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  • USMNT blown out of World Cup with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16

    USMNT blown out of World Cup with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16

    SEATTLE — The game the U.S. men’s soccer team dreamed of for so many years proved to be a nightmare.

    Belgium blew the Americans off the field, 4-1, in the round of 16, as Charles de Ketelaere scored two goals and created the third. Malik Tillman scored the Americans’ game-tying goal in the first half, but it was all they could muster in a game in which they were outshot, 15-7, including 7-2 on target.

    Perhaps it wasn’t surprising that the Red Devils were up for the contest, motivated by a perception that FIFA and President Donald Trump had tilted the scales against them. Nor was it surprising that Folarin Balogun started for the U.S. after FIFA dismissed Belgium’s last shot at an appeal.

    The Red Devils were on the front foot right away, with Timothy Castagne forcing Matt Freese into his biggest save of the tournament after just 45 seconds. At the other end, Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois repeatedly slowed play down when the ball came to him, drawing boos from the packed crowd in Seattle but otherwise quieting the venue.

    The game plan paid off in the ninth minute. After a long passing sequence that pulled the U.S. defense apart, Alex Freeman was short with an attempted headed clearance, Weston McKennie failed to get the loose ball, and Nicolas Raskin slipped a short pass for an unmarked De Ketelare to tap in from close range.

    When the midhalf hydration break arrived, Belgium had a 7-0 advantage in shots. But soon after play resumed, the Americans’ first attempt of the game went in the net in remarkable fashion.

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    Brandon Mechele pushed over Balogun about 22 yards from goal, Tillman stepped up for the free kick, and his shot at goal deflected off the head of a leaping Hans Vanaken. The crowd of 66,925 erupted with so much joy that the stadium stands shook.

    Belgium, however, was unmoved. Not even two minutes passed before De Ketelaere put the Red Devils back in front. Leandro Trossard beat Sergiño Dest off the dribble, sent in a cross, and De Ketelaere jumped between Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream — flat-out overpowering the latter — to head the ball in.

    At halftime, it was 2-1, and the shots were 11-3. Pochettino made his first substitution at halftime, pulling Dest and sending in Gio Reyna. It made the U.S. more lively, but it did nothing to stop Belgium from scoring a catastrophic third goal.

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    Mechele hit a simple long ball out of the back, and Freese gambled by coming far off his line to try to play it. But he failed to, De Ketelaere picked his pocket from behind, and the ball rolled to Vanaken. All he had to do was put a shot on frame, and, though Ream tried to backtrack, he couldn’t block the ball.

    After that, Pochettino withdrew Christian Pulisic, who had been clattered in a challenge that went uncalled a few minutes earlier, and sent in Sebastian Berhalter.

    When the Hershey native sat down on the bench, he put his head in his jersey, disconsolate. But he hadn’t been that effective when on the field.

    Pochettino sent Ricardo Pepi in for Tyler Adams in the 72nd, but the move didn’t produce many chances. The Americans only mustered three more shots the rest of the way.

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    Romelu Lukaku finished the job in second-half stoppage time, taking the ball off Chris Richards and firing past Freese to the far post.

    It was significant that the U.S. men won a World Cup knockout game for the first time in 24 years. But this team, with players hyped as a golden generation of talent, had aimed higher — and so had Pochettino, paid $6 million per year by U.S. Soccer’s big donors from the private equity world.

    In the end, what they produced wasn’t any better than their predecessors: a round of 16 loss to a familiar foe and an exit with a whimper instead of a bang.

  • Over 36 million people watched the U.S.-Bosnia World Cup game, a record for soccer

    Over 36 million people watched the U.S.-Bosnia World Cup game, a record for soccer

    The U.S. men’s soccer team’s World Cup round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina broke the record for the most-watched soccer game in American broadcast history.

    Fox’s English broadcast drew an audience of 26.395 million viewers, and Telemundo’s broadcast in Spanish drew 9.8 million, between TV and streaming platforms. The combined total of 36,195,000 blows away the previous record of 27,314,274 that watched the 2014 men’s World Cup final between Argentina and Germany on ABC and Univision.

    That record actually has been broken twice this summer. The Mexico-Ecuador round of 32 game, played a day before U.S.-Bosnia, drew an audience of 29.33 million: 24.429 million on Fox’s platforms and 9.1 million on Telemundo’s.

    Fox’s U.S.-Bosnia audience also set a new record for the biggest audience to watch a soccer game on a single network. That mark had been the 25.632 million who watched the 2015 women’s World Cup final between the U.S. and Japan, which was a prime time kickoff, since the tournament was in Canada.

    According to the data published by the networks so far, 27 games in this World Cup have drawn combined audiences of over 10 million viewers. Eleven have drawn audiences over 15 million, and seven have drawn over 20 million — including all of the U.S.’s group games, and Mexico’s group-stage contest vs. South Korea and round of 16 win over England.

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    The data isn’t complete, as the networks haven’t released data for all of their broadcasts. Particularly, there are gaps in the simultaneous games at the end of the group stage and the round of 32.

    More numbers should be published this week.

  • Former strength coach charged with criminal hazing in death of Bucknell University football player

    Former strength coach charged with criminal hazing in death of Bucknell University football player

    A former strength coach at Bucknell University was charged Monday with criminal hazing in the 2024 death of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr., an 18-year-old freshman football player with a known medical condition who collapsed after being required to perform drills until he passed out, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said.

    Mark Kulbis, 34, who worked for Bucknell at the time, surrendered to authorities late Monday morning and was arraigned on the charges, Sunday said. Bail for Kulbis was set at $10,000 unsecured.

    Dickey, originally from Florida, was participating in the first day of freshman football practice for the university in Lewisburg, Pa., on July 10, 2024, “when he was directed to do extensive calisthenics, which put him in risk of death due to his sickle cell trait,” the attorney general’s office said.

    Kulbis allegedly “subjected Dickey to the hazing, even after being made aware of Dickey’s medical condition and receiving training from the university on sickle cell trait and state law and NCAA standards regarding hazing,” Sunday’s office said.

    Dickey was required to perform 100 “up-downs” and several full-body plank drills: “both considered extraneous calisthenic exercises. This was done in spite of training and direction from other coaches that such exercises were not appropriate or safe for use as part of training,” the attorney general’s office said.

    Dickey, who was recruited to play lineman positions, “was visibly struggling with the exercises and Kulbis, the only coach in the training room, did not summon help until Dickey passed out,” Sunday’s office said.

    Photo of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. The 18-year-old died in 2024 after collapsing on the first day of freshman football practice for Bucknell University.Octavio Jones/ For the Inquirer

    Dickey was hospitalized, but died on July 12, 2024. An autopsy determined that Dickey’s death “was caused by Kulbis subjecting Dickey to the exercises in combination with Dickey’s Sickle Cell trait, body weight, and exertional rhabdomyolysis,” the attorney general’s office said.

    “This is an extraordinary tragedy, worsened by the fact that C.J.’s death was preventable,” Sunday said in a statement.

    The sickle cell trait can make intense exercise dangerous in certain situations. It used to be the leading cause of death in college football, but the rate of death associated with it among Division I football players dropped by nearly 90% after the NCAA began requiring testing and education in 2010, according to a report published in Sports Health Journal.

    NCAA guidelines say coaches should allow student athletes to set their own pace, build up slowly while training, and rest and recover between intense bouts of exercise.

    The criminal case was referred to state prosecutors last year by the Union County District Attorney, Sunday said. The campus in Lewisburg, located about a hour north of Harrisburg, is located in Union County.

    In an emailed statement, Bucknell University said Monday that university officials were aware of the criminal charges announced against Kulbis.

    “Bucknell has cooperated with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office throughout its investigation,” the university said.

    “Because this is now an active criminal matter, and related civil litigation remains pending, the university will not comment on the allegations or legal proceedings,” the university said.

    “We continue to remember Calvin ‘CJ’ Dickey, Jr. and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” Bucknell said.

    Barbara Zemlock, an attorney for Kulbis, could not be reached for comment. ESPN reported that Zemlock provided a statement defending Kulbis.

    “While the death of Calvin Dickey is tragic, Mark Kulbis did not contribute to it and is not responsible for it,” Zemlock told ESPN.

    “The strength and conditioning program that was implemented was appropriate and in accordance with the training that Mr. Kulbis received, and with applicable standards.”

    Zemlock added: “There are facts and other circumstances surrounding this matter that, once presented at the appropriate time, will demonstrate that Mr. Kulbis did not commit the crimes charged,” and that “we intend to vigorously defend the charges.”

    Late last month, a federal judge allowed a lawsuit to proceed against Bucknell University filed by Dickey’s parents.

    Kulbis was charged with felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing. Sunday said.

    The aggravated hazing charge was made into Pennsylvania law in response to the 2017 hazing death of Penn State University student Tim Piazza.

    “This law exists because it recognizes what hazing is: criminal conduct that, in the best possible scenario, humiliates and dehumanizes an individual — and at its worst, takes lives and leaves families and friends forever devastated,” Sunday said.

  • Cristopher Sánchez endures the worst start of his career in bid to be All-Star starter

    Cristopher Sánchez endures the worst start of his career in bid to be All-Star starter

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Trea Turner crossed over second base, took a throw from Bryson Stott, and sidearmed the ball to first.

    Double play, right?

    More like double trouble.

    Turner uncorked a sinker in the dirt that skipped by diving first baseman Bryce Harper. A run scored. An avalanche followed. Rather than escaping the first inning here Monday, Cristopher Sánchez got blitzed for six runs, the start of a 15-1 Phillies trouncing by the bottom-dwelling Royals.

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    “That’s a play you’ve got to make,” Turner said. “Who knows how that game ends up if [Sánchez] gets out of there clean and then gets on a roll?”

    Who knows? Because with a chance to deliver a series win for the Phillies and a closing argument to be the National League’s starting pitcher next week in the All-Star Game, Sánchez endured the worst start of his career.

    The ugly numbers:

    • 3⅓ innings, his shortest (noninjury) start since April 23, 2024
    • nine runs, career high
    • 12 hits, tied for career high
    • three homers, career high

    “It was not good,” Sánchez said through a team interpreter. “I mean, it was crap what I did today.”

    Sánchez repeatedly was over the middle of the plate with his signature changeup. His sinker lacked its peak zip. Each of the homers — Luke Maile’s three-run shot in the first inning and solos by Salvador Perez and Lane Thomas — came on changeups.

    A half-dozen Royals hits against Sánchez were scorched at 100 mph or faster off the bat. Sánchez’s ERA climbed from 2.00, second-best in the NL, to 2.62, seventh in the league.

    Turner’s error absolved none of that.

    But it did change the game.

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    “Yeah, absolutely,” Turner said. “They put some good swings on the ball today. But [Sánchez] has thrown the ball so great this whole year. He could easily put up five, six, seven scoreless, and we could’ve been in it.”

    Turner said he “rushed it a little bit” after taking the throw from Stott. It was his 12th error of the season, tied for the third-most among shortstops behind the Nationals’ CJ Abrams and the Angels’ Zach Neto (14 apiece).

    Errors aren’t always the truest measure of defense, but modern metrics haven’t favored Turner either. Entering play Monday, he was tied for 32nd among shortstops in outs above average (minus-6) and ranked last in defensive runs saved (minus-8).

    Alec Bohm drove in the Phillies’ only run with a double in the first inning.Colin E. Braley

    The Phillies haven’t considered moving Turner away from shortstop, especially after last year, when he had one of his best defensive seasons. But given his downturn this season, the questions will be renewed.

    “I don’t think this year’s been nearly as good as last,” Turner said. “I feel like just a little sped up. I feel like the game slowed down quite a bit last year. It’s still in there. I feel like I can do it.”

    Don Mattingly didn’t want to discuss Turner specifically. But he made clear that the Phillies must convert more balls in play into outs. By most metrics, and through the old-fashioned eye test, they rank among the worst defensive teams in the sport.

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    “Let’s just say in general, I think defense is always a concern,” Mattingly said. “You want to limit outs. You never know when one out turns into runs at any point in the game.”

    Sánchez’s first inning was proof of concept. Instead of being back in the dugout after a scoreless inning, he gave up four consecutive hits: RBI singles from Nick Loftin and Starling Marte, an infield single by Tyler Tolbert, and Maile’s homer, which sent center fielder Derek Hill crashing into the wall.

    And with that, the rout was on.

    Kyle Schwarber got ejected by plate umpire Alan Porter after striking out in the sixth inning. Third-string catcher Garrett Stubbs pitched the eighth — and gave up the last two runs and four hits in the Royals’ 22-hit barrage. Mattingly emptied the bench in the middle innings, spring training-style.

    And the Phillies dropped the series to the Royals, who have the second-worst record in a bad American League. They’ve lost three of the last four games and five out of nine, with six games left before the All-Star break.

    Sánchez will get one more start, Saturday in Detroit, to stake his claim as the first Phillies pitcher to start an All-Star Game since Roy Halladay in 2011.

    In the meantime, the Phillies will dive into whether the start against the Royals was a one-off or a reason for concern about the ace lefty, who has worked the second-most innings (120⅓) of any pitcher in the majors.

    Mattingly noted that Sánchez struggled in three recent road starts in Milwaukee, Washington, and now Kansas City. Maybe that’s a coincidence. He has always pitched better at home.

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    “You are looking like, ‘Is he getting ahead in the count; is he getting the ball where he wants to on the plate,’ things like that,” Mattingly said. “That’s what you look at. You’re looking at health. [Is he] tired, even? We’ve asked a lot of him. He’s thrown a lot of innings.”

    Sánchez insists everything’s fine. And if Turner makes a better throw to first base, who knows?

    “I feel great,” Sánchez said. “That’s why I was a little surprised to have such an outing today. Because, physically, I feel really good.”

  • Tyson Foerster talks lucrative extension with the Flyers: ‘It was a no-brainer for me’

    Tyson Foerster talks lucrative extension with the Flyers: ‘It was a no-brainer for me’

    Fresh off the first playoff berth of his career, Tyson Foerster locked in his future with the Flyers and signed an eight-year extension with $7.1 million average annual value last week.

    Foerster was leading the team in goals before he missed 49 games last season with an upper-body injury and returned just in time for the playoffs. But instead of waiting a year to potentially increase his value with a healthy season, Foerster chose to extend now.

    “For me, I love Philadelphia, and I love playing with these guys,” he said. “They asked me if I would look to extend this year, and it was a no-brainer for me. I mean, I don’t play hockey for the money, so it’s all fun, and just happy to be here, hopefully, for the next nine years.”

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    Even with wing prospects pushing up the lineup for spots, Foerster projects to be a top-six fixture for much of his contract’s duration. The Flyers’ 2020 first-round pick scored 20 goals in 2023-24 and 25 goals in 2024-25 and was on pace to set a career high before his injury.

    Tyson Foerster has solidified himself as a major part of the Flyers’ future. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Foerster didn’t have the playoff run he may have wanted, netting just one goal in 10 games. With a mostly healthy offseason ahead, he has plenty to work on as the Flyers continue to build.

    “Keep working on my skating, everything overall, but hopefully work on my hands a little bit,” he said. “I think my shot’s pretty good, and I can score from a decent ways out. But I think if I can get in tight around the net, get it upstairs quick enough, little things like that, maybe try and beat a guy one-on- one with a skill play, just something along those lines. That’s what I’m starting to work on here.”

    The Flyers hope signing Foerster is just the beginning of an offseason of upgrades. General manager Danny Brière tendered an offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson in an effort to land the top-line center the Flyers have been missing.

    Regardless of whether the Ducks match, the move provides evidence to the fan base and players that Brière is ready to be creative and aggressive to improve the team.

    “Danny, that’s one of the reasons I signed a long-term here, because he’s going to try and push to make us better,” Foerster said.

  • Jaylen Brown excited for ‘new chapter in Philly’ as his trade to Sixers becomes official

    Jaylen Brown excited for ‘new chapter in Philly’ as his trade to Sixers becomes official

    The 76ers’ blockbuster trade for All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown, along with the free-agency signings of defensive forward Dean Wade, scoring guard Anfernee Simons, and reserve big man Ariel Hukporti became official Monday when the NBA’s moratorium period was lifted.

    Brown was acquired in exchange for Paul George and four draft picks. Here is how the Sixers described the complicated draft compensation going back to the Celtics, in a news release:

    • A 2028 first-round pick (the LA Clippers’ own) that, if it is top 16, instead becomes the unprotected right for Boston to swap its currently held 2028 first-round pick (the worst of Boston’s and San Antonio’s) with the better of the LA Clippers’ or (if the Sixers’ is top eight) Sixers’ 2028 first-round pick.
    • The Sixers’ 2031 unprotected first-round pick.
    • The most favorable 2028 second-round pick among Golden State’s, Milwaukee’s, or Oklahoma City’s.
    • The more favorable 2030 second-round pick among Phoenix’s, Portland’s, or Washington’s.
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    Brown is coming off the best individual season of his career, in which he averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists and finished sixth in MVP award voting. He propelled the Celtics to 56 regular-season wins — before they were upset by the Sixers in the playoffs’ first round — while playing the bulk of the season without fellow star Jayson Tatum, who was recovering from Achilles surgery.

    Brown, new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, and owner Josh Harris also provided statements about the deal:

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    Brown: “I’m excited to begin this next chapter in Philly. From every conversation I’ve had, it’s clear this is a group that’s hungry, competitive, and committed to winning; and that’s the kind of environment I’ve always embraced. I’ve always believed that success comes from sacrifice, accountability, and putting the team above yourself. I’m looking forward to building with this group, earning the trust of my teammates, and chasing something special together.

    “Off the court, I’m just as excited to become part of the Philly community. Throughout my career, I’ve believed basketball can be a catalyst for creating real impact, and I’m eager to continue expanding the work of the 7uice Foundation, investing in youth, education, and opportunities that leave a lasting difference. I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I’m ready to get to work. #Throwtheballup”

    Jaylen Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists and finished sixth in voting for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Gansey: “Jaylen has proven himself as one of the league’s top players year after year. He is a dynamic playmaker with a versatile skill set that positively impacts the game on both ends of the floor. His wealth of experience, high basketball IQ, poise, and leadership will benefit this franchise for years to come.

    “A perennial All-Star and All-NBA talent, Jaylen also has a special ability to elevate his game on the brightest of stages, as evidenced by his world championship and Finals MVP selection. We couldn’t be happier to officially welcome him as a 76er.”

    Harris: “I am incredibly excited to welcome five-time NBA All-Star and 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Throughout his career, Jaylen has proven to be one of the best two-way players in the league. He knows what it takes to win at the highest levels and I can’t wait to see him alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe.

    “I also want to thank Paul for his contributions during his time in Philadelphia. Paul and his family were active in our community, and we’re appreciative of their time and impact here.”

    Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens held a news conference to address the trade Monday afternoon, saying moving Brown provides future financial “optionality” under the new collective bargaining agreement because he and Tatum are on supermax contracts. Though Brown ($57 million) and George ($54 million) will make similar salaries in 2026-27, Brown’s current contract runs three more seasons to George’s two (including a player option for 2027-28). Brown also will become eligible to sign a two-year, $142 million extension on July 26.

    “We have to make really hard decisions with every piece of information that we have,” Stevens said. “And, ultimately, this is the decision that we came to. Obviously, in many circles, that’s not popular, and we understood that coming into it.

    “That’s just something that you have to really consider and weigh, but, ultimately, the reasons that we’ve made the decisions are the ones I’ve shared.”

    Wade’s contract is for four years and roughly $39 million, The Inquirer confirmed via a league source. Simons’ deal is for two years and $12.3 million with a player option on the second year, while Hukporti’s is for one year and $3.4 million, The Inquirer confirmed.

    Wade, who is projected to slide into the starting power forward spot next to Brown, is known as a stout defender, and averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 59 games last season. He developed from an undrafted player in 2019 to rotation contributor while Gansey was in his previous job as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ general manager.

    Simons will be tasked with providing needed scoring punch to the Sixers’ bench. He averaged 14.3 points and shot 38.5% on 6.9 three-point attempts per game in a season split between the Celtics and Chicago Bulls. He also averaged 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

    Hukporti is expected to compete with Adem Bona for the Sixers’ backup center spot. Hukporti was the third-string center behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson on the NBA champion New York Knicks, and averaged 2.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 9.1 minutes in 79 games across his first two NBA seasons.

  • Kyle Schwarber still deciding whether he’ll compete in the Home Run Derby

    Kyle Schwarber still deciding whether he’ll compete in the Home Run Derby

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kyle Schwarber has a deadline.

    In all likelihood, Schwarber will swing away in the Home Run Derby next Monday night on the eve of the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. But the Phillies slugger hasn’t committed yet to the event and figures he’ll have to decide imminently.

    “I’m sure they’ll want an answer from me here in the next day or so,” Schwarber said Monday. “I just want to make sure I’m not putting myself in a risky position.”

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    Schwarber, who leads the majors with 30 home runs, is dealing with a sore lower back that kept him out of the lineup for two games on June 23-24 in Washington. He has started every game since.

    But before Schwarber enters the Derby for the third time in his career, he wants to consult with the Phillies’ athletic training staff.

    “You want to feel comfortable that you’re going to be able to do it,” he said.

    In 2018, Schwarber was runner-up to future teammate Bryce Harper, who won the Derby in Washington in his last year with the Nationals. Four years later, Schwarber didn’t advance beyond the first round of the Derby at Dodger Stadium.

    Kyle Schwarber was named All-Star Game MVP last season after winning the first-ever swing-off for the National League.Brynn Anderson

    Last year, Schwarber starred in the first-ever swing-off to decide an All-Star Game that was tied after nine innings. He hit three homers in three swings to lead the National League to a victory and take home MVP honors.

    Schwarber is a preeminent power hitter in the sport. He has 217 homers since 2022, second-most behind only Aaron Judge (227), and has 370 for his career.

    All of that aside, Schwarber and Harper are box-office draws for a Derby in their home ballpark. Harper said his biggest obstacle is finding someone to throw to him. His dad, Ron, pitched to him in 2018 but hasn’t thrown in nearly five years, Harper said.

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    Schwarber chose a friend, former college baseball player Mike Sinicola, to throw to him in 2018 and 2022. This time, he said he plans to ask a member of the Phillies staff.

    The Derby’s new format might influence Schwarber’s decision. Rather than taking as many swings as possible within a time frame, hitters will be limited to 20 swings in the first round and 15 in both the semifinals and final.

    “I don’t know how many swings you’d get before, but it felt like a lot,” Schwarber said. “Twenty swings will make it feel not as exhausting.”

    The eight-hitter field will take shape over the next few days. Entering the week, Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was the only entry.

    Phillies reliever Brad Keller is expected to be reinstated from the injured list Tuesday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Keller ready to roll

    A sight for the bullpen’s sore eyes: Brad Keller rejoined the Phillies here and is expected to be reinstated from the injured list before Tuesday night’s game.

    Keller, who made two appearances in triple A, has been sidelined since June 16 with right forearm tendinitis.

    In time, Keller figures to reclaim his spot as the primary eighth-inning reliever, the role for which he was signed to a two-year, $22 million contract in the offseason. But Orion Kerkering has pitched well in that role and will continue to see setup opportunities.

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    “I’m definitely comfortable with Kerk anywhere back there,” interim manager Don Mattingly said. “One thing I’ve tried to do in the past, when you get a guy coming off the IL, you’re probably not firing him into a bases-loaded, no-out situation. You try to give him somewhat of a clean inning, a little bit of a softer landing so to speak.”

    But Mattingly also won’t hesitate to bring Keller into high-leverage situations.

    “I feel like he’s ready to go,” Mattingly said.

    Phillies rookie right fielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. has swung the bat better over the last two weeks.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Extra bases

    Rookie right fielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. is 6-for-15 with two doubles and a homer over his last five games after going 4-for-36 with 11 strikeouts to begin his major league career. “I think we’re seeing the aggressiveness that we’ve been looking for,” Mattingly said. “He’s a guy that can impact the ball, and when he’s aggressive, he controls the zone for the most part. He’s still going to have bumps and bruises as a young player, but we’re liking the way it looks.” … Zack Wheeler (8-1, 2.36 ERA) is scheduled to face Reds lefty Andrew Abbott (5-4, 3.88) at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday in Cincinnati.

  • Trump says red card call on Folarin Balogun was ‘horrible’ but insists he left outcome to FIFA

    Editor’s note: This article was updated to reflect a statement made by FIFA president Gianni Infantino

    President Donald Trump on Monday took credit for getting FIFA to review a red card issued against the United States’ star forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup but said he did not demand an outcome.

    “All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said when asked about it during an unrelated Oval Office event. “I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’”

    Trump confirmed that he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a second look at the punishment against Balogun in the United States’ 2-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week. But he said FIFA made the final call to lift Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban for a foul tackle, allowing him to play in Monday’s round of 16 match with Belgium in Seattle.

    Hours later, Infantino released a statement coming off of Trump’s remarks, which read, in part:

    “Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders, and business executives from around the world on many different issues.

    “During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by those competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle I will always uphold. I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes, I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.”

    FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-game ban was celebrated by many in the United States but brought condemnation in the international sports world, where some called it an improper intrusion.

    In remarks on Monday, Trump called the referee’s decision a “horrible” call. He added that it would have been a stain on the tournament if Balogun, the U.S.’s leading scorer at this year’s World Cup with three goals, was held out against Belgium and the U.S. lost. He praised FIFA for making what he described as a brilliant decision in suspending the punishment.

    “I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump said. “I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled.”

    The president, who said he understands sports “really well,” acknowledged that he did not initially know what a red card is or the consequences it brings. When he learned it would lead to a one-game suspension for Balogun, he said, he decided to step in. He also took issue with the use of video review to issue the red card, arguing that slowed-down reviews can make plays look aggressive.

    Among those joining Trump for the Oval Office event was Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who thanked Trump for stepping in.

    “On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card,” Cruz said. “It was spectacular. There was a reason the FIFA trophy sat here for as long as it did.”

    Cruz appeared to be referring to a White House event last year at which Infantino visited and brought the World Cup trophy.

  • First-round pick Labaron Philon Jr. leads Sixers’ summer league roster

    First-round pick Labaron Philon Jr. leads Sixers’ summer league roster

    The 76ers on Monday announced their Las Vegas Summer League roster, headlined by first-round draft pick Labaron Philon Jr.

    Johni Broome, a 2025 second-round draft pick whose rookie season was interrupted by knee surgery, also is on the roster. Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert, who have either signed or agreed to a two-way contract with the Sixers, are not part of the team.

    The team will be coached by Sixers player development associate coach TJ DiLeo, who held the same role last year. DiLeo, the son of former Sixers coach and executive Tony DiLeo, played at Temple and has worked his way up the Sixers’ staff since 2021.

    The Sixers play their first game in Las Vegas Thursday against the Detroit Pistons. Their other set games are Saturday against the Indiana Pacers, July 14 against the Houston Rockets, and July 15 against the Orlando Magic.

  • Ring of Honor will return to the 2300 Arena, continuing Philly’s ‘great tradition of wrestling’

    Ring of Honor will return to the 2300 Arena, continuing Philly’s ‘great tradition of wrestling’

    Ring of Honor, a wrestling promotion under the AEW banner that was founded in Philadelphia, will return to the city on Aug. 21 to host its pay-per-view event, Death Before Dishonor, at the 2300 Arena for a second consecutive year.

    “There’s a great tradition of Ring of Honor wrestling in Philadelphia,” said Tony Khan, the president and CEO of All Elite Wrestling. “It’s very fitting that one of the most important shows every year in the Ring of Honor calendar, the great Death Before Dishonor event, is coming to Philadelphia.”

    Ring of Honor got its start in Philly over 20 years ago, filming shows at the 2300 Arena for most of its run in the 2000s, before Khan purchased the promotion in 2022.

    “I went to see wrestling there when I was very young, around 13 years old,” Khan said. “ … It means a lot to go back there. There’s tremendous history at the 2300 Arena for Ring of Honor. It’s just a great tradition of wrestling there.”

    Last year’s Death Before Dishonor card took place during AEW’s multiweek residency at the arena, and was headlined by matches between Athena and Mina Shirakawa, Bandido and Hechicero, and Q.T. Marshall and Emmy Award-winning actor Paul Walter Hauser.

    Athena has been the ROH Women’s World champion for more than 1,300 days.Ricky Havlik

    Khan says fans can expect another star-studded event, featuring wrestlers like Dalton Castle, The Outrunners, and more.

    “I really loved the Death Before Dishonor show we had there last year,” Khan said. “It was tremendous. So much has happened in ROH in the past year. Bandido and Athena have maintained dominant reigns and have wrestled all over the world and have shown fans why they are two of the greatest champions in the sport.

    “We’ve seen a number of great women and men emerging in ROH and I think the shows recently have been tremendous wrestling shows. So there’s a lot to be excited about in ROH as we approach Death Before Dishonor next month.”

    Fans can get tickets online starting July 16 at 10 a.m. through Etix.com. Presale tickets will be available starting July 14. And fans interested in early access presale opportunities can register on AEW’s website.