Heat not trading All-Star Butler, prez Riley says

In a critical moment in US history, The Independent relies on donations to support reporters covering a range of important issues from reproductive rights to climate change. They prioritize providing quality journalism accessible to all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, without paywalls. Your support allows them to continue sending journalists to cover stories on the ground. In rugby news, England's Tommy Freeman expresses confidence in the team's ability to contain France's star player, Antoine Dupont,...

A federal investigation into a gambling ring has revealed unusual wagering activity on three men's college basketball programs, including North Carolina A&T, Mississippi Valley State, and Eastern Michigan. The ring also placed large wagers on prop bets involving former NBA player Jontay Porter and veteran guard Terry Rozier, with Porter admitting to manipulating his performance for gambling purposes. Five individuals have been charged with conspiring with Porter, while Rozier has not been accused of wrongdoing....

Ja Morant, Jaylen Wells, and their Memphis Grizzlies teammates huddled in prayer after a fan collapsed in the stands prior to their game against the San Antonio Spurs. Emergency medical responders administered CPR to the fan at courtside, leading to a 50-minute delay in the tipoff. The fan was eventually taken off the court on a stretcher, and the game resumed with the players returning to the court to play. Full Article

World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso is confronting former Spanish football federation boss Luis Rubiales in court over an alleged non-consensual kiss after Spain's victory at the 2023 Women's World Cup final. The trial could lead to Rubiales facing up to four years in prison if found guilty. The incident sparked outrage and protests, with Hermoso and prosecutors seeking a prison sentence and damages, while Rubiales maintains the kiss was mutual. Full Article

Luka Doncic thanked fans and the Dallas community after being traded to the Lakers, with his father criticizing the Mavericks for secrecy and hypocrisy in orchestrating the deal. Mavericks cited Anthony Davis' defense and Doncic's conditioning concerns as reasons for the trade, despite his popularity and charitable work in Dallas. Fans protested the trade outside American Airlines Center, with security cleaning up vandalism directed at Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. Full Article

Marcus Rashford is unlikely to play for Manchester United again after joining Aston Villa on loan, while Newcastle United consider a move for Justin Kluivert. Arsenal is targeting Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams as a priority signing. Additionally, Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has signed a pre-contract agreement with Flamengo for the summer. Full Article