. And he just baby sits your team for 4.5 years. He’s been the best baby sitter. I guess now we’re paying him in NIL.” pic.twitter.com/Aaa8rGkrMn
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 3, 2026
While Hurley called Karaban a “baby sitter,” the Huskies senior has been a massive part of the team’s success since the 2022-23 season. Karaban enrolled at UConn for the 2021-22 season, but he redshirted and first played the following season.
In March, Hurley also said Karaban was “like a son” to him, so the two have quite a relationship.
Karaban has started all but one game in four seasons at UConn, and this year he is averaging 13.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Karaban decided not to head to the NBA Draft last season, instead opting to return to UConn for another chance at a national title.
The No. 2 seed UConn Huskies will take on the No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, Apr. 4, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
Nigerian DT Uar Bernard turns heads before NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23 and will take place in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Until then, players are doing what they can to gain attention from NFL scouts and talent evaluators at the NFL Scouting Combine and other events. However, one unknown star emerged at the HBCU Showcase recently: Defensive tackle Uar Bernard, who is from Nigeria.
Bernard is from a small village in Nigeria and is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway this season. His performance and measurements at the HBCU Showcase turned plenty of heads.
I could not believe what I was reading.
— Van Lathan Jr (@VanLathan) April 3, 2026
6’4 306 lbs
4.63 40
39 in vertical leap
SIX PERCENT BODY FAT. https://t.co/FApeGdXZ7w
306 pounds and 6% body fat. https://t.co/0CxFshSNsV pic.twitter.com/GFaHbvoZKc
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 3, 2026
DID YOU SAY 306 LBS?!? 🤯🤯
— Cameron Sparks (@Cam3ronSparks) April 3, 2026
Uar Bernard is not from this planet https://t.co/gCjlh1IUYB pic.twitter.com/olDxefYeC5
There's a 6'4.5 defensive tackle from Nigeria in the NFL's international program named Uar Bernard. He weighed 306 pounds, had 35 3/4" arms, ran a 4.66 40 with a 1.60 10-yard split, had a 39-inch vertical leap, broad jumped 10'10, and did 31 reps of 225 bench
— Full Command (@FullCommandShow) April 3, 2026
I'm lost for words pic.twitter.com/HLatglDRih
As Bruce Feldman of The Athletic pointed out, Bernard is 6-4 1/2 and 306 pounds. He posted a vertical jump of 39 inches and a broad jump of 10-10, which is 14 inches more than any player at his position in the NFL Scouting Combine.
And, Bernard ran a 4.63 40-yard dash.
Jordan Luallen, who has been training Bernard ahead of the NFL Draft, was amazed at what the Nigerian DT did at the recent HBCU Showcase.
“Hands down, he is the most explosive athlete I’ve ever seen in my life. He broad jumped 10-10, and it was effortless. At 306 pounds. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Luallen said, via Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.
Bernard is 21 years old and played basketball before being advised to consider football, and now he is becoming a hot name ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bernard could be a Day 3 pick, especially with the way he performed and measured at the recent HBCU Showcase.
Austin Reaves trades F-bombs with Luka Doncic heckler
Austin Reaves had a message for a fan who was heckling the Los Angeles Lakers while Luka Doncic was hurt on Thursday night.
Doncic suffered a concerning injury during his Lakers’ 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Thursday night. The Lakers star went down with a hamstring injury in the third quarter and was set to undergo an MRI on Friday.
While Doncic was down on the floor after suffering his injury, a fan heckled Doncic, saying “now you know what it’s like to play defense.”
Reaves heard the taunt and responded.
“Shut the f— up,” Reaves could be heard saying. “Shut up. He’s f—ing hurt.”
The two then traded F-bombs at each other. Reaves even went over to confront the fan, and a video captured their exchange.
Doncic was hurt while making an offensive move. Still, the fan seemed to be taunting the Lakers star over the perception that he does not put in much effort on the defensive end. Doncic also historically has had problems with his hamstrings. He probably appreciates that his teammate had his back.
Sonny Dykes receives a new contract from TCU
The TCU Horned Frogs football team finished the 2025 season with a 9-4 record and a 30-27 win over the USC Trojans in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.
That moves Sonny Dykes’ record at TCU to 36-17 in four seasons at TCU, and he got rewarded with a new contract extension on Friday.
The official salary numbers were not immediately released.
Sources: TCU and coach Sonny Dykes have agreed to a new contract, which includes a multi-year extension. Dykes had been under contract through 2028 and his last listed salary is more than $7 million. TCU won more games (36) than any Big 12 program since 2022. pic.twitter.com/8DcO1Z9FRI
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 3, 2026
Dykes’ head coaching career began at Louisiana Tech (three seasons) before going to Cal (four seasons).
Dykes then spent five seasons at Southern Methodist University before being hired by TCU once Gary Patterson stepped down in 2021.
In Dykes’ first year as TCU head coach, the Horned Frogs made the College Football Playoff and beat Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl before a 65-7 blowout loss to Georgia in the national title game.
TCU has put together back-to-back 9-4 seasons, although the Horned Frogs took a hit as star quarterback Josh Hoover left and joined the Indiana Hoosiers in the transfer portal.
Lamar Jackson had one word on a possible reunion with a former No. 1 pick
The Baltimore Ravens might not be done adding pieces in free agency.
Three-time Pro Bowler defensive end Jadeveon Clowney recently said he would “definitely be open” to returning to Baltimore, and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had a simple one-word response when asked if he would want Clowney back.
“Definitely,” Jackson responded on X.
Definitely
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) April 2, 2026
Clowney spoke highly of his lone season in Baltimore, so there could be some mutual interest there.
“They got a lot of good guys that I can relate to in that locker room. I’ll definitely be open to going back to Baltimore, playing with Lamar Jackson now. It was a great time for me,” Clowney said recently, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2.
Clowney was selected first overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. He spent five seasons in Houston before spending time with each of the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, and Cleveland Browns before coming to Baltimore in 2023.
Clowney then played the 202 season with the Carolina Panthers and signed with the Dallas Cowboys for 2025, playing in 13 games with 8.5 sacks in Dallas.
Clowney played in all 17 regular-season games with the Ravens in 2023, finishing with 9.5 sacks, which is tied for his career-high in a season.
It’s been a busy offseason for the Ravens already. John Harbaugh was fired after nearly two decades as the head coach and Jesse Minter was hired as his replacement.
Then, the Ravens agreed to acquire Maxx Crosby before backing out of the trade, only to sign pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal.
Clowney’s return could make sense for Baltimore, especially with Lamar Jackson being open to him coming back to the franchise.
Investigation underway over apparent Nazi salute at Stars game
A viral video from a Dallas Stars home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in December has prompted an internal investigation by American Airlines Center officials.
The clip, between 12 and 18 seconds long in various edited versions, shows a small group of fans in the upper deck appearing to perform a Nazi salute in unison while celebrating goals to the rhythm of the team’s goal song, “Puck off” by Pantera.
Dallas won the contest 5-1.
The video first appeared on Reddit (since deleted) before circulating widely on social media platforms this week, drawing widespread attention months after the incident.
American Airlines Center issued a statement emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy for acts of hate or discrimination. Officials strongly denounced the depicted actions and confirmed they are conducting an investigation.
The arena stressed that all attendees must follow its code of conduct and NHL guidelines, which prohibit gestures demeaning any race, ethnicity, or identity-based characteristic. Violations may result in ejection without refund or legal prosecution.
“American Airlines Arena (AAC) has zero tolerance for any acts of hate and/or discrimination, and we aim to ensure an environment for our guests that is free from disruptive behaviors, including foul/abusive language and obscene gestures,” the arena said in a statement, via the Dallas Morning News. “As such, we strongly denounce the actions that appear to be depicted in the video footage and are conducting an internal investigation. All fans and attendees are expected to adhere to AAC and, as applicable, NBA or NHL Codes of Conduct when attending events.
“Guests who violate any such Code of Conduct may be subject to ejection from the event without refund and, to the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of applicable law, prosecution.”
A Dallas Stars spokesperson indicated the team is aligned with the arena and collaborating on the matter.
“Fully aligned with the arena’s statement and working with them to find out exactly what happened,” they told ESPN.
The NHL’s fan code of conduct promotes inclusive, safe, and respectful environments, with potential penalties ranging from seat relocation to lifetime bans.
The individual who recorded the video reported the fans to arena management with seat details, but was told staff could not locate them at the time.
Royals call rookie’s parents as he catches too many Z’s
Kansas City Royals rookie catcher Carter Jensen learned a harsh lesson in punctuality on Thursday, when he was scratched from the starting lineup against the Minnesota Twins after oversleeping and arriving late to Kauffman Stadium.
The 22-year-old top prospect, who has appeared in just 26 major league games, slept through his alarm, prompting the team to rearrange their plans in the final hour before first pitch.
Manager Matt Quatraro described the incident as an “oversight” and noted that Jensen, a hard-working and accountable young player, felt terrible about letting his teammates down.
“Overslept. Wasn’t here on time, and we made the decision to scratch him from the lineup,” Quatraro said, via MLB.com. “He’s a stand-up guy, a really hard worker, a great kid. He feels terrible. He’s accountable to it. It’s not something that has been a pattern or any of that kind of stuff. Nobody feels worse than he does, and I think he’ll admit to that. And we’ll move on.”
Veteran Salvador Perez shifted from designated hitter to catcher duties, handling the first eight innings before Jensen entered defensively in the ninth of the Royals’ 5-1 defeat.
Vinnie Pasquantino revealed the club’s initial concern led them to contact Jensen’s parents to ensure the young athlete was safe. Once confirmed, the focus turned to growth. Pasquantino stressed that such lapses cannot occur at this level, adding lightheartedly that perhaps another alarm clock might help.
“We’re glad Carter’s OK, right? That was kind of the initial thought when you’re trying to get a hold of his parents and everything like that,” Pasquantino said. “But once you find out he’s OK, it’s like, ‘All right, it’s a growing moment.’”
Jensen owned the mistake, admitting he woke up in a panic and vowing to set “a million alarms” going forward. He expressed regret for disappointing coaches and teammates but committed to ensuring it never happens again.
“No running from it,” Jensen said. “Just didn’t wake up to my alarm. Slept through it. Don’t really have an excuse, nor should I. It sucks. Happens. I felt like I let my teammates down, coaches down. Just learn from it and know it won’t happen again.”
In professional baseball, where preparation is paramount, even a brief slumber can disrupt an entire dugout. For Jensen, this wakeup call may prove more valuable than any hit he records this season.
Bam Adebayo says 83-point game changed NBA’s perception of him
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo recently reflected on his historic 83-point performance, asserting that the outburst has fundamentally altered how the league perceives his offensive capabilities.
The game, which ranks as the second-highest single-game scoring total in NBA history, came against the Washington Wizards and featured a career-high seven three-pointers made along with a record 36 free throws attempted.
Speaking on “NBA Showtime,” Adebayo explained the shift in respect around the league.
“Now, when I step on the court, it’s like, yeah, you have to guard me now because I can make seven threes in a game,” he said. “I can get to the foul line… I think it’s a different level of respect for my offensive game for sure. Some of the greatest players in our league has come through and not be able to do that. So to score 83 in a game is a big deal. I think it’s changed how people view my offensive game.”
Adebayo emphasized that the feat elevated his reputation from a premier defender to a legitimate two-way star.
“That was a special brand of basketball to me,” he added. “83 points in a game has shifted everybody’s mindset to how they look at me play now. It’s like, ‘Oh, he defends but he’s really a two-way guy.’ … It shocked people.”
Adebayo noted he would not trade the performance for a Defensive Player of the Year Award.
While Adebayo’s scoring has normalized since the game, with no 30-point outings in recent contests, the moment continues to influence opponents’ defensive schemes and league-wide conversations about his versatility.
Court blocks Virginia’s Chandler Morris from seventh college season
On Thursday, a Virginia circuit court judge denied Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris’s request for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed him a seventh season of college football eligibility.
The 25-year-old signal-caller, who has played six seasons across Oklahoma, TCU, North Texas, and Virginia, sued the NCAA in February after his waiver and appeal were rejected.
Morris sought to exclude his 2022 season at TCU, citing a season-opening knee injury that affected his mental health. He returned for three games as a backup, including the College Football Playoff National Championship, which his legal team argued formed part of a prescribed mental health treatment plan.
Attorneys claimed the NCAA disregarded submitted documentation. The NCAA countered that Morris failed to demonstrate an incapacitating condition, as he was medically cleared and participated in games. Officials also noted the treatment notes lacked input from a licensed psychologist.
In 2025, Morris threw for 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping Virginia achieve 11 wins and reach the ACC championship game.
The NCAA welcomed the ruling, stating it protects the integrity of collegiate competition amid ongoing eligibility lawsuits.
“The NCAA is pleased by the court’s decision today, which protects the integrity of collegiate competition,” the NCAA said in a statement, via ESPN. “As additional lawsuits challenging common-sense, academically-tied eligibility rules are filed, the NCAA will continue to defend against attempts to rob high school students across the nation of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create.
“The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent, conflicting court decisions make partnering with Congress essential to provide stability for all college athletes.”
Morris did not participate in the 2026 NFL Combine or Virginia’s pro day but could still declare for the NFL Draft.
Virginia has since added transfer quarterbacks Beau Pribula and Eli Holstein to their roster.
Phil Mickelson will miss Masters due to family health matter
Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, announced on Thursday that he will not compete in the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club next week.
The 55-year-old golfer cited a personal health matter affecting his family as the reason for his absence and indicated he will step away from competitive golf for an extended period.
Mickelson, who was scheduled to make his 33rd appearance, has only missed the event once since 1995, with his most recent top finish coming as runner-up in 2023. He had already sat out the first four events of the 2026 LIV Golf season due to the same family issue before returning two weeks ago in South Africa, where he tied for 48th.
Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley expressed support, noting that Mickelson will be missed and offering well wishes for his family.
“We know how much Phil loves the Masters tournament, and he will be missed by everyone in Augusta next week,” Ridley said in a statement, via CBS Sports. “He has our complete support as he takes time to be with his family.”
This marks the first Masters since 1994 without either Mickelson or Tiger Woods, who is also stepping away to focus on his health following a recent DUI arrest.
Mickelson’s record at Augusta includes 16 top-10 finishes, second only to Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan.
Tiger Woods says he was ‘talking to the president’ before arrest
Golf legend Tiger Woods expressed surprise upon his arrest for driving under the influence following a rollover crash last Friday in Jupiter Island, Florida.
The incident occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. ET when Woods’ Land Rover SUV clipped the rear of a truck and overturned on its side. No injuries were reported. Woods told deputies he had been looking at his phone and adjusting the radio when the collision happened.
Bodycam footage released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office captured Woods, moments after the crash, ending a phone call and informing a deputy, “I was just talking to the president.” He was heard saying “Thank you so much” during the conversation, though the call itself was not recorded.
It remains unclear whether he referred to President Donald Trump, whose former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, has been romantically linked to Woods.
Woods, 50, failed a field sobriety test, during which he exhibited impairment signs, including hiccuping and difficulty following instructions. He attributed his unsteady gait to seven back surgeries and more than 20 procedures on his right leg and ankle.
Deputies discovered two white pills in his pocket, which he identified as Norco, a painkiller containing hydrocodone. He acknowledged taking prescription medications earlier but denied alcohol consumption. A Breathalyzer test returned negative for alcohol, yet he refused a urine test, resulting in an additional misdemeanor charge under Florida law.
In the patrol car, footage showed Woods appearing to nod off. At the sheriff’s office, he maintained he was not drunk but on prescription medication. He was released on bail after eight hours and later fined $163, with a careless driving citation added.
Woods pleaded not guilty to DUI on Wednesday.
Shortly after, he announced he would step away indefinitely from competitive golf to seek treatment and prioritize his health.
Woods has since received court approval to pursue outpatient care abroad.
LeBron James’ camp is blocking Arizona reporters from talking to Bryce James
LeBron James is apparently trying his best to shield his (younger) son from the press.
Arizona had an “enforcer” present in the locker room on Thursday who was preventing reporters from speaking to freshman guard Bryce James, Dan Wolken of Yahoo! Sports reported. The Wildcats are currently in the Final Four and will face off against fellow No. 1 seed Michigan on Saturday for a chance to play in the national title game.
Wolken later then clarified that it was not Arizona who was actually dictating Bryce’s media availability. Instead, it was LeBron and Klutch Sports who were dictating things with Bryce, Wolken added.
The 18-year-old Bryce is in his first season with the Wildcats after committing to them in Jan. 2025. He has not played in a single game for them however and made the decision this past February to formally redshirt his freshman year.
Meanwhile, Arizona is in the Final Four this year for the first time since 2001. As such, there is a lot of buzz surrounding their team, and having LeBron James’ son on the roster has only increased Arizona’s publicity.
However, LeBron and his agency Klutch Sports clearly do not want reporters to get any soundbites (possibly unrelated to Wildcats basketball) out of Bryce. That said, LeBron has taken the training wheels off a bit with his older son Bronny, 21, who is having some nice moments right now as his teammate on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ozzie Albies pulls a disrespectful move on umpire during game
Ozzie Albies is providing the latest entry in automated ball-strike (ABS) system entertainment.
The Atlanta Braves second baseman Albies went viral during Thursday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks for the disrespectful move that he pulled. In the top of the fifth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz., Albies took a 3-2 pitch from Dbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson.
Home plate umpire Malachi Moore called Albies out on strikes. But Albies promptly initiated an ABS challenge … and started walking over to first to take his base (confident that he would be proven right).
Indeed, the pitch was inside and upstairs, missing the strike zone by an estimated 1.1 inches. Take a look at the funny video.
AHAHAHAHAHA pic.twitter.com/HY3R5EOgPP
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) April 3, 2026
With the leadoff walk, the three-time MLB All-Star Albies triggered quite the fifth inning for the Braves. They would go on to score a whopping eight runs in the fifth and eventually beat the Dbacks by a laugher of a final score of 17-2.
As for Moore, at least it could have been worse. He could have been like his fellow umpire CB Bucknor, who got laughed at by players and managers alike after blowing a call earlier this week.
Luka Doncic suffers concerning injury during Lakers’ awful loss to OKC
When it rains, it pours for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers got their doors blown off by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Thunder pounced right on the Lakers to take a 44-21 lead after the first quarter, and it only got worse from there as OKC ended up beating the Lakers by a humiliating final score of 139-96.
But what mattered more for the Lakers than Thursday’s result was what happened to franchise star Luka Doncic in the third quarter. While dribbling up the floor against Thunder forward Jalen Williams (as the Lakers were already trailing 90-58), Doncic attempted to make a move and came up hobbled, seemingly clutching his hamstring.
Luka Doncic hurt his hamstring pic.twitter.com/5s0Sx2N9Cc
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) April 3, 2026
Also particularly concerning was that Doncic appeared to be distraught immediately after getting injured.
Luka Doncic is devastated after getting injured pic.twitter.com/5DtQadCNfO
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 3, 2026
The Lakers quickly ruled Doncic out for the rest of the game, confirming that it was a left hamstring injury. Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported after the game that Doncic was set to undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the severity of his injury.
Doncic, the six-time All-Star, has been the primary reason for the Lakers’ success this season. He entered play on Thursday averaging an NBA-leading 33.8 points to go along with 7.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game on the year (with the Lakers climbing to No. 3 in the West at 50-27).
But hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, creating an extra layer of concern for Doncic with just over one week left to go in the regular season. Doncic is known for playing through almost any and every possible injury during the postseason, but a serious hamstring injury would likely be too much for even him to gut it out on.
