Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

International news, world events, society, travel, and stories beyond the other editorial categories.

  • Napoli vs Arsenal: Champions League Live Match Updates

    Napoli vs Arsenal: Champions League Live Match Updates

    Arsenal Make Four Changes for Champions League Opener at Napoli

    Arsenal begin their 2025-26 Champions League campaign at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona against a Napoli side searching for form, with Mikel Arteta rotating his squad following Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea.

    Team News: Gyökeres Handed First Start as Arteta Rotates

    The Gunners make four changes to their starting XI. Viktor Gyökeres earns his first start of the season, while Piero Hincapié, Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino also come into the side. Kai Havertz, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christos Tzolis and Riccardo Calafiori drop to the bench.

    Napoli’s lineup features several faces familiar to Premier League followers. Billy Gilmour, formerly of Chelsea, Norwich and Brighton, lines up alongside Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne and ex-Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund. Scott McTominay, another Old Trafford alumnus, is unavailable until next month following surgery for an irregular heartbeat.

    Confirmed Lineups

    Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marin, Olivera; Gilmour, Lobotka, De Bruyne; Politano, Højlund, Alisson Santos.
    Substitutes: Contini, Milinkovic-Savic, Favasuli, Badiashile, Neres, Lucca, Vergara, Beukema, Spinazzola.

    Arsenal: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapié; Merino, Rice, Saka; Ødegaard, Eze, Gyökeres.
    Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Meslier, Tzolis, Madueke, Havertz, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Salmon.

    Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden). Kick-off is 8pm BST (9pm local).

    Arteta: “We Are Ready to Be Ourselves and Win the Game”

    Speaking to TNT Sports before kick-off, Mikel Arteta addressed the team’s travel disruption, his selection decisions and the challenge awaiting his side in Naples.

    “We were lucky [regarding the flight over] … I am sure it was much worse for many tourists … [Hincapié, Eze, Gyökeres and Merino] deserve to play … they train really well … every time they have been on the pitch as finishers they have made an impact … they fully deserve to start the game … I could not wait to start playing in the Champions League again … after the last days we had in Budapest, to lift ourselves up and go again … start the journey again … [Napoli] have a lot of experience and quality … a coach with massive experience in the competition … we are ready … to be ourselves and win the game.”

    Fan Reaction: Squad Rotation Questions Raised

    The pre-match correspondence highlighted debate over Arsenal’s squad management. Zach Neeley questioned the decision to rest Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice:

    “Why have such a stacked squad if you can’t make Saka and Rice the ones rested? The fact that it’s early in the season doesn’t really work because their summer was a bunch of extra work.”

    Dr Jordan Pickering offered a lighter take on the unused Kai Havertz:

    “Although Kai won’t feature among the starters, your chosen pic does offer plenty of food for thought, prompting one to wonder how much expert consideration has gone into crafting all the various hair zones on his head, or how it is that someone with a bag can have so many loose items on his person?”

    Contrasting Form Sets Up Intriguing Contest

    Arsenal arrive in southern Italy with supreme confidence. The Gunners’ 2024-25 European campaign ended in penalty shootout heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain, but the underlying numbers were formidable: a 100% record in the league phase, unbeaten in regular time across 15 matches (W11 D4), and the competition’s best defensive record with just seven goals conceded and nine clean sheets.

    Domestically, Arteta’s side have opened the new Premier League season thrillingly, suggesting a team that has shed the psychological weight of near-misses.

    Napoli present a stark contrast. Gli Azzurri have won only two of their last ten Champions League matches and failed to progress beyond the league phase last season. They have lost their last three European fixtures against English opposition and three of four previous meetings with Arsenal. Their Serie A campaign has begun miserably — a home defeat to Como followed by surrendering a two-goal lead against Inter Milan.

    History Adds Personal Edge for Arteta

    The Arsenal manager has personal experience of defeat in Naples. As a player, Arteta was sent off during a previous visit to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona — a memory that ensures he will take nothing for granted despite the form disparity.

    With both sides seeking an opening statement in Europe’s elite competition, the stage is set for a compelling Group Stage curtain-raiser under the Neapolitan lights.

  • KJ Biermann, 15, Deemed Too Immature for Adult Charges and 25-Year No-Parole Sentence in Sodomy, Sexual Battery Case, Lawyer Argues

    KJ Biermann, 15, Deemed Too Immature for Adult Charges and 25-Year No-Parole Sentence in Sodomy, Sexual Battery Case, Lawyer Argues

    Kim Zolciak’s Son KJ Biermann Faces Potential Life Sentence in Georgia Sex Crimes Case

    Attorneys for Kroy “KJ” Biermann Jr., the 15-year-old son of reality television personality Kim Zolciak, have revealed the teenager faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison without parole if convicted as an adult on aggravated sexual assault charges. The disclosure came in a September 8 court filing obtained exclusively by Page Six, as the defense pushes to have the case transferred to juvenile court.

    Defense Outlines Severe Adult Penalties in Transfer Motion

    Jason Sheffield, KJ’s attorney, detailed the staggering sentencing exposure in the Fulton County Superior Court filing. “The aggravated charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison, up to life,” Sheffield wrote. He further emphasized that the sentencing court “cannot probate any portion of the 25 years” and that KJ “would not be eligible for parole.”

    “He would have to serve every day of each 25-year sentence, if run consecutively,” the attorney added, underscoring the gravity of the potential outcome should the case remain in adult court.

    Attorney Argues for Juvenile Court Based on Developmental Science

    The filing serves as the foundation for a motion requesting the case be moved to juvenile jurisdiction. Sheffield argued that KJ was only 14 at the time of the alleged incident and deserves an opportunity for rehabilitation rather than adult prosecution.

    “At fifteen, KJ’s story is not finished,” Sheffield wrote. “That proposition is not sentimental. It is developmental reality, and it is embedded in Georgia’s statutory scheme.”

    The lawyer contended that KJ “is an adolescent whose development is ongoing” and “whose future cannot reliably be predicted merely from the labels attached to the allegations against him.” Sheffield declared that evidence he plans to present at a transfer hearing will show that KJ “remains amenable to treatment, supervision, structure, education, and rehabilitation within the juvenile justice system.”

    Drawing a sharp contrast between the two legal frameworks, Sheffield wrote: “The adult system asks principally what punishment an offense deserves. The transfer statute asks a different question: What should happen to this child?”

    The attorney acknowledged that the allegations against the teenager are “unquestionably serious,” but argues that “seriousness is not at the end of the inquiry.”

    Grand Jury Indictment Details Seven Felony Counts

    The motion follows a Georgia grand jury’s indictment of KJ on seven felony counts. The charges include:

    • Aggravated child molestation
    • Aggravated sodomy
    • Aggravated sexual battery
    • Three counts of aggravated sexual battery against a child under 16
    • False imprisonment

    The charges stem from an alleged encounter on April 23 with a female classmate at a Life Time fitness center in Alpharetta, Georgia. According to court documents previously obtained by Page Six, the girl accused KJ of forcing sexual acts on her inside the gym’s family changing room despite her repeatedly telling him “no.”

    Defense Asserts Innocence and Challenges Evidence

    In a statement to Page Six, Sheffield maintained his client’s innocence. He claimed KJ is “100% innocent” and that he “tried to present evidence to the arresting officer, including a passed polygraph by a notable and respected sex offender polygrapher,” adding he has “evidence of other prior false allegations by the alleged victim.”

    Sheffield further contested the physical evidence: “Additionally, the officer’s report notes [that investigators] found no male DNA on or inside the areas the alleged victim claimed she was assaulted. The fact that he’s been arrested and is being held without bond is a tragedy.”

    The attorney concluded: “He is not only presumed innocent, but is, in fact, innocent. I’m asking the public not to presume the truth of these allegations and to give the families on both sides their space and privacy.”

    Court Seeks Privacy Protections Amid Media Scrutiny

    The filing also requests extensive privacy protections as the case proceeds, arguing that intense publicity could affect witnesses and “contaminate recollections.”

    “Neither child chose this attention. Yet both must now live beneath it,” Sheffield wrote.

    He asked the judge to consider sealing certain juvenile records, restricting disclosure of information involving minors, and closing portions of the transfer hearing when necessary.

    Current Status and Next Steps

    KJ has remained at Atlanta’s Metro Regional Youth Detention Center since his arrest and is being held without bond. His next bond hearing is scheduled for September 11. Sheffield has indicated KJ is expected to plead not guilty to all charges.

    If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.

  • Palmer Shines as Chelsea Rally to Beat Leeds 6-3 in FA Cup

    Palmer Shines as Chelsea Rally to Beat Leeds 6-3 in FA Cup

    Chelsea staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Leeds United 6-3 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, scoring four goals in a 12-minute spell to overturn a two-goal deficit at Stamford Bridge.

    The hosts trailed 2-0 after 48 minutes following strikes from Tarik Muharemovic in the 23rd minute and Brenden Aaronson three minutes into the second half. The turnaround began when half-time substitute Cole Palmer converted a penalty in the 53rd minute before leveling the score two minutes later with a low, curling finish.

    Fellow substitute Pedro Neto put Chelsea ahead on the hour mark, and Danny Welbeck extended the lead to 4-2 in the 65th minute. Leeds briefly threatened a response when Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled one back in the 75th minute, but Valentín Barco restored the two-goal cushion five minutes later. Welbeck added his second and Chelsea’s sixth in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal the victory.

    The match marked the fourth occasion in five games this season that Chelsea have conceded two or more goals, highlighting ongoing defensive concerns despite the attacking firepower on display.

  • NBC Sports Leaders Discuss LA 2028 Olympics, NBA Return, Real-Time Innovation: ‘If You’re Not Getting Better, You’re Getting Worse’

    NBC Sports Leaders Discuss LA 2028 Olympics, NBA Return, Real-Time Innovation: ‘If You’re Not Getting Better, You’re Getting Worse’

    NBC Sports Leaders Reveal Culture Driving Record Investment in Live Sports

    NBC Sports Chairman Rick Cordella joined veteran executives Sam Flood and Molly Solomon to discuss the division’s culture amid NBC’s unprecedented investment in live sports programming. Cordella, a 20-year NBC veteran, leads alongside Flood, executive producer and president of production since 1986, and Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics and Paralympics since 1990.

    Relentless Improvement Defines NBC Sports Philosophy

    The trio emphasized how NBC’s legacy of innovation continues to drive their work, highlighting storytelling as the core of sportscasting and examining how the Olympics became synonymous with the network. They also detailed the strategy behind Snoop Dogg’s breakthrough role as America’s guide to the 2024 Paris Summer Games and previewed elevated plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

    Our biggest agenda and goal is to always look to get better every week. Our theory is, if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. Ultimately, sporting events are about memorable moments. How do you highlight those memorable moments and get the audience to engage at a higher level because of how we cover it. And that’s a combination of the great talent, the great production philosophy and the hard work that goes into not being satisfied after every show. What little things can we do to elevate the experience for the audience?

    Sam Flood

    There’s an innovative culture [at NBC Sports] that also has an expectation of a high level of execution. It’s incredibly wonderful to work for people who have high expectations, and then give you the room to be creative and supply you with all the technology and support that you need. And then something wonderful breaks out. I think you see that every single weekend at NBC Sports.

    Molly Solomon

    Blending Nostalgia with Modern Sports Presentation

    Cordella explained how NBC approaches weekly productions like Sunday Night Football and the recently launched Sunday Night Basketball, drawing on the network’s 1990s NBA heritage.

    What we do is always about the game, but it’s also about how do we entertain people because people look to sports to kind of get away from their day-to-day lives and fall into the drama of a great competition and the storytelling that happens within the athletes and teams and people around the periphery of those sports that we’re watching. So every week we try and do a great show on ‘Sunday Night Football,’ and then we took that more recently to the NBA and launched ‘Sunday Night Basketball.’ And that is based on the legacy of the NBA on NBC in the ’90s, which a lot of us grew up with, and the Michael Jordan era. We thought a lot about what worked in that era and how do we apply that to the modern ecosystem? We were trying to blend nostalgia with modern day, and I think we achieved that.

    Rick Cordella

    Four Decades of Storytelling Innovation Across Sports

    Flood traced NBC Sports’ storytelling methodology from Olympic research through NASCAR, NHL, and other properties, describing how each sport contributed production innovations.

    At NBC Sports, we are storytellers, which has been drummed into us since the day we began. Having started NBC in 1986 as an Olympic researcher, we learned the lessons of telling a great story, knowing what to look for, knowing how to make people care about the athletes, and we pride ourselves on doing that across every sport we cover. … I produced NASCAR back in 2001. When we started producing that sport, we looked at it. How do we make it not a regional sport but a national sport? And you learn things with each sport. From NASCAR, we took the idea of a pit reporter who’s inside the story. He’s running up and down pit road, getting collecting stories, or she might jump up on a pit box and start talking to her crew chief. From there, when we launched the NHL, we created Inside the Glass, where a former coach or player is stationed between the two benches so they’re hearing in real time what’s going on with both teams. So rather than two play-by-play analysts up five stories above the ice sheet calling the game as observers, we put someone interacting with the game and hearing it. And at one point, there were fights going on over our analyst’s head between the two benches. So it took you into the game in a different way.

    Sam Flood

    Olympics as Innovation Laboratory for NBCUniversal

    Solomon detailed how Comcast leadership encourages using the Olympics as a technology and presentation laboratory, with Paris 2024 serving as a major modernization effort.

    [Comcast chairman and co-CEO] Brian Roberts always says we’re a technology company and that includes NBCUniversal. And Mark Lazarus, the former chairman of NBC Sports, always encouraged us to use the Olympics as a laboratory because it can also give us a lot of lessons we can use across the company. I really took that to heart with Paris [2024 Summer Olympics] because I was very much motivated by the idea of, let’s see with the NBC spirit of innovation how can we transform and modernize the Olympic presentation. We constantly ask ourselves the question: How can we make the best seat in the house even better? Athlete storytelling and the competition are the core of the Olympics, so how can we bring the viewer closer to them and explain the sports of the Games even more deeply? With all of the choices the audience has, we have to uniquely position the Olympics as must-see content. We really focused on making improvements to our recipe for the Paris and Milan Games. And ultimately, the rewards were there for us. We took innovation to heart, but we also focused on surprise and delight for the audience. We had to make sure we were producing premium television that was a cross section of sports and entertainment, and it checked all the boxes for the audience, so we could aggregate these fragmented audiences that are so hard these days to consolidate. But we really aimed to create a product in primetime where you couldn’t turn away. FOMO was the desired effect, and it never hurts when you have Paris and the Italian Alps as your backdrop.

    Molly Solomon

    Snoop Dogg’s Unconventional Olympic Role Redefines Coverage

    Cordella revealed that Solomon championed Snoop Dogg’s involvement, which exceeded expectations and earned media acclaim.

    Snoop Dogg at the Olympics. That’s not something that NBC would have done well in the past. It was Molly Solomon’s idea, and we said ‘Let’s try it.’ He ended up being phenomenal both in front of the camera and behind the camera, and so genuine. The Washington Post in a headline called him ‘The Ambassador of Happiness.’ He didn’t want to just go to the men’s basketball team. He wanted to go see the weightlifters, and these other more anonymous athletes that toil in sports that maybe don’t get primetime on NBC, but just to meet them and hear their stories. A lot of that goes back to storytelling. It helps to have a fish out of water, so to speak, for views to experience it in a way. And we’ve had others do nontraditional sports coverage like Stanley Tucci talking about the Italian cuisine in Milan.

    Rick Cordella

    Olympic Legacy Rooted in Emotional Connection

    Solomon connected current strategy to Dick Ebersol’s foundational philosophy of making audiences care about athletes and host locations.

    The Olympics is such a part of the brand and the character of NBC and NBC Sports. They’re inextricable, really. When I think back on NBC’s Olympic legacy, it all stems from [longtime NBC Sports leader] Dick Ebersol’s philosophy that when you cover the Olympics, you must make the audience care about the athletes and the special place where the games are taking place. And we were always tasked with take the audience on a magic carpet ride to an intriguing locale and populate it with the finest athletes in the world, and that’s going to make great television.

    Molly Solomon

    LA 2028 Positioned as Generational Media Event

    Both Cordella and Solomon described the 2028 Los Angeles Games as potentially the biggest sporting event of their lifetimes, with seven years of planning already underway.

    I truly believe [the 2028 Los Angeles Games] will be the biggest sporting event of our lifetimes. We saw what happened with the World Cup domestically and how the country kind of coalesced around that event, and that’s just that’s just one sport, soccer. This is all sports. We may have an Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani gold medal baseball game from Dodger Stadium, which may be the 100th best thing that week. It’s going to be this awesome showcase of America to the world. We’re up for the challenge.

    Rick Cordella

    We’ve been planning LA 28 since 2020, so we are seven years in to an eight-year plan that is unlike any Olympics that we’ve designed before. We know how important every single second will be. We are going to create the most compelling presentation in the history of media, because this will be the greatest media event in a generation. No pressure.

    Molly Solomon

    Gratitude for Four Decades of Sports Broadcasting

    Flood reflected on his career spanning 40 years in the industry.

    We’re blessed to have the opportunity to do these things. There’s not one day where do I not think how lucky and incredible it is that I’ve been doing this for 40 years in our industry.

    Sam Flood

    This feature appears as part of Variety’s retrospective series commemorating NBC’s centennial, published through a partnership with NBCUniversal.

  • NBA Champion Jalen Brunson to Host ‘Saturday Night Live’

    NBA Champion Jalen Brunson to Host ‘Saturday Night Live’

    Newly crowned NBA champion Jalen Brunson will make his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live when the long-running sketch comedy series returns for its 50th season later this month.

    Knicks Star Takes Center Stage at Studio 8H

    The New York Knicks point guard, who led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 53 years this past June, is set to host the season premiere on September 26. Pop girl group Katseye will serve as the musical guest for the episode.

    Brunson earned NBA Finals MVP honors after delivering a historic 45-point performance in Game 5 to clinch the series victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

    Sports Legends Follow a Storied SNL Tradition

    The booking continues a decades-long tradition of athletes hosting the NBC staple. Since the show debuted in 1975, sports icons such as Bill Russell, Deion Sanders, Derek Jeter, Charles Barkley, Peyton Manning, Travis Kelce, and Tom Brady have all taken the stage at Studio 8H.

    How to Watch

    Saturday Night Live airs live coast-to-coast at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and streams simultaneously on Peacock.

    Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Today? Confirmed Al-Nassr vs Abha Lineups for 2026-27 Saudi Pro League

    Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Today? Confirmed Al-Nassr vs Abha Lineups for 2026-27 Saudi Pro League

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr return to Saudi Pro League action on Wednesday, aiming to bounce back from their first defeat of the season. The clash with Abha presents several selection dilemmas for manager Ange Postecoglou, who must navigate injuries and suspensions while keeping his side near the top of the table.

    Al-Nassr has collected 12 points from its opening five league matches, while Abha has taken just one point and sits at the bottom of the standings. With the two teams arriving in completely different form, the focus will be on whether Postecoglou can make the right calls to restore momentum.

    Al-Nassr’s strong start halted by Al-Ittihad

    Ronaldo’s side started the campaign with four consecutive league victories before suffering a 2-1 defeat away to Al-Ittihad in the previous round. George Ilenikhena scored twice for the hosts, while Angelo Gabriel pulled one back, but Al-Nassr could not find a late equalizer despite sustained pressure.

    The result ended a four-match winning run but did little to change the overall picture of an impressive opening to the campaign. Al-Nassr has scored 13 goals and conceded only five in five league games, while both of its home fixtures have ended in victories.

    Al-Nassr 2026-27 Saudi Pro League results

    Matchweek Date Opponent Score / Result
    Matchweek 1 Aug 15, 2026 Al-Fateh 3–0 Win
    Matchweek 2 Aug 21, 2026 Al-Riyadh SC 4–0 Win
    Matchweek 3 Aug 25, 2026 Al-Ettifaq 3–2 Win
    Matchweek 4 Aug 28, 2026 Al-Taawoun 2–1 Win
    Matchweek 5 Sept 5, 2026 Al-Ittihad 1–2 Loss

    The match therefore represents an excellent opportunity for Postecoglou’s side to respond. Abha has failed to win any of its opening five matches, losing four and drawing once, while scoring only four goals and conceding 11.

    Abha 2026-27 Saudi Pro League results

    Matchweek Date Opponent Score / Result
    Matchweek 1 Aug 13, 2026 Al-Hazem 1–2 Loss
    Matchweek 2 Aug 22, 2026 Al-Ahli 0–4 Loss
    Matchweek 3 Aug 25, 2026 Al-Khaleej 1–1 Draw
    Matchweek 4 Aug 28, 2026 Al-Fayha 2–3 Loss
    Matchweek 5 Sept 4, 2026 Al-Ettifaq 0–1 Loss

    Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Abha?

    Despite the recent defeat and the club’s selection issues, Cristiano Ronaldo will start against Abha. The Portuguese superstar has scored twice in four league appearances this season and remains the focal point of an attack that has produced 13 goals.

    Ronaldo has been partnered in attack by Ayman, while Sadio Mane, Angelo Gabriel and Samu Costa have also retained their places. Joao Felix was initially expected to feature alongside Ronaldo, but his fourth yellow card of the season against Al-Ittihad means he is suspended for Wednesday’s match.

    That suspension is a significant blow given Felix’s strong start to his Al-Nassr career. The Portuguese attacker has recorded two goals and two assists in five league appearances, but will now watch from the sidelines as Ronaldo leads the attack.

    Al-Nassr hit by triple blow

    Postecoglou also has injury concerns. Kingsley Coman is expected to miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury during the defeat to Al-Ittihad, forcing him off after 60 minutes.

    Medical tests indicated that Coman require at least seven days of rest, with the Frenchman potentially targeting a return around Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite opener against Al Ain. Sultan Al-Ghannam is another absentee after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

    With Felix suspended and several players unavailable, Postecoglou will have to adjust his attacking and midfield combinations. Ronaldo’s presence provides valuable experience and goals as Al-Nassr tries to avoid consecutive setbacks.

    Al-Nassr vs Abha: Confirmed lineups

    Al-Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Al Nasser, Martinez, Simakan, Boushal; Samu Costa, Al Khaibari, Angelo; Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Hamdan, Mane.

    Abha confirmed XI (4-5-1): D. Léon; S. Saud S, A. Hindi, J. Gaari, M. Al Zaid; A. Darisi, F. Al Ghamdi, A. Al Fahad, N. Fekir, A. Gory; M. Batshuayi.

  • Ducks and Kreider Expected to Agree to Waivers for Contract Termination

    Ducks and Kreider Expected to Agree to Waivers for Contract Termination

    Ducks to Place Chris Kreider on Waivers for Contract Termination Amid Salary-Cap Crunch

    The Anaheim Ducks are expected to place veteran forward Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, a move designed to alleviate the team’s sudden salary-cap constraints. The decision comes with Kreider’s approval, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

    Kreider Seeks Return to East Coast

    Once he clears waivers, Kreider will become an unrestricted free agent. Sources indicate the 33-year-old winger prefers to return to the Eastern Conference, closer to family and the region where he spent the first 13 seasons of his NHL career with the New York Rangers. He has reportedly informed teams that he will not report if claimed by a club he does not wish to join.

    Contract Details and Market Interest

    Kreider has one season remaining on his current deal, which carries a $6.5 million salary-cap hit. However, only $4 million in actual cash remains due after a signing bonus was paid on July 1. That reduced financial commitment is expected to generate interest from contending teams seeking secondary scoring and playoff experience.

    Cap Pressure Forces Ducks’ Hand

    General Manager Pat Verbeek’s cap flexibility evaporated rapidly this offseason. The Ducks were forced to match an $18 million offer sheet for restricted free agent Leo Carlsson, while a looming extension for 41-goal scorer Cutter Gauthier further strained the budget. Verbeek explored trade options but found the market unappealing.

    Sources indicate he “did not like the trade options presented to him, specifically ‘sweeteners’ he might have to include to get it done.”

    Uncommon Path for a Productive Player

    Contract termination via waivers has grown more common over the past year, yet it remains rare for a player coming off a 50-point season — as Kreider did in 2023-24 — to exit via this route. The next 48 hours will determine whether a team claims him or he hits the open market as a free agent.

  • 5 Things to Know About Patriots Running Back Corey Kiner

    5 Things to Know About Patriots Running Back Corey Kiner

    The New England Patriots addressed running back depth at the end of the preseason, sending a seventh-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Corey Kiner on cutdown day. The move came after the team released Hassan Haskins and reached an injury settlement with Jam Miller, later adding Haskins and La’Mical Perine to the practice squad.

    Patriots Had Eyes on Kiner Since 2024

    Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the organization tracked Kiner well before the trade.

    “Corey [Kiner], we talked about him when we traded for him that he was a player that we had looked at trying to get last year coming out,” Vrabel said. “It didn’t work out. He’s a good young runner.”

    With Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson atop the depth chart, and Henderson ruled out for the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Kiner could see immediate opportunities.

    Compact Build, High Contact Balance

    Listed at 5-foot-9 and 209 pounds, Kiner profiles as a physical, tackle-breaking back. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry across five college seasons, amassing 2,882 yards and 16 touchdowns. His 4.57-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine suggests functional speed, but his game is built on consistent effort and after-contact production.

    NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein noted pre-draft that it is “rare” to see Kiner brought down by the first defender. Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield echoed that assessment last March.

    “He is consistently good every single day,” Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield told reporters last March. “You know what you’re going to get out of him. He’s going to be a guy who breaks a lot of tackles. He’s always going to strain for the extra yard.”

    LSU Roots and Kevin Faulk Connection

    A consensus four-star recruit ranked 11th nationally at his position in the 2022 class per 247Sports, Kiner initially committed to LSU. Former Patriots running back Kevin Faulk, then the Tigers’ running backs coach, spearheaded his recruitment. Kiner spent one season in Baton Rouge alongside wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, whom New England recently traded to the Houston Texans, before transferring to the University of Cincinnati.

    Productive Stint as Cincinnati’s Lead Back

    Kiner became the starting running back during the Bearcats’ inaugural Big 12 season in 2023. Despite a 3-9 team record, he posted his first 1,000-yard campaign with 1,047 yards on 192 carries (5.5 YPC) and five touchdowns. Cincinnati improved to 5-7 in 2024, and the program sits at 1-0 to start the 2025 season.

    Ohio High School Legend

    Kiner hails from the Cincinnati area and finished his career at Roger Bacon High School ranked 10th in Ohio High School Athletic Association history with 7,130 career rushing yards and third with 116 rushing touchdowns. He scored 35 touchdowns as a senior, led the program to its first regional championship, and earned Ohio’s Mr. Football honor. The University of Cincinnati’s official bio describes him as “one of the greatest running backs in Bearcats history.”

    Fourth NFL Stop in Less Than a Year

    Kiner entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. After being released at the end of training camp, he joined the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad before the Cardinals signed him to their active roster. He appeared in four games for Arizona last season, totaling 58 yards on 12 carries. Kiner remained with the Cardinals through the 2025 offseason until the Patriots acquired him in late August.

  • Mirra Andreeva’s Coach Conchita Martínez: Press Conference Prank and Unlikely US Open Partnership Explained

    Mirra Andreeva’s Coach Conchita Martínez: Press Conference Prank and Unlikely US Open Partnership Explained

    Mirra Andreeva’s rapid ascent in women’s tennis is closely tied to one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches. Since joining forces ahead of the 2024 clay-court season, former world No. 2 and Wimbledon champion Conchita Martínez has guided the Russian teenager to multiple WTA titles and her first Grand Slam championship at the 2026 French Open. According to the WTA, Martínez remains Andreeva’s active coach as of the 2026 US Open.

    Who Is Conchita Martínez?

    Born in Monzón, Spain, on April 16, 1972, Martínez built a distinguished playing career. She peaked at No. 2 in the world rankings in 1995, one year after capturing the Wimbledon title. She later reached the Australian Open final in 1998 and the French Open final in 2000.

    Mirra Andreeva of Russia in action against Taylor Townsend at the 2026 US Open. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

    Coaching Pedigree: From Garbiñe Muguruza to National Teams

    After retiring from competition, Martínez transitioned into coaching, most notably guiding Garbiñe Muguruza to the 2017 Wimbledon crown. She also captained Spain’s Fed Cup team from 2013 to 2017 and the Davis Cup team from 2015 to 2017. That breadth of experience—managing elite talent and navigating high-stakes team environments—has made her an essential mentor for Andreeva, who has repeatedly praised Martínez’s understanding of the unique pressures facing a young player.

    Andreeva-Martínez Partnership: Playful Chemistry and Tactical Trust

    The duo’s rapport extends beyond the practice court. A lighthearted exchange during a post-match press conference captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide. As Martínez fielded questions, Andreeva walked to the back of the room and asked her coach to name the best part of working together.

    Martínez joked that they get to play UNO together, adding that she always wins. Andreeva immediately fired back, “That’s it? Have fun,” to which Martínez quipped, “I’m fired.”

    The moment highlighted an unusual chemistry. Despite a significant age gap, Andreeva has said she and Martínez “match in energy” and has credited her coach for recognizing exactly when she is nervous or excited.

    Martínez’s Influence at the 2026 US Open

    That dynamic was on full display during Andreeva’s third-round clash with Nikola Bartunkova. Martínez instructed her charge to trust herself and remember that she would always be there to offer advice. Andreeva responded by securing a straight-sets victory.

    A former champion who knows how to handle pressure—and when to offer counsel or simply a smile—may prove the ideal complement for a teenager who already carries a Grand Slam title in her résumé.

    This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Tennis section.

  • Coco Gauff’s Boyfriend: Is the Tennis Star Dating Anyone?

    Coco Gauff’s Boyfriend: Is the Tennis Star Dating Anyone?

    Coco Gauff has largely kept her personal life private, but her relationship with Jalen Sera returned to public attention during the 2026 US Open. Observers noted shifts in the couple’s social media activity, prompting widespread speculation about a possible breakup. Neither Gauff nor Sera has issued an official statement confirming a split.

    Relationship Timeline: From Private Start to Public Reveal

    Gauff and Sera began dating in June 2023. For much of their early relationship, Gauff declined to identify her partner publicly, only mentioning that he was from Atlanta and did not play tennis professionally. In a 2024 interview with TIME, she explained the significance of dating someone outside her sport.

    “This is my first real relationship,” she said. “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective.”

    An unusual family connection also emerged: Gauff’s mother, Candi, revealed she had taught Sera in fourth grade and remembered him as a “smart, nice kid.”

    The couple remained out of the spotlight for two years. In June 2025, Gauff confirmed the relationship in a Bose promotional video, sharing an anniversary audio message from Sera and posting a photo of them together on social media. Sera has been described as a key support figure for Gauff, particularly after difficult losses, helping her maintain a positive outlook.

    Breakup Rumors Surface in August 2026

    Speculation intensified in August 2026 when fans noticed Gauff had removed photos of Sera from her Instagram account. She also shared TikTok posts addressing relationships, including one about finding happiness with or without a partner.

    On August 16, Sera posted a photo dump on Instagram with a caption that fueled further conjecture.

    No stringssssss.

    Despite the social media signals, no direct confirmation of a breakup has come from either party.

    This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on September 9, 2026, in the Tennis section.