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Pittsburgh college and professional sports teams have donated $800,000 to the University of Pittsburgh's nationally renowned Center for Vaccine Research, which is working to create a vaccine for the coronavirus. Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi, men's basketball coach Jeff Capel, women's basketball coach Lance White and athletic director Heather Lyke donated a combined $500,000, while the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers each donated $100,000. In February, the Center for Vaccine Research announced it would begin work on developing a vaccine. The center is one of the few labs nationwide qualified to handle pathogens like the one that has caused the current pandemic. "Nothing great in life is ever achieved alone," Lyke said in a statement. "Pitt Athletics is honored to join forces with the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers in support of the Center for Vaccine Research and its extraordinary researchers. April marked the 65th anniversary of Dr. Jonas Salk's victory over polio and it is...

Pittsburgh college and professional sports teams have donated $800,000 to the University of Pittsburgh's nationally renowned Center for Vaccine Research, which is working to create a vaccine for the coronavirus. Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi, men's basketball coach Jeff Capel, women's basketball coach Lance White and athletic director Heather Lyke donated a combined $500,000, while the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers each donated $100,000. In February, the Center for Vaccine Research announced it would begin work on developing a vaccine. The center is one of the few labs nationwide qualified to handle pathogens like the one that has caused the current pandemic. "Nothing great in life is ever achieved alone," Lyke said in a statement. "Pitt Athletics is honored to join forces with the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers in support of the Center for Vaccine Research and its extraordinary researchers. April marked the 65th anniversary of Dr. Jonas Salk's victory over polio and it is...

New Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes said he took a thinly veiled shot at powerhouse Kentucky as he tried to convince star center Olivier Sarr to stay with the Demon Deacons and earn a "prestigious" degree. Sarr, who averaged 13.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season, is arguably the most coveted player in the transfer portal. He entered the portal shortly after Wake Forest fired Danny Manning last month. "I think the most important thing is, why would you go to Wake for three years, put all that time in to get this prestigious degree, and end up getting your degree at a place like Kentucky?" Forbes said he told Sarr during a radio interview with North Carolina-based WSJS on Tuesday. Forbes added he meant "no disrespect." Kentucky and other Power 5 programs are likely to be suitors for Sarr's talents. On the U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges list, Wake Forest is ranked 27th and Kentucky is 132nd among national...

Nearly two months have passed since members of the Milwaukee Bucks last suited up for an actual game. However, the NBA's best team remains in regular contact via group chat. All except for brothers Brook and Robin Lopez. Why? Because they don't own iPhones. "I have an Android," Robin Lopez admitted while laughing during Tuesday's video conference call with reporters. "So I'm kind of out of the loop on something like that." Like other teams throughout the league, the Bucks are staying in shape with in-home workouts while under quarantine and remaining optimistic about the resumption of the NBA season. If the season doesn't resume, Bucks guard Pat Connaughton doesn't see this as a missed opportunity because he believes the franchise is trying to sustain long-term success and not be labeled as a one-hit wonder, so to speak. "The chemistry that we built throughout the first however many games it was, wasn't something that was built to only last for...

Basketball Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing revealed Tuesday that his two Olympic gold medals and NCAA championship ring were stolen. Ewing discussed the loss of his 1984 and 1992 medals on  "The Dan Patrick Show." "My house got broken into in New York, and at one point they stole my medals," Ewing said. "So I called Jerry Colangelo [former USA Basketball chairman], and he was great to be able to get me two replacement medals." Ewing won the 1992 medal as part of the Dream Team, the United States' first roster of primarily professional players. "He took care of me," Ewing said of Colangelo. "He's a great guy." Ewing, 57, said the 1984 national championship ring he won with Georgetown was also taken. "They did take my college championship ring, but someone tried to sell it on eBay and I was able to get that back," said Ewing, who is now the head coach at his alma mater. Ewing, who played 17 seasons in the NBA, mostly with the New York Knicks, was inducted...

Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley admits he's still "really, really sad" about the fact that his longtime friendship with Michael Jordan deteriorated years ago because of critical comments Barkley made about the way Jordan ran the then Charlotte Bobcats franchise. But Barkley doesn't sound optimistic about a reconciliation. "The guy was like a brother to me for, shoot, 20-something years," Barkley said on Tuesday's Waddle and Silvy Show on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. "At least 20-something years. And I do, I feel sadness. But to me he's still the greatest basketball player ever. I wish him nothing but the best. But, there's nothing I can do about it, brother." In the wake of the most recent episode of " The Last Dance" that featured Barkley's Suns falling to Jordan's Bulls in the 1993 NBA Finals, Barkley was asked again if there was any hope the relationship between the two stars could ever get back to where it was. "Oh, he got my number," Barkley said. "He can call...

The  Miami Dolphins'  Tua Tagovailoa will wear No. 1, the first quarterback in franchise history to do so.  Tagovailoa, drafted by the Dolphins with the No. 5 pick in last month's NFL draft, is the most anticipated Dolphins quarterback since Dan Marino, the greatest player in franchise history. Tagovailoa wore No. 13 in college at  Alabama, a number that is retired by the Dolphins for Marino. Tagovailoa didn't consider asking Marino to unretire his jersey, instead taking his own path with No. 1. "For me, I'm not too worried about what number I have. I understand No. 13 is retired, and it should be," Tagovailoa said shortly after he was drafted. "Dan Marino, he's the GOAT. He's like the mayor out there, and I have much respect for him. Whatever number I'm given by that organization, if it's 78 or 99 -- I'll wear it. It doesn't matter." After the Dolphins announced his number, Tagovailoa posted a photo to Twitter of him wearing his new jersey with...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't pick up Leonard Fournette's fifth-year option, but they are going to be counting on his being a big part of their offense in 2020. The Jaguars were shopping the fourth overall pick in 2017 for more than a month without any serious trade offers, and general manager Dave Caldwell told the PFT PM podcast on Monday that Fournette is part of the team's plans going forward. "There were just some minor discussions with that but nothing substantial throughout the draft or prior to the draft," Caldwell said on the podcast. "I think the mindset is that we're going to go forward with Leonard on the team. I had a good talk with him on Friday. I know Coach [Doug] Marrone has had some discussion with him. "He seems to be in great shape and mental frame of mind, and we feel that he'll have a great season this year." Fournette is coming off his best season as a pro, rushing for a career-high 1,152 yards and totaling 1,674...

Utah Jazz executive vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey expressed optimism about the continued partnership of franchise cornerstones Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell in the wake of their rift following their positive tests for the coronavirus. Gobert and Mitchell did not speak to each other for a month after Gobert's positive test on March 11 triggered the suspension of the NBA season. Mitchell, who tested positive the next day, has acknowledged that he was upset with Gobert, who publicly apologized for careless behavior before he was aware that he was infected with the coronavirus. "They're ready to put this behind them, move forward, act professionally," Lindsey said on a Zoom call Tuesday with media. "Look, the COVID-19 night of March [11] was really unprecedented. It brought a microscope to our team, and we get it. With that said, we're very pleased with the collective makeup of our group, Donovan and Rudy in particular. "We look...

Nearly two months have passed since members of the Milwaukee Bucks last suited up for an actual game. However, the NBA's best team remains in regular contact via group chat. All except for brothers Brook and Robin Lopez. Why? Because they don't own iPhones. "I have an Android," Robin Lopez admitted while laughing during Tuesday's video conference call with reporters. "So I'm kind of out of the loop on something like that." Like other teams throughout the league, the Bucks are staying in shape with in-home workouts while under quarantine and remaining optimistic about the resumption of the NBA season. If the season doesn't resume, Bucks guard Pat Connaughton doesn't see this as a missed opportunity because he believes the franchise is trying to sustain long-term success and not be labeled as a one-hit wonder, so to speak. "The chemistry that we built throughout the first however many games it was, wasn't something that was built to only last for...

The New York Giants claimed quarterback Cooper Rush off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday. Rush was waived on Monday after the Cowboys signed  Andy Dalton. Rush served as Dak Prescott's backup prior to the addition of Dalton. The move reunites Rush and former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, who was hired this offseason as the Giants' offensive coordinator. They spent the past three season together in Dallas. Rush now joins a crowded quarterback room, led by starter Daniel Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in last year's draft. Veterans Alex Tanney and Colt McCoy and undrafted rookie Case Cookus give the Giants five quarterbacks on the roster. McCoy signed with the Giants this offseason as a free agent. Just $500,000 of the $2.25 million deal is fully guaranteed. Rush joins the Giants on a one-year deal worth $2.1 million after he signed his restricted free-agent tender earlier this offseason. None...

New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, who played only one game in 2019 because of a neck injury, won't play in 2020 after being placed Tuesday on the physically unable to perform list, the team announced. This was the expected outcome for Enunwa, 27, whose once-promising NFL career could be over. The Jets also placed wide receiver Josh Bellamy (shoulder) on the season-ending PUP list. Enunwa missed the 2017 season because of neck surgery, and then reinjured his neck in the 2019 opener. When the season ended, he said he wanted to continue playing but wasn't sure if he would be medically cleared. He continued his rehab into the offseason, but the signs remained ominous. The organization never factored him into its offseason plans. After a promising 2018, Enunwa landed a four-year, $33.4 million contract extension, but he has played only one game on that deal. It has put the Jets in a tough position from a salary-cap standpoint. Because of the potential cap...

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said he is confident the Fighting Irish can still play a full season, even if Power 5 commissioners resort to a conference-only schedule to shorten this season. If the decision is made to shorten the season because of the coronavirus pandemic, Notre Dame would lose 10 of its 12 scheduled opponents for this season because of its independent status for football. "We are very comfortable that if it goes that way, we'll be fine," Swarbrick said. "We'll be able to play a high-quality, full schedule, the same number of games other teams will play." Swarbrick didn't say exactly how many games that full schedule would entail, as some Power 5 conferences like the SEC and ACC play an eight-game league schedule, while the Pac-12, Big Ten and Big 12 play nine. Notre Dame's Power 5 opponents for this season include one from the SEC ( Arkansas), two from the Pac-12 ( USC and Stanford), one from the Big Ten ( ...

New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, who played only one game in 2019 because of a significant neck injury, won't play in 2020 after being placed Tuesday on the physically unable to perform list, a source confirmed. This was the expected outcome for Enunwa, 27, whose once-promising NFL career could be over. The Jets also placed wide receiver Josh Bellamy (shoulder) on the season-ending PUP. Enunwa missed the 2017 season because of neck surgery, then reinjured it in the 2019 opener. When the season ended, he said he wanted to continue playing but wasn't sure if he'd be medically cleared. He continued his rehab into the offseason, but the signs remained ominous. The organization never factored him into its offseason plans. After a promising 2018, Enunwa landed a four-year, $33.4 million contract extension, but he wound up playing only one game on that deal. It has put the Jets in a tough position from a salary-cap standpoint. Because of the potential cap...

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said he is confident that the Fighting Irish can still play a full 12-game football season, even if Power 5 commissioners resort to a conference-only schedule to shorten this season. If that decision is made because of the coronavirus pandemic, Notre Dame would lose 10 of its 12 scheduled opponents for this season because of its independent status for football. "We are very comfortable that if it goes that way, we'll be fine," Swarbrick said. "We'll be able to play a high-quality, full schedule, the same number of games other teams will play." Notre Dame's Power 5 opponents for this season include one from the SEC ( Arkansas), two from the Pac-12 ( USC and Stanford), one from the Big Ten ( Wisconsin), and six from the ACC, per its agreement with that conference. Notre Dame is also scheduled to face Navy of the American Athletic Conference in the season opener on Aug. 29 in Dublin,...

Free-agent cornerback Logan Ryan posted Tuesday on Instagram that his "chapter in Tennessee has come to a close." "To the @Titans fans: Thank you for all the love," Ryan wrote. "The energy and support this past season is what led to an epic run. To my Titans Teammates: I love all y'all. Being a leader and earning y'all respect is what meant most to me. Win or lose we stuck together and backed down from no one. "... I'm looking forward to continue to play at an elite level for a organization that's a great fit for my family and me. Everybody Stay Safe & Positive during these crazy times. 26 Out." Ryan was a jack-of-all-trades for the Titans last season. He became only the third player since 2000 to finish with at least 4 sacks (4.5), 4 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles in a season. Ryan, 29, played primarily as a nickelback but was used frequently on blitzes and relied upon to be a force against the run. He started all 16 games for the first time in his...

Free-agent cornerback Logan Ryan posted Tuesday on Instagram that his "chapter in Tennessee has come to a close." "To the @Titans fans: Thank you for all the love," Ryan wrote. "The energy and support this past season is what led to an epic run. To my Titans Teammates: I love all y'all. Being a leader and earning y'all respect is what meant most to me. Win or lose we stuck together and backed down from no one. (Hyenas) To the Animal Welfare Community: My foundation @rarf was founded and blossomed in TN. All those working hard to support our four legged friends I'm forever grateful. I'm looking forward to continue to play at an elite level for a organization that's a great fit for my family and me. Everybody Stay Safe & Positive during these crazy times. 26 Out ✌ #MMCNB #PayDerrick" Ryan was a jack of all trades for the Titans last season. He became only the third player since 2000 to finish with at least 4 sacks (4.5), 4 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles in a...

Running back Will Shipley, the No. 22 prospect in the 2021 ESPN 300 and the second-ranked player at his position, announced his commitment to Clemson on Tuesday. He chose the Tigers over Notre Dame, Stanford, North Carolina and NC State. Shipley, out of Weddington High School in Matthews, North Carolina, gives Clemson its ninth ESPN 300 commit of the class. "It was just their culture, the people that make up their program, how successful they are on and off the field," Shipley said of his decision. "I think those are really the things that played a big role. The relationships I've created with Coach [Dabo] Swinney, Coach [Tony] Elliott and Coach [Danny] Pearman; all those things are huge." Shipley ran for 2,066 yards and had 580 receiving yards and 42 total touchdowns for Weddington last season. Despite being one of the top prospects in the country, he still was not promised anything by the Clemson staff. "They say if you...

Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia was in the midst of his second full-team meeting of the offseason Monday when the reality of distance learning showed up and sent him into a mini-panic. "We actually had a technology little mishap, I'll call it," Patricia said. "The call dropped and people lost Wi-Fi, and you instantly go into panic mode, like, 'Now what? How do we get 100 people back on a call?' "Within two minutes, everyone was back on. So I thought that was pretty awesome." It's just part of the overall changes the Lions -- like many teams around the NFL -- have had to make this offseason. During his first full-team meeting, he swiped through four pages of faces just to see all his players for the first time in months. For their allotted daily hours, Patricia chose classroom work because he has two new coordinators -- defensive coordinator Cory Undlin and special-teams coordinator Brayden Coombs -- and in a time that is usually about learning and installation anyway, this gave...

While the possible return of the NBA season this summer remains a top question for fans, Kevin Durant's comeback is on the minds of those in Brooklyn. Durant ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals last June. Such injuries usually require a year of recovery, and after Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency in July, general manager Sean Marks repeatedly had said the team expected Durant to miss the entire 2019-20 season. But then the NBA suspended the season during the coronavirus pandemic, leading to questions about whether a summer restart could allow Durant to return. "That's a $110 million question," Marks told Newshub in his native New Zealand for an article published Saturday. "In all seriousness, we've tried not to talk about his timeline a lot. "He knows his body better than anybody. Our performance team and training staff have done a tremendous job getting him to this...

While the possible return of the NBA season this summer remains a top question for fans, Kevin Durant's comeback is on the minds of those in Brooklyn. Durant ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals last June. Such injuries usually require a year of recovery, and after Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency in July, general manager Sean Marks repeatedly said the team expected Durant to miss the entire 2019-20 season. But then the NBA suspended the season during the coronavirus pandemic, leading to questions about whether a summer restart could allow Durant to return. "That's a $110 million question," Marks told Newshub in his native New Zealand for an article published Saturday. "In all seriousness, we've tried not to talk about his timeline a lot. "He knows his body better than anybody. Our performance team and training staff have done a tremendous job getting him to this...

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens re-signed Pernell McPhee to a one-year contract Tuesday, adding the veteran outside linebacker after not addressing edge rusher in the NFL draft. McPhee, 31, will compete for playing time at the Ravens' rush linebacker position with Jaylon Ferguson and Jihad Ward. He was having a resurgent season in his return to Baltimore before missing the final nine games of 2019 with a torn triceps. He was a physical presence along the line of scrimmage, recording 19 tackles and three sacks (second on the team at the time) in the first six games. "He wanted to prove himself. He wanted to get back on track and demonstrate that he still could play," coach John Harbaugh said when McPhee was placed on injured reserve. "I see no reason why he can't recover from the triceps injury and be back next year stronger than ever." A fifth-round pick by Baltimore in 2011, McPhee reunited with the Ravens after spending four...

Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia was in the midst of his second full team meeting of the offseason Monday when the reality of distance learning showed up and sent him into a mini-panic. "We actually had a technology little mishap, I'll call it," Patricia said. "The call dropped and people lost WiFi, and you instantly go into panic mode, like, 'Now what? How do we get 100 people back on a call?' "Within two minutes, everyone was back on. So I thought that was pretty awesome." It's just part of the overall changes the Lions -- like many teams around the NFL -- have had to make this offseason. During his first full team meeting, he swiped through four pages of faces just to see all his players for the first time in months. For their allotted daily hours, Patricia chose classroom work because he has two new coordinators -- defensive coordinator Cory Undlin and special-teams coordinator Brayden Coombs -- and in a time that is usually about learning and installation anyway, this gave...

In a move that figures to reduce Le'Veon Bell's role, the New York Jets agreed to terms Tuesday with running back Frank Gore on a one-year contract, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gore, who turns 37 on May 14, is the third-leading rusher in NFL history. He will be reunited with coach Adam Gase, who coached Gore with the Miami Dolphins (2018). They also were together with the 2008 San Francisco 49ers, when Gase was a low-level assistant. Gore's arrival adds another layer of intrigue to the Jets' running back situation. Just last week, Gase told ESPN he wanted to "lessen the load" on Bell, who had 311 touches last season -- eighth most in the NFL. Gase said his hope was that one of the "younger backs" would emerge to create a one-two punch in the backfield. Gore hardly is a young back, but he has impressed Gase with his work ethic and professionalism. "Unbelievable" was how Gase described Gore's longevity before the Jets...

The Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer UFC women's featherweight title fight is moving to June 6. The title fight, which was originally slated for Saturday, is now signed for the promotion's next pay-per-view event next month, according to sources. The card, UFC 250, was originally scheduled for Perth, Australia; however, it will now take place in the United States, sources said. The promotion is hoping it will take place in Las Vegas at the UFC-owned Apex, but the Nevada State Athletic Commission has yet to announce that it will be regulating events again in June. Wherever the card happens, Nunes vs. Spencer will be on it. It's also unclear at this time whether it will serve as the main event. Nunes (19-4), who is also the UFC women's bantamweight champion, has won her past 10 fights in a row. This will mark the first time she defends the 145-pound title since she beat Cris Cyborg to win it in December 2018. Nunes withdrew from the May 9 card...

Running back Frank Gore is signing a one-year deal with the New York Jets, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, tells ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gore, the third-leading rusher in NFL history, kept on churning in his 15th season, passing Barry Sanders on the league's career leaderboard in 2019. Gore had 15,347 career rushing yards by the end of last season, trailing only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. His numbers declined for the  Buffalo Bills in 2019 -- he set career lows in rushing yards (599) and yards per carry (3.6) -- but he was an influence on rookie  Devin Singletary, who trained with Gore in Florida before the season. Gore, who will turn 37 on May 14, had given no indication that he intended to retire and had suggested on social media that the Bills should re-sign him. A third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 draft, Gore has also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. He has been selected...

Free agent Aaron Lynch, who can play both defensive end and outside linebacker, has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced Tuesday. The signing of Lynch, 27, is another indication the Jaguars are going to use a lot more 3-4 looks in 2020; the team has run the 4-3 defense since Gus Bradley was hired as head coach in 2013. Todd Wash came to Jacksonville from Seattle with Bradley as the defensive line coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2016, and head coach Doug Marrone retained Wash as the defensive coordinator when he was hired in 2017. The Jaguars drafted Josh Allen last season and K'Lavon Chaisson last month, both of whom can play both defensive end and outside linebacker. After the draft, Marrone said the Jaguars would employ some 3-4 looks with the strongside linebacker playing up on the line of scrimmage. Lynch spent the past two years with the Chicago Bears and appeared in 29 regular-season games with...

Free-agent running back Marshawn Lynch says his agent has been in discussions with the  Seahawks about a potential return to Seattle. "Well, it's almost on that 'expect the unexpected,'" Lynch told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt on Monday when asked about his future. "But just as far as right now, what I do know is, Imma keep it solid. My agent [Doug Hendrickson] has been in talks with Seattle, so like I said, we'll see what happens. If it works out and I get back up there, it is what it is. And if not, s---, I'm lookin' good. So I ain't really trippin' too much." Lynch, who turned 34 in April, unretired for the second time before Week 17 of last season to rejoin the Seahawks after injuries decimated their backfield. In three games -- the regular-season finale plus the wild-card and divisional rounds -- Lynch carried 30 times for 67 yards and scored four touchdowns. He hadn't played in 14 months prior to that. The Seahawks are believed to be in search of another veteran...

As he rehabilitates from offseason surgery, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is predicting big things in 2020. "Right now what I'm trying to do is hit the reset button," Beckham said in a video posted to his YouTube channel Monday. "Being able to just get everything fixed. Shoulder, arms, back, everything aligned, functional, moving properly, so I can begin training to be ready for the season. "I would honestly say this is probably going to be one of my best seasons. Bigger, stronger, faster -- this is my time." Beckham underwent surgery Jan. 21 to address a hip and groin injury that slowed him throughout one of his worst seasons last year. In his video, he went into detail about an injury that began in the summer and worsened. "So last year I was training in June and July, and I was kind of just feeling stuff around the groin area, abs and stuff like that," he said. "My third week of training camp, I tear a little piece of my ab. So before the...

A short training clip of Mike Tyson recently went viral, and according to the man who was catching the former champ's punches, the iconic heavyweight still has some fight left in him at age 53. "I didn't know what to expect," trainer Rafael Cordeiro told ESPN's Ariel Helwani on Monday. "He hasn't hit mitts for almost 10 years. So I didn't expect to see what I saw. I saw a guy with the same speed, same power as guys 21, 22 years old." Cordeiro, best known for his work in mixed martial arts, added that anyone who gets in the ring with this 2020 version of Tyson ''has to be a good guy to spar with Mike." Cordeiro said he got the opportunity to work with Tyson, the undisputed heavyweight champion in the late 1980s who also held heavyweight titles in 1996, through associates who contacted him about working with "Iron Mike." He said he has been working with Tyson for ''three weeks in a row, cardio, mitts, bags. Like I said before, 53 years old but when he puts his mind to it, his...

For the past few years, members of Villanova's 2016 and 2018 national championship teams have bickered about a hypothetical matchup: Which team would win if they faced one another on the hardwood? On Monday, beginning at 7 p.m. ET, the teams will finally get their answer when players from both squads square off, albeit virtually, in a customized version of NBA2K on Twitch. The event, which will be streamed as part of the World Showdown of Esports on Twitch and YouTube, will raise money for Philadelphia-based charity Philabundance, a hunger relief organization that aims to feed children who are missing meals now that schools are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. "We've had some spirited arguments about which team would win if we went head-to-head," event organizer and 2016 champion Kevin Rafferty said in a news release. "Now we'll have an answer and help support a great cause in the process." According to players, the idea...

For the last few years, members of Villanova's 2016 and 2018 national title teams have bickered about a hypothetical matchup: Who would win if the two teams had faced one another on the hardwood? On Monday night, beginning at 7 p.m. ET, the teams will finally get their answer when players from both squads face off, albeit virtually, in a customized version of NBA2K on Twitch. The event, which will be streamed as part of the World Showdown of Esports on Twitch and YouTube, will raise money for Philadelphia-based charity Philabundance, a hunger relief organization that aims to feed children missing meals now that schools are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. "We've had some spirited arguments about which team would win if we went head-to-head," said event organizer and 2016 champion Kevin Rafferty in a news release. "Now we'll have an answer and help support a great cause in the process." According to players, the idea started when members of the 2018 squad...

PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz said he is not concerned by the team's decision to draft Jalen Hurts in the second round, and is OK sharing snaps with him if it's in the best interest of the team. "I came to Philly ever since being drafted and all I've wanted to do is win and stand up there and hold that Lombardi trophy. Whatever that takes and whatever that looks like, I'm on board," Wentz said on a teleconference with reporters Monday. "I'm a competitor, I want to be out there, I want to have the ball in my hands -- we all do -- but at the same time, whatever is going to help us win, I'm confident the coaches and everyone is going to put us in the best situation." Before selecting Hurts 53rd overall in last month's NFL draft, general manager Howie Roseman called Wentz earlier in the day to alert him of the possibility -- a conversation Roseman described as "not comfortable" on his end because "what helps the team the most at this...

Louisville received a notice of allegations from the NCAA on Monday, including one Level I allegation involving improper recruiting offers for former signee Brian Bowen II and the coach of another prospect and three Level II allegations, including one against former basketball coach Rick Pitino. Louisville also is accused of failing to adequately monitor the recruitment of an incoming, high-profile student-athlete. The NCAA alleges that Pitino, who recently was hired at Iona, did not satisfy his head coach responsibility when he failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance. Former assistant coaches Kenny Johnson and Jordan Fair are accused of providing impermissible benefits and transportation and having impermissible contact with a recruit. Louisville is the seventh program to receive an NCAA Notice of Allegations stemming from the FBI investigation into college basketball. Kansas, NC State, Oklahoma State and South Carolina were all accused...

Don Shula, the NFL's winningest coach who led the Miami Dolphins to the league's only undefeated season, died Monday. He was 90. The Dolphins issued a statement saying Shula died "peacefully at his home." "Don Shula was the patriarch of the Miami Dolphins for 50 years," the statement said. "He brought the winning edge to our franchise and put the Dolphins and the city of Miami in the national sports scene. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Anne along with his children Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne and Mike." Shula won an NFL-record 347 games, including playoff games. He coached the Dolphins to the league's only undefeated season (17-0) in 1972, culminating in a 14-7 victory over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins repeated as champions the next season, beating the Minnesota Vikings 24-7 in Super Bowl VIII, the third straight title game Miami had played in; the Dolphins lost 24-3 to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl...

The NFL has called off its annual International Series games in London and Mexico City this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. The league made the decision to play all games in the United States "in order for the entire season to be played in NFL teams' stadia under consistent protocols focused on the well-being of players, personnel and fans," the NFL said in a statement. Commissioner Roger Goodell made the decision after talking to "our clubs, national and local governments, the NFL Players Association, medical authorities and international stadium partners." "We thank our incredible fans in those territories for their passionate support of the NFL," Christopher Halpin, the NFL's executive vice president, chief strategy and growth officer, said in a statement. "We will continue to serve them through our outstanding media partners and by being active supporters of both grassroots football and COVID-19 relief efforts in Mexico and the UK. We look forward to returning for...

A majority of sports fans surveyed by ESPN said they are in favor of watching televised sports without fans rather than waiting for sports to resume only when fans can be in attendance. The ESPN Coronavirus Lockdown Fan Study surveyed 1,004 sports fans aged 18 or older, and 65% were in favor of sports returning even if fans can't be in the stands. That approval number grew to 76% when participants were asked if they support the return of sports without fans in the stands if players were kept in hotels and their contact with others was closely monitored. Several sports leagues, including the NBA, MLB and NHL, have weighed the option of returning with teams playing and residing in a localized area or areas. A source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that the NFL is not considering that idea as an option. Whenever sports do return, 88% of study participants who consider themselves avid sports fans said they plan to watch as much sports as they can. The ESPN Coronavirus Lockdown Fan Study...

ESPN will televise South Korea's Korea Baseball Organization games during the upcoming 2020 season, starting with the league's opening day on Tuesday. ESPN will become the KBO's exclusive English-language home as part of an agreement with Eclat Media Group announced Monday, and it will televise six regular-season games per week. "We're thrilled to become the exclusive English-language home to the KBO League and to showcase its compelling action and high-level of competition," said Burke Magnus, ESPN's executive vice president of programming. "We have a long-standing history of documenting the game of baseball and we're excited to deliver these live events to sports fans." The season-opening game between the NC Dinos and Samsung Lions will air on ESPN at 1 a.m. ET on Tuesday. Most other games will air on ESPN2 at 5:30 a.m. ET from Tuesdays through Fridays, 4 a.m. ET on Saturdays and 1 a.m. ET on Sundays. "The KBO League is one of the greatest baseball leagues with world-class...

A televised fundraiser for coronavirus relief involving Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff will give fans their first live golf to watch since the sport was shut down in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The TaylorMade Driving Relief will be played at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida, on May 17 and pit McIlroy and Johnson against Fowler and Wolff in a team skins game. It will air live on NBC-TV and will also be streamed for free. McIlroy and Johnson will play for the American Nurses Foundation while Fowler and Wolff will play for the CDC Foundation. UnitedHealth Group pledged $3 million in charity skins. Farmers Insurance pledged an additional $1 million for a birdies and eagles pool to benefit Off Their Plate, which helps COVID-19 healthcare workers. "It's been difficult to witness what so many are enduring over the last several weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic," McIlroy said in a statement. "I...

A televised fundraiser for COVID-19 relief involving Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff will give fans their first live golf to watch since the sport was shut down in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Called the TaylorMade Driving Relief, the event will be played at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Fla., and pit McIlroy and Johnson against Fowler and Wolff in a team skins game. It will air live on NBC-TV and will also be streamed for free. McIlroy and Johnson will play for the American Nurses Foundation while Fowler and Wolff will play for the CDC Foundation. UnitedHealth Group pledged $3 million in charity skins. Farmers Insurance pledged an additional $1 million for a birdies and eagles pool to benefit Off Their Plate, which helps COVID-19 healthcare workers. "It's been difficult to witness what so many are enduring over the last several weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic," McIlroy said in a statement. "I hope...

The NFL will call off its annual International Series games in London and Mexico City this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, a league source told ESPN's Vaughn McClure. The league will inform teams of its decision either Monday or Tuesday to move those five games back to U.S. stadiums, the source told McClure. A league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday that he doesn't "think any international games [are] coming this year." The NFL will release its full 17-game regular-season schedule this week. The league was set to hold four games in London and one in Mexico City this season. The Jacksonville Jaguars were slated to play two home games in London's Wembley Stadium. Two other NFL games were to be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The NFL also was scheduled to play a game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The Miami Dolphins have put together early plans for how to host fans in their stadium during the 2020 NFL season amid the coronavirus pandemic. During a Monday segment with "Good Morning America," Dolphins CEO/president Tom Garfinkel revealed mock-ups of new entrances into Hard Rock Stadium that would help people adhere to social distancing guidelines. "We would have times to come in for security at different gates so people would be separated out, in terms of when they enter the stadium," Garfinkel said. "We would exit the stadium much like a church environment, where each row exits so people aren't filing out all at the same time in a herd." The mock-up including colored spots on the ground leading up to entrance gates to designate the distance needed between fans as they file into the stadium. It's a plan not unlike what some restaurants have done for customers picking up takeout orders during the pandemic. Garfinkel said this mock-up plan would include all...

The NFL may call off its annual International Series games in London and Mexico City for the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic. A league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday that he doesn't "think any international games (are) coming this year." The NFL will release its full 17-game regular-season schedule this week. The league was set to hold four games in London and one in Mexico City this season. The Jacksonville Jaguars were slated to play two home games in London's Wembley Stadium, while two other NFL contests were scheduled to be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The NFL also was scheduled to play a game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Blake Bivens, a Double-A pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, found out on Facebook that his family had been killed last August and said he has been leaning on his faith to carry on. Bivens' wife, child and mother-in-law were killed in a small Virginia town, with police arresting Bivens' brother-in-law and charging him with three counts of first-degree homicide. Bivens, 24, shared his experience during a service at The River Church in Danville, Virginia, on Sunday. The event was streamed live on Facebook. The right-hander's Montgomery team was in Chattanooga, Tennessee, when he was summoned home. Waiting at the airport, he turned to social media for information. "First headline I see is two females and a small child were gone," Bivens said. "I immediately knew that was them. I found out my family was gone over a Facebook headline. I just immediately began to scream in the middle of the airport.'' Matthew Thomas Bernard, 19, of Keeling, Virginia, is...

Michael Jordan addressed one of the most famous quotes of his career -- "Republicans buy sneakers, too" -- in the fifth episode of ESPN's "The Last Dance" on Sunday.  Jordan, who has largely stayed away from any political commentary throughout his public life, didn't back away from the statement -- which came during the 1990 U.S. Senate race in North Carolina between incumbent Republican Jesse Helms and Democrat challenger Harvey Gantt -- in the documentary, saying it was made in jest. Jordan went on to say that he has never seen himself as a role model. "I don't think that statement needs to be corrected because I said it in jest on a bus with Horace Grant and Scottie Pippen," Jordan said. "It was thrown off the cuff. My mother asked to do a PSA for Harvey Gantt, and I said, 'Look, Mom, I'm not speaking out of pocket about someone that I don't know. But I will send a contribution to support him.' Which is what I did. "I do commend Muhammad Ali for standing up for...

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals are declining to pick up linebacker Haason Reddick's fifth-year option, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Reddick, the Cardinals' first-round pick in 2017, is scheduled to be a free agent after this season, the fourth on his rookie contract. Reddick's time in Arizona has been a roller coaster of positional changes, and that has led to inconsistent production. A defensive end out of Temple, Reddick was moved to inside linebacker to start his rookie year. However, a few games into the 2017 season, he was moved to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme after former Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden tore his ACL. Then, in 2018 under new coach Steve Wilks, Reddick became a 4-3 linebacker. Last season, he was moved back to a 3-4 inside linebacker before he ended the season as an outside linebacker, rushing the passer again. Reddick, who hasn't missed a game in three seasons, has 7.5 career sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble...

Tampa Bay Rays ace Blake Snell won the inaugural MLB The Show Players League on Sunday with a three-game sweep in the video game against the Chicago White Sox's Lucas Giolito. Snell's Rays beat Giolito's White Sox 5-1 in Game 1, 3-2 in Game 2 and 6-0 in Game 3 in the best-of-five championship series. The three-inning games were televised on ESPN. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast will receive a $25,000 donation thanks to Snell's championship victory. In addition, MLB, the players' association and Sony donated $5,000 on behalf of each participating player to a Boys & Girls Club affiliate in his team's community. Snell tweeted, "I NEEED IT SO BAD" after his victory. The Rays also congratulated Snell on Twitter by raising a virtual banner in his honor. Players from all 30 teams competed in the league, which featured a 29-game regular season. Each player streamed his games online from his individual Twitch or YouTube account.  The Texas...

The Kansas City Chiefs added another developmental quarterback to serve as a backup to Patrick Mahomes by agreeing to contract terms with undrafted rookie Shea Patterson of Michigan, agent Bryan Ehrlich announced Sunday. The Chiefs also recently signed Jordan Ta'amu, who played with the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL. Veteran Chad Henne recently re-signed with the Chiefs on a two-year contract and will enter the season as Mahomes' main backup. Ehrlich told The Detroit News that Patterson was "wading through the process ... making sure it was a good fit." "It took a little bit longer, but now he's got a home," he told the newspaper. Patterson and Ta'amu were teammates in 2017 at Ole Miss, a year before Patterson transferred to Michigan. Patterson threw for 8,800 yards in his four collegiate seasons, two at Ole Miss and two at Michigan, with 68 touchdown passes and 27 interceptions. He threw for 3,061 yards with 23 TDs and...

Andy Dalton is returning home. Dalton, who was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, agreed to a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, the team announced Saturday. The quarterback's deal has a base value of $3 million and could be worth up to $7 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Before being selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft, Dalton played at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. He lives in Dallas and will not have to move his family during an offseason that has been made uncertain by the coronavirus pandemic. Many assumed Dalton, 32, would be in position to find a spot with a less secure starter than Dak Prescott, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars or New England Patriots, but he opted to remain close to home. Cincinnati drafted LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick last week, making Dalton expendable. Dalton was set to earn $17.7 million in the final season...

Andy Dalton is returning home. Released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, Dalton agreed to a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The quarterback's deal has a base value of $3 million and could be worth up to $7 million, the source said. Before being selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft, Dalton played at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. He lives in Dallas, which means he will not have to move his family during an offseason that has been made uncertain due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many assumed Dalton, 32, would be in position to find a spot with a less secure starter than Dak Prescott, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars or New England Patriots, but he opted to remain close to home. Cincinnati drafted LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick last week, making Dalton expendable. Dalton was set to earn $17.7 million in the final season of a...