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Deadspin | Report: FIFA to ask Trump to pause ICE raids during World Cup [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Mandel Ngan-Reuters via Imagn Images FIFA’s leadership discussed the possibility of its president, Gianni Infantino, asking United States President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during this summer’s World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Athletic. Infantino was receptive to the idea and was planning a “president-to-president” request to Trump for ICE’s role surrounding the World Cup to be reduced, per the report. It has not yet been reported if Infantino has formally made the request or how Trump and the U.S. administration would respond. During Trump’s second term, ICE has raided multiple U.S. cities in an effort to deliver on the President’s message of mass deportation he campaigned on ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to deportations, these raids have led to conflicts with protestors, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year in Minneapolis. Acting ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) director Todd Lyons previously said agents would be involved in security at matches for this summer’s event, the largest World Cup in FIFA history with 48 teams. Members of Congress have raised concerns about ICE’s presence surrounding the World Cup leading instead to immigration-enforcement raids. Los Angeles-based workers at SoFi Stadium — where the U.S. team will play two of its three group-stage games — threatened to strike last week over similar concerns. According to the report, a number of FIFA member federations, particularly in Europe, have shared their concerns about the presence of ICE agents around the event. FIFA originally believed that limiting ICE activity in the 11 American cities that will be hosting matches would suffice. However, with travel expanding well beyond those locations with teams setting up base camps across the country in cities that won’t be hosting matches, FIFA now desires a total suspension of all ICE raids during the entire World Cup, which is being held from June 11 through July 19. Trump and Infantino have struck up a relationship which could pay off with the request being honored. FIFA has an office in New York’s Trump Tower and the organization gave the President the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw event. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #FIFA #Trump #pause #ICE #raids #World #Cup

Deadspin | Report: FIFA to ask Trump to pause ICE raids during World Cup
Deadspin | Report: FIFA to ask Trump to pause ICE raids during World Cup [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Mandel Ngan-Reuters via Imagn Images FIFA’s leadership discussed the possibility of its president, Gianni Infantino, asking United States President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during this summer’s World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Athletic. Infantino was receptive to the idea and was planning a “president-to-president” request to Trump for ICE’s role surrounding the World Cup to be reduced, per the report. It has not yet been reported if Infantino has formally made the request or how Trump and the U.S. administration would respond. During Trump’s second term, ICE has raided multiple U.S. cities in an effort to deliver on the President’s message of mass deportation he campaigned on ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to deportations, these raids have led to conflicts with protestors, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year in Minneapolis. Acting ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) director Todd Lyons previously said agents would be involved in security at matches for this summer’s event, the largest World Cup in FIFA history with 48 teams. Members of Congress have raised concerns about ICE’s presence surrounding the World Cup leading instead to immigration-enforcement raids. Los Angeles-based workers at SoFi Stadium — where the U.S. team will play two of its three group-stage games — threatened to strike last week over similar concerns. According to the report, a number of FIFA member federations, particularly in Europe, have shared their concerns about the presence of ICE agents around the event. FIFA originally believed that limiting ICE activity in the 11 American cities that will be hosting matches would suffice. However, with travel expanding well beyond those locations with teams setting up base camps across the country in cities that won’t be hosting matches, FIFA now desires a total suspension of all ICE raids during the entire World Cup, which is being held from June 11 through July 19. Trump and Infantino have struck up a relationship which could pay off with the request being honored. FIFA has an office in New York’s Trump Tower and the organization gave the President the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw event. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #FIFA #Trump #pause #ICE #raids #World #Cup[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Mandel Ngan-Reuters via Imagn Images

FIFA’s leadership discussed the possibility of its president, Gianni Infantino, asking United States President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during this summer’s World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Athletic.

Infantino was receptive to the idea and was planning a “president-to-president” request to Trump for ICE’s role surrounding the World Cup to be reduced, per the report. It has not yet been reported if Infantino has formally made the request or how Trump and the U.S. administration would respond.

During Trump’s second term, ICE has raided multiple U.S. cities in an effort to deliver on the President’s message of mass deportation he campaigned on ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to deportations, these raids have led to conflicts with protestors, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year in Minneapolis.

Acting ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) director Todd Lyons previously said agents would be involved in security at matches for this summer’s event, the largest World Cup in FIFA history with 48 teams.


Members of Congress have raised concerns about ICE’s presence surrounding the World Cup leading instead to immigration-enforcement raids. Los Angeles-based workers at SoFi Stadium — where the U.S. team will play two of its three group-stage games — threatened to strike last week over similar concerns.

According to the report, a number of FIFA member federations, particularly in Europe, have shared their concerns about the presence of ICE agents around the event.

FIFA originally believed that limiting ICE activity in the 11 American cities that will be hosting matches would suffice. However, with travel expanding well beyond those locations with teams setting up base camps across the country in cities that won’t be hosting matches, FIFA now desires a total suspension of all ICE raids during the entire World Cup, which is being held from June 11 through July 19.

Trump and Infantino have struck up a relationship which could pay off with the request being honored. FIFA has an office in New York’s Trump Tower and the organization gave the President the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw event.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #FIFA #Trump #pause #ICE #raids #World #Cup

Sports news

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Mandel Ngan-Reuters via Imagn Images

FIFA’s leadership discussed the possibility of its president, Gianni Infantino, asking United States President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during this summer’s World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Athletic.

Infantino was receptive to the idea and was planning a “president-to-president” request to Trump for ICE’s role surrounding the World Cup to be reduced, per the report. It has not yet been reported if Infantino has formally made the request or how Trump and the U.S. administration would respond.

During Trump’s second term, ICE has raided multiple U.S. cities in an effort to deliver on the President’s message of mass deportation he campaigned on ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to deportations, these raids have led to conflicts with protestors, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year in Minneapolis.

Acting ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) director Todd Lyons previously said agents would be involved in security at matches for this summer’s event, the largest World Cup in FIFA history with 48 teams.

Members of Congress have raised concerns about ICE’s presence surrounding the World Cup leading instead to immigration-enforcement raids. Los Angeles-based workers at SoFi Stadium — where the U.S. team will play two of its three group-stage games — threatened to strike last week over similar concerns.

According to the report, a number of FIFA member federations, particularly in Europe, have shared their concerns about the presence of ICE agents around the event.

FIFA originally believed that limiting ICE activity in the 11 American cities that will be hosting matches would suffice. However, with travel expanding well beyond those locations with teams setting up base camps across the country in cities that won’t be hosting matches, FIFA now desires a total suspension of all ICE raids during the entire World Cup, which is being held from June 11 through July 19.

Trump and Infantino have struck up a relationship which could pay off with the request being honored. FIFA has an office in New York’s Trump Tower and the organization gave the President the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw event.

–Field Level Media

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Cincy Jungle selects Mansoor Delane for Bengals in 20th annual SB Nation community mock draft <div id="cyclone-embed-body-ce55f96e-8afe-49f5-9c3b-8d45eced7d6a"><p>Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU</p><p>My ideal targets for the Bengals were Bailey, Bain, Downs, and Styles going into the mock draft. With all four of them off the board, my top two players remaining were Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy. With McCoy coming off the ACL injury, I decided to go with Mansoor Delane. The Bengals have DJ Turner and Dax Hill currently projected as the two starting outside corners. Both players are entering the final year of their contracts. This gives the Bengals flexibility at the position, and some potential leverage in contract negotiations, which they seem to value quite a bit. Even with that said, Delane is worthy of the selection here with what was already off the board. </p></div> #Cincy #Jungle #selects #Mansoor #Delane #Bengals #20th #annual #Nation #community #mock #draft

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CSK vs KKR IPL 2026: Spinners do the trick to help Chennai Super Kings outplay Kolkata Knight Riders <div id="content-body-70862441" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Twenty-one games into this edition of the Indian Premier League, and not once had a team successfully defended a sub-200 total.</p><p>That was until Chennai Super Kings flipped that script. The five-time champion secured a 32-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday to break the streak.</p><p>The 33,000-plus crowd did not have to wait long to celebrate Tamil New Year as Sanju Samson set a blistering PowerPlay tone, opening the innings with three consecutive fours off Vaibhav Arora.</p><p>While a lack of early aggression has often plagued CSK, Samson provided the ideal antidote. The momentum briefly stalled when Anukul Roy struck with his first delivery, tempting Ruturaj Gaikwad with a slow, full ball that drew a slog sweep straight to deep midwicket.</p><p>It was a familiar sight for the CSK skipper, who has now fallen early in four of his five outings this season. With an average opening stand of just 24.8—the lowest this season—the recurring top-order failures point toward a reshuffle.</p><p>Ayush Mhatre, however, quickly wrested back control. He dismantled Cameron Green in a 21-run over, scoring two fours and two sixes.</p><p>The 47-run partnership ended when Mhatre holed out to Ramandeep Singh off the final ball of the sixth over. Dewald Brevis, promoted ahead of Shivam Dube, ensured the tempo did not dip, clearing the ropes off just his second delivery.</p><p>The innings shifted again when Kartik Tyagi dismissed Samson, a 148 kmph delivery angling in to rattle the stumps and end a steady 39-run stand.</p><p>Sunil Narine then bowled Sarfaraz Khan through the gate, while Arora returned to remove Brevis in the 18th over. From 100 in 9.5 overs, CSK slipped to 175/5 by the end of the 18th.</p><p>Despite the flying start, the visiting bowlers controlled the death overs effectively. Kartik Tyagi (2/35) stood out, varying pace and length smartly as CSK managed just over seven runs per over in the final phase to finish on 192.</p><p><b>ALSO READ:</b><b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/rcb-vs-lsg-ipl-2026-match-preview-royal-challengers-bengaluru-lucknow-super-giants/article70861990.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants</a></b></p><p>The match saw a tactical twist in the second innings as Narine replaced captain Ajinkya Rahane at the top to open with Finn Allen. This surprise forced CSK to adjust: Khaleel Ahmed took the new ball in place of Akeal Hosein.</p><p>However, KKR’s gamble failed to yield a significant advantage. Allen’s struggles continued as Anshul Kamboj provided an early breakthrough; it was Allen’s third single-digit score in five innings.</p><p>Narine survived a dropped chance by Gaikwad at midwicket, but Khaleel ensured it didn’t hurt the host, dismissing the West Indian for 24. With Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at the crease, KKR limped through the PowerPlay with just 36 runs on board.</p><p>The pair managed to stabilise the innings with a 51-run stand. Akeal Hosein nearly had Rahane when Sarfaraz dropped a difficult chance, but the bowler found his reward the very next delivery. Raghuvanshi miscued a shot to Brevis, giving Hosein his maiden IPL wicket.</p><p>Noor Ahmad then dismantled the middle order by claiming three vital wickets. He dismissed Rahane and Cameron Green on consecutive deliveries before returning to remove Rinku Singh.</p><p>With KKR reeling at 90/6, the responsibility fell to Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh. But 100 in the last seven overs was always going to be a tall ask. In the end, CSK registered its second consecutive win to move up to eighth on the points table.</p><p>With just a solitary point from five games, KKR finds itself in a precarious position. While the imminent arrival of Matheesha Pathirana offers a potential boost, the side will likely require a miracle to remain in contention for playoff qualification.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 14, 2026</p></div> #CSK #KKR #IPL #Spinners #trick #Chennai #Super #Kings #outplay #Kolkata #Knight #Riders

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Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa did the double over five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen after beating the Norwegian in Round 8 of the ongoing Norway Chess 2026 tournament.

The Indian had gotten the better of Carlsen earlier in the competition as well, in the fourth round.

With two rounds left in the competition, Praggnanandhaa now sits third with 12 points, two off leader Wesley So of USA. Frenchman Alireza Firouzja is second with 13 points.

The other Indian in the fray in the Open section, D. Gukesh, suffered a loss against Firouzja. Gukesh is placed last with eight points, with Carlsen ahead by just a point.

More to follow…

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#Norway #Chess #Praggnanandhaa #beats #Carlsen #stay #hunt #title">Norway Chess 2026: Praggnanandhaa beats Carlsen to stay in hunt for title Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa did the double over five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen after beating the Norwegian in Round 8 of the ongoing Norway Chess 2026 tournament.The Indian had gotten the better of Carlsen earlier in the competition as well, in the fourth round.With two rounds left in the competition, Praggnanandhaa now sits third with 12 points, two off leader Wesley So of USA. Frenchman Alireza Firouzja is second with 13 points.The other Indian in the fray in the Open section, D. Gukesh, suffered a loss against Firouzja. Gukesh is placed last with eight points, with Carlsen ahead by just a point.More to follow…Published on Jun 03, 2026 #Norway #Chess #Praggnanandhaa #beats #Carlsen #stay #hunt #title

The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com">New England’s A.J. Brown Trade Comes With Huge Risk and Huge Reward | Deadspin.com The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. How the Patriots could win this tradeConsidering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking. #Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com

never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com">New England’s A.J. Brown Trade Comes With Huge Risk and Huge Reward | Deadspin.com

The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com

Basketball players don’t usually peak in their thirties. But Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams, who is 32 years old and in her 10th WNBA season, is playing some of the best basketball of her career.

Williams, who is in her third year playing for head coach Cheryl Reeve on the Lynx, is averaging a career-best 17.8 points, along with 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. She’s shooting 50% from the field and 44.4% from three — both career-highs — while turning the ball over just 1.8 times per game, her lowest figure since 2022.

She is coming off a season-high 30-point explosion against the Phoenix Mercury on Monday night. In that 34-point victory, Williams shot 13-of-20 from the field in 29 minutes — the fewest minutes played in a 30-point game in franchise history.

And, the Lynx are thriving. They are currently riding a 5-game win streak and have a league-best 7-2 record. They have outscored opponents by an average of 12 points per game, the highest point differential in the WNBA (for reference, the Dallas Wings and Golden State Valkyries are tied for the next-best differential at +6.2, so no one else is particularly close).

Olivia Miles, Natasha Howard have also been powering the Lynx’s early success

Williams has been the team’s leading scorer (and the 11th-leading scorer in the WNBA), but she’s far from the only reason why the Lynx find themselves on top of the standings.

Natasha Howard is also undergoing a revival; the 34-year-old is averaging 16.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while anchoring the team’s defense. Kayla McBride is averaging 13.2 points per game (while shooting an uncharacteristically low 28.6% from three), and Nia Coffey is averaging a career-high 9.9 points per game and playing some of the best basketball of her career.

But the most impactful player might be No. 2 overall pick Olivia Miles, who is averaging 15.8 points, 6.2 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 49.5% from the field. Miles has taken the mantle at point guard, allowing Williams to be more of a primary scorer than a playmaker, which is her natural position.

The Olivia Miles / Courtney Williams fit in the backcourt has been seamless.

“Court, the second I stepped on the court was like ‘Go run the one, I’ll be your running mate,‘” Miles said last week, per Andrew Dukowitz. “It’s so easy with her — she’s in her natural position, she’s where she’s thriving. I think she’s playing some of her best basketball that I’ve seen. It’s so easy to play with her, it’s easy to play with everyone — when you have people who are willing to let you be you and trust you.”

Now, the Lynx, despite losing key rotation players like Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman, and Bridget Carleton in the offseason, find themselves at the top of the standings.

#32yearold #WNBA #guard #leagues #players">32-year-old WNBA guard has been one of the league’s best players Basketball players don’t usually peak in their thirties. But Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams, who is 32 years old and in her 10th WNBA season, is playing some of the best basketball of her career.Williams, who is in her third year playing for head coach Cheryl Reeve on the Lynx, is averaging a career-best 17.8 points, along with 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. She’s shooting 50% from the field and 44.4% from three — both career-highs — while turning the ball over just 1.8 times per game, her lowest figure since 2022.She is coming off a season-high 30-point explosion against the Phoenix Mercury on Monday night. In that 34-point victory, Williams shot 13-of-20 from the field in 29 minutes — the fewest minutes played in a 30-point game in franchise history.And, the Lynx are thriving. They are currently riding a 5-game win streak and have a league-best 7-2 record. They have outscored opponents by an average of 12 points per game, the highest point differential in the WNBA (for reference, the Dallas Wings and Golden State Valkyries are tied for the next-best differential at +6.2, so no one else is particularly close).Olivia Miles, Natasha Howard have also been powering the Lynx’s early success Williams has been the team’s leading scorer (and the 11th-leading scorer in the WNBA), but she’s far from the only reason why the Lynx find themselves on top of the standings.Natasha Howard is also undergoing a revival; the 34-year-old is averaging 16.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while anchoring the team’s defense. Kayla McBride is averaging 13.2 points per game (while shooting an uncharacteristically low 28.6% from three), and Nia Coffey is averaging a career-high 9.9 points per game and playing some of the best basketball of her career.But the most impactful player might be No. 2 overall pick Olivia Miles, who is averaging 15.8 points, 6.2 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 49.5% from the field. Miles has taken the mantle at point guard, allowing Williams to be more of a primary scorer than a playmaker, which is her natural position.The Olivia Miles / Courtney Williams fit in the backcourt has been seamless.“Court, the second I stepped on the court was like ‘Go run the one, I’ll be your running mate,‘” Miles said last week, per Andrew Dukowitz. “It’s so easy with her — she’s in her natural position, she’s where she’s thriving. I think she’s playing some of her best basketball that I’ve seen. It’s so easy to play with her, it’s easy to play with everyone — when you have people who are willing to let you be you and trust you.”Now, the Lynx, despite losing key rotation players like Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman, and Bridget Carleton in the offseason, find themselves at the top of the standings. #32yearold #WNBA #guard #leagues #players

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