Thunder vs. Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton's health hovers over Game 6 of the NBA Finals — 'I want to be out there'New Foto - Thunder vs. Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton's health hovers over Game 6 of the NBA Finals — 'I want to be out there'

INDIANAPOLIS — It's the existential question: Play and take the risk, or play the long game even in the face of Finals elimination? That's what is facing Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton on the eve of Game 6 of theNBA Finalswith his right calf strain, which he confirmed in his media session Wednesday. He wasn't much help in the second half ofGame 5, unable to contribute a field goal after injuring his calf on a turnover. He went through the Pacers walkthrough, but coach Rick Carlisle said there wasn't any real running involved. Sounds like he'll be listed as agame-time decision. "It's a topic that people want to hear about and know about. There's going to be a lot of questions about it," Carlisle said. "We will not really know for sure until late tomorrow afternoon or early evening." Haliburton said "the plan" is for him to play, even though if this were a regular-season game he would be sitting. "I want to be out there," Haliburton said. Kevin Durant's Achilles popped in the 2019 Finals, two quarters into playing for the first time in a month for Golden State following a calf strain. There is risk of a player missing a significant chunk of his prime, but the mindset of an athlete is to push even harder at this level. So sometimes, being smart goes out the window. "I think it depends on who you ask," Haliburton said. "You're asking me. I think I have to be as smart as I want to be. Have to understand the risks, ask the right questions. "I'm a competitor. I want to play. I'm going to do everything in my power to play. That's just what it is." Haliburton missed time during the Pacers' playoff run last year, the final two games of their conference finals loss to the Boston Celtics, and was limited in last summer's Olympic Games with an injured hamstring. That seemed to hinder his start to the season in the first 25 games before he rebounded and the Pacers made their run to the Finals. If he plays and is effective, perhaps the Pacers can extend the series and send it to a seventh game back in Oklahoma City. If he doesn't, it's hard to foresee a path for the Pacers to continue this improbable run. "I practiced today, did what I could," Haliburton said. "I know Coach told you guys what the process will be tomorrow for me to play. Yeah, we're just taking it from there." He listed the treatments he's received in the last two days, the extra days the Finals schedule provides, giving him a better chance at playing in Game 6. Massages, needles, hyperbaric chambers. For the series, Haliburton is averaging 15 points, 7.2 assists and 6.2 rebounds on 45 percent shooting. If the Pacers' medical staff has to save him from himself, even in this situation, it feels like something he will consider in real time. "Yeah, I have a lot of trust in our medical staff. I have a lot of trust in our organization to make the right decision," Haliburton said. "I think there's been many situations through the course of my career where they've trusted me on my body. "They trust me to make the right decision on my body when the power is in my hands. I'm trying to try my best to do that."

byMario Satorik
in
June 18, 2025

Thunder vs. Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton's health hovers over Game 6 of the NBA Finals — 'I want to be out there'

Thunder vs. Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton's health hovers over Game 6 of the NBA Finals — 'I want to be out there' INDIANAPOLIS — It...
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What's holding up CFP expansion? SEC and Big Ten are at a potential impasse on these key issuesNew Foto - What's holding up CFP expansion? SEC and Big Ten are at a potential impasse on these key issues

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historical Biltmore Estate Hilltop Inn rises above an ocean of rolling greenery, its high stone walls and floor-to-ceiling windows all tucked between two giant peaks: Mount Mitchell and Mount Pisgah. The two mountains loom like sentries, dominating the blue skyline, unmistakable giants in this scenic land. Inside the Biltmore, two goliaths within the landscape of college sports, the SEC and Big Ten, are at odds on the future of the industry's most valuable product: the College Football Playoff. Can these mountains be moved? Well, here this week, CFP leaders took steps toward a change to the playoff selection process — yet another chapter in what's already been a laborious journey toward potential expansion to 16 teams. The 10 FBS conference commissioners and Notre Dame's athletic director received a presentation from executive director Rich Clark and data analysts over adjustments to selection committee criteria in an effort to salvage the committee's role itself and appease both Big Ten and SEC leaders — the two entities that, according to a memorandum signed last spring, control future format decisions. Whether such a change brings the two conferences together on a format remains unclear. The two leagues must agree on a playoff model for it to move forward, Clark said on Wednesday from the Biltmore Inn, confirming what's been previously reported based on last spring's memorandum. But, for now, they are at an impasse. The Big Ten wants a playoff where access is more like the NFL structure, determined through automatic qualifiers based on conference standings to limit the subjectivity of the selection committee. And the league also supports all four leagues — including the SEC and ACC — to play nine conference games as the Big Ten and Big 12 do. The SEC moved away from such a playoff format afterits coaches publicly pushed back against it three weeks agoduring the conference's spring meetings, instead now working toward a format that provides a bigger at-large pool, such as a 16-team model with five automatic qualifiers for conference champions and 11 at-large selections (5+11). However, in any 5+11 format, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, his coaches and athletic directors have been very clear: They want to see a change in the selection process to more heavily emphasize strength of schedule and strength of conference. For the most part, that's what this set of CFP meetings centered around here this week. Clark, entering his second year as CFP executive director, presented, along with a data analyst from SportsSource Analytics, "recommendations" on just how to adjust data points that the selection committee uses. With assistance from a Google mathematician and university math professor, the presentation included the creation of a strength-of-record metric to more heavily weight a team's strength of schedule, conference strength and, in particular, non-conference games. In fact, commissioners heard from experts who encouraged the scheduling of more crossover games among the four power leagues — a way, presumably, to provide more data points of rating the league strength. Commissioners gave Clark and the CFP staff feedback, about potentially rewriting some language of the protocol used by selection committee members. CFP leaders will now "mull it over," Clark said, before the group continues to meet throughout the summer in an effort to reach an expansion decision by Dec. 1 — the drop-dead date for 2026 expansion. Commissioners declined to comment on this week's meeting. Three of the four power conference commissioners, in fact, shuffled into an elevator together here after their meeting. As reporters fired questions toward them, the elevator doors closed. The fourth power league commissioner, Big Ten's Tony Petitti, did not attend meetings in person but was in attendance virtually. Clark spoke in their absence. The same format options that have existed continue to exist, he said. "There are a lot of options. You've heard all of the options." While not mentioning them, they are obvious. 1) Remain at the same 12-team format: 5 AQs + 7 at-large, which isn't necessarily the preference, Sankey said a few weeks ago. 2) Expand to a 14-team event: 5 AQs + 9 at-large, which isn't as desirable as the next option. 3) Move to a 16-team field: 5+11 or the Big Ten's AQ-heavy proposal that grants twice as many bids to each the SEC and Big Ten (4 each) as the ACC and Big 12 (2). "The format could be a lot different in 2026 or could be the same," Clark said. Staying at 12 for 2026 is a grim reality for some, but it's a possibility, perhaps even a probability as negotiations creep closer to the Dec. 1 deadline. If the SEC and Big Ten do not agree on a format, there may not be a change at all. When specifically asked about the Big Ten and SEC having to both agree on format, Clark said, "They are obligated to come to an agreement on what the format is. They will determine that between the parties and will go forward from there. "Rushing to a bad decision is not in any of our best interest," he said later. "They're looking at any and all options and understanding what the pros and cons are to those things rather than rush to something that may not suit us." Would the Big Ten really block expansion to 16 if the rest of the 10 FBS conferences and Notre Dame agree on the 5+11 format? Perhaps. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema gestured toward that during an interview on Tuesday in Chicago. "I don't think there's any way we could do a 16-team playoff if [the SEC] is not at nine [conference] games," he said. Can these two mountains be moved? Asked that question here Wednesday, one CFP leader smiled and quipped, "We'll get there."

byMario Satorik
in
June 18, 2025

What's holding up CFP expansion? SEC and Big Ten are at a potential impasse on these key issues

What's holding up CFP expansion? SEC and Big Ten are at a potential impasse on these key issues ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Deep within the Blue R...
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Thai PM under mounting pressure as ruling coalition hangs by a threadNew Foto - Thai PM under mounting pressure as ruling coalition hangs by a thread

By Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat BANGKOK (Reuters) -The government of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was hanging by a thread on Thursday with coalition partners weighing whether to stay in the alliance following the withdrawal of a major player that could sink her administration. Political neophyte Paetongtarn, the 38-year-old daughter of influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is facing mounting pressure to resign after just 10 months in power, with popularity dwindling, the economy stuttering and a territorial row with Cambodia that has sparked fears of military clashes. The second-biggest partner in the alliance, the Bhumjaithai Party, withdrew from the coalition late on Wednesday, citing damage caused to Thailand's integrity, sovereignty and its army after an embarrassing leak hours earlier of a phone call between the premier and Cambodia's influential former premier Hun Sen. The United Thai Nation, Chart Thai and Democrat parties announced separate meetings on Thursday to decide on their next steps. A decision to withdraw by the UTN, now the second-biggest coalition member, would leave Paetongtarn with a minority government and in an untenable position. The premier has not commented on Bhumjaithai's exit and a government spokesperson had yet to respond to calls seeking comment. Paetongtarn was seen entering the government's headquarters on Thursday, with police surrounding the complex in preparation for possible protests against her. In the leaked June 15 call, Paetongtarn is heard pressing Hun Sen for a peaceful resolution and urging him not to listen to "the other side" in Thailand, including an outspoken Thai army general who she said "just wants to look cool". She later told reporters that was a negotiation tactic and there were no issues with the military. 'THE LAST STRAW' If Paetongtarn were to resign, parliament would need to convene to choose a new prime minister to form the next government, from a pool of only five remaining eligible candidates nominated before the 2023 election. Another option would be to dissolve parliament and call an election, a move that could favour the opposition People's Party, the largest force in parliament and the country's most popular party according to opinion polls. The People's Party, the reincarnation of the Move Forward Party that won most votes in the 2023 election but was disbanded last year by a court, said Thailand was paralysed by problems that only a new election could solve. "The situation yesterday on the leaked phone call is the last straw for Prime Minister Paetongtarn in harming public trust in her," People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut told a press conference. "I want the prime minister to dissolve parliament. I think the people want a government that can solve problems for the people, a legitimate government that comes from a democratic process." Paetongtarn's administration has also been dogged by criticism from opponents about the influence of her divisive tycoon father Thaksin, who holds no official position but often comments on policy and has maintained a high profile since his return from self-exile in 2023. (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by John Mair)

byMario Satorik
in
June 18, 2025

Thai PM under mounting pressure as ruling coalition hangs by a thread

Thai PM under mounting pressure as ruling coalition hangs by a thread By Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat BANGKOK (Reuters) -The go...
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'It's blowing up': The Iran conflict is sparking a MAGA civil warNew Foto - 'It's blowing up': The Iran conflict is sparking a MAGA civil war

President Donald Trumphelped reshape theRepublican Party's vision of foreign policywith his"America First," anti-interventionist approachfollowing theIraqandAfghanistanwars. Now the sentiment that Trump helped cultivate of keeping America out of foreign entanglements is being directed squarely back at him by high-profile supporters within the MAGA movement, who arewarningabout the U.S. getting involved in amilitary campaignagainst Iran. Trump has been weighing his administration's next steps on Iran asIsrael bombs the country, attacking it's nuclear sites and other targets. More:Israel-Iran timeline: How Israeli attack and Iranian retaliation unfolded "I may do it. I may not do it. Nobody knows what I'm going to do,"Trump saidJune 18 about whether he could order a U.S. attack on Iran. Some conservatives have urged Trump to support Israel more forcefully and use the American military to help destroy Iran's nuclear facilities, drawing pushback from leading MAGA figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green of Georgia, Tucker Carlson and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. Theconservative rifthighlights how Iran marks a major decision point in Trump's presidency, with his base closely watching to see if he'll engage in the type of foreign conflict launched during theGeorge W. Bush administrationand that he long criticized after first running for president in 2016 as an ardentcritic of the war in Iraq. More:The risks for Trump of 'regime change' in Iran: Just ask George W. Bush Israel's assault on Iran began June 13, creating a new conflict in the Middle East involving one of America's closest allies. The United States has long worked to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The Trump administration has been negotiating with Iranian leaders to reach a nuclear deal, but now faces a new reality as bombs fall on the country. More traditional GOP foreign policy hawks such asformer Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellof Kentucky are now advocating that the U.S. turn from diplomatic discussions to attacking Iranian nuclear sites. "Be all in, President Trump, in helping Israel eliminate the nuclear threat," Sen. Lindsey Grahamsaid on Fox NewsJune 16. "If we need to provide bombs to Israel, provide bombs. If we need to fly planes with Israel, do joint operations." Conservative media figures such asMark Levinand Hugh Hewitt also have encouraged Trump to take a forceful approach. "We need to stand behind our commander in chief, we need to stand behind the Israelis, we need to put this evil to rest once and for all... it's time to get rid of them,"Levin saidon Fox News, where he hosts a show. Hewitt, a conservative radio host and Fox News contributor, encouraged Trump to bomb an Iranian nuclear site buried beneath a mountain with bunker-busting munitions that Israel doesn't have. "I hope he does, I think it will secure his place in history as a peacemaker,"Hewitt saidon Fox News. More:Iran's nuclear sites before and after Israeli attacks: See updated maps, satellite images The idea of U.S. military action in Iran is being met with a wave of MAGA opposition. Prominent conservative media figures such as Carlson and Bannon are among the leading voices against Trump unleashing the U.S. military on Tehran. Stopping "forever wars" is one of the three "planks" of the MAGA movement,Bannon saidin a recent discussion with Carlson, who said the coalition is fracturing over the Iran issue. More:How Steve Bannon thinks MAGA will respond if Trump strikes Iran "I'm really afraid that my country's going to be further weakened by this,"Carlson saidin a June 16 appearance on Bannon's podcast. "I think we're going to see the end of American empire. Obviously, other nations would like to see that, and this is a perfect way to scuttle the USS America on the shoals of Iran." Bannon, Trump's former 2016 campaign CEO,criticized the notionthat "America's got to go on offense." "This thing has not been thought through," Bannon said on the podcast. "It does not have the commitment of the American people… the American people are not there to get into another war right now." Carlson's agitation against American involvement in Iran has irked Trump, who lashed out at him on social media. "Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that, 'Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,'"Trump wroteabout the former Fox News host, who now has an online show. The president later told reporters on June 18 that Carlson had called to apologize to him. "Tucker's a nice guy. He called and apologized the other day because he thought he said things that were a little bit too strong," Trump said. Speaking to reporters during a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor, Bannon saidTrump could still win over his MAGA criticsshould the president decide there's no diplomatic solution with Iran. Trump can do that by walking his most fervent supporters, as well as the American public, through his thinking. "There will be some, but the vast majority of the MAGA movement will go, 'Look, we trust your judgement, you've walked us through this, we don't like it, in fact maybe we hate it, but we'll get on board,'" Bannon said. At another point during the event, Bannon said that while Trump is the MAGA movement's leader he is "kind of a moderate." Bannon also asserted that Trump allies like himself, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and Greene are the "far-right wing" of the movement. "He's not a far-right winger," Bannon said of the president. More:MTG, Tucker Carlson urge Trump to stay out of Iran, exposing a MAGA rift Trump's criticism of "kooky" Carlson prompted Greene, a staunch ally of the president who sat with him in the VIP section at hismilitary paradeover the weekend, to come to Carlson's defense. Greene said ina June 16 social media postthat "foreign wars/intervention/regime change put America last, kill innocent people, are making us broke, and will ultimately lead to our destruction." "That's not kooky. That's what millions of Americans voted for. It's what we believe is America First," Greene added. It's highly unusual for Trump to face pushback on his comments from someone such as Greene, a MAGA stalwart, highlighting how the president is facing a difficult moment with his base in trying to negotiate the Iran issue. Carlson saidTrump's MAGA movement is the "defining fact of American politics and it kind of feels like it's blowing up over this war in Iran." More:Tucker Carlson grills Ted Cruz on Iran, highlighting conservative rift Trump's broadside against Carlson hasn't stopped MAGA figures from pressing on the Iran issue, including acontentious exchangerecently between Carlson and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. "How many people live in Iran by the way?" Carlson asked Cruz in an excerpt released June 17 from an interview forCarlson's online show. Cruz, who recentlysaid on Fox Newsit's "very much in the interest of America to see regime change" in Iran, told Carlson he didn't know the country's population. "You don't know the population of the country you seek to topple?" Carlson continued, before another exchange that resulted in Carlson declaring "You don't know anything about Iran!" "I am not the Tucker Carlson expert on Iran," Cruz responded. "You're a senator whose calling for the overthrow of the government," Carlson retorted. Trump brushed off MAGA divisions over potential U.S. involvement in strikes on Iran, telling reporters during an impromptu question and answer session whileinstalling a 100-foot-tall flagpole at the White Houseon June 18 that his supporters are "more in love" with him now than they were during the 2024 election. "I only want one thing: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. "It's not a question of anything else." Justifying his own position, Trump said that if Iran were to develop nuclear capabilities, it would unleash them on the United States and other countries. "And they'd be a terror all over the world," he said. "So I may have some people that are a little bit unhappy now, and I have some people that are very happy," Trump said. "And I have people outside of the base that can't believe this is happening, they're so happy." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'It's blowing up': Iran sparks a MAGA civil war as Trump allies feud

byMario Satorik
in
June 18, 2025

'It's blowing up': The Iran conflict is sparking a MAGA civil war

'It's blowing up': The Iran conflict is sparking a MAGA civil war President Donald Trumphelped reshape theRepublican Party's...
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Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders reportedly cited for speeding, driving more than 100 mphNew Foto - Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders reportedly cited for speeding, driving more than 100 mph

Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was pulled over on Tuesday morning for allegedly driving more than 100 miles per hour on a Cleveland-area highway. Sanders,according to Fox 8, was pulled over on 71 North around 12:24 a.m. on Tuesday by police. He was cited for driving 101 mph, which was 41 mph over the posted speed limit. Further specifics of the incident are not known. Sanders can simply pay a fine for the ticket should he choose not to fight it in court. The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round earlier this spring inwhat was one of the more shocking slidesin recent NFL Draft memory. Sanders threw for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns last season at Colorado while teaming up with Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and current Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, isone of several quarterbacks fighting for the starting jobin Cleveland this fall while Deshaun Watson remains sidelined with an Achilles injury. The Browns selected Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round of the NFL Draft earlier this spring, too, and they have Kenny Pickett andveteran Joe Flacco available, too. If Sanders were to be the starting quarterback for the Browns, he'd be just the second quarterbackselected in the fifth round or later of the draftto start in Week 1 since the league merger. Sanders participated in the team's mandatory minicamp earlier this month, and he remained in Cleveland with other rookies for orientation. The Browns, who went 3-14 last year, will open the season on Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

byMario Satorik
in
June 18, 2025

Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders reportedly cited for speeding, driving more than 100 mph

Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders reportedly cited for speeding, driving more than 100 mph Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was pull...
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Alonso has disappointing start as Real Madrid coach in 1-1 draw against Al Hilal at Club World CupNew Foto - Alonso has disappointing start as Real Madrid coach in 1-1 draw against Al Hilal at Club World Cup

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Xabi Alonso got off to a disappointing start at Real Madrid as the Spanish giant was held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia'sAl Hilalin theClub World Cupon Wednesday. In his first game as coach of the 15-time European champion, Alonso was denied victory when Federico Valverde's stoppage-time penalty was saved. The VAR-awarded spot kick looked like it would hand Madrid - and Alonso - a late reprieve after being pushed all the way at Hard Rock Stadium by Al Hilal under new coach Simone Inzaghi. But the Group H game ended tied, with Gonzalo Garcia scoring for Madrid in the 34th minute and Ruben Neves equalizing for Al Hilal from the penalty spot seven minutes later. Key moment Madrid was given a chance at victory when VAR spotted a foul by Mohammed Alqahtani on Fran Garcia in the box. Valverde stepped up to take the penalty two minutes into added time, but he dropped to his knees after his low effort was saved by Yassine Bounou, sparking wild celebrations from the Al Hilal goalkeeper's teammates. Takeaways While it was an underwhelming start for Alonso, Inzaghi's Al Hilal made an early statement of its potential by holding its own against Madrid. It might have been even better for Saudi Arabia's most successful team, which was without injured star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, if Marcos Leonardo taken one of three chances in front of goal. What they said "We know that things take time. We know that some things need to change. I saw a good reaction in the second half. We need good results here because it is a tough competition, but everything takes time." — Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid coach. "We put in a good performance against Real Madrid, which is one of the strongest teams in the world. Arabic football is getting better and better year in, year out. The infrastructure they are building, the organization they've got, I've really found a great club and they are giving me everything I asked of them." - Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal coach. ___ James Robson is athttps://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

byMario Satorik
in
June 18, 2025

Alonso has disappointing start as Real Madrid coach in 1-1 draw against Al Hilal at Club World Cup

Alonso has disappointing start as Real Madrid coach in 1-1 draw against Al Hilal at Club World Cup MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Xabi Alonso go...
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Israel's military warns people to evacuate the area around Iran's Arak heavy water reactorNew Foto - Israel's military warns people to evacuate the area around Iran's Arak heavy water reactor

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel's military warned people Thursday to evacuate the area around Iran's Arak heavy water reactor. The warning came in a social media post on X. It included a satellite image of the plant in a red circle like other warnings that proceeded strikes. The Arak heavy water reactoris 250 kilometers (155 miles) southwest of Tehran. Heavy water helps cool nuclear reactors, but it produces plutonium as a byproduct that can potentially be used in nuclear weapons. That would provide Iran another path to the bomb beyond enriched uranium, should it choose to pursue the weapon. Iran had agreed under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers to redesign the facility to relieve proliferation concerns. In 2019, Iran started up the heavy water reactor's secondary circuit, which at the time did not violate Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Britain at the time was helping Iran redesign the Arak reactor to limit the amount of plutonium it produces, stepping in for the U.S., which had withdrawn from the project after President Donald Trump's decision in 2018 to unilaterally withdraw America from the nuclear deal. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, has been urging Israel not to strike Iranian nuclear sites. IAEA inspectors reportedly last visited Arak on May 14. Due to restrictions Iran imposed on inspectors, the IAEA has said it lost "continuity of knowledge" about Iran's heavy water production -- meaning it could not absolutely verify Tehran's production and stockpile. Already, Israel's airstrike campaign has targeted Iran's enrichment site at Natanz, centrifuge workshops around Tehran and a nuclear site in Isfahan.

byMario Satorik
in
June 18, 2025

Israel’s military warns people to evacuate the area around Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor

Israel's military warns people to evacuate the area around Iran's Arak heavy water reactor DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel...
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