Shaquille O'Neal is launching a new professional league focused on dunking called "DUNKMAN." The league will start its first season this summer, featuring 24 top dunkers competing for a world championship title and a $500,000 grand prize.
Key Facts
Shaquille O'Neal is starting a professional dunking league called DUNKMAN.
The league will begin its first season this summer.
DUNKMAN will feature 24 of the best dunkers competing in a new league format.
The championship winner will receive a grand prize of $500,000.
O'Neal announced DUNKMAN during the men's NCAA Tournament National Championship broadcast.
The league is partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery, Authentic Brands Group, TNT Sports, and Eli Lilly and Company.
Matches will be aired on TNT, TBS, truTV, and HBO Max.
Shaquille O'Neal will act as the league's commissioner.
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Geno Auriemma, a basketball coach, apologized to fellow coach Dawn Staley after a disagreement during the postgame handshake following South Carolina's win over UConn. Auriemma initially got upset because he felt ignored, but later admitted he overreacted and publicly apologized to Staley. Both coaches have decided to move forward and focus on promoting women's basketball.
Key Facts
The altercation happened after South Carolina's win against UConn in the Final Four.
Auriemma was upset because he believed Staley took too long to meet for the postgame handshake.
Auriemma publicly apologized twice, the second time directly addressing Staley.
Staley and Auriemma have agreed to move on from the incident.
Auriemma expressed respect for Staley and her team, acknowledging their victory.
The coaches hope to shift focus back to women's basketball's growth.
UCLA ultimately won the national championship after defeating South Carolina.
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UConn men's basketball team, led by coach Dan Hurley, lost to the Michigan Wolverines in the final game of their tournament run. Despite falling short in what would have been their third championship in four seasons, Hurley showed sportsmanship by acknowledging Michigan as the stronger team. The game was marked by UConn's shooting challenges and a significant difference in free throw opportunities.
Key Facts
UConn lost to Michigan with a score of 69-63 in the final game.
UConn aimed for a third championship in four seasons.
During the tournament, UConn won against teams like Duke, UCLA, and Michigan State.
Michigan excelled physically, which contributed to their victory.
Michigan shot 25 of 28 free throws, while UConn made 12 of 16.
Coach Dan Hurley praised Michigan and showed respect after the game.
Videos of post-game handshakes between teams garnered a lot of attention online.
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The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers have had a disagreement over an MRI scan for Austin Reaves. The Mavericks insist their medical team did the scan correctly, while the Lakers' coach JJ Redick claims the wrong area was scanned. Reaves has a muscle injury that will keep him out for 4 to 6 weeks.
Key Facts
The Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025.
The Lakers' head coach, JJ Redick, said the Mavericks' medical team scanned the wrong area in an MRI for player Austin Reaves.
The Mavericks responded, saying they followed standard protocols and did the scan correctly.
Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury.
Reaves is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks due to his injury.
Both Reaves and Luka Doncic have been top scorers for the Lakers this season.
Luka Doncic is also injured with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and will miss remaining regular-season games.
The Lakers recently lost a game to the Mavericks, and their record is 50-28.
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Kevin Durant, a professional basketball player, was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. Durant initially felt hurt by the trade but has since moved on. He is set to play against his former team, the Suns, with his new team, the Rockets, as both aim for better standings in the postseason.
Key Facts
Kevin Durant played for the Phoenix Suns before being traded to the Houston Rockets.
The Suns traded Durant in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, a 2025 draft pick, and five second-round picks.
Durant felt blamed for the Suns not reaching the NBA Finals and said he was initially upset about the trade.
He has since come to terms with the trade, recognizing it as part of the sports business.
The Rockets currently hold the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with a 49-29 record.
The Suns have a 43-35 record and are in the No. 7 seed, participating in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Durant expressed that his return to Phoenix holds little sentimental value.
Both the Rockets and Suns are competing for better positions in the NBA postseason.
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LAFC faces Cruz Azul in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. The match will take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and will be available to watch on FOX Sports 2 or stream online with Fubo.
Key Facts
LAFC will play against Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET.
It will be broadcast on FOX Sports 2 and available for streaming via Fubo.
LAFC is currently on a strong streak, unbeaten in their last 10 home games.
Cruz Azul seeks to defend their title but has had difficulties in games played in the U.S.
Viewers can start a free trial of Fubo to watch the live stream.
Fubo offers various sports and entertainment channels for streaming.
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Michael Malone has been hired as the head coach for the University of North Carolina (UNC) men's basketball team. This decision surprised many because Malone is known for his NBA coaching, particularly winning a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. He is the first head coach in decades with no deep ties to UNC's historical coaching lineage.
Key Facts
Michael Malone was hired by UNC as the new head coach of their men's basketball team.
UNC traditionally hires coaches with strong connections to its program, but Malone does not have these ties.
Malone recently led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA Championship in 2023.
The hiring decision follows the firing of Hubert Davis in March after disappointing NCAA Tournament results.
Fans and social media users have mixed reactions to Malone’s hiring due to his NBA background.
Michael Malone previously served as an assistant coach in college over 20 years ago with the Manhattan Jaspers.
UNC's basketball program is a prominent and historically successful team in college sports.
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Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback, announced the release of his new book, "The Perilous Fight," which will tell his side of the story about his protest and its impact on sports and culture. Despite past attempts to return to the NFL, Kaepernick is focusing on his writing career.
Key Facts
Colin Kaepernick is a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
Kaepernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012.
He became known for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.
Kaepernick's protest in 2016 led to him being out of the NFL.
He announced a new book titled "The Perilous Fight" to be released on September 15, 2026.
The book will share his experiences and the impact of his protest.
Kaepernick has previously published four other books.
The book will be published by Legacy Lit.
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Diego Pavia, a Vanderbilt quarterback, decided to represent himself instead of hiring an agent before the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision could affect his draft prospects as most teams prefer to negotiate with agents. Pavia had a standout college season but is expected to be drafted late or not at all.
Key Facts
Diego Pavia threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns in his final college season.
He also rushed for 862 yards and scored 10 rushing touchdowns.
Pavia was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2025.
He started his career at New Mexico Military Institute and later transferred twice before playing at Vanderbilt.
Pavia chose not to hire an agent for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is uncommon among players.
NFL agents usually receive a maximum of 3% commission on contracts.
High-profile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson have also represented themselves but faced challenges.
Pavia is expected to be a late pick or undrafted in the NFL Draft.
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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was seen with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at a hotel pool, leading to online discussion. Both Vrabel and Russini stated they were there with friends, not alone together.
Key Facts
Mike Vrabel is the head coach of the New England Patriots.
Vrabel and Russini were seen at a hotel pool, which attracted attention online.
Both said they were at the hotel with other friends.
Vrabel's team recently won the AFC title and played in the Super Bowl.
Dianna Russini is a senior NFL insider at The Athletic.
Vrabel is a three-time Super Bowl champion as a former player with the Patriots.
Russini previously worked for ESPN before joining The Athletic.
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LeBron James had a lively interaction with fans during a game where he had to take on more responsibilities for the Los Angeles Lakers due to teammate injuries. The Lakers recently lost two key players to injuries and are adjusting their lineup as the NBA playoffs approach.
Key Facts
LeBron James interacted with courtside fans during a Lakers game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Two key Lakers players, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, are out with injuries.
James assumed a larger role in the game, scoring 30 points and providing 15 assists.
The Lakers lost the game against the Mavericks with a score of 134-128.
After the injuries, the Lakers dropped to the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
James has been ruled out for an upcoming game due to a left foot injury.
The Lakers have four more regular-season games before the playoffs begin on April 18.
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Rory McIlroy, who won last year's Masters Tournament, hosted the traditional Masters Champions Dinner. He chose a menu that blends dishes from his Irish roots with international and local fare, sparking interest with its variety and the inclusion of high-end wines.
Key Facts
Rory McIlroy was last year's Masters Tournament winner and hosted the Champions Dinner.
The menu featured a mix of Irish and international dishes, including wagyu filet mignon and seared salmon.
An Irish dish called champ, a potato side, was included on the menu.
Appetizers included bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese, which is a specialty of McIlroy's mother.
Expensive wines, like a 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild, were part of the dinner offerings.
McIlroy joked about not including more Irish dishes, saying he wanted everyone, including himself, to enjoy the meal.
He expressed gratitude for being part of what he called "one of the best traditions in sport."
McIlroy will start the tournament alongside Cameron Young and Mason Howell.
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The New York Giants' player Dexter Lawrence, a top defensive tackle, has asked for a trade. The Giants have set a high price for trading Lawrence, who has attracted interest from several NFL teams.
Key Facts
Dexter Lawrence is a defensive tackle for the New York Giants.
Lawrence has officially requested a trade.
He is 28 years old and a three-time Pro Bowler.
Lawrence achieved a career-high nine sacks last season.
The Giants want a significant trade return, potentially including future first-round draft picks.
Teams interested in Lawrence include the Raiders, Bears, Bengals, Texans, Chargers, Steelers, and 49ers.
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A new promotion with Polymarket offers a $20 bonus for new users who sign up with the promo code NEWSWEEK. This offer is available to those 18 or older in eligible states in the U.S. and can be used to bet on sports events like the NBA, MLB, and the Masters Tournament.
Key Facts
Polymarket is offering a $20 bonus for new users who use the promo code NEWSWEEK.
Users must make an initial deposit of at least $20 to qualify for the bonus.
The promotion is available to people who are 18 or older and located in eligible U.S. states.
The promo code was confirmed as active on April 7th.
This promotion is only for first-time Polymarket users.
Users can use the bonus to bet on sports such as NBA, MLB, and the Masters Tournament.
In NBA matchups, the Boston Celtics have a higher Net Rating (7.8) compared to the Charlotte Hornets (5.0).
The Raptors vs. Heat game has close statistics, with Tyler Herro listed as probable to play.
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NFL wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles used social media to express feelings during the 2025 season, leading to speculation about his relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts. It was suggested that Brown used social media to communicate issues within the team. Reports indicate that the relationship between Brown and Hurts has become strained, impacting team dynamics.
Key Facts
A.J. Brown deleted his account on X (formerly Twitter) and used Instagram to share cryptic posts.
Brown expressed frustration over his performance and lack of communication by sharing Bible verses and captions hinting at feeling used.
Reports suggest Brown's social media activity was meant to get quarterback Jalen Hurts' attention.
Brown denied targeting anyone specifically, stating he communicates openly with team coaches.
There are claims that Brown's relationship with Jalen Hurts has deteriorated despite a past close friendship.
The Eagles struggled with offensive performance, as shown by high rates of 3-and-outs and playoff losses.
Jalen Hurts was signed to a five-year contract in 2023 and played a key role in the Eagles' Super Bowl win in 2025.
Tension within the team has been linked to Hurts' interpersonal dynamics and preferences.
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David Raya, Arsenal's goalkeeper, is being praised for his excellent performance in a recent 1-0 Champions League win against Sporting. He made crucial saves that helped secure the victory, adding to his impressive record of keeping clean sheets this season. Arsenal's manager and players consider Raya a key player due to his defensive skills and his ability to contribute to the team's attacking play.
Key Facts
David Raya is Arsenal's goalkeeper and has kept seven clean sheets in the Champions League this season.
Raya made four important saves in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Sporting in a Champions League match.
He has 22 clean sheets in 41 appearances across all competitions this season.
Arsenal had recently faced back-to-back losses but did not play Raya in those games.
Raya's record includes the most clean sheets in Europe's top five leagues this season.
His skills with the ball and decision-making enhance Arsenal's attack.
Raya's performance has placed him in contention for player of the year honors in a league where goalkeepers rarely get such recognition.
He has 15 clean sheets in 31 Premier League matches this season, the most in the division.
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The Masters golf tournament is set to begin, with top golfers Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau in focus. DeChambeau's recent comments about a possible rivalry with McIlroy have gained attention, with mixed reactions from fans.
Key Facts
The Masters is starting with the opening round on Thursday.
Rory McIlroy won the tournament in 2025 after a playoff with Justin Rose.
Bryson DeChambeau finished tied for fifth last year after a poor final round.
DeChambeau spoke about a potential rivalry with McIlroy, saying it would be good for golf.
Both golfers have faced each other on final days of multiple tournaments.
Some fans question the existence of a true rivalry between the two players.
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The Detroit Pistons are expecting the return of star player Cade Cunningham, who has been recovering from an injury. His possible return comes as the team prepares for the playoffs, where they already hold the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Key Facts
Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed left lung on March 19.
He has missed 11 consecutive games due to this injury.
Cunningham is listed as questionable for the game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Pistons have continued to perform well without Cunningham, maintaining an 8-3 record in his absence.
The team currently holds the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff mentioned Cunningham is progressing well in his recovery.
The Pistons aim to prepare Cunningham for the intensity of playoff basketball.
Isaiah Stewart, another key player, is also close to returning from a calf strain.
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The Chicago Cubs face challenges at the start of the MLB season after losing pitcher Cade Horton for the year due to an elbow injury. Horton, who was expected to be a key player, will miss the rest of the season after surgery. This adds to the Cubs' existing injury issues among their pitchers.
Key Facts
The Cubs started the MLB season with a 4-6 record.
Cubs pitcher Cade Horton will be out for the season after having elbow surgery.
Horton left a game last Friday due to forearm discomfort.
In his brief season appearance, Horton pitched 7.1 innings with a 2.46 ERA.
The Cubs are dealing with other pitcher injuries, including Justin Steele and Matthew Boyd.
Chicago may need to rely on pitchers like Javier Assad, Shota Imanaga, and Edward Cabrera.
The Cubs are considering signing new players, including potential options like Lucas Giolito.
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England head coach Thomas Tuchel watched a Champions League match where Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane played. Alexander-Arnold had an inconsistent performance, which may not help his chances to join England's World Cup squad. Kane and Bellingham, however, made strong impressions during the game.
Key Facts
Thomas Tuchel is the head coach of England and attended the Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich game.
He is considering players for England's World Cup squad, focusing on Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham, and Kane.
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a mixed performance, both struggling and showing skills during the match.
His pass completion rate in the game was the lowest at 69.2%.
Jude Bellingham played the last 30 minutes, helping Real Madrid with strong runs.
Harry Kane scored Bayern Munich's second goal in the match.
The game took place at the Bernabeu, a famous stadium in Madrid.
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