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FIFA fires back at New Jersey Gov Mikie Sherill over demand to pay for World Cup transit tickets

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:37:37 -0400

FIFA responded strongly to New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherill after she posted a critical video saying that FIFA should pay for fans' NJ Transit tickets to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium this summer.

In her video, a response to "headlines" about reports of $100 train tickets, Sherill said FIFA "should pay for the rides" since NJ Transit is getting billed $48 million, while FIFA will make $11 billion.

FIFA said it was "quite surprised" by Sherill's "approach...on fan transportation" before outlining "Host City Agreements."

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"The original FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches. Recognizing the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 FIFA adjusted the Host Agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All Match Ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to Stadiums on match days," the statement began.

"FIFA worked for years with host cities on transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation.

"FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America along with related economic impact. Many fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight matches scheduled. FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation."

US SOCCER CAPTAIN'S BREAKUP WITH GOLFER GETS MESSY AFTER DATING PROFILE ALLEGATIONS

MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including the July 19 final. Penn Station will also have severe restrictions on game days, when only game attendees will be permitted to enter the NJ Transit portion of the Manhattan station.

Parking has also been banned at MetLife Stadium despite thousands of spots in the Meadowlands Sports Complex because the lots will be used for fan activation and security.

Current prices from East Rutherford to Penn Station are just under $13.

Last week, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced $80 tickets from Boston to Gillette Stadium, and the Boston Host Committee announced Tuesday that there will be $95 Yankee Line bus tickets to Foxborough.

Tailgating is banned at both Gillette Stadium and MetLife Stadium.

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Josh Barnett’s BloodSport XV set to showcase why its the ‘hardest hitting event in professional wrestling’

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:52:54 -0400

The average sports fan who thinks of pro wrestling likely has the idea in their head that everything in the industry is WWE-like – a four-sided, cable-roped ring, with four sides, featuring muscle-laden men and women performing highly choreographed moves with no violence or blood involved.

While that might be true for most events that will take place in Las Vegas in the lead-up to WrestleMania 42, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XV promises hard-hitting action and an event unlike any other.

For one, there are no ropes around the ring in Bloodsport. Two competitors enter the intimate venue looking to knock the snot out of each other. Wrestlers go one-on-one with mixed martial arts-like rules. A winner is determined via knockout, referee stoppage or submission.

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Barnett helped establish what the event is today as he took over production of the event under Brett Lauderdale’s Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) banner. He told Fox News Digital he embarked on a journey to create matches that may never happen anywhere else.

"I think one thing about wrestling, or really kind of anything, is that once something becomes established at any given time, it starts to become the set standard, or the rope standard, where you find that almost entirely everywhere you go and nothing else," he explained. "And it's always good to have something else to offer that still falls within that same category as pro wrestling. So, with Bloodsport, it's not just what is commonly referred to in the business as a shoot or like a like an MMA or sort of more realistic style, but mainly, I think the thing was that it's stripping away the wrestling down to its rawest, most-purest form.

"For me, I want to Bloodsport to be a place that, regardless of what you think about it, but you should probably try to capture the fans first, but I built Bloodsport in a way, the most enticing to wrestlers, to make them want to be there and be a part of this, especially because if, in my mind, we were able to do what I was hoping, there would be wrestlers of a very high caliber from all over the world that would be willing, or athletes in general, that would willing to do BloodSport, despite us being an indie show, because it's me.

PANDEMONIUM: PRO WRESTLING KICKSTARTS WRESTLEMANIA WEEK WITH HARD-HITTING ACTION IN LAS VEGAS

"And I would take advantage of that in the sense of making something that seems so desirable to them that they didn't that they really just wanted to do it considering that it's much smaller sandbox than what they're used to and I figured from there that's where you'll get the fans you'll be able to do things here with athletes and matchups that you can't find anywhere else and you won't it's just never going to happen. You're not going to find Masashi Takeda versus Pete Dunne. Plus, that's possible nowhere else. It’s never going to happen. And things of that nature. But by being something that is so much more raw and aggressive, We're the hardest hitting event in professional wrestling for a reason."

Finding a pro wrestler that fits the mold of what Barnett is looking for isn’t easy to come by.

However, the event has had success at bringing in wrestlers and even MMA fighters to the canvas. WWE stars like Dunne, Nattie Niedhart and Charlie Dempsey, All Elite Wrestling champion Jon Moxley, and even Barnett himself, have participated in BloodSport in the show’s history.

Barnett relishes the opportunity to allow other pro wrestlers the ability to showcase a different side of themselves that fans may not have been able to see elsewhere.

WEST COAST PRO TO SHOWCASE WRESTLING AT ITS ‘RAWEST FORM’ WITH RISING WOMEN’S STAR HEADLINING ITS MAIN EVENT

"It really is important that you have a proper understanding and set of skills before partaking in a type of match like this. And honestly, I mean that keeps the talent pool small, which I knew was going to be an issue leading into this, but it's OK," he told Fox News Digital. "I also saw it as an opportunity to showcase maybe wrestlers that folks haven't seen as much or weren't as aware of simply because they fit like hand and glove in this, and maybe in some of the other shows, or the more typical wrestling shows, they feel like they’re more restrained and not being able to use this side of themselves or it doesn’t register as well in that other environment.

"Here, they can be something completely different. It's been the case that a lot of people that have even come from the WWE, you’ll see them in BloodSport. It’s like, ‘Wow, who is this person? I’ve never seen them before.’ Well, that’s always been there, that's part of who they are and where their capability as a wrestler stems from. It also allows us to bring in MMA fighters at times, too, when possible, like a Frank Muir or Rampage Jackson."

Barnett will be among those in action in what promises to be an incredible lineup.

"I think there's a lot of potential for some breakout matches on this card with the level of talent that's involved. And not every match is gonna seem the same in any way, shape, or form."

Bloodsport XV is set for Friday at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas at 3 p.m. PT.

Astros' $54M pitcher blames arm fatigue on struggle to adjust to American lifestyle

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:24:37 -0400

Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai signed with the Houston Astros this offseason, and the transition to the American lifestyle has not been easy for him.

Imai, 27, was recently placed on the injured list with right arm fatigue, and in his first comments since the injury, he said, through an interpreter, the adjustment to the American lifestyle might be the reason.

"He’s not able to adjust to the American lifestyle," Imai’s interpreter, Shio Enomoto, said, according to The Athletic. "Baseball and outside of baseball. That’s probably the reason (for his arm fatigue)."

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Through an interpreter, Imai said the timing of when players eat dinner after a game is different, in addition to travel.

"For example, the travel is different from Japan," Imai said, according to Enomoto. "The timing when the players eat. In Japan, when they get back to the hotel, they eat their dinner. Here, the players eat at the stadium."

"He thought it would be the same as in Japan, for example, eating dinner at the hotel."

WHITE SOX LONGTIME ANTHEM SINGER COLLAPSES ON FIELD WHILE PERFORMING BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM

Imai said that he is going to use his time on IL to adjust and "try to become better." He does not currently have any timeline for his return and is one of three Astros starting pitchers on the IL.

Imai pitched in the NPB for eight seasons and recorded a 3.15 ERA in 159 starts and became one of the best starting pitchers in the league.

The Astros signed Imai to a three-year, $54 million contract in the offseason, but the right-hander struggled before landing on the IL. In three starts, he had a 7.27 ERA in his first 8.2 major-league innings.

In his last start, he only recorded one out against the Seattle Mariners before leaving with an injury. He allowed three runs on one hit, four walks and one hit batter before departing.

The Astros (8-11), who have won two straight over the Colorado Rockies (6-12), will look to complete the three-game sweep when they play the Rockies on Thursday at 8:10 p.m. ET.

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Tiger Woods' attorney fights subpoena for prescription drug records in DUI case: reports

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:05:21 -0400

After prosecutors said a subpoena will be issued later this month for Tiger Woods' prescription drug records, his attorney is fighting against it.

Woods was arrested for driving under the influence after taking field sobriety tests following a two-vehicle crash in which his Range Rover turned onto its driver's side.

A court filing showed that a subpoena will be issued to "seek copies of any and all prescription medication on file" for Woods from Jan. 1 through March 27, the date of his car crash and arrest.

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Woods' attorney, Douglas Duncan, wrote in a motion that the subpoena goes against Woods' constitutional rights to privacy.

"This right is admittedly not absolute should the State show the relevance of the records to its criminal investigation and thus warrant intrusion into Mr. Woods' privacy," Duncan wrote, via ESPN.

Duncan also requested a hearing to determine whether prosecutors should be allowed to obtain the records.

Woods told law enforcement prior to the field sobriety tests that he underwent seven back surgeries and "over 20 operations on his leg." He told law enforcement that "I take a few" prescription medications. In 2021, he got into a wreck that resulted in serious leg injuries that kept him off the golf course for the entire year.

LIV GOLF CEO SENDS RALLYING MEMO TO STAFF AFTER REPORTS SAUDI FUNDING COULD END AFTER THIS SEASON

He also mentioned that his ankle was fused and he walks with a limp due to the injuries. Due to the nature of his injuries, authorities made him do a field sobriety test sitting down. He blew "triple-zeroes," authorities said, but "lethargic" movements warranted exercises anyway.

Woods participated in four exercises before a deputy placed him in handcuffs. The deputy stated she believed Woods was under an "unknown substance."

It was the second time Woods was arrested for driving under the influence. He had been taken into custody in 2017.

It is believed that Woods is currently in Switzerland seeking treatment.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery," Woods said in a statement posted to social media on the Tuesday after the crash.

"I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Woods was granted permission on April 1 to travel out of the country "to enter into comprehensive inpatient treatment."

Woods was charged with driving under the influence, property damage, refusal to submit to testing, and careless driving. He pleaded not guilty and waived his arraignment, demanding a trial with a jury.

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White Sox longtime anthem singer collapses on field while performing Black national anthem

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:43:17 -0400

The Chicago White Sox longtime anthem performer was hospitalized Wednesday night after he collapsed while performing the Black national anthem before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The terrifying scene happened amid the "Jackie Robinson Day" festivities as Gerald Chaney was performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Chaney, who was also due to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," was just a few words into singing the Black national anthem when he paused. He began again but collapsed on the field.

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He was tended to by medical personnel for several minutes before he was taken off the field on a gurney. The team said in a statement that Chaney was taken to an area hospital for further evaluation.

"The White Sox longtime anthem performer, Gerald Chaney, experienced a medical emergency while singing during pregame tonight. He received treatment by EMTs at the ballpark and was alert prior to being transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment."

The statement continued, "The entire White Sox family is sending love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery."

CHARLIE PUTH DRAWS MOSTLY PRAISE FOR SUPER BOWL LX NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE

Wednesday’s game was delayed 12 minutes.

"I'm really glad to hear that he is doing well," White Sox manager Will Venable said after the game. "But obviously a scary moment. I think everyone did a great job in responding and did the best to make sure he's all right. Really good news to hear that he is all right. That's the most important thing, obviously."

Tampa Bay defeated Chicago 8-3 on the road for the team’s fifth straight win.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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WWE champ Jade Cargill very hopeful to meet 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin at Hall of Fame ceremony

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:40 -0400

WrestleMania 42 is the big-ticket item on pro wrestling fans’ checklist this weekend in Las Vegas, but before the bell rings, WWE will enshrine its 2026 class into the Hall of Fame.

AJ Styles, Stephanie McMahon, Sycho Sid, Bad News Brown, Dennis Rodman, the tag team duo known as Demolition and Hulk Hogan’s match with Andre the Giant from WrestleMania 3 are included this year.

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Jade Cargill, the current WWE women’s champion, is also excited about the Hall of Fame festivities. She told Fox News Digital she was a big fan of the Attitude Era of the WWE and was hopeful to meet "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

"I hope he is there because I want to meet him," she told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "He’s one of the people, other than Paul Heyman and Booker T, Paul Heyman I was like I have to meet him. How did this guy survive this long? He’s bigger than life. He’s just natural with it. I have to meet him, have to take a picture with him, talk to him, I have to do that.

WRESTLEMANIA 42 CARD REVEALED AS MAIN EVENTS AND MAJOR MATCHES ARE SET

"And Stone Cold is the other person. I’m very hopeful that he’s gonna be there at the Hall of Fame. He was there last year. But I couldn’t like, there was so many people crowding him. And just to see Stephanie (McMahon) get her flowers is one-of-one. I love that for her."

Austin was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 as a wrestler. Last year, he was inducted as part of the immortal moment wing. His match with Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13 was inducted last year. He’s one of eight wrestlers who are in the Hall of Fame multiple times.

The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place at Dolby Live at Park MGM on Friday night at midnight ET.

CMLL champion Flip Gordon talks going from US Army National Guard reservist to pro wrestling ring

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:31 -0400

Travis Lopes Jr. is a former U.S. Army National Guard reservist and a father of two, but when he enters a Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) ring, a switch flips – almost literally.

Inside the squared circle, Lopes is known as Flip Gordon. He is CMLL’s current world historic middleweight champion, and in Las Vegas this week, he will help the company make history. CMLL will host its first solo U.S. show ever. It will come in the midst of WrestleMania week as pro wrestling fans hit Las Vegas for a few days of high-flying and hard-hitting action.

Lopes detailed his journey from the National Guard to a pro wrestling ring.

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"I got my start in 2015. I was in the Army National Guard at the time, and I moved from the state of Idaho to the state of Massachusetts to begin this amazing journey of becoming a professional wrestler," he said. "And now, almost 11 years later, it's taken me all over the world. I've gotten to see more than 15 countries, and now I have a beautiful life down here in Mexico."

He said pro wrestling was always his dream – it just took him a different route than most.

But it was his time in the Army that helped him get the discipline he needed to stay the course and keep focus on his ultimate goal. He said he joined the Army when he was just 20 years old and serving helped him become a "grownup."

"For me, I always wanted to be a professional wrestler. So this is something I always knew I wanted to do. Obviously, life takes you on different journeys, but ultimately, I ended up where I wanted it to be. But if it wasn't for the Army, I don't think I ever would have made it as a professional wrestler. The Army taught me a lot of things about being a grownup.

"I joined at 20, but it taught me discipline. It taught me work ethic. It taught how to be away from my family because being in the Army was the first time I was away from family for a long period of time," he told Fox News Digital. "But I think the work ethic and the discipline really helped me the most because wrestling takes a lot of discipline. Not just with the in-ring aspect, but the traveling, being away from home, the discipline of, if you're on a strict diet, not eating junk food or fast-food.

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"So, discipline really is an important part of it. And another thing that helped me, I believe, was my time in college before the National Guard. I was a mascot. But I got to work out with the cheerleaders and the gymnastics, and that's where I learned my body control. I think if it wasn't for these things, especially in the military, I don't think I ever would have been a successful professional wrestler."

Being at CMLL was also a part of his dream as he watched legendary pro wrestlers like the late Eddie Guerrero and Chris Jericho compete for the company and ultimately become major stars around the world.

Lopes said he first received his opportunity at CMLL when he was with Ring of Honor. He made his debut at the company’s anniversary show. He said he wasn’t initially thinking he would be offered to stay with the company being that he was only into his first few months of his Ring of Honor contract.

He was expecting to take off in September 2017 when an earthquake nearly derailed any hope of him realizing that dream. He said his willingness to stay in Mexico and seeing how the community came together helped him fall in love with Mexico and led him to a CMLL ring full-time.

"I came down here in September of 2017, made my debut on the anniversary show. I was here for about two and a half weeks and then a big earthquake hit, and they canceled shows that whole week because they had to inspect the buildings, make sure it was safe to run events," he recalled. "And I went to the office, and I was like, ‘I know that I was supposed to leave on Monday,’ I was, like, ‘But can I stay another week?’ And they're like, ‘Well, we can't pay you more,’ And I was like, ‘Well, I didn't get to wrestle this week. So, it's the same basically,’ I was like, ‘If you're willing to pay my hotel for the next week so I can stay here, I'd love to stay another week so that I can give you my committed dates.’

"And so, I was able to stay here for another week. And those three and a half, I believe weeks it was, I just fell in love with the country of Mexico. I fell in with the culture, I fell with the Lucha Libre, I fell in love with the food. Just seeing how everybody came together in a time of need was just so inspirational, and I loved just that feeling that everybody had. It's almost like camaraderie, very similar to the military, but it was a whole culture, a whole country coming together for each other."

The CMLL World Historic Middleweight Championship is also known as the National Wrestling Alliance World Historic Middleweight Championship. Gordon captured the title in November 2024, defeating Villano III Jr. at CMLL Viernes Espectacular.

Gordon will be in a tag-team match with Capitán Suicida in Las Vegas. The two will square off against Mascarada and Neón. It’s one of a handful of matches that CMLL has put together during the week.

The CMLL show will be a part of Slam Fest, which is taking place in the Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort. Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, Stardom, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling and House of Glory will also run shows at the venue.

The event starts at 3 p.m. PT.

Pandemonium: Pro Wrestling kickstarts WrestleMania week with hard-hitting action in Las Vegas

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:38:29 -0400

Pandemonium: Pro Wrestling was among the companies to kick-start WrestleMania week in Las Vegas on Wednesday night.

While a relative unknown promotion among pro wrestling fans, Pandemonium held their "Whatever Forever" show as part of Shooting Star Fest. Dozens of fans poured into the Bizarre Bar in Las Vegas for hard-hitting action in an intimate setting where they had no other choice than to feel the wrestlers’ pain.

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AMIRA took on Janai Kai and Saya Ida in the main event for the Pandemonium: Pro Championship. AMIRA walked into the venue as the champion and left the same way. She successfully powered through all of Kai’s kicks and Ida’s knife-edge chops.

After getting Ida out of the ring, AMIRA put her attention on Kai. She hit the world’s strongest slam on Kai and pinned her for the win.

WEST COAST PRO TO SHOWCASE WRESTLING AT ITS ‘RAWEST FORM’ WITH RISING WOMEN’S STAR HEADLINING ITS MAIN EVENT

Johnnie Robbie, who received a ton of praise heading into the week, took on Natsupoi. The one-time Wonder of Stardom champion gave Robbie all that she could handle. Even as Robbie appeared to have the upper hand in the match, Natsupoi was able to use her speedy in-ring ability to gain momentum.

Natsupoi hit a cartwheel body press and pinned Robbie for the win.

Several other pro wrestlers on the card impressed with victories, including Joseline Navarro, Miko Alana, Jiah Jewell and the New Fever tag-team duo of Danny Orion and Shimbashi.

Indie pro wrestling companies are going to be on full display throughout the entire week, and fans were treated to the perfect appetizer for the days to come in the city of sin.

LIV Golf CEO sends rallying memo to staff after reports Saudi funding could end after this season

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:38:46 -0400

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil sent a memo to his staff Wednesday in response to reports the Public Investment Fund will no longer use its resources for the league.

Sources told Fox News Digital the Saudis will stop funding LIV after the 2026 season.

"Team, (f)ollowing up on my previous message, which I realize may have led to some confusion on where we stand as a business," O'Neil wrote in a memo obtained by Fox News Digital.

"I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.

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"While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organization that is bigger, louder, and more influential than ever before.

"The life of a startup movement is often defined by these moments of pressure. We signed up for this because we believe in disrupting the status quo. We have faced headwinds since the jump, and we’ve answered every time with resilience and grace. Now, we answer by doing what we do best: putting on the most compelling show in sports."

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O'Neil then praised LIV golfers for contending at the Masters, noting Tyrell Hatton finished tied for third, and hyping up Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm as the faces of the league.

"To the teams in New York, London, and those on the ground here with me in Mexico: lean into this moment," O'Neil continued.

"The noise you hear is simply the sound of a movement that is working. Embrace it. We are pioneers, and while the road isn’t always smooth, the destination is worth every mile. Let’s go out and show the world why LIV Golf is the future of the game. It matters. You mattered. Now, let’s go win.

"Long LIV Golf."

LIV began in 2022 and has produced two major winners in Brooks Koepka, who has since rejoined the PGA Tour, at the 2023 PGA Championship, and DeChambeau at the 2024 U.S. Open. They are currently playing in Mexico City.

LIV Golf shifted from its 54-hole format, a draw for golfers defecting from the PGA Tour, to 72 beginning this season. Patrick Reed is also set to rejoin the tour.

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New Jersey Gov Mikie Sherrill rips FIFA after reports that NJ Transit tickets to World Cup will be over $100

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:44:14 -0400

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill spoke about reports NJ Transit tickets from MetLife Stadium to New York Penn Station will cost over $100 on World Cup game days.

In a video posted to social media, Sherrill, who took office in January, wanted to tell those attending "exactly where things stand" amid the "recent headlines about transportation costs for World Cup games in New Jersey."

"Our administration inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup — zero. That leaves New Jersey Transit with a $48 million bill to safely get 40,000 fans to and from every game," Sherrill said in the video.

"At the same time, FIFA is making $11 billion off of this World Cup and charging fans up to $10,000 for a single ticket for the final.

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"I won't stick New Jersey's commuters with that tab for years to come — that's not fair. So here's the bottom line: FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don't, I'm not going to let New Jersey commuters get taken for one."

Parking has also been banned at MetLife Stadium despite thousands of spots in the Meadowlands Sports Complex because the lots will be used for fan activation and security.

Current prices from East Rutherford to Penn Station are just under $13.

US SOCCER CAPTAIN'S BREAKUP WITH GOLFER GETS MESSY AFTER DATING PROFILE ALLEGATIONS

The Athletic also reported that there will be no price differences for seniors, children or passengers with disabilities, and a final decision on the pricing is expected in the next few days.

Tailgating is banned at both Gillette Stadium and MetLife Stadium.

New Jersey lawmakers have proposed a bill that would impose "surcharges on certain transactions to support preparations for [the] hosting of special events," according to the N.J. Legislature. The bill's primary sponsor is Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-N.J.

If passed, a 3% sales tax would be added to retail goods, food and drink and event tickets in the Meadowlands District during the dates of the World Cup, according to the bill’s text.

Fox News' Ashley J. DiMelia contributed to this report.

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NFL begins onboarding replacement officials as referee labor deal nears expiration: report

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:33:14 -0400

The NFL has reportedly begun onboarding replacement officials in case their unionized referees are not available.

The Athletic reported that teams were issued a memo by league officials Wednesday to inform them that potential replacements had undergone or were undergoing background checks.

The outlet reported that the officials have worked at the NCAA level in all divisions, and physical examinations will follow.

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The NFL Referees Association is aiming for a new labor deal, and teams were told to expect replacement officials at practices if a deal is not reached by June 1. The current deal between the NFLRA and league expires May 31, and the league and the NFLRA have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement since the summer of 2024.

"Throughout the process, we will continue to solicit your feedback on the performance of the potential replacement officials as we finalize the game official roster for training camp and preseason games," Perry Fewell, the league's senior vice president of officiating, wrote in the memo, via ESPN.

DIANNA RUSSINI RESIGNS FROM THE ATHLETIC AMID MIKE VRABEL CONTROVERSY

"The negotiations haven’t progressed the way we hoped from a timing standpoint," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said at the conclusion of the league’s annual meeting. "We obviously have obligations to fans and everyone in the National Football League to play. We’ll be prepared to play. We’re taking the appropriate steps to be ready, but we’re also keenly focused on negotiations."

Replacement officials were used to start the 2012 season, and arguably the most infamous result of that was the "Fail Mary" in Seattle, when the Seahawks won on a controversial simultaneous possession ruling on a late-game end zone play.

Last year, the NFL signaled its intent to strengthen officiating through greater accountability and performance standards, saying it "remained focused on implementing changes to the agreement in ways that will improve the performance of our game officials, increase accountability and ensure that the highest-performing officials are officiating our highest profile games."

The NFLRA has reportedly resisted at least some proposed changes, prioritizing the status quo.

Fox News' Chantz Martin contributed to this report.

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Sherrone Moore's alleged mistress rips sentence that kept former Michigan coach out of jail

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:12:35 -0400

The former Michigan staffer with whom Sherrone Moore allegedly had an inappropriate relationship that led to his firing and subsequent arrest is not thrilled that Moore seemingly got off easy.

Moore was fired for his relationship with Paige Shiver on Dec. 10. Soon after the firing, he was jailed after allegedly breaking into her house and threatening to kill himself.

Moore was sentenced to 18 months probation and ordered to pay just over $1,000 in fines, which was not enough for Shiver.

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"December 10th was the most terrifying day of my life," Shiver said in a statement after Moore's sentencing Tuesday, via the New York Post.

"The criminal acts he committed were extremely frightening and violent. He broke into my apartment, crying, yelling, enraged and came at me with knives. I was threatened, and I feared for my life.

"Today’s sentence does not reflect the harm done to me or the objective evidence in this case."

An Action Injury Law Group statement obtained by Fox News Channel last month claimed Shiver endured "years of manipulation, harassment and exploitation by a man who held enormous power over her professional life as the head football coach of one of the nation’s most prominent college football programs."

Shiver’s attorneys questioned Michigan’s entire athletic program after the incident, adding their client believes "she may not be the only person who experienced inappropriate, coercive or predatory behavior from this individual."

MICHIGAN PLAYERS FEEL 'VERY BETRAYED' BY SHERRONE MOORE SCANDAL, INTERIM COACH REVEALS

Moore and the alleged victim had an "intimate relationship for a number of years," a prosecutor said during an initial hearing shortly after his arrest.

In an Ann Arbor courtroom, Moore thanked his wife, Kelli, for her support while saying he took the process "very seriously." The judge in the case told Moore that he "take[s] her for granted."

Prosecutors accused Moore of contacting the staffer via phone calls and texts after the breakup, prompting the woman to contact the University of Michigan and cooperate in its investigation. Moore was subsequently fired from his position as head football coach, which prosecutors said prompted him to show up at her home.

Moore then allegedly "barged" his way into the residence, grabbed a butter knife and a pair of kitchen scissors and began threatening his own life. According to prosecutors, Moore allegedly told the staffer, "My blood is on your hands" and "You ruined my life."

Moore pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors to resolve the felony criminal case.

Moore went 16-8 as Michigan's head coach — 8-5 in his first season and 7-3 last season. He missed a pair of games due to a suspension from a sign-stealing investigation.

Moore replaced Jim Harbaugh after the team completed a 15-0 season en route to a national championship. Moore was the offensive coordinator of that squad.

Fox News' Scott Thompson, Paulina Dedaj, and Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino says Iran will 'for sure' play in World Cup despite conflict involving US

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:59:35 -0400

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran "for sure" will play in the World Cup this summer despite the ongoing war involving the United States.

The conflict in the Middle East begged the question whether Iran, which qualified for the World Cup that begins in June in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, would still participate given the circumstances.

All three of Iran’s group stage games are scheduled to be played in the U.S. That remains the case after Iranian government officials suggested to FIFA that their games be moved to Mexico because they could not travel to the U.S.

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed FIFA’s rejection of Iran’s request, and it is insisting Iran play where its scheduled — SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and Lumen Field in Seattle.

According to Infantino, Iran is going along with the original schedule.

TRUMP SAYS IRAN’S WORLD CUP PARTICIPATION MAY NOT BE ‘APPROPRIATE,’ WHILE ADDING MEN’S TEAM IS STILL ‘WELCOME’

"The Iranian team is coming, for sure," Infantino said during the CNBC Invest in America Forum Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

"We hope that, by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play."

Infantino visited the Iranian national team in Turkey, which is where it has its training camp.

"They were having a training camp in Antalya," Infantino added about his trip last month to visit the team. "And they really want to play. And they should play. Sports should be outside of politics.

Iran is scheduled to play at SoFi Stadium against New Zealand on June 16 to begin its tournament. It will also play Belgium at the stadium before finishing group play against Mo Salah and Egypt in Seattle June 26.

FIFA PRESIDENT SAYS TRUMP REITERATED IRAN 'WELCOME TO COMPETE' AT WORLD CUP IN US AMID MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post last month that Iran would be welcome to compete in the World Cup as scheduled, though it might not be "appropriate" considering the conflict.

"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," he wrote.

Trump also told Politico, "I really don’t care," when asked about Iran’s participation in the tournament. Infantino, who holds a strong relationship with Trump, said Trump has "reiterated" to him that the U.S. welcomes Iran’s team to compete.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Olympic gold medalist's divorce takes ugly turn as private emails, online insults emerge: 'Tip of the iceberg'

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:38:46 -0400

An Olympic gold medalist's divorce is rearing its ugly head.

Ryan Lochte and his estranged wife, Kayla Reid, announced last summer they would be getting a divorce after seven years of marriage.

They have three children together, and Lochte has since been dating Molly Gillihan.

And it's becoming pretty clear the women are not fond of each other — nor is Lochte fond of his estranged wife.

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In an Instagram story posted by Reid, Lochte allegedly emailed Reid that his new girlfriend is a "ten times better mother" than she is.

"Look at the offer I just sent to your lawyer and move on with your gold digging life," the former swimmer appeared to say in his email with the subject line, "Re: Kids."

"This is what I deal with every. single. day," Reid wrote above the email on her Instagram story, via the New York Post.

"This is after I checked in on our 2 year old with strep throat. This is the tip of the iceberg and I am exhausted. My heart goes out to anyone navigating a similar situation. Tired of being continuously disrespected behind closed doors. Literally 2/1000 messages."

That prompted Gillihan to call Reid a "child," while adding harsh allegations about one of the children.

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"My response? Every text and every DM... Every magazine. I’m sorry, I don’t follow Ryan’s ex on insta. I really try and just stay focused on our kids when we have them. But you (Kayla Rae Reid Lochte) or whatever name you chose.... dropped your two year old off with us covered in throw up, no pants, and rushed off as fast as you could to your girls weekend in Miami," Gillihan wrote on a story post.

"You’re a CHILD And I’m exhausted of YOUR false narrative. Your followers love it and crave it. Your lies are for them. Keep it up girl. They’re putty in your hands! Meanwhile, I’ll love on your kids and mine until my last breath."

Lochte and Reid announced in June they would be divorcing after seven years of marriage "after deep prayer and reflection," she said. They have three children together.

"This past year has brought major changes for both of us as we've come to the difficult decision to end our marriage. I'm deeply grateful for the life we've built together and especially for the love we share for our three children," Lochte wrote on Instagram.

"I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing, and challenging seasons of my life. I've been hesitant to share until I could do so from a place of healing - not from fresh, open wounds," Reid wrote on Instagram at the time.

"Sometimes we face trials we didn't choose or see coming. And in those moments, we're forced to make the hardest decisions to protect our peace, our children, and our future. I've come to understand that staying isn't always the most loving decision someone can make. For me, leaving was an act of love - for those around me and for myself."

The divorce appeared to turn sour, though, after Reid posted about "betrayal" weeks after their announcement.

The couple got engaged in 2016, the same year Lochte was involved in a controversial incident at a gas station during the Rio Olympics. Lochte initially claimed he and his teammates were robbed at gunpoint, but it was determined those with the guns were actually security guards at a gas station where the swimmers had urinated outside a bathroom.

Lochte eventually lost four major sponsorships, and USA Swimming suspended him for 10 months.

Lochte won his sixth and final medal in Rio, a gold as part of the 4x200-meter freestyle. Reid was the Playboy Playmate of the Month for July 2015.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Two-time Super Bowl champion, former Cowboys star John Fitzgerald dead at 77

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:01:26 -0400

Former Dallas Cowboys center John Fitzgerald, a two-time Super Bowl champion, is dead at 77.

The Cowboys' team website announced he died Tuesday morning. No cause of death was given.

The Cowboys selected Fitzgerald in the fourth round out of Boston College after he played on both sides of the ball. He played both offensive guard and defensive tackle in college and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.

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When he was a rookie, the Cowboys originally had Fitzgerald lined up as a defensive tackle, and he spent his rookie season on the taxi squad. In 1971, he moved to offense and was a backup guard on the team’s Super Bowl-winning squad.

In 1972, the team moved him to center, where he became a starter, and remained there until he retired. From 1973-80, Fitzgerald was the center for a Cowboys offense that finished in the top 10 in total yards in each of those eight seasons.

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Fitzgerald was also the focal point for head coach Tom Landry’s reintroduction to the shotgun offense, having no issue snapping the ball to Roger Staubach from a further distance. After the shotgun offense was added, the Cowboys made the Super Bowl in three out of four seasons, including a 27-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII.

The Cowboys, in Fitzgerald’s 12 seasons at center, experienced significant success, reaching the playoffs 11 times, making nine NFC championship games and five Super Bowl appearances, winning two.

Fitzgerald retired in 1982 after being placed on injured reserve prior to the 1981 season with a knee injury.

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Ex-MLB pitcher Dan Serafini claims innocence in 2021 murder of his in-laws: 'The justice system failed'

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:53:16 -0400

Former MLB pitcher Dan Serafini, who was sentenced to life in prison, insists he is innocent of the 2021 murder his in-laws.

Serafini did a recent interview with "Dateline," where the ex-Minnesota Twins hurler claimed to Keith Morrison that he was not the one who killed Gary Spohr and Wendy Wood five years ago.

"I don’t understand it at all," Serafini said to Morrison. "I believed in the justice system. And the justice system failed."

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Serafini was accused of surprising Spohr and Wood in Lake Tahoe, California, at their home in 2021, where he murdered them in the belief he would acquire a piece of their fortune via his then-wife, Erin Spohr.

Prosecutors said Serafini had snuck into the Lake Tahoe home while the married couple was out on the lake. He was allegedly hiding in a closet with a gun for several hours awaiting their return.

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When they got back, Serafini allegedly shot them both in the head, but Wood survived after being left for dead. However, she died by suicide in 2023.

Serafini was eventually found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder as well as first-degree burglary in 2025 after a trial that lasted weeks. In February, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"Circumstantial case and I believe that the circumstantial stuff that they had was just making up a story. They had no proof, no anything," he told Morrison.

Serafini also felt the jury didn’t like him for the way he was acting in court, though he alleges he was just following his lawyers’ advice.

"They just didn’t like me, they didn’t like my lifestyle," Serafini explained. "They didn’t like the way I acted in court, which I didn’t act any way. I sat there like I was supposed to because my lawyers told me to [not] react, [not] respond. ‘Sit there like nothing’s bothering you.’ And I did. And I got crucified for it."

The full "Dateline" special with Serafini will air on Friday night.

Serafini was a first-round draft choice by the Twins in 1992, eventually making his major league debut in 1996. He allowed five runs on seven hits, including a home run, and two walks across 4.1 innings.

Serafini also played for the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies in his seven years in the big leagues.

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Former MLB prospect, 35, killed in car crash while returning from coaching tournament

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:42:09 -0400

A former baseball prospect turned coach and instructor was killed near where he once aimed to make a name for himself in the big leagues.

Former Houston Astros minor leaguer Jon Kemmer was 35 years old when he was killed over the weekend in a rollover crash in Galveston County.

Explore Jefferson, an outlet near Kemmer's hometown in Pennsylvania, said Kemmer was on his way from coaching a travel tournament in Houston to his home in Santa Fe, Texas, when he crashed.

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The outlet, citing the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office, said Kemmer was traveling on a rural road when his vehicle struck an electrical pole shortly after 6 p.m. local time. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kemmer was the lone occupant of the vehicle.

Kemmer had been coaching the HTX Battle Bucks 14U travel baseball team at the Triple Play Classic in Houston, the outlet reported.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER, 20, KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH WHILE RIDING ON INTERSTATE

The Astros drafted Kemmer out of Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia, in the 21st round of the 2013 MLB Draft, and he made it all the way to Triple-A in 2019. However, the cancellation of the minor league season due to COVID-19 seemed to have put an end to his career.

He suited up in the Dominican Winter League in 2020, but his last appearance in minor league ball was 2019. His DWL stint was his last in professional baseball.

In Triple-A ball, he hit .265 with an .830 OPS in 362 total games, spanning from 2016 through 2019. He also played for the Minnesota Twins' and Los Angeles Dodgers' Triple-A affiliates.

Kemmer also played stints in foreign minor leagues, hitting .355 with a 1.005 OPS in Mexico's Triple-A level in 2019 before playing for the Oklahoma City Dodgers, Los Angeles' Triple-A squad. He participated in spring training with the Astros in 2017 and 2018.

Kemmer was a high school prodigy, hitting .727 in his senior year of high school. In his final season of college, he hit .387 with a 1.206 OPS.

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Switzerland fires hockey coach who admitted to faking vaccination status for 2022 Beijing Olympics

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:35:18 -0400

Patrick Fischer, the Swiss hockey coach who admitted he received a fraudulent vaccination card to coach the men's hockey team in the 2022 Olympics, has been fired.

Urs Kessler, president of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation, hinted that the "public discussion about values and trust" wound up playing a role in the firing despite the case being "legally closed."

"Trust and integrity are central to our sport and to our organization. From today’s perspective, our initial assessment — that the matter was closed — fell short. This is about values and respect, which are fundamental to Swiss Ice Hockey, and were not upheld by Patrick Fischer in 2022," Kessler said in a statement.

"The federation regrets that it did not give this aspect enough consideration in its initial assessment.

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"At the same time, the federation thanks Patrick Fischer for his undisputed major sporting achievements. Under his leadership, the Swiss national team has developed steadily over more than a decade, moved up from eighth to second place in the world rankings, and won three silver medals, thereby leaving a lasting mark on Swiss ice hockey."

Fischer admitted he used a certificate falsely claiming he'd been vaccinated against COVID-19 to get around China's strict travel restrictions.

Swiss public broadcaster SRF said it confronted Fischer with documents showing he was fined nearly 39,000 Swiss francs ($50,000) by local authorities in 2023 for document forgery after buying the certificate on social media. SRF said he went public with his admission shortly after.

In a statement late Monday, Fischer said he made a "serious mistake in this matter" by traveling to Beijing with the Switzerland men's team using false paperwork.

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"I'm very sorry if I've disappointed people with this situation," Fischer said. "I was in an extraordinary personal crisis because I didn't want to be vaccinated. At the same time, I certainly didn't want to let my team down at the Olympic Games."

Ahead of the 2022 Olympics, China had some of the strictest COVID-19 rules in the world. It insisted any athletes heading to the Games had to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or sit out a three-week quarantine in a hotel as Swiss snowboarder Patrizia Kummer did.

Switzerland hosts the world championship next month. Fischer was already due to step down after that.

Fischer is one of Switzerland's most successful hockey coaches ever. He's been in the post since 2015 and took the team to three Olympics and won three silver medals at the world championships.

Fischer played for the Swiss national team in the 2002 and 2006 Olympics and also played for the country's 1994 World Juniors team. He spent most of his career playing for EV Zug of Switzerland's National League A, where his jersey number is retired.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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LIV Golf's end may be imminent after report signals Saudi Arabia is preparing to cut off funding

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:49:49 -0400

It appears Saudi Arabia has reached its spending limit on LIV Golf.

The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sole funding source of the breakaway golf circuit, announced a new five-year investment strategy Wednesday with a focus on reprioritizing spending, and spending hundreds of millions more dollars on LIV Golf doesn't seem to be part of the plan.

The Financial Times has reported that the PIF is "on the verge of cutting its support" for LIV Golf. An announcement regarding Saudi involvement — or lack thereof — with LIV could come as soon as Thursday, according to the report.

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Author and longtime golf reporter Alan Shipnuck also relayed a message on X from a player's agent that Mohammed bin Salman, the ruler of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, could look to use the ongoing war in Iran as a "force majeure" to cut off LIV's funding.

LIV Golf's immediate future would be up in the air if the Saudi PIF were to cut off funding. How or if the league will continue to operate, and in what capacity, is the great unknown, as is what the future of its many players may look like.

The potentially sport-shifting news comes after many months of speculation that operationally – both front-facing and behind the scenes – things had reached a tipping point in terms of spending, big-name players leaving the circuit and overall interest in LIV Golf hitting a standstill.

In late February, it was reported that LIV Golf's net spending per month averaged $100 million in 2024 and 2025. For the 2026 season, LIV's fifth, Saudi PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan reportedly approved a fresh $266.6 million capital injection into the circuit, bringing the Saudi PIF's cumulative investment in LIV Golf to $5.3 billion since 2021.

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The Saudi PIF reportedly injected north of $1 billion into LIV Golf in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. The $266 million injection to begin 2026, an increase in prize funds for the season, and the net spend of $100 million per month. The Saudi PIF's cumulative investment was set to blow past $6 billion by the end of 2026.

While minor details compared to billions in spending, LIV shifted from its original tournament format of playing 54-hole events to 72-hole events beginning in 2026, resulting in the league being recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) system for the first time since its inception. Players receiving OWGR points made their paths into golf's major championships more accessible.

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka and former Masters champion Patrick Reed delivered a significant blow to LIV with surprising exits from the circuit in January 2026. Koepka has already returned to the Tour via its Returning Members Program, while Reed is set to earn his Tour card back ahead of the 2027 PGA Tour season.

Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton were the headline players for the circuit this season.

LIV is set to host a tournament in Mexico City beginning Thursday. As rumors of a bombshell announcement regarding the circuit's future began to gain traction, a report Wednesday from The Telegraph explained that LIV Golf executives had been called to a meeting in New York, and none of the execs were on site in Mexico on Tuesday.

LIV Golf held its inaugural event in England in June 2022. After the PGA Tour spent the better part of a year distancing itself from the circuit in every conceivable way, the Tour announced a merger with LIV Golf three days ahead of the circuit's one-year anniversary.

The 2023 announcement signaled the start of a partnership that combined the tour's own business with the Saudi Public Investment Fund's commercial businesses and rights (including LIV Golf) as well as the DP World Tour into a new, collectively owned, for-profit entity.

Aside from the announcement of the merger, there had been few updates on what the next steps would look like for the partnership. The tour's official statement announcing the merger said LIV Golf would technically be dissolved, with the PIF picking up a seat at the table that operates the PGA Tour and professional golf.

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Tigers sign top prospect Kevin McGonigle to $150 million extension just 17 games into career

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:39:09 -0400

Rookie shortstop Kevin McGonigle has only played 17 games, but the Detroit Tigers already know they want him for the long term.

The Tigers announced on Wednesday that they agreed to an eight-year, $150 million extension for McGonigle, which begins next season.

The 21-year-old came into the season as the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball by multiple outlets and has thrived so far this season with the Tigers. In 17 games, McGonigle has a .311 batting average with one home run, and eight RBI, while playing both shortstop and third base.

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The contract extension covers the 2027-34 seasons, which include the final five seasons of club control and McGonigle’s first three seasons of free agency. His salary will increase throughout the duration of the deal.

He will earn guaranteed salaries of $1 million in 2027, $7 million in 2028, $16 million in 2029, $21 million in 2030, $22 million in 2031 and $23 million in the 2032, 2033 and 2034 seasons.

He has escalators in his contract that can increase his 2032 maximum base salary to $25 million, his 2033 maximum to $26 million and his 2034 maximum to $28 million, making the maximum value of the deal $160 million.

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The Tigers drafted McGonigle in the first round (37th overall pick) of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania native played in Single-A, High-A, and Double-A last year in the minor leagues. He impressed, hitting .305 with 19 home runs and 80 RBI in 88 games across those three levels.

After the season ended, McGonigle played in the Arizona Fall League and won the MVP. In 19 games, he hit .362 with five home runs and 19 RBI, walking 19 times while striking out just 12 times.

McGonigle has shown impressive plate discipline, as throughout his minor league career he walked 123 times while striking out just 84 times in 818 minor league appearances. That trend has translated to the big leagues, as he has walked 11 times with just eight strikeouts so far this season.

The Tigers (8-9), who beat the Kansas City Royals (7-10) 2-1 on Tuesday, will play them again in the second game of their three-game series on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. ET.

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Alex Vesia emotional after save with healthcare workers who helped family through daughter's death in stands

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:42:05 -0400

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia admitted he was almost in tears after striking out three New York Mets hitters in a row to close a 2-1 victory at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night.

It’s usually not Vesia’s job to close games, but with Edwin Diaz dealing with arm fatigue, manager Dave Roberts called upon him to face Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette and Francisco Alvarez while clinging to a one-run lead in the top of the ninth inning. But he was up for the challenge.

It also happened to be healthcare appreciation night at Dodger Stadium, and some of those honored in the crowd that night were by Vesia’s side through a horrific time for the veteran left-hander.

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Vesia and his wife lost their infant daughter last October – just five days after she was born. Before the 2025 World Series, Vesia left the team, citing a "deeply personal matter," and he never pitched in the thrilling Fall Classic that ensued with the Toronto Blue Jays.

On Tuesday night, some of those healthcare workers who cared for Vesia and his family through the hard time were in the stands to support him. And they went ballistic over his winning performance.

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Cameras panned to the group of healthcare workers that were there for Vesia, and they were on their feet jumping and cheering every time he got a strikeout. When Alvarez was called for a check-swing strike three to end the game, Vesia reacted in elation as he celebrated the victory.

During a post-game interview, he pointed up to the suite where those healthcare workers cheered him on and spoke about their impact.

"I’m going to cry, man. This is a very emotional day. Everyone up there played a very, very, very big part. [My wife] Kay and I are just so happy to be able to share today. For me to get a save, it’s unbelievable."

The Dodgers and Blue Jays both paid tribute to Vesia on the field during the World Series, showing support through his situation. A few days after the World Series, Vesia announced the death of his daughter, where he thanked the Dodgers, the fan base and the Blue Jays for their support during the difficult time.

Vesia was back with the Dodgers to start the 2026 season, and his first outing resulted in a standing ovation from the Dodger Stadium crowd after getting out of a seventh-inning jam against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

As in that first outing, Vesia was sporting a customized pink Marucci glove on his right hand Tuesday night with his daughter’s name stitched on it. He also had her birthdate as well as a "K" for his wife on the glove’s ring finger.

Since the start of the season, Vesia hasn’t given up a run for the Dodgers, striking out nine hitters and collecting a save prior to Tuesday night’s as well.

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CMLL takes center stage for historic US show in Las Vegas amid WrestleMania week

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:32:29 -0400

Pro wrestling fans will descend on Las Vegas for days of action ahead of WrestleMania 42 this week, but WWE is hardly the only game in town.

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), one of Mexico’s most popular pro wrestling promotions, is set to hold its first solo show in the U.S. in its 92-year history. CMLL has produced many legendary pro wrestlers, and some of its top stars are making significant waves in other major North American promotions, like All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Ring of Honor (ROH).

The company has partnered with AEW and ROH on plenty of occasions, with some pro wrestlers in the latter promotions signing dual contracts, allowing them to compete on each other’s shows, including Místico and Thunder Rosa.

CMLL is set to put together an intriguing card that will showcase Lucha Libre style of pro wrestling that the average fan might have never seen before.

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Flip Gordon, who is the National Wrestling Alliance's historic world middleweight champion, is among those participating in matches at the historic CMLL show. He said CMLL hosting its own show in Las Vegas underscored the incredible momentum the company has put together.

"I think it's very significant. Last year, we sold over a million tickets in Arena Mexico, which no other company has ever done in the history of professional wrestling," Gordon told Fox News Digital. "CMLL is on a hot streak right now. We're selling out shows left and right. I think this year we're gonna break the record for most sold-out shows in our 92-year history.

"This show is very significant because this is the first time that we are crossing the border into the United States as a company. We are bringing our talent to Las Vegas to put on the best show we can to show what Lucha Libre is. CMLL is the creator of Lucha Libre. Now it's our chance to show exactly what Lucha Libre is, and we're very excited."

He added that fans are in for a treat as many notable names are going to be on the card.

"Oh, this show is stacked," Gordon said. "So, we got, in the main event, we got Místico (and Templario) versus Hechicero (and Ángel de Oro) in a champion versus champion match. We have Claudio Castagnoli versus Atlantis Jr. … Atlantis Jr., obviously, second-generation superstar. He's a huge star. He's having a breakthrough year right now. He's in AEW as well as CMLL.

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"Then we have my match. I'm tagging with Capitán Suicida. We're going against two of the brightest young stars in all the professional wrestling, not just Mexico, all over the world, in Máscara Dorada and Neón. That one's gonna be a really fun, fast-paced match. I think that one's, a lot of people are gonna be very interested in seeing that match. And then we got a bunch of others.

"We got Persephone defending her women's championship (against Tessa Blanchard). We got another trios match. We have a legends match. We have Blue Panther versus Último Guerrero, which is gonna be phenomenal. Blue Panther, I believe he's in his 60s, and he's still at the top of his game. So, if you've never seen Blue Panther, this is a must-see show because he's gonna go crazy, especially against Último."

Gordon, who is from Massachusetts, said he’s relishing the opportunity to be on the card because he’s an American who gets to represent his adopted home of Mexico at such a pivotal moment.

He added that he hoped to showcase the different style of pro wrestling that CMLL has to offer.

"I'm very honored to be a part of this card because, obviously, I'm a foreigner, I'm living down here as a foreigner," Gordon told Fox News Digital. "My wife and my family, I have two daughters. They're Mexican, they were born here.

"So, to be part of the show as a foreigner but representing Mexico, representing CMLL, it's a true honor for me because I get to represent the country I love, the company I love. And It's gonna be exciting to show a different style, because a lot of the fans have never seen me do Lucha Libre. They've only seen me in American style. So I'm very excited to show how much I've grown as a professional wrestler, how much I've grown as a person, and it's gonna be really fun to see some familiar faces."

CMLL is one of a handful of companies participating in Slam Fest, joining Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, Stardom, Maple Leaf Pro and House of Glory. Each company will host their shows at the Pearl Theater in Palms Casino Resort.

The CMLL event is set for Thursday at 3 p.m. PT.

Amazon Prime Video stream cuts out during final minute of do-or-die NBA play-in tournament game

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:24:41 -0400

Ideally, during the final minutes of a do-or-die playoff game, fans wouldn’t miss any of the game due to technical difficulties.

Unfortunately, fans missed part of the final minute of the Charlotte Hornets' 127-126 overtime victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA’s Play-In Tournament on Tuesday night because Amazon Prime Video’s stream cut out.

The feed cut out as the game was resuming after a timeout, with the Hornets leading the Heat 125-120 with 48.1 seconds left in overtime. Amazon Prime Video’s blackout lasted almost two minutes, with fans missing 22.1 seconds of game time and a Hornets possession.

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The blackout occurred as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr recently said he was concerned that the rising prices of streaming games are maddening for sports fans. Carr’s comments come as the NFL, NBA, MLB and other major sports leagues are shifting some of their games from traditional broadcasts to streaming services.

The blackout happened because of an issue in the production truck, a spokesperson for Amazon Prime Video told ESPN.

"Our teams restored the feed as quickly as possible to ensure fans could watch the conclusion of the game. We are conducting a thorough internal review to determine the cause of the outage," the spokesperson said.

BROADCASTER TIM BRANDO SUGGESTS SPORTS FANS GET CONFUSED WHERE TO WATCH GAMES AS STREAMING TAKES OVER

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was one of many fans who took to social media to voice his displeasure with the service cutting out.

"Tell me the game didn't just cut off?!!? Am I trippin?? WTH," James posted to X.

The NBA signed an 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal with Amazon Prime Video that began this season, and the streaming service has exclusive rights to all six of this year’s play-in tournament games.

The matchup between the Heat (10th seed) and Hornets (ninth seed) was win-or-go-home. With the win, the Hornets will play the loser of the No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers and the No. 8 Orlando Magic on Friday.

If they beat the loser of that matchup, they will make the NBA Playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.

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West Coast Pro to showcase wrestling at its ‘rawest form’ with rising women’s star headlining its main event

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:08:34 -0400

Las Vegas will transform into a pro wrestling fan’s paradise for a few days with WrestleMania 42 being the main course for most people who will fly into the city from around the world.

WWE will be sharing the spotlight.

Dozens of pro wrestling companies will be featured throughout the week at various venues all over the city. Imagine as if each college football conference was hosting its championship game every day from Wednesday to Sunday with the NFL’s Super Bowl occurring at the end. It’s the same feeling that will encapsulate pro wrestling fans over the course of the week.

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West Coast Pro will be one of the promotions hosting a show with several wrestlers on its roster participating in multiple matches for other companies as well.

In a sea of independent shows, West Coast Pro owner Scott Bregante told Fox News Digital that his promotion offers fans a chance to see the sport in its purest form.

"I think what separates West Coast Pro apart is we have an identity of like, we're very proud to be from the Bay Area. We're very proud to still showcase pro wrestling for what pro wrestling is and not what it could be," he explained. "I think a lot of people want to come in and reinvent the wheel. I think wrestling is beautiful in its rawest form and that is telling stories, putting a spotlight on up-and-coming people, getting people emotionally involved, just in the basics.

"I think we start so far away from it as an industry where you have to have an influencer now or someone that's famous connected to it. For us, we've never really folded on that. It's always been, like, we have really, really good wrestling. We have really good stories. Our crowd is incredible. The vibe is there. All the things that would make any company great, we've leaned into it and just never lost what made us, us."

Bregante said some of the industry’s top stars have come through West Coast Pro, including WWE’s Royce Keys and Jacob Fatu, while others have been featured at All Elite Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action and in Japan as well.

"We have people all over the place that come out of West Coast Pro, or had a footprint here," he continued. "And I think that that stands the test of time.... And I really think that’s what makes us. And I think that's really what makes us a step away from everybody else. We are just pro wrestling, you know? We're not sports entertainment, we're not an influencer, nothing like that. We're pro wrestling at its core."

One of West Coast Pro’s rising stars is the company’s world women’s champion Johnnie Robbie.

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Robbie is a Los Angeles native who has leaned into her Latin American background and brought her own flavor into the ring – and it’s made a resounding impact with pro wrestling fans.

Bregante told Fox News Digital that Robbie’s ability to relate to fans has made her incredibly popular. Couple that with her skills in the ring, and the industry has a rising star to contend with.

"Incredibly relatable but not to the point where people see her as an equal, they see her as someone to look up to," he said of Robbie. "I think that's a lot of things that are lost within pro wrestling where a lot wrestlers resonate with fans by being fans, where Johnny Robbie is a step above."

Bregante said that Robbie’s career was nearly ended because of a serious neck injury, but she was able to recover, maintain her momentum with fans and put on banger match after banger match. It’s that part of Robbie’s journey, Bregante said, that makes her even more special.

"I think that's a very, very important part that people forget of why, you know, if you're just hearing now who Johnnie Robbie is but you hear everyone that's been around for a while to say like, ‘Yeah man Johnnie Robbie,’ these are these very important details of a journey with somebody, and her in-ring work speaks for itself," he said. "She is one of the most sought-after wrestlers, man or woman or otherwise. A lot of people say like, ‘Oh, best unsigned talent,’ I don't look at it that way. I think Johnnie Robbie, if you put her up pound for pound, she’s top 20 in the world period.

JAPANESE PRO WRESTLING STAR MIYU YAMASHITA GEARS UP FOR LAS VEGAS RETURN AT SLAM FEST

"You can't really go and say, ‘Hey, man, I watched the Johnnie Robbie match. It was just OK,’ 99.9% of the time, whenever you watch the Johnnie Robbie match, you go away with thinking, ‘OK, well, I think this woman is redefining what women's wrestling could be.’ And when I look at her and say this is what it should be. There's a reason why I have her main eventing over everybody else. And it's not because it's her gender or anything like that. It's because she has the passion, she has the look. She has the effort and the skill set and the overall entertainment value to main event any show that comes out of West Coast Pro. And West Coast Pro has a standard and for her to be at the top of that standard should say enough."

West Coast Pro’s "West Coast vs. The World" card looks like this:

The event will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. PT at the Bizarre Bar in Las Vegas.

Golf analyst Brandel Chamblee rips LIV Golf as reports fuel speculation about its future: 'Lame-brained tour'

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:47:45 -0400

With a "bombshell announcement" reportedly coming about LIV Golf, Golf Channel analyst and former PGA Tour pro Brandel Chamblee believes the rival tour is coming to an end.

Golf reporter Ryan French said during an X Spaces broadcast that he had "some pretty good sources" tell him "LIV is shutting down," according to the FlushingItGolf account that was listening.

"I’ve got everything from, and these are people that I trust, that you guys know," French said, per the account. "Players didn’t get paid today, power went out because the bill wasn’t paid, employees didn’t get paid. Stuff like that."

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Telegraph Sport reported Wednesday that LIV Golf executives have been called into an emergency meeting in New York amid speculation about the league's future.

Chamblee, who has been one of LIV Golf’s biggest critics since its inception, backed French’s report, believing the tour will crumble.

BROOKS KOEPKA SHOULD FACE PENALTY IF HE REJOINS PGA TOUR, GOLF PUNDIT SAYS

"Given that the product was so ill-conceived and ended up being worse than anyone could have imagined – with shotgun starts, initially 54 holes, a team concept that was nothing but laughable and tournaments that meant and continue to mean nothing, and such a paltry number of viewers, losing billions along the way – would it surprise anyone if the Saudis came to their corrupted senses and finally euthanized the whole lame-brained tour," Chamblee wrote on X in response to the reports.

The days of a potential merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour seem to be a pipe dream now, especially as LIV stars like Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed come back to their old roots.

In fact, Koepka is a part of a new Returning Member Program, which allows LIV golfers who have won a major or Players Championship since 2022 to return to the PGA Tour under specific conditions and financial penalties.

And while they haven’t done so, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith are all eligible for Koepka’s program. Reed isn’t in the program, though he is working through a suspension period, where he plans on returning to the Tour as a non-member in August 2026 before hopefully regaining full status in 2027.

Meanwhile, LIV Golf is set to tee off at its Mexico event this week, and they still have nine events scheduled for the rest of the 2026 schedule.

But, as French said on X Spaces, "Things are not good."

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