Sports
NBA stars Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid get rare 'humbling' experience on Team USA
VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France — Jayson Tatum hadn’t spoken publicly since the benching, and by the time he had appeared again in front of the microphones, he was no longer benched.
Tatum started against South Sudan, and his 17 minutes in a 103-86 Olympic win were unremarkable, which for this discussion is beside the point.
“Definitely a humbling experience, right?” Tatum said, not about playing and scoring four points against South Sudan, but about not playing at all against Serbia in the Olympic opener. “Win a championship, new contract, cover of (NBA) 2K (video game) and then you sit a whole game. Cover of Sports Illustrated. So it was definitely a humbling experience.”
The Americans are 2-0 at the Olympics, 7-0 this summer and are just four games from capturing a fifth consecutive gold medal. Winning is or should be, the only goal, and the players and coaches all insist it is what matters among the USA Basketball traveling party in France.
But a mammoth side story, or at least the storyline grabbing all sorts of attention back home, is the one about a few major superstars not getting as many chances to play. On Sunday, it was Tatum, who, as he mentioned, is a newly minted champion with the Boston Celtics, signed a $314 million contract extension and graced the cover of games and magazines. He didn’t bother to say he was a first-team All-NBA performer for three years running and an All-Star for five consecutive seasons.
It happened again on Wednesday to Joel Embiid, who was the NBA’s MVP two seasons ago and probably would have won it again last season if not for knee surgery keeping him below the minimum number of games to be eligible. He averaged 34.7 points per game in 39 games for the 76ers.
Embiid was the odd man out against South Sudan, in part so Tatum could play, and in part because South Sudan’s lineup is fast enough that USA coach Steve Kerr felt he needed to play his fastest players. Embiid isn’t one of them, but his size and skill should — and 99.9 percent of the time do — transcend any matchup.
Unless he’s on a team of stars with USA Basketball.
“I think the NBA is so popular worldwide and the regular season is kind of a soap opera,” said Kerr, who is making these tough decisions. “And so we understand that, and social media takes over and everything becomes so dramatic. I think we need to give these guys more credit. They’re here to win a gold medal. They’re pros. They’re committed to each other.”
Kerr said the players aren’t bothered by the outside drama, but it is clear they notice. For instance, Bam Adebayo, who had a wonderful game against South Sudan with 18 points and seven rebounds, opened his news conference by admonishing a reporter for the mere suggestion that Adebayo might sit so Tatum could get a chance.
“Why did you pick my name?” Adebayo said. “My accolades don’t stand up?”
Tyrese Haliburton was benched before Tatum. Haliburton, a two-time All-Star and the NBA’s assists leader last season, didn’t play in the last exhibition game against Germany or the Olympic opener against Serbia. He finally saw some time against South Sudan, hitting two 3s in eight minutes, and afterward called the reduced playing time a “learning experience.”
Haliburton doesn’t have the résumé of Tatum or Embiid, and perhaps being the second-youngest player on Team USA, the masses had already penciled him in for not getting many minutes. But a player of Haliburton’s stature doesn’t drift toward the end of the bench.
“Win a championship, new contract … and then you sit a whole game. … It was definitely a humbling experience,” Jayson Tatum said. (Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE via Getty Images)
“I mean, these guys are all champions, All-Stars, Hall of Famers, however you want to put it,” Kerr said. “So the whole thing is, are we committed to the goal? That’s it. I always tell our guys with the (Golden State) Warriors, the reason they pay us a lot of money is there is so much interest worldwide in what we do. And so you can’t have it both ways. You can’t accept your salary and then get mad at social media or get mad at all the coverage.
“The beauty of the Olympics is none of that crap matters. And I know everyone’s going to write about it, but none of that crap matters. We’re just trying to win every game and win a gold medal, and it’s an incredibly pure feeling and the guys are committed to each other and they’re not going to worry about any of that.”
The games at the Olympics are 40 minutes (10-minute quarters), compared to the 48-minute game in the NBA. In seven total games — five exhibition contests and two Olympic matches — LeBron James and Stephen Curry share the team lead at 21.6 minutes per game. Devin Booker is right behind them at 21.1 minutes. Anthony Edwards plays 19 minutes per game, while Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and Adebayo are all averaging about 18 minutes.
Typically, U.S. Olympic teams aren’t this loaded with superstars. There are usually a few role players on the roster who may be more prepared to play fewer minutes than they do in the NBA.
For the Tokyo Games in 2021, the U.S. brought JaVale McGee, Jerami Grant and Keldon Johnson. In 2016, Harrison Barnes was on the roster. In 2012, Tyson Chandler and Andre Iguodala were a part of Team USA. The 2008 Redeem Team included Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd and Tayshaun Prince. Those nine players have a combined five All-Star appearances between them.
The U.S. team in France now has 11 current All-Stars. The only player who isn’t one, Derrick White, is getting major minutes because he is one of their best perimeter defenders. He scored 10 points with three steals Wednesday, and in close games, Kerr has him on the floor at the end because he is so good on defense.
“Derrick White’s a phenomenal basketball player,” Kerr said of White, who is on Team USA as a replacement for Kawhi Leonard. “He’s a winner. He’s a FIBA player. FIBA is different for every single guy. There’s some different rules, different flow. Derrick’s a champion. He’s a phenomenal basketball player and he’ll continue to make a huge impact for us.”
Kerr said Embiid would return to the starting lineup for Saturday’s game, as would Jrue Holiday (who didn’t start for the first time in a while Wednesday but logged 15 minutes off the bench). What that means for Tatum is hard to tell. Kerr said it’s important now to keep everyone engaged, which would seem to suggest Tatum will play while another regular sits against Puerto Rico.
But when the Olympic knockout stage begins Tuesday, and there is no margin for error, Kerr will undoubtedly limit his rotation, and a player (or two or three) with outrageously impressive NBA accomplishments is never going to take off his warm-ups.
It’s an experience unique to this iteration of Team USA because of the enormous star power on the roster and the proliferation of talent all over the world — which means the Americans’ games are much closer. In blowouts, it’s easier to find minutes for 12 players in a 40-minute game.
There also is one more factor to keep in mind. This is Kerr’s last summer with Team USA — he previously told The Athletic he would step down after the Paris Games. So his only care is to win now. Get the gold. However, USA Basketball’s program has to think about the 2028 Olympics, which are in Los Angeles. Finishing anything other than first will be unacceptable.
The Americans will need to turn to Tatum, Booker, Embiid and Haliburton in four years. Which is why the rotation now is a more delicate juggling act.
“You can be frustrated that you want to play as a competitor but maybe have some empathy for some of the guys on my team (the Celtics) that don’t always get to play or play spot minutes,” Tatum said. “So it’s a learning experience to have, see it from that point of view, and just move on from it.”
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(Top photo of Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum: Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE via Getty Images)
Sports
Police report details Zachariah Branch’s arrest days before NFL Draft over sidewalk incident
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New details have emerged surrounding the arrest of former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who is facing two misdemeanor charges following a run-in with law enforcement just days ahead of the NFL Draft.
Branch, who is a projected second-round pick, was arrested early Sunday morning in Athens, Georgia, and charged with two counts of obstructing public sidewalks/streets – prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Nov. 28, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
He was released after more than two hours in jail after posting $39 in bonds.
The NFL Network obtained the police report from Branch’s arrest, which described an encounter over an alleged sidewalk incident with law enforcement, in which police alleged that the former Bulldogs star failed “to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands.”
“A male, later identified as Zacharia Branch, continued to stand on the sidewalk without making an attempt to move. I continued to give Zacharia Branch verbal commands to move from blocking the sidewalk and advised that if he did not, he would receive a citation for blocking the sidewalk,” the excerpt from the report read.
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch runs during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Feb. 28, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
TOP NFL DRAFT PICK ZACHARIAH BRANCH ARRESTED IN GEORGIA ON TWO MISDEMEANOR CHARGES
“Zacharia Branch smirked, then stepped backwards and to the right, then remained standing upon the public sidewalk, so as to obstruct, hinder, and impede free passage upon the sidewalk as well as impede free ingress/egress to or from the adjacent places of business,” the report continued.
“Due to those actions and Zacharia Branch’s failure to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands, he was placed under arrest for misdemeanor Obstruction of LEO and received a citation for Obstructing Public Sidewalks.”
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates with wide receiver Colbie Young after scoring a touchdown against Ole Miss during the Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Jan. 1, 2026. (IMAGN)
Branch transferred after two seasons at Southern California and immediately became quarterback Gunner Stockton’s favorite target. He finished the season with a team-high 811 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
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His status as a projected second-round pick was bolstered after an impressive showing at the combine, where he clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash.
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Sports
Quick final pit stop helps Alex Palou win Long Beach Grand Prix
For two-thirds of Sunday’s Long Beach Grand Prix, Alex Palou bided his time … waiting for the one break he needed.
It came in the form of a caution on the 58th lap, allowing him to overtake front-runner Felix Rosenqvist exiting pit lane and hold the lead the rest of the way, taking the checkered flag by 3.96 seconds for his third triumph in five IndyCar Series races this season and his first at Long Beach.
Right after being showered with applause and confetti at victory lane, the 29-year-old Spaniard thanked his crew, whose quick work on the last pit stop proved to be the difference.
“Everyone was coming in on that yellow and they did an incredible job,” he said. “We were either going to win it or not win right there.”
Rosenqvist settled for second and Scott Dixon, Palou’s Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, was third.
It was the 11th win over the last 22 races dating to 2024 for the Barcelona native and the 22nd win of his career, tying Tony Bettenhausen and Emerson Fittipaldi. It also vaulted Palou to the top of the series standings as he chases his fourth series championship in a row and fifth overall. Palou won the opener March 1 in St. Petersburg (also a street course) and the fourth race March 29 in Alabama.
Palou led for only 32 of the 90 laps Sunday and acknowledged it would have been difficult to catch Rosenqvist if not for the stoppage.
“I wasn’t giving up but it would’ve been tough to get him today,” Palou acknowledged. “He was already three seconds ahead. I was happy with my car but I was struggling more on the soft tires than the hards so I’d say my chances were low. The feeling was great seeing all the open space coming out of pit lane because when you spend 60 laps behind a car it disturbs you. I tried to match him on soft tires but it wasn’t working.”
Alex Palou speeds through a curve of the track.
(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
In six starts at Long Beach, Palou never has finished lower than fifth.
There is little room to maneuver on the 1.968-mile course with 11 tight turns, but after starting in the third position next to defending champion Kyle Kirkwood, Palou managed to sneak past Pato O’Ward into second place heading into the first turn on Lap 2.
“Making that move on the straightaway was big because I knew it was one of our only chances to get a pass on Pato,” Palou said. “I got that good run on that last corner and he didn’t expect it.”
This year marked the 51st edition of the longest-running major street race in North America, which started in 1975 as part of the Formula 5000 Series, switched to the CART/Champ Car World Series in 1984 and joined the IndyCar Series in 2009.
The top four qualifiers started on softer, high-grip “alternate” tires to establish position while the rest of the grid started on harder, more durable “primaries” to manage degradation on the 110-degree track surface. Of the 25 starters, 24 completed the 177.12 miles.
“We were going to make the two-stop strategy work but didn’t know if it would be doable or not,” Palou added. “As soon as I saw I couldn’t get Felix it was all about patience, fuel and waiting for the right time. I owe this win to my team. Without that pit stop I probably wouldn’t be sitting here now. It only takes one mistake to go from second to seventh, but they’re great under pressure.”
Cars make their way down a straightaway during Long Beach Grand Prix.
(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
Past winners Will Power and Josef Newgarden moved into the top two positions after Rosenqvist pitted, but the Swede regained the lead when Newgarden pitted for the first time on Lap 37 and dropped back to 14th.
The first 45 laps were caution-free as Rosenqvist, Palou, Kirkwood, David Malukas and O’Ward held the top five spots. Newgarden’s chances declined upon discovering a flat spot on his left front tire, and he dropped back to 14th.
Rosenqvist’s three-second lead was erased when debris on the track exiting the Aquarium Fountain drew the only yellow flag all afternoon and narrowed the gap. Capitalizing on favorable pit position, Palou emerged from the lane just ahead of Rosenqvist.
Rosenqvist. who won the pole position with a lap time of 1 minute 7.4625 seconds in qualifying, had mixed emotions as the runner-up after leading for 51 laps with no win to show for it.
“You want to win when you have an opportunity, but I’m proud of today,” Rosenqvist said.
“We weren’t as good as Alex on the blacks … the last pit cycle was the defining moment. We had to come around 14, he had more of an opening, and his crew nailed it. That happens.”
Kirkwood, who was vying for his third win in four years, finished right where he started in fourth.
“I had a good cushion and figured even with a bad stop I’d probably stay ahead but I knew there’d probably be a yellow at some point and there it came,” Rosenqvist lamented. “Considering Alex had primary [tires], also I think we would’ve been able to hold him off. It’s definitely disappointing when you can’t wrap it up.”
Dixon, who started in the sixth position, was third and earned his first podium this season and the 136th of his career.
Fans watch with two laps left in the race.
(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
“The race itself was a bit blah — I sat in the same position for most of it,” Dixon said. “Luckily for us we had it easy out of that last stop.”
Al Unser Jr. holds the record for most wins at Long Beach, chalking up six in eight years, including an unmatched four in a row from 1988 to 1991.
Tom Sargent is becoming a fan of street circuits after two wins this weekend. Driving the Porsche 911 Cup for GMG Racing in the Mobil Pro Class, the 22-year-old Australian led from start to finish in Race 1 of the Carrera Cup North America on Saturday. In Race 2 on Sunday morning, he again started from the pole and claimed a 0.965-second victory over Aaron Jeansonne to complete the double.
In his last bid at Long Beach three years ago, he hit the wall on Lap 2 but still finished second.
“Momentum in sports is critical and the past few weeks have been really cool for me,” Sargent said. “I didn’t do any street circuit racing before I came to the States. Maybe it fits my driving style.”
Sports
‘Demon’ Finn Balor settles score with Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 42
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LAS VEGAS – Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio were once brothers in arms in the Judgment Day. The two helped the faction run “Monday Night Raw” for several years.
As championships and opportunities came and went, the rift between Balor and Mysterio grew. It came to a head when Balor caused Mysterio to lose the Intercontinental Championship to Penta. Balor leaving the Judgment Day left Mysterio and Liv Morgan as the leaders with JD McDonagh, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez sticking around.
Finn Balor is introduced before his match against Dominik Mysterio during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The latter four chose to ride with Mysterio and attacked Balor on one episode of Raw.
The bitter war led to a match Sunday night at WrestleMania 42. To make matters more interesting, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce made the match a street fight hours before the show was set to begin.
Balor had vowed to bring the “Demon” out and he certainly did.
JACOB FATU PUTS DREW MCINTYRE IN THE ‘REAR VIEW’ IN UNSANCTIONED MATCH AT WRESTLEMANIA 42
Finn Balor is introduced before his match against Dominik Mysterio during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Balor made his way to the ring in his “Demon” gear, dripping with red and black paint. Mysterio was in a mask with other Mysterio supporters.
The two then proceeded to beat the crud out of each other.
Mysterio wrapped Balor’s head in between a chair and hit a 619 on him. He tried to pin Balor, but to no avail. At another point, Mysterio tossed Balor through a table set up in the corner.
As many have learned, it’s hard to keep your demons down. Mysterio learned the hard way.
Balor would not give up. Balor clotheslined Mysterio, hit him with a chair multiple times before wrapping his head in between the chair and drop-kicking him into the corner. Balor put Mysterio onto a table and hit the Coup de Grâce for the win.
Dominik Mysterio is introduced before his match against Finn Balor during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Balor excised his own demons, while Mysterio is still haunted.
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