Sports

Former SuperSonics player Brent Barry felt a deep sadness when the team left Seattle in 2008, capturing his emotions in a poem titled "When It Rains." Now, Seattle is eagerly awaiting the NBA's decision on potential expansion, with hopes high for the Sonics' return. Former players like George Karl and Dale Ellis are actively promoting Seattle's candidacy for a new franchise, believing that the city's history, fan base, and market make it a strong contender for NBA expansion. Full Article

In Yahoo Sports' Fantasy Football Panic Meter, Dalton Del Don dissects Jayden Daniels' recent dip in production, attributing it to tough matchups and a rib injury affecting his rushing stats. Despite concerns, Daniels' upcoming schedule looks more favorable, presenting a buy-low opportunity. Meanwhile, concerns also arise for Deebo Samuel Sr., Malik Nabers, Nick Chubb, and D'Andre Swift due to various factors affecting their fantasy production. Full Article

The Independent relies on reader support to cover important stories, from reproductive rights to climate change. Your donation helps fund on-the-ground reporting and investigative journalism. Recent research by Stonewall shows that one in four LGBTQ+ people feel unwelcome in sports, prompting initiatives like the Rainbow Laces campaign to promote inclusivity and support LGBTQ+ individuals in sports. Blackpool striker Jake Daniels, the only openly gay British male player, advocates for a more welcoming environment in sports for LGBTQ+ individuals. Full Article

Michael Voepel is an ESPN Senior Writer who covers the WNBA, women's college basketball, and other college sports, with a focus on UConn's Geno Auriemma, who could become the winningest coach in NCAA history with his 1,217th victory. Auriemma has led the Huskies to 11 NCAA titles and has been a prominent figure in women's basketball for over 40 years, coaching Team USA to Olympic gold medals and producing top WNBA talent, such as current star Paige Bueckers. Some of Auriemma's notable wins include back-to-back perfect seasons, a key victory over Texas led by Diana Taurasi, and ending Tennessee's long...

Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers left-hander, won the AL Cy Young Award unanimously with 30 first-place votes after a standout season as the AL's pitching Triple Crown winner on his 28th birthday. Skubal anchored the Tigers' rotation, leading them to a wild-card playoff bid with an 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, and 228 strikeouts. Despite an unusual path to stardom from Seattle University, Skubal's success has put him in a strong position for a potential long-term contract extension despite having Scott Boras as his agent. Full Article

In Week 12, Yahoo Sports Fantasy Football highlights Nico Collins' return to the field just in time for crucial matchups, emphasizing the importance of leveraging actionable takeaways for the upcoming fantasy playoffs. Amon-Ra St. Brown's standout performance for the Detroit Lions, showcasing his talent and impact within the team's offense, particularly his ability to move the chains and deliver explosive plays. Additionally, Jauan Jennings' impressive showing for the San Francisco 49ers raises questions about his place in the team's hierarchy, despite his standout moments earlier in the season. Full Article

England's Tom Curry is set to return to the squad after a second concussion, with the team ensuring his safety in contact. Despite five consecutive defeats, pressure mounts as they face former coach Eddie Jones and Japan at Twickenham. Assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge, a coaching advisor from New Zealand, praises Borthwick's coaching qualities and emphasizes their collaborative approach. Full Article

Michael Voepel is an ESPN Senior Writer covering the WNBA, women's college basketball, and other college sports since 1996. UConn guard Azzi Fudd, a former No. 1 recruit, is set to return after a year-long knee injury, while coach Geno Auriemma aims to break the record for most wins in Division I basketball history. Fudd, alongside standout Paige Bueckers, faces potential WNBA draft prospects as they navigate their collegiate careers. Full Article

The Independent relies on reader support to cover important stories such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. Your donation helps fund investigative journalism, like the recent documentary 'The A Word', which sheds light on American women fighting for reproductive rights. In a separate story, former Wales international Natasha Allen-Wyatt, also known as Natasha Harding, is accused of taking money for coaching sessions through the Tash Harding Academy that were never fulfilled, leading to police involvement and exclusion from the Wales international squad in 2022. Parents, businesses, and teammates allege that payments for services and investments were not honored,...

Former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata, 36, has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer expansion side San Diego FC, becoming the first active international player to hold an ownership stake in the league. San Diego FC, set to enter the MLS in 2025 as the 30th team, is excited to have Mata on board as a partner, citing his winning mentality and experience in the Premier League and with the Spanish national team. Mata, who recently played for A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers, aims to help build a successful team in a city and league that...