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Sources: Butler tells Warriors he won't sign there

Published in Basketball
Monday, 03 February 2025 09:55

Amid trade talks, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has communicated to the Golden State Warriors that he is not interested in signing a contract extension there, sources told ESPN.

Butler's position dims the chances of a deal coming together, but the situation remains fluid, sources said. The Warriors have been in conversations with multiple teams about improving their roster leading up to Thursday's NBA trade deadline.

Butler has a $52 million player option for next season, but his representation has indicated repeatedly that he prefers to bypass it and become a free agent. Butler's focus remains on getting traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he has shown an interest in signing a multiyear deal, sources said.

Teams interested in Butler have also mulled the chances they could trade for Butler without a long-term commitment with the belief that the six-time All-Star would possibly exercise his player option and not become a free agent, sources said.

Last month, the Memphis Grizzlies had preliminary talks with the Heat about Butler, sources said, but Butler also made it known he would not commit long-term in Memphis. Those discussions subsequently did not progress.

Butler is currently serving a five-game suspension -- his third suspension of the season -- after leaving practice last week.

Luka's dad rips Mavs: He 'doesn't deserve this'

Published in Basketball
Monday, 03 February 2025 09:55

Luka Doncic avoided mentioning the Mavericks organization in his farewell message Sunday, instead thanking fans and the Dallas community after being traded to the Lakers.

Doncic's father, however, did not hold back when discussing the Mavericks and their handling of the blockbuster deal.

In an interview Sunday with Slovenian media network Arena Sport 1, Sasa Doncic accused the Mavericks of "hypocrisy" and criticized the "secrecy" with which they orchestrated the three-team trade that sent Luka to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to Dallas.

"I understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy," Sasa Doncic said, as translated by Arena Sport. "You don't like this or that player, all good -- I get it.

"But I think that exactly this secrecy, or should I say from some individuals, maybe even hypocrisy, this hurts me personally. Because I think that Luka absolutely doesn't deserve this."

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison cited Davis' superior defense as a reason for the trade, saying "defense wins championships," while acknowledging that Doncic's upcoming contractual situation also was a concern.

But sources told ESPN's Tim MacMahon that constant concerns about Doncic's conditioning were a major factor in the Mavericks' decision to approach the Lakers about a trade. Doncic has played in only 22 games this season because of injuries, primarily a left calf strain that has sidelined him since Christmas Day.

Sources told MacMahon that there was extreme frustration throughout the organization about Doncic's lackadaisical approach to diet and conditioning, which Mavs decision-makers believed negatively impacted his durability.

Sasa Doncic pointed to the Mavs' 2023-24 season, when his son played in 70 regular-season contests and averaged 37.5 minutes per game, before playing in an additional 22 postseason games and averaging 40.9 minutes per game during Dallas' run to the NBA Finals.

"[Luka's conditioning] wasn't even a problem last year since, I am saying again, one individual said he's not fit enough," Sasa said. "That he played, I don't know, 100 games -- practically 40 minutes with two or three players constantly on him.

"That he was beaten, and you say such things about him -- I feel that this is very unfair from certain individuals. You traded him, stand by your actions but don't look for excuses or alibis, that's it."

Doncic said earlier Sunday in a message to the Dallas community that he "wanted so badly to bring you a championship" and that he thought he'd spend his career with the Mavericks.

"For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home," Doncic wrote in the message posted to social media. "In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most."

Doncic was enormously popular in Dallas -- and everywhere else. His No. 77 Mavericks jersey ranked eighth among bestsellers through NBAStore.com over the first half of the season. On Sunday night, some Doncic items remained for sale on the Mavs' shopping site.

Mavericks fans gathered Sunday afternoon outside American Airlines Center in Dallas to protest the trade. The demonstrations included a mock funeral featuring multiple fans dressed as undertakers and carrying a coffin, one fan holding a sign that read "Worst Trade in NBA History" and another fan leaving a sign that read "RIP Mavs."

Security workers were seen attempting to clean an area that had been vandalized by fans who left a profane message directed at Harrison.

Sasa Doncic echoed his son's sentiments, saying Luka "respected Dallas a lot" and mentioned his charity work in the city.

"At least as I know, [Luka] sacrificed himself enormously -- and even all the stories now that someone is releasing that he wants to apologize for the things that they're doing," Sasa said. "I feel like this is very unfair from some individuals because I know that Luka respected Dallas a lot. He respected the whole city, helped children."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Wales call up Scarlets' Plumtree for Italy test

Published in Rugby
Monday, 03 February 2025 02:07

Plumtree will act as cover for Wainwright and Taulupe Faletau, who is the other specialist number eight in the initial squad but missed the game at Stade de France because of a knee injury.

Wainwright was replaced by Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell during Friday's match, with James Botham switching to number eight during the game.

Plumtree was left out of the squad initially after featuring in the autumn series where he packed down at number eight against South Africa.

No centre cover has been drafted in with Wales still able to call on the likes of Nick Tompkins, Ben Thomas, Eddie James and Joe Roberts.

This means there remains no call-up for Gloucester centre Max Llewellyn or his club team-mate fly-half Gareth Anscombe.

Wales face Italy on Saturday with Gatland's side bidding to avoid a 14th consecutive international defeat.

Sources: Spurs end Disasi interest; Villa in talks

Published in Soccer
Monday, 03 February 2025 02:45

Aston Villa are the frontrunners to sign Axel Disasi after Tottenham ended their interest in the Chelsea defender, sources have told ESPN.

Spurs had agreed a loan deal with Chelsea -- one source told ESPN that deal included a 5 million fee ($6.1m) and no option for a permanent move -- but the 26-year-old stated his preference to join Villa.

As of Monday morning, Villa had not reached an agreement with Chelsea but given the centre-back's stance, Tottenham pulled out of the running as they assessed whether to pursue an alternative option at this late stage.

Talks are expected to continue between Villa and Chelsea for Disasi. The club ideally want a substantial loan fee or a deal containing an obligation for a permanent move this summer.

Tottenham have already added one defender after Kevin Danso agreed an initial six-month loan from Lens before an obligation to complete a permanent move for 25m a five-year contract is triggered this summer.

Villa have already signed Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, winger Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund for 25m and full-back Andrés García from Levante for 7m.

Ronaldo: Madrid must let Mbappé be himself

Published in Soccer
Monday, 03 February 2025 02:45

Cristiano Ronaldo has said Real Madrid must "look after" Kylian Mbappé and advised that the star forward must "do things his way" as he looks to follow in Ronaldo's footsteps as a legend at the Bernabéu.

Mbappé has already scored 22 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign at Madrid, having faced criticism for his performances earlier in the season.

Ronaldo -- who is Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer with 451 goals -- was Mbappé's childhood hero, and famously posed for a photo with Mbappé when the youngster first went on trial at the club as a teenager.

"Look after the lad," Ronaldo urged, in an extract from an interview with Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, due to be broadcast in full on Monday. "The fans need to look after him. He's very good. The club have to help to protect him, I have no doubt he'll bring a lot of joy to Madrid fans.

"I love [Mbappé], not just because of his story as a kid, how he loved Cristiano, I was his idol," Ronaldo said. "I think he's a top player."

Ronaldo revealed he now tunes in to watch Real Madrid's games because his son, Mateo, is a fan of Mbappé.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he feels Mbappé still needs some help in adjusting to his role in the Real Madrid team.

"It's complicated, because he doesn't know how to play as a forward in my opinion -- or rather, it's not that he doesn't know, but it isn't his position," Ronaldo said. "If I was at Madrid, I'd show him how to play as a number nine.

"I wasn't a forward. I got used to it, but I was a winger. People forget that. I was a forward, but not a typical forward. I think [Mbappé] shouldn't be a typical forward, he should do things his way."

Mbappé has already won two trophies with Madrid, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and scored as Madrid were humbled 5-2 by Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa last month.

Madrid now face a testing few weeks, playing Leganés in a Copa del Rey quarterfinal before a Madrid Derby with Atlético Madrid on Saturday and then facing Manchester City in their Champions League knockout stage playoff.

Khulna Tigers 89 for 1 (Naim 48*) beat Rangpur Riders 85 all out (Javed 32, Mehidy 3-10. Nasum 3-16) by nine wickets

Khulna Tigers roared to a nine-wicket win against the star-studded Rangpur Riders in the BPL's eliminator match. The victory puts them in the second qualifier to face the losing side from the first qualifier later on Monday. Khulna's spinners helped bowl out Rangpur for 85, before needing just 10.1 overs to knock off the target.

Rangpur, who decided to bat first, couldn't get going despite a stronger batting line-up than their previous outings. Khulna's captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nasum Ahmed took three wickets each, opening the bowling quite successfully. Rangpur were in danger of posting an even lower total after being 52 for 9 at one stage.

Rangpur's big guns misfire

The image of Andre Russell, James Vince and Tim David walking through the Dhaka airport on Monday morning was a sight for sore eyes in the Rangpur camp. They had lost their way in the latter part of the BPL, falling to four defeats after winning eight in a row. Rangpur needed this boost from their big guns coming in after their stints in the ILT20. But it didn't quite pan out the way they would have hoped.

Vince got into a mix-up with his opening partner Soumya Sarkar off the second ball of the match, resulting in the latter being run out for a duck. Vince himself got caught and bowled in the second over. David was the next one to go, falling to a catch in the deep for 7 off 9 balls. Mohammad Nawaz clean bowled a slogging Russell in the 12th over, the last nail in the coffin for Rangpur.

Khulna spinners shut down the locals too

Having handled the recently arrived big-hitters very well, Khulna were also relentless against the Rangpur locals. After Soumya and Vince departed, Nasum removed Mahedi Hasan before Saif Hassan slogged Mehidy to no avail. When Mehidy removed his opposite number Nurul Hasan for 23, Rangpur were reduced to 52 for 9. It was only thanks to Aakif Javed's intervention from No. 10 that they scored a few more runs.

Khulna glide in smooth chase

Mehidy's wicket in the first over was the only blip in Khulna's reply. Mohammad Naim continued his great form of the last two months, striking three fours and four sixes in his 33-ball 48 not out. It took him top of the BPL run-getters' chart. Alex Ross added 29 runs off 27 balls, hitting four boundaries.

Khulna have returned to form in the right time in the tournament, having won three matches in a row. They finished fourth in the league stage, equal on points with Durbar Rajshahi, qualifying only through a better net run-rate. Now, they have a chance to reach the BPL final. It is however the end of the road for Rangpur this season, having come into the BPL with the Global Super League title under their belt.
Even as the franchise continued to miss payment deadlines, the team's overseas players were left stranded in the team hotel in Dhaka. Mohammad Haris (Pakistan), Aftab Alam (Afghanistan), Mark Deyal (West Indies), Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe) and Miguel Cummins (West Indies) were all waiting for some portion of their payments to come in. A couple of them had been paid 25%, while some haven't been paid at all. To make things worse for the players, the Rajshahi team bus driver has allegedly said in interviews that he was holding cricketers' kit bags as ransom as he too hadn't been paid.

Collins delivers on five-star holiday promise

Published in Tennis
Monday, 03 February 2025 01:00

She promised a five-star holiday - and Danielle Collins has delivered.

The American, 31, became a pantomime villain at last month's Australian Open after being jeered by fans throughout her second-round victory over home favourite Destanee Aiava.

She responded by thanking the fans for "paying my bills" and said the A$290,000 (147,500) she received for the win would be used on a "five-star trip".

She was as good as her word, posting a video on social media, external on Sunday showing her enjoying a luxury holiday with friends at a resort in the Bahamas.

The video ended with Collins slapping her backside - as she did to rile the crowd against Aiava.

Collins' run at Melbourne ended with a third-round defeat by compatriot Madison Keys, when she was again heckled by the crowd.

She said after that match: "You can't please everybody.

"I've gotten to the point where I really don't care any more about what people who aren't important to me think.

"I don't care what some guy sitting in his basement is writing about me. I'm just trying to enjoy my life and have fun."

Chile lose as Garin refuses to play after collision

Published in Tennis
Monday, 03 February 2025 00:26

Chile lost their Davis Cup qualifier against Belgium when Cristian Garin refused to continue playing after being knocked over by opponent Zizou Bergs.

At a changeover during their singles match in Hasselt, a celebrating and leaping Bergs struck him in the face with his right shoulder.

Bergs apologised immediately and Garin was cleared to play after receiving medical attention.

Bergs was given a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct but Chile called for him to be disqualified.

Garin was given three successive time violations for refusing to play, resulting in a game penalty to hand Berg a 6-3 4-6 7-5 victory and ensure Chile won the tie 3-1.

After the retirement of Johnny Sexton following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, there has been debate over whether Leinster fly-half Prendergast or Munster's Crowley would become the long-term successor to one of Ireland's most influential players.

Prendergast says he only feels "internal pressure" as he looks to cement his place as Ireland's starting fly-half, and added it would be "awkward" if he didn't get on with Crawley and Ciaran Frawley, who is another option at 10.

"The only pressure I feel is what is inside the group and what is inside me.

"Obviously you want to be the starting 10 for Ireland and Leinster, but I wouldn't be listening to too much outside noise.

"It's internal pressure, you want to be starting but there's not too much of a rivalry with us. We work quite well together."

Prendergast added that the trio do kicking sessions together on the team's off days, and that will only help them progress together.

"It would be a bit awkward if we didn't get along. We all kick in the same car to kicking and travel together.

"We all get on very well and give ideas in training or in meetings or stuff like that.

"It's good to learn off each other. You would love to get infinite reps in training but you can't. They are then getting reps and you can learn off their experience on a certain play or situation, so it's very good."

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