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Angel Reese defends hitting Caitlin Clark in head, resulting in flagrant foul: 'It's a basketball play'

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Angel Reese defends hitting Caitlin Clark in head, resulting in flagrant foul: 'It's a basketball play'

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The Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever rematch was a highly anticipated game Sunday afternoon with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese pitted against each other in another chapter of their WNBA journey. 

And things got a bit testy when Reese whacked Clark in the head on a block attempt in the third quarter of the Fever’s 91-83 victory, resulting in a flagrant foul.

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Reese was asked about the flagrant foul by a reporter after the game, and she cut him off quickly.

Angel Reese, left, of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark, right, of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse June 16, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

“A basketball play. It was a basketball play,” Reese said. “I can’t control the refs. They affected the game obviously a lot tonight.”

Reese was adamant officials were not calling the same game on both ends of the floor. The Sky were called for 21 personal fouls as a team, while the Fever were whistled for 17. Reese and fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso each had five fouls. 

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VIEW THE REESE BLOCK ATTEMPT ON X

“I think we went up really strong a lot of times, and we didn’t get a lot of calls,” Reese explained when asked about her and Cardoso’s performances. “Going back and looking at the film, I’ve seen a lot of calls that weren’t made. I guess some people got a special whistle. But just being able to play hard as best as we can.”

CAITLIN CLARK UNBOTHERED BY PEOPLE USING HER NAME IN CULTURE WARS: ‘BASKETBALL’S MY JOB’

It’s unclear who Reese was referring to when talking about the “special whistle.”

As for Clark’s thoughts on the flagrant foul, she didn’t have anything bad to say about Reese. She agreed the physicality wasn’t anything malicious. 

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Caitlin Clark, left, of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket against Marina Mabrey, right, of the Chicago Sky during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse June 16, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

“What’s going through my mind is, ‘I need to make these two free throws,’” Clark said when a reporter asked her thoughts immediately after the foul. “That’s all I’m thinking about. Just a part of basketball. It is what it is. Just trying to make a play on the ball and get the block. It happens.”

Clark continued by lauding Reese’s competitive spirit and using her platform to promote the game.

“I think it’s just the emotion and passion we play with,” Clark said. “I think people love to see that, and I think that’s maybe not something that was always appreciated in women’s sports. And it should be. That’s what makes it fun. We’re competitors. That’s the way the game should be. It’s going to get feisty, it’s going to get physical. But, at the end of the day, both of us are trying to win.

“I think what she’s done with her platform has been absolutely incredible, and she has an entire fan base that’s supported her for what she did at Maryland and LSU. Obviously, I played her a very long time, and she’s been a tremendous player. So, it’s getting to compete against [her], and I think it’s been really good for the game. And people love to see great matchups. 

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“But, also, at the same time, people tune in for these matchups, but then they get to see how amazing these teams are, and they find new players to support. And continue to come back for them, too. So, I think that’s another benefit of it, honestly.”

Angel Reese defended her block attempt on Caitlin Clark, which resulted in a flagrant foul. (Getty Images)

Fever head coach Christie Sides also believed the “right call was made” by officials on the Reese flagrant. She also alluded to flagrant fouls not being called, which we’ve seen recently with the Chennedy Carter shove on Clark. It was later upgraded to a flagrant foul. But during their previous matchup, it was a common foul. 

“I was really proud of how they all kept their composure,” Sides said. “The right call was made in that moment — flagrant-1, two free throws and the ball. Just make the right call in those moments, and we can move forward. When we don’t make the right call in those moments, that’s when there’s a problem. 

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“They made the right call tonight.”

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2026 World Cup Golden Glove: Martínez, Simon Tied Atop Oddsboard

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2026 World Cup Golden Glove: Martínez, Simon Tied Atop Oddsboard

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It’s not only the boot that’s prone to turning gold.

The Golden Glove is the award given to the best goalkeeper at the World Cup. The winner often comes down to impact, with clutch saves in knockout stage matches and standout performances in the tournament’s crunch-time moments.

In four of the last five World Cups, the winner of this award has come from the champion nation. 

Emiliano Martínez of Argentina is +450 to become a repeat Golden Glove winner (Getty Images).

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Let’s dive into the odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 22.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Golden Glove Winner 2026

Emiliano Martínez: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
Unai Simón: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
Mike Maignan: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Alisson Becker: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Jordan Pickford: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Manuel Neuer: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Ederson: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Diogo Costa: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
David Raya: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)

In Argentina’s first match against Algeria, Martinez exited with a clean sheet, but the Algerians did not register a shot on goal. He had no saves. 

Going back in time, Martínez played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup title, starting all seven matches and playing every single minute. He conceded only eight total goals and kept three clean sheets. 

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Martínez also took home the Golden Glove at Copa América in 2024 as he had five clean sheets and only allowed one goal in the entire tournament.

Simon was an influential piece in Spain’s 2024 European Championship run, allowing only three goals and putting together two clean sheets in six matches. 

This is Simón’s second career World Cup appearance after playing every minute of the team’s four matches during the 2022 tournament. Through two games, he has two saves.

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Rams QB Ty Simpson embracing an unusual bedtime routine to spur his development

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Rams QB Ty Simpson embracing an unusual bedtime routine to spur his development

Ty Simpson listens to himself in the evening before he falls asleep. And also when he gets up in the morning and heads to work at the Rams’ practice facility.

The rookie quarterback hears his own voice on audio recordings as he recites the team’s play calls.

“I want to make sure it’s the last thing I think about when I go to bed,” he said recently, “and the first thing that I wake up to.”

The Rams ended their offseason program last week. But Simpson, a Tennessee native, said he would remain in Southern California and continue to study in preparation for training camp at Loyola Marymount in late July.

Simpson began the practice of recording himself at Alabama, where he was the starter in the last of his four seasons with the Crimson Tide.

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Now he is the heir apparent to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, the reigning NFL most valuable player.

The Rams surprised many when they used the 13th pick in the draft to select Simpson, who started only 15 games. But Simpson is doing everything he can to fit into a position group that includes Stafford, 38, fourth-year signal-caller Stetson Bennett and undrafted free agent Matthew Caldwell.

“Feel like I’m a freshman again — drinking from a fire hydrant,” he said, adding that he knows and is comfortable with high expectations. “The quarterback runs the show here, just how I like it.”

Stafford, entering his 18th season, has said that Simpson has not been shy about asking questions.

“I hope I’m not annoying him,” Simpson said, “but I really appreciate the big brother kind of role he’s playing in my development.”

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Stafford is “the MVP for a reason,” Simpson said. “Everything he does, he’s so just aware of everything, aware of how everything works. … I really appreciate him and Stetson taking me in and answering all the questions I have.”

Bennett got limited reps during the offseason program. But his opportunities are expected to increase during training camp as the Rams manage Stafford’s workload.

When asked about Bennett, coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase seemingly have gone out of their way to speak generally about rookies.

“They’re way behind in terms of just the overall teaching progression but they’re learning,” McVay said. “Ty, like the rest of the rookies, are doing a really nice job.”

Scheelhaase, who went through several head coach interviews during the offseason, is in his first season as the Rams’ coordinator.

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“I’ve been encouraged with all of our rookies, including Ty,” Scheelhaase said. “First things first, you want to see, do they come in? Are they coachable? Are they willing to work? And you’ve seen that from Ty from Day 1.”

Simpson said that, so far, the jump from college to the NFL has not been daunting. Quarterback coach Dave Ragone and teammates have helped ease the transition.

“The biggest thing is just how detail-oriented everybody is,” Simpson said, adding, “It’s really, really cool because, coming from Alabama in the SEC, that’s how pro-ready I felt.”

With Stafford under contract through the 2027 season, Simpson might not play for a few years. But if Stafford were to suffer an injury, his time could come sooner.

Simpson is expected to play extensively during preseason games later this summer.

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To make sure he’s prepared, Simpson recites and listens to his play calls.

“So when I get in the game and hear a play call, I can just imagine it and see it,” he said. “That’s a big thing, just knowing the terminology and being detail-oriented just like Matthew and Stetson.”

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Where In The World Cup Is Jameis Winston?

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Where In The World Cup Is Jameis Winston?

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Jameis Winston traded the gridiron for the world’s game this summer, living it up with a different kind of football (and football fans) as a FOX Sports World Cup correspondent for the 2026 tournament. 

Winston — the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner and current quarterback for the New York Giants — will take the hype around the largest World Cup yet, as a 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Here’s a look at some of the best moments from Winston’s World Cup journey:

Jameis “Man of the People” Winston

Not only is Winston making a massive impact on fans at the World Cup, but he’s also carving out a brand-new reputation. Thanks to his larger-than-life personality, he is quickly becoming the ultimate “man of the people.”

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He’s been connecting with fans at every turn, even handing over his No. 4 United States jersey to a local fan in the crowd.

“He just gifted me his jersey,” one fan said. “This is unbelievable. My grandma will hate me for that. I’m speechless. This is amazing. Whoever said the U.S. can’t do soccer? Go USA. Go America.”

If there’s one thing Winston has accomplished throughout this World Cup, it’s proving that he truly is a man of the people.

United StatesInside Look at Winston’s Epic Week-Long Celebration with U.S. and Australian Fans

Winston’s World Cup journey continues as he sets out to assemble the loudest possible “USA” chants. The momentum started earlier in the week at a Seattle Mariners game, where he successfully rallied an entire section into full-voice chants.

He took that to the pre-game show, along with a countdown to the USA vs. Australia matchup. His goal was simple and that was to bring both fanbases together while highlighting what makes American and Australian soccer cultures special.

“My mission today is to allow Aussies to hear the USA chants from sea to shining sea,” Winston said.

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The United States defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday night, and Winston matched the crowd’s energy throughout. As tensions rose following several hard challenges on the pitch, he kept the atmosphere lively by engaging in plenty of friendly trash talk with opposing fans.

“The Australian team…they just don’t know what to do with us,” Winston said. “They’re turning to violence. That’s what little cousins do when they can’t fight.”

Despite the result not going Australia’s way, Winston embraced the opportunity to connect with the Australian fans throughout the week. While Americans have their own traditions, few experiences topped Winston’s firsthand look at Australia’s famous shoey celebration.

Winston witnessed one of Australia’s most famous traditions firsthand as fans drank beer from a shoe.

“They showed us an amazing tradition in Australian culture,” Winston said. “I’m talking about drinking a brew from a shoe. You gotta love traditions.”

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United StatesReady For USA-Australia in Seattle

Emerald City is ready! Seattle has a legit claim at being one of the most soccer-crazed cities in the country. Winston joined the American Outlaws – the official supporters’ group of the U.S. teams – before Friday’s huge match. 

Seattle is awash in red, white, and blue and this city knows how to get behind a winner, having just recently celebrated the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks. 

United StatesConvinced Mariners Fans To Start “USA” Chants

Winston has now found himself at a Seattle Mariners game, where he was honored with the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Next, he’ll turn his attention to soccer as the United States men’s national team prepares to face Australia at Seattle Stadium on Friday night.

Jameis Winston throws first pitch at Seattle Mariners game

During his appearance at T-Mobile Park, Winston rallied the crowd into a loud chorus of “USA” chants. His mission was to create the biggest chant possible in Seattle, and by all accounts, he succeeded.

As Winston’s World Cup journey continues across the country, he is bringing fans together through a shared love of the game. The roaring “USA” chant at the Mariners game was another example of his ability to connect with sports fans wherever he goes.

EnglandThat’s ‘Sir’ Jameis Winston To You

Now, it doesn’t seem likely that these England supporters actually have the royal authority to knight Jameis Winston, but listen: it’s the World Cup, everyone is having a good time, so, Sir Jameis Winston it is, even if just for a day.

Even if being knighted is an ephemeral act, that kit is not: Winston now has himself an England jersey with his name on it. A knight’s cuirass? Brigandine? Hauberk? His chain mail? Whichever it’s standing in for, it’s custom just for Jameis.

ArgentinaCatching The Perfect Angle of Lionel Messi’s Golazo

Lionel Messi has completely taken over Argentina’s opening FIFA World Cup match against Algeria, scoring not one, not two but three goals, completing the hat trick. He would have even had a fourth if he hadn’t been ruled offside earlier in the first half.

Jameis Winston had the best angle on Messi’s golazo and was seen celebrating with fans in Argentina’s section. He was also wearing a customized “Winston Argentina” jersey.

ArgentinaA Goat Dressed As Messi The GOAT

Tuesday ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City, Winston was getting pumped for the match. But he wasn’t alone. 

Winston had a pal with him, a literal real-life goat named Wesley, who was perfectly dressed for the occasion in a Lionel Messi jersey. This World Cup is expected to be Messi’s last, and because of that, it’s worth celebrating and savoring every moment the GOAT is on the pitch.

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It’s not often to see a goat, much less one adorned in the trademark colors of a living legend, being at the center of attention ahead of one of the most anticipated games at the tournament. But Wesley-dressed-as-Messi deserves all the love he was shown in KC.

JapanWinning Over Fans By Helping Clean Dallas Stadium at the World Cup

Winston continues to be a national treasure when it comes to his involvement in the World Cup this year. He was spotted helping Japanese fans clean up the stands (a tradition that was spotlighted after the team’s first World Cup in 1998) following Japan’s thrilling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon. 

The FOX Sports broadcast team, featuring Rob Stone, couldn’t contain their excitement for Winston as the feed shifted over to him in the crowd.

“Jameis Winston is working with the Japanese national team to clean up Dallas Stadium,” Stone said. “He’s a man of the people. Show me a number one draft pick in NFL history who takes out his own garbage bag and cleans up inside the stadium.

One of the Japanese fans later described how he was surprised to see an NFL quarterback joining the clean-up effort, but was appreciative on Winston joining the cherished tradition. 

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NetherlandsRiding The Dutch ‘Oranje Army’ Bus

Jameis got up close and personal with one of the best fan bases in the world in Dallas, where the Netherlands and the always raucous “Oranje Army” know how to make an entrance.

Winston rode along with the Dutch fans in their “Oranje Army Bus” and admitted that “there’s nothing bigger than the Dutch Army.”

United StatesWitnessing USA’s Win With IShowSpeed

USA! USA! 

Jameis took in the sights and sounds at Los Angeles Stadium for the United States’ opening match Friday, which included meeting up with influencer IShowSpeed. Not a bad way to see one of the USA’s biggest wins ever at a World Cup.

Jameis Winston Witnesses USA's CRAZY FIFA World Cup™ Win! 🇺🇸 🤯

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