Max Homa Carries His Own Bag in Gritty U.S. Open Qualifier Appearance

Max Homa, a six-time PGA Tour winner, took an unusual approach at the U.S. Open final qualifier this week—he carried his own bag for all 36 holes. Competing at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio, Homa went without a caddie following his recent split with longtime bagman Bill Harke. With no replacement yet, he opted to handle the full weight of the round—literally. Playing solo in a physically demanding qualifier, Homa managed to shoot 5-under-par across two rounds. His solid performance earned him a spot in a five-man playoff for the final U.S. Open berth. Unfortunately, the playoff didn’t go his way. Cameron Young secured the last qualifying slot with a clutch birdie, while Homa came up short, missing out on both the spot and a backup alternate position after a costly four-putt. Despite the setback, Homa remained grounded. He reflected on the solitude of the day, describing it as a peaceful and introspective experience. Walking the course alone, he said, gave him time to focus purely on the game. Currently ranked No. 90 in the world, Homa still has one last opportunity to qualify for the U.S. Open. A win at the RBC Canadian Open this week could move him into the top 60, which would secure him a spot at Oakmont. While he didn’t clinch a place in the major just yet, Homa’s solo effort earned widespread respect—and served as a reminder of his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Read More

Kerry Carpenter Belts Three Homers in Tigers’ Blowout Win Over White Sox

Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter put on a show Monday night, blasting three home runs in a dominant 13–1 win over the Chicago White Sox. The performance marked the first three-homer game of Carpenter’s career and the first for a Tigers player in nearly a decade. Carpenter got things started early with a two-run shot in the first inning. He followed that up with another homer in the fourth and capped off his night with a solo blast in the sixth. In total, he drove in five runs and powered a relentless Detroit offense that collected 16 hits. It wasn’t just Carpenter swinging the bat. Dillon Dingler and Wenceel Pérez also homered, while Parker Meadows returned to the lineup with a double, a triple, and three runs scored. Meadows was making his season debut after recovering from an arm injury. On the mound, Jack Flaherty delivered a strong outing for Detroit, allowing just one run across six innings of work. His effort helped keep the White Sox at bay as the Tigers took control early and never looked back. With the win, Detroit moved to 4–0 against Chicago this season and became the first team in Major League Baseball to hit the 40-win mark in 2025. Meanwhile, the White Sox continued their downward slide, having now lost seven of their last eight games. Carpenter’s explosive night solidified his role as a crucial piece of Detroit’s success this season and gave fans a performance to remember.

Read More

Saquon Barkley Named Madden NFL 26 Cover Star After Record-Breaking Season

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has earned one of the NFL’s most recognizable honors: the cover spot on Madden NFL 26. The announcement comes after a historic year in which Barkley shattered the single-season rushing record and helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl title. What makes the cover especially memorable is its focus on Barkley’s gravity-defying leap over a Jacksonville Jaguars defender—a reverse hurdle that instantly went viral. The unforgettable move has now been immortalized, as EA Sports recreated the moment for the game’s cover art using practical effects, including suspending Barkley with wires. Adding to his achievements, Barkley has also joined the elite “99 Club,” which features players awarded the highest possible rating in the Madden franchise. He becomes the first offensive player from the Eagles to receive this distinction. In a statement, Barkley called the honor “a dream come true.” The game is scheduled for release on August 14, 2025, and will be available across several platforms—including the Nintendo Switch 2, marking the series’ first appearance on a Nintendo console in over a decade. While fans celebrate Barkley’s rise, some have raised the topic of the “Madden Curse”—a long-standing superstition that cover athletes often face setbacks the following season. However, recent stars like Patrick Mahomes have bucked the trend, continuing to perform at elite levels. With the new season ahead, Barkley’s spotlight only grows brighter. The question now is whether he can carry the momentum into another championship run—and prove that superstition has no place in his story.

Read More

Gukesh Dommaraju Defeats Magnus Carlsen in Major Upset at Norway Chess

In a dramatic match at the 2025 Norway Chess tournament, 19-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju stunned the chess world by defeating Magnus Carlsen in a classical game. The victory marks a major milestone for the young Indian grandmaster, who is also the reigning world champion.

Carlsen started the game strong, appearing in control for much of the match. But in a surprising twist, he made a costly error during time trouble late in the game. Gukesh quickly seized the opportunity, turning the tables and claiming his first-ever classical win over the former world champion.

Read More

Zion Williamson Sued Over Allegations of Sexual Assault and Long-Term Abuse

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is at the center of a civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, in which an anonymous woman—referred to as Jane Doe—accuses the NBA star of rape, domestic violence, and a pattern of abuse that she claims spanned several years. According to court documents, the woman alleges that Williamson sexually assaulted her in 2020 and that the abuse continued through 2023, including emotional manipulation, threats, stalking, and physical harm. The complaint details multiple incidents across different states and claims the woman suffered serious psychological and emotional trauma. The plaintiff is seeking a jury trial and damages reportedly ranging between $18 million and $50 million. Her legal team, the Lanier Law Firm, has said the case will be pursued in court, not the media. Williamson, through his attorney Michael Balascio, has denied the allegations, stating that the relationship was entirely consensual and casual. His team has also accused the woman of attempting to extort money and says they have filed a police report and plan to file a counterclaim. While no criminal charges have been filed at this time, the case adds a serious off-court controversy to Williamson’s career. Williamson, the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has faced multiple injury setbacks throughout his time with the Pelicans but remains one of the league’s most recognizable young talents. Despite limited playing time, he has averaged strong career numbers and been selected to two All-Star Games. The Pelicans have acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit but have not commented further, citing that the legal process is ongoing and being handled by Williamson’s personal attorneys. As both sides prepare for what could be a lengthy legal battle, the outcome of the case could have significant implications for Williamson’s career and public image. The plaintiff’s attorneys maintain that their client looks forward to presenting her case in court and sharing her story. Meanwhile, Williamson’s legal team has expressed confidence that he will be fully cleared of the accusations.

Read More

Reds’ Elly De La Cruz Plays with Heavy Heart, Honors Late Sister with Home Run

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz took the field on Sunday under tragic circumstances, just a day after learning that his older sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez, had passed away. Despite the heartbreaking news, the 23-year-old chose to play in the series finale against the Chicago Cubs, demonstrating strength and emotional courage in the face of personal loss. In a poignant tribute, De La Cruz inscribed “RIP” on both his cleats and his hat before taking the field. His actions spoke volumes, and in the sixth inning, he delivered a solo home run — his 12th of the season and the 50th of his career. As he rounded the bases, De La Cruz patted his chest, looked to the sky, and formed a heart with his hands, a quiet but powerful moment of remembrance for his sister. The Reds ultimately lost the game 7-3 to the Cubs, but De La Cruz’s performance was the emotional centerpiece of the day. Teammates and coaches offered their full support, with manager David Bell emphasizing that the team stood by De La Cruz’s decision to play and would continue to support him however needed. “We just told him to take whatever time he needs — we’re here for him,” Bell said. De La Cruz did not speak to the media after the game, and the team chose not to disclose additional details about his sister’s passing out of respect for the family’s privacy. It remains uncertain whether he will participate in the Reds’ upcoming home series against the Milwaukee Brewers, which begins Monday. This moment adds a deeply human layer to De La Cruz’s breakout season. Known for his electrifying speed, power, and on-field energy, the young star’s resilience is now also part of his story. While the Reds face challenges on the field, it’s clear the entire organization is rallying around their shortstop during this difficult time.

Read More

Rockies’ Historic Struggles Continue with Record-Setting 50th Loss

The Colorado Rockies’ 2025 season has reached a new low, as the team suffered their 50th loss in just 59 games, marking the third-fastest pace to 50 defeats in Major League Baseball history. Only the 1884 Kansas City Unions and the 1876 Cincinnati Red Stockings reached this mark quicker. With a 9-50 record, the Rockies hold the worst start through 59 games in the modern era (since 1901). Their latest defeat came at the hands of the New York Mets, who completed a three-game sweep with a 5-3 victory on Sunday. This loss extended Colorado’s current losing streak to eight games—their fourth such streak this season—and marked their 10th series sweep in 20 series played, tying them with the 1962 Mets, 1970 Brewers, and 1994 Athletics for the most sweeps through 20 series. Despite the dismal record, Rockies catcher Jacob Stallings remains hopeful. “You can either fight or not fight. I don’t think not fighting is going to work,” Stallings said after Sunday’s game. “We have a really good group of guys in this locker room. We have been playing a lot better baseball. We just haven’t been able to get over that hump. A lot of close games this week that didn’t go our way. … We just have to keep plugging. Hopefully, we can break through here.” The Rockies’ struggles have been compounded by a combination of factors, including a lackluster offense, a beleaguered pitching staff, and defensive miscues. As the season progresses, the team faces the daunting task of avoiding further historical infamy, with the all-time record for losses in a season looming.

Read More

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025: Second Round Ignites with Comebacks, Star Power, and Tension

As the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs enter the second round, fans are witnessing a postseason filled with fierce rivalries, unexpected turns, and some of the most intense hockey seen in years. With eight teams still in contention, the push toward the Cup has brought out the best—and in some cases, the most vulnerable—sides of each squad. Between overtime thrillers, highlight-reel goals, and shifting momentum, the second round is shaping up to be one for the ages.

Read More

2025 French Open Preview: Stars Align for a Grand Showdown in Paris

The 2025 French Open is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated tournaments in recent memory, with a compelling mix of established legends, hungry challengers, and high-stakes storylines converging on the red clay of Roland Garros. Running from May 25 through June 8, this year’s event will feature a full slate of singles and doubles action in Paris, with players vying not only for the prestigious Coupe des Mousquetaires and Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, but also for a share of a $26 million prize purse. From potential farewells to rising stars making their mark, the tournament promises a fortnight of unforgettable moments.

Read More