Ryan Peake will tee up at Royal Portrush on Thursday, and how he got this opportunity is unlike anyone else in the field. 

That’s because the Australian golfer won the New Zealand Open five years after he spent half a decade in prison. 

Peake was a talented junior golfer that turned professional when he was 19 years old. But, according to the BBC, Peake was "burnt out" from the game and joined the Rebels, an outlawed motorcycle gang, two years after turning pro. 

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"I was just normalized to it," Peake, now 31, said about joining the biker gang. "It wasn’t abnormal from where I was from to hang out in that sort of scene with my friends. 

"It’s something that I did find love in and I did enjoy it. I was interested in it, and I just found something there that I felt like I hadn’t found anywhere else."

WYNDHAM CLARK ADMITS HE 'MADE A MISTAKE,' EXPRESSES REGRET OVER US OPEN LOCKER ROOM TIRADE

Peake was a "bikie," but being a part of an outlaw lifestyle means the risk of serving time in prison, which is what happened after assaulting someone he said was "making threats towards us."

"We just went to deal with it, and honestly, it wasn’t meant to happen like that," Peake explained, per the BBC. "We were generally just going there for a chat, and he was probably going to get a couple of punches along the way, and it was left at that."

Peake landed in a maximum security correctional facility, and it was there where he decided he "wanted to achieve better things."

"I didn’t profit from being a bikie," Peak said. "I enjoyed the lifestyle while I was living it, but it wasn’t going to get me ahead in life, and I was just always going to fall further and further behind and probably lead to more jail."

Peake was a teammate of 2022 Champion Golfer of the Year Cameron Smith at the time he was convicted.

But he returned to golf after jail, and the lefty started to get his career back on track. Thanks to help from coach Richie Smith, as well as support from his family, Peake received his Australasian tour card this season and earned his first professional win at the New Zealand Open.

In turn, Peake earned himself a spot in this year’s Open Championship. 

He will be teeing up with Phil Mickelson and Daniel van Tonder at 2:19 a.m. ET on Thursday to begin his tournament.

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Comedian Shane Gillis was tapped to host the ESPYs on Wednesday night, and he had a crass zinger for Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during one of his opening monologues.

Gillis, who is also an actor on the Netflix series "Tires," had a little something for everyone while he was on stage in Los Angeles. Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders were also among the targets.

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But Gillis mapped out Clark’s future after she’s finished with the WNBA.

"When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she's going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most — fist-fighting Black women," he said to polite laughter from the crowd.

Clark was not at the ESPYs on Wednesday as she continues to be evaluated following an apparent injury during the team’s win over the Connecticut Sun. She came off the floor on Tuesday night clutching her upper leg and was seen on the bench in tears.

CAITLIN CLARK'S BROTHER BLAMES REFS FOR LATEST INJURY TO FEVER STAR

The Fever star was set to be a captain in the All-Star game and take part in the 3-point shooting contest. But all of that seemed up in the air.

"No discussion yet about this weekend," Fever head coach Stephanie White said on Wednesday night. "There was imaging done, and, obviously, we're ruling her out for tonight, but there hasn't been any discussion beyond tonight." 

Clark sustained a groin injury late in the fourth quarter of Indiana’s win over the Sun in Boston Tuesday night. White said she did not believe it was a "reinjury." Clark missed time in May due to a quad injury and was recently sidelined for five games with a left groin strain.

"I'm not really sure that it's a reinjury as much as a different kind of injury. I know oftentimes when you're working with injuries in the groin and the quad and the hamstring and all of those things, there's just — they're all kind of tied together, and it's not always just one thing."

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.

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The 2025 MLB All-Star game was one for the history books. 

For the first time in the history of the Midsummer Classic, a swing-off was needed to determine a winner. 

Aaron Judge, MLB's second-leading home run hitter, was noticeably absent from the group of AL Home Run Derby-style participants.

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Los Angeles Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts and the Yankees' Aaron Boone were the managers for this year's All-Star game after their teams met in last season's World Series.

Boone addressed concerns over his player selection for the swing-off, saying each manager was required to submit three names the day before the event. He added that his decision was based on the idea Judge would not be in the All-Star game in the late innings.

SOUNDBITES AND SWING-OFFS: TAKEAWAYS FROM AN ELECTRIC 2025 MLB ALL-STAR GAME

"We had to pick our guys yesterday," Boone said during a postgame news conference. "Wanted to make sure I picked guys I knew would be in the game there and still hot. That was my choice."

Athletics star Brent Rooker, Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena and Rays player Jonathan Aranda were the three AL players who participated in the swing-off.

Phillies star Kyle Schwarber hit three home runs to lift the NL to an All-Star game victory and was named the game's MVP.

For the first time in four years, major league players took the field for an All-Star game wearing the uniforms of the teams they play for. Since the Atlanta Braves are a National League club, the NL All-Stars wore their white home uniforms. The AL All-Stars wore their gray road uniforms. 

In the past few years, players were given specially designed All-Star uniforms.

"I wanted to go out there and represent New York, so I just kind of thought about all the first-time All-Stars," the Yankees slugger told Fox News Digital in the American League clubhouse just hours before the first pitch at Tuesday's MLB All-Star game. 

"I just kind of voiced (my opinion on the situation). I wouldn't say it was my call or anything. … Like, I think it's cool for the fans too. I remember as a kid turning on the all the old All-Star games (on TV) and seeing the players in their uniforms."

When asked about his thoughts on the Home Run Derby, Judge said with a smile, "I already did it. I don't know what else you want from me.

"I think it's time for somebody else to step up and do their thing and have fun with. I love seeing new faces in the game go out there and do their thing."

Jazz Chisholm Jr. represented the Yankees Monday night in the Home Run Derby. The second baseman had the lowest home run total of the participants and failed to advance past the first round.

Judge remained supportive of his teammate and hinted Chisholm has his eye on chance at redemption in 2026.

"It's his first one. It's a big moment, but I know he's always ready for the big moment. But I think he got a base hit in the game tonight, so he was just staying ready for the All-Star game. My guy's an All-Star. He said he's going to do it again next year if he gets 20 homers. So, I think he'll be on a revenge tour for next season."

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Caitlin Clark’s status for the WNBA All-Star Game remains undecided after the Indiana Fever guard was ruled out of Wednesday night’s game against the New York Liberty with a groin injury. 

Fever head coach Stephanie White told reporters in a pregame news conference there has not been any talk about Clark’s availability for All-Star weekend, which will be hosted by the Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse beginning Friday. 

Clark is due to compete in the 3-point contest Friday and serve as a captain in Saturday’s All-Star Game. 

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"No discussion yet about this weekend," White said. "There was imaging done, and, obviously, we're ruling her out for tonight, but there hasn't been any discussion beyond tonight." 

Clark sustained a groin injury late in the fourth quarter of Indiana’s win over the Connecticut Sun in Boston Tuesday night. White said she did not believe it was a "reinjury." Clark missed time in May due to a quad injury and was recently sidelined for five games with a left groin strain. 

"I'm not really sure that it's a reinjury as much as a different kind of injury. I know oftentimes when you're working with injuries in the groin and the quad and the hamstring and all of those things, there's just — they're all kind of tied together, and it's not always just one thing." 

FEVER COACH ADDRESSES PHYSICALITY DIRECTED AT CAITLIN CLARK AFTER LATEST INJURY: 'IT JUST IS WHAT IT IS'

White added that a "slow" approach to getting Clark back on the court has always been the priority for both the success of the team and Clark "long term." 

"The big picture is the most important — for her health and wellness, long term and for our team. And we've been very slow in making sure that every time she comes back that she's ready. So, we'll continue to approach it like that. I mean, long term is the most important." 

White called the latest update on Clark’s injury "day-to-day," adding she sees that as good news. 

"You'd have to ask the athletic training staff. I mean, I consider it good news just because, for me, it's anything that we're talking about still day-to-day, is always good news for me. So, but that's the layman's viewpoint." 

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The audio of a 911 call John Elway made after his agent's fatal golf cart accident has been released.

Elway and his agent, Jeff Sperbeck, were at the Madison Club in La Quinta, California, April 26 when Sperbeck died of injuries in what local authorities ruled a "tragic accident."

Elway dialed 911 and told the dispatcher the two were "on a golf cart, and he fell off the golf cart," according to TMZ Sports.

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Elway said the cart did not crash into anything, and Sperbeck had fallen from "the back." The Hall of Famer added that Sperbeck sustained a head injury.

"He fell off the golf cart. He was on the back, and he fell off of the golf cart," Elway said.

The operator instructed Elway to check Sperbeck's breathing and to check if his chest was rising.

"Do not splint any injuries, and do not move him unless he's in danger," the operator said.

The operator said he would give directions on how to "stop the bleeding" and asked him to get a "clean, dry cloth or towel." Elway then said he had a "medic on scene."

The operator then instructed Elway to call back if Sperbeck's condition worsened.

Elway avoided charges in the incident, and the investigation into the death has been completed.

A source told Page Six Elway "is not coping well with the loss and the accident. He has been really upset and withdrawn."

JOHN ELWAY 'REALLY UPSET AND WITHDRAWN' SINCE DEATH OF LONGTIME AGENT: REPORT

Sperbeck’s cause of death was "blunt force trauma," and the manner of death was an accident that occurred when the "passenger fell from the golf cart," the county coroner’s report said.

After Sperbeck’s death, Elway released a statement.

"I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck," Elway said in a statement, via ESPN. "There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me.

"My heart and deepest sympathies go out to Jeff’s wife, Cori; his children, Carly, Sam and Jackson; and everyone who knew and loved him. Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others."

Sperbeck had been Elway’s agent since 1990. The two collaborated on several business ventures.

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Fox News' Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge has both fame and fortune, but prefers his faith. 

Judge, 33, was asked what he would tell someone who thinks fame and fortune would solve all of their problems. 

"Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He’s given me this platform, this ability. The fame, getting the chance to do this is great and all, but it’s not fulfilling as much as the relationship I have with Him," Judge said during a media availability on Monday, via CBN Sports.

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"Build a relationship with Him, and that’ll solve all your problems."

Judge has been open about his faith throughout his career and showcased it on Monday while he prepared for the MLB All-Star Game.

Judge’s bat, which was painted blue and featured his daughter’s name, Nora, also had a reference to a passage from the Bible on it — 2 Corinthians 5:7.

METS' PETE ALONSO WANTS TO BRING 'HOCKEY-STYLE' FIGHTS TO BASEBALL IN PROPOSED RULE CHANGE

"For we live by faith, not by sight," the verse read. 

The Yankees' captain is in the midst of another incredible season as he leads the major leagues with a .355 batting average, is second with 35 home runs, and has 81 RBI while playing great defense in right field.

The seven-time All-Star is going for his third American League MVP award in three seasons. Judge won the AL MVP in 2022 after setting the American League home run record with 62 home runs and won the award last season after leading the big leagues in home runs (58) and RBI (144). 

The Yankees fell out of first place in the American League East but still occupy one of the wildcard spots. The team will need Judge to continue his remarkable play as they make a playoff push. 

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. 

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Philadelphia 76ers star big man Joel Embiid and James Harden created one of the best dynamic duos in the NBA when they were together. 

But after almost two seasons together on the court, Embiid revealed he’s no longer on speaking terms with his former teammate. 

"No one knows this, but even James [Harden] is not talking to me," Embiid told ESPN in a lengthy interview. "That’s the part I don’t like about being ‘that guy,’ because it puts you in the middle of those situations. Because if you ask James, he probably believes I had something to do with him not being here. And I’m just like, ‘I won the scoring title. You won the assists title. We had a pick-and-roll that was unstoppable.’"

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Embiid added, "It hurts when you feel like you haven’t done anything wrong. When you think you have a relationship like that with somebody … you lose a lot."

KEVIN DURANT, STEVE NASH REFLECT ON ISSUES THAT PLAGUED NETS DURING TURBULENT RUN IN BROOKLYN

Harden joined the Sixers in 2022 after a bombshell trade with the Brooklyn Nets sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks to the Big Apple. The Sixers were immediately considered championship contenders with Harden and Embiid.

However, Philadelphia lost early in the NBA Playoffs, falling in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons. 

Embiid won his only league MVP during the 2022-23 campaign, when he averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Harden led the league in assists with 10.7 per game. 

But after the team’s playoff run that season, Harden became publicly disgruntled with the 76ers, specifically president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. Harden believed he had earned a max contract from the team, and he requested a trade after Morey did not give him one.

It got uglier. Harden called Morey a "liar," saying he would "never be a part of an organization that (Morey's) a part of."

Harden was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. 

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All Elite Wrestling stars Adam Copeland and Christian Cage made their impacts felt across the pro wrestling world over the weekend.

Copeland returned at All In: Texas on Saturday to save Cage, whose real name is Jay Reso, from a beatdown as his stablemates Nick Wayne, Nick’s mother Shayna and Kip Sabian turned on him following a match against Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin.

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Copeland came out to the roar of the crowd. 

"That will never get old. It really won’t," Copeland told Fox News Digital. "And I’ve learned over the years to just enjoy those moments and not get too bogged down in, ‘Should I run straight or…’ No, just enjoy it and let the audience enjoy it too, and that’s what this whole business has always been about, or supposed to be, is to have fun — as an audience member and a performer too even though it hurts a lot."

Copeland described the whirlwind feeling going from sitting at home and reading a book to the electric crowd noise that hit him in the face when he appeared at Globe Life Field.

"It will never get old, and if you could bottle it, that feeling is just amazing."

Cage was awaiting a chair shot to the face when Copeland came out.

"Like he said, it’s great," Cage said. "When we walk out there, in a sea of people, like Adam said, you have to take it in because you never know when it could be the last time. So, you always have to appreciate those moments. And as a performer too, when you’ve been gone for a while, you’re always kind of in your own head like, ‘How many people are actually going to care if I come back?’ And when you hear a reaction like that, it’s very validating. It was nice to hear."

AEW STARS ADAM COPELAND, JAY RESO OPEN UP ABOUT NEW PURE PLANK IDEA, BOARD'S SUCCESS

Before Cage performed at All In: Texas on Saturday, he made a surprising appearance at Ring of Honor’s event, Supercard of Honor. It was Cage’s first appearance at a Ring of Honor event in nearly 20 years. He congratulated Wayne in the ring as the young pro wrestler retained his Ring of Honor World Television Championship.

"It was a last-minute thing," he explained. "I walked out there to completely surprise the family. I got a surprise the next night — that’s another story. But it was cool. Hardcore wrestling fans like that, it’s always cool to walk out in those moments, especially when it’s not expected. I hid in the back and walked out there — it was pretty cool."

Copeland and Cage will now embark on a new storyline that could bring them back as a tag team. After Copeland saved Cage from a beatdown, he told his longtime friend to "go find yourself."

Copeland told Fox News Digital he hoped to get to tell a "layered story" over the next weeks and months.

"That’s the great thing about having 40 years of history with each other because we have so much history to be able to pull from, but also more than that," he said.  "We’re two entirely different performers than we were before. I’d like to think we’re better all-around performers than we were before. That’s exciting. And really, to be able to possibly revisit something, again it’s fun, which is the whole idea of this. … I hope that this is what it will be for the audience is fun."

Cage added that he didn’t want to take this next chapter for granted.

"There was a time this was taken away from both of us. For us to get back in the ring and to be able to, when Adam first came to AEW as opponents, and then potentially we’ll see where this goes as far as tag team goes, but just to be able to appreciate every moment of it because at one point it looked like neither of us were going to get this opportunity again. To kind of even have this moment, just to kind of embrace it and take it all in."

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Samantha Ponder has been quiet about her firing from ESPN, until now.

Ponder had been vocal about transgender athletes in women's sports on social media back in 2023, which she said prompted a warning from ESPN executives.

Ponder told Sage Steele on the latter's podcast that she shared Paula Scanlan's "story" about swimming against Lia Thomas, but then, "one of the top, top, top" bosses reached out to both former ESPN employees.

"I didn’t really think that was going to get much of a response, but it did," Ponder said. "They were uncomfortable with me talking about the trans women in women’s sports issue and that they weren’t going to allow me to misgender people."

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Ponder then said she got a "detailed email" from execs that described "anything I had ever tweeted or favorite that they thought was offensive and warned me."

"I knew then I was kind of on the clock, if you will," Ponder said.

Ponder had kept quiet until last summer, even opting not to make a video about Riley Gaines when an ESPN initiative was for its female employees to record a video about an inspirational woman.

That is, until Imane Khelif caught her attention. 

Ponder had shared her Olympic opponent Angela Carini's quotes about having "enough" of Khelif in the ring. Khelif was previously barred from competing in another boxing tournament due to failed gender eligibility testing.

"ENOUGH is what all of us should be saying!! Proud of this woman," Ponder posted at the time.

"And the next week, got a text that said, ‘Can you jump on a call with this person and this person in like an hour.’ And one of the bosses is someone I never hear from, and I was like, ‘This is it,'" Ponder said.

OLYMPIC MEDALIST DIES IN TRAGIC LIGHTNING STRIKE DURING TRIP

Ponder said that she believes other factors led to her eventual firing, including potential cheaper alternatives, while Ponder said she wanted to have a work-life balance with her family.

"But the timing of it almost certainly was," Ponder, who revealed that top ESPN execs actually agreed with her on the issue, said.

Ponder then said getting let go was "one of the best thing that ever happened to me."

"I was on that hamster wheel, and I was not going to jump off on my own. I needed to get kicked off. As much as the part of the reasoning behind it I think is legit crazy, I feel no bitterness or even frankly sadness. I had a great career. I was 20 years in that business. I met some awesome people, and there are still some really great people there. Never thought this would kind of be the way out, but I should have spoken up a long time before. I should have been a lot more courageous when I knew what was right," Ponder said.

Ponder questioned why she was essentially barred from discussing the issue.

"You are not allowed to speak about any other issue [other than sports]. But I thought this was sports," Ponder continued. "We’re talking about female collegiate athletes, Olympic athletes, and it’s wrong to shine a spotlight on that and give another voice, another opinion. I wasn’t against debate or healthy discussion. I just didn’t want anybody telling me, ‘No, no, no, you can’t talk about that.’ I wasn’t really giving my own opinions about it, as much as I was saying, ‘Listen to these girls, they’re in the locker rooms. Why do their opinions not deserve a platform when we’re giving awards for Women’s History Month to someone born male?' I couldn’t understand it, I still don’t understand it."

ESPN declined to comment.

Ponder is married to former NFL quarterback, Christian Ponder.

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STAR SIDELINED – Caitlin Clark has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the New York Liberty. The Indiana Fever's status for the WNBA All-Star game remains unclear. Continue reading…

HISTORIC FINISH – The ending of Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game was drastically different than the previous 94 versions. For the first time in Midsummer Classic's history, a swing-off was used to determine the winner. Kyle Schwarber's three home runs in the derby-style contest helped the NL win. Continue reading …

CHAMPIONSHIP DREAMS – As the Bills' pursuit of an elusive Super Bowl title continues, quarterback Josh Allen told Fox News Digital he dreams of a parade in Buffalo where "every school is off and every restaurant is closed down." Continue reading … 

WAR OF WORDS – Shaquille O’Neal took a strong stance against Robert Griffin III over the former quarterback's latest comments about Chicago Sky star Angel Reese. Continue reading …

'GOOD ADDITION' – The Automated Ball-Strike system made its primetime debut at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Some big league players expressed angst over the computer umpires, but Cleveland Guardians star Steven Kwan suggested it was a positive step forward. Continue reading …

FAMILY TIES – The 18-year-old discussed how sports — especially golf – helped her foster a close relationship with her grandfather, President Donald Trump.  Continue reading …

STAR SHINES BRIGHT – No MLB player has hit more home runs so far this season than Cal Raleigh. He celebrated a historic home run derby win on Monday. He played in his first All-Star game on Tuesday. The Mariners catcher spoke to Fox News Digital about his first All-Star experience. Continue reading …

FROM OUTKICK – Former NFL star Teddy Bridgewater confirmed he was suspended from his role as a high school football coach due to the funding of his permissible benefits to student-athletes. Continue reading …

WATCH NOW – Kyle Schwarber led the NL over the AL in Tuesday's MLB All-Star game with three home runs. FOX Sports' Chris Broussard, Kevin Wildes, and Danny Parkins disucss whether the MLB should make swing-offs part of the regular season. Continue reading …

FROM FOX SPORTS – Bill Belichick fired back at Robert Kraft shortly after the longtime New England Patriots owner said he took a 'big risk' more than two decades ago when he made the decision to hire the coach. Continue reading …

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Minor league baseball players have had the opportunity to get familiar with the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. Major league players were introduced to it in spring training, but once the regular season began, human umpires ruled whether a pitch fell within the strike zone.

The challenge system, which has sparked some controversy in the baseball world, made its primetime debut Tuesday night in Atlanta at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. 

It didn't take long for the ABS system to affect the Midsummer Classic.

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In the bottom of the first inning, American League pitcher Tarik Skubal's pitch to Padres infielder Manny Machado was called a ball. The ruling resulted in a 1-2 count instead of a strikeout. But an appeal was made to the ABS challenge system, which sent Machado to the dugout with a strikeout.

"I ain't a fan of ABS," Buxton told Fox News Digital in the American League clubhouse Tuesday, just hours before the robot umpire challenge system made its debut at the All-Star game in Atlanta.

'I THOUGHT THEY WERE KIDDING': THE THRILL AND CONFUSION OF MLB'S FIRST ALL-STAR SWING-OFF

"That's why baseball is the way it is now. That's why you get crazy Instagram messages, Twitter messages now. ABS just seems to make things a little more complicated (because) if you can bet on if that pitcher (is) going to throw a strike or not. … that's pretty wild to me."

"I don't know how many people are going to get 4,000 hits," the 31-year-old told Fox News Digital. "In my opinion, it's pretty wild he wasn't in the Hall of Fame to be able to see it. It's just one of those (things) where, give him the respect. (No other player got) that many hits, so give him the respect."

In May, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced Rose, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson and other deceased players were removed from the league's "permanently ineligible list."

Buxton hit a key double in the ninth inning of Tuesday night's All-Star game at Truist Park. The National League won the first swing-off in All-Star game history to secure its second All-Star victory in three years.

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Colin Clark, the brother of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, suggested that WNBA officials were to blame for the sharpshooting guard’s injury, which she suffered on Tuesday night.

Clark left the game in the final minute after she came up lame following a bounce pass to Kelsey Mitchell. She walked gingerly down toward her own basket and banged her head against the padding in frustration. As she left the court, she was seen in tears.

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The two-time All-Star had missed several games due to injury and was working her way back to full health following a groin injury. The physicality had not turned down. It led to Colin Clark’s post on social media amid the concern about his sister.

"Make no mistake, this is on the reffing," he wrote on X.

Colin Clark deleted the post afterward.

CAITLIN CLARK LEAVES FEVER'S WIN IN TEARS AS SHE APPEARS TO SUFFER INJURY

But the officiating had been under the microscope all season long. Players from the Fever and the Connecticut Sun got into a brawl earlier in the year as officials let competitive play turn into heated confrontations, which led to a bigger issue.

Fever head coach Stephanie White spoke about the physical play after Indiana’s win over Connecticut on Tuesday night. 

"There’s a level of physicality that they’re able to play with against her. I knew it as an opponent, and I see it as her coach. I’m not exactly sure why. It just is what it is," she said. "We’ve got to help her learn to adjust and use it against them in certain ways. We’ve got to find some ways to make it a little easier for her." 

Admittedly, White added that the WNBA as a whole has seen more physical play on the court than ever before. 

"The level of physicality overall in our league has been at a different level than it’s been for a long time."

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.

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Caitlin Clark was ruled out of Wednesday night’s contest against the New York Liberty just hours before tip-off after the Indiana Fever guard re-aggravated her groin injury late in Tuesday night’s win over the Connecticut Sun.

Clark’s absence will mark the third time this season that the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year has been sidelined with an injury.

She missed five games in May after suffering a quad injury, and most recently missed a handful of time with a left groin strain.

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Clark was injured late in the fourth quarter of Indiana's 85-77 win over the Sun in Boston after passing the ball to assist on the Fever's final basket. As she turned to walk down court, she grimaced as she grabbed at her left leg. The emotional star covered her head with a towel as she remained on the bench. 

After the game, head coach Stephanie White was asked about the physical play seemingly directed at Clark. Although she wasn't injured in such a play, White admitted that Clark will need to figure out ways to "adjust" and use it to her advantage.

"There’s a level of physicality that they’re able to play with against her. I knew it as an opponent, and I see it as her coach. I’m not exactly sure why, it just is what it is," she said. "We’ve got to help her learn to adjust and use it against them in certain ways. We’ve got to find some ways to make it a little easier for her." 

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Admittedly, White added that the WNBA as a whole has seen more physical play on the court than ever before. 

"The level of physicality overall in our league has been at a different level than it’s been for a long time." 

Clark never missed a game throughout her career at Iowa or in her first season in the WNBA. 

Her latest injury comes on the heels of the All-Star break where Clark was named a captain in the All-Star Game. Clark is also due to compete in the 3-point contest on Friday. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Bradley Beal’s tenure with the Phoenix Suns is at an end, and he’s already joining a rival in the Western Conference. 

Beal, the three-time All-Star shooting guard, agreed to a contract buyout with the Suns, and ESPN reported on Wednesday his plan is to join the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal for next season. 

The deal reportedly has a player option for Beal, which could clear the way for him to be a highly sought-after free agent in 2026 if he wishes to opt out of his deal. 

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Beal will join a Clippers squad that already sports Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Ivica Zubac and more. 

The Clippers have been active in free agency as well, adding veteran center Brook Lopez, who can also hit the three-ball if needed. They traded Norman Powell to the Miami Heat as part of a three-team deal that got them forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz as well. 

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Beal’s tenure in Phoenix was disappointing, to say the least. It’s why the Suns granted him permission to speak with teams interested in a potential trade. But after that process over the last few weeks, both sides agreed on a buyout to allow Beal to go elsewhere. 

Teams like the Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers pursued Beal, per ESPN. There reportedly were conversations with his representation over the last few weeks. 

As part of the buyout, the report said Beal will be giving the Suns $13.9 million of the $110 million remaining on the final two years of his pact back to the franchise. The Suns will likely not be hitting their books with that remaining money over the next two seasons, rather extrapolating it over a few years.

Beal averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds with the Suns over the past two seasons. He also shot 50.5% from the field, as well as 40.7% from three-point range. 

However, injuries and overall team woes made the stay in Phoenix hard. Beal played 106 of his possible 164 contests with the Suns. 

Beal’s stardom in the NBA began with the Washington Wizards, who he played 11 seasons for after being drafted to the franchise in 2012.

Over his 13-year career, Beal has averaged 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game over 801 contests. 

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Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White addressed the constant physicality star guard Caitlin Clark continues to face in the league after Clark went down with what appeared to be a groin injury during Tuesday night’s win over the Connecticut Sun. 

Speaking to reporters after the 85-77 win. White was asked about her thoughts on the "physical battle" Clark has faced – both throughout the season and in Tuesday’s game. 

"Are you trying to get me fined again?" White asked with a laugh, before expanding on her answer. 

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"There’s a level of physicality that they’re able to play with against her. I knew it as an opponent, and I see it as her coach. I’m not exactly sure why, it just is what it is," she said. "We’ve got to help her learn to adjust and use it against them in certain ways. We’ve got to find some ways to make it a little easier for her." 

Admittedly, White added that the WNBA as a whole has seen more physical play on the court than ever before. 

"The level of physicality overall in our league has been at a different level than it’s been for a long time. 

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"I’m sending it to you," she said to the reporters with a wink. 

Clark appeared to re-injure her groin late in the game, which could sideline the All-Star captain ahead of Saturday night’s game. She made a pass, and as she walked off the court appeared to grab at her leg. Clark was on the sideline in tears. 

In the team’s latest update on Wednesday morning, Clark was listed as questionable with a groin injury. The Fever will play the New York Liberty in Brooklyn at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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No MLB player has hit more home runs leading into the All-Star break than Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. The catcher's league-leading 38 homers through 94 games puts him on pace to surpass Aaron Judge's historic 62 home run season. 

Raleigh's breakout 2025 season earned him a first-career All-Star selection. On Monday, Raleigh became the first catcher in history to win the home run derby trophy. He's also the first switch-hitter to claim the derby crown.

Raleigh's 18 long balls in the final round surpassed Tampa Bay Rays infielder Junior Caminero's 15 homers.

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Raleigh's historic derby moment was a family-filled event. His younger brother Todd Raleigh Jr. was the catcher, while Todd Raleigh threw pitches to the Mariners slugger.

"It goes all the way back to him coming home and me forcing him to throw me a ball and hit it in the backyard or in the house or something (he) probably shouldn’t be doing," the first-time All-Star said as he recalled moments from his childhood.

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Raleigh later told "The Pat McAfee Show" that his brother had "lived his best life."

"He's kind of an awkward teenager… obviously like anybody," Raleigh said of his 15-year-old brother. "I had no expectations of him speaking up, but he was pumping me up the whole time. I was kind of surprised."

Raleigh spoke to Fox News Digital on Tuesday in the American League clubhouse ahead of the All-Star game and took a moment to reflect on the best moment he'd experienced leading up to Tuesday night.

"So far, the (home run) derby probably takes the cake," Raleigh said. "Getting to do that with my family was fun."

It's far too early to know if Raleigh will defend his home run derby crown in 2026. But, he appeared to be open to the possibility of participating again.

"I gotta make it there. We'll see. If they invite me back that would be great," Raleigh noted.

While Judge's standout 2022 performance still represents the most home runs an AL player has hit in a single season, the New York Yankees star trails Raleigh by just three homers in 2025. The small gap between Raleigh and Judge's homer totals hearkens back to the 1998 home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. 

McGwire ultimately outlasted Sosa, hitting 70 home runs to the then-Cubs star's 66. Some have wondered if Cal Raleigh and Judge will have a similar competition this season.

Raleigh, 28, said he wasn't old enough at the time to remember the details of McGwire's and Sosa's 1998 seasons.

"I was a little before my time. (I'm a) little too young," Raleigh admitted. "But I watched the ‘30 for 30’ (documentary) on it. Obviously know what it did for baseball, which is awesome. Anything like that that sheds a light to the game is great." 

While Raleigh did not provide a direct answer about whether he and Judge could produce a similar contest in 2025, he did describe the Yankees outfielder as an "unbelievable" player.

"He's a week away from 10 more (home runs). What a player," Raleigh said.

Raleigh's name has been floated as the potential American League MVP front-runner given his impressive production this year. Raleigh acknowledged the recognition, but said his focus remains on being a team player.

"It is what it is. It means I'm doing something right, which is good, but at the same time, just focusing on the process and the team first, and then whatever comes after that is great."

Raleigh went 1-for-2 in his All-Star game debut with a single in the fourth inning. The National League defeated the American League in the first swing-off tiebreaker in the game's history.

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New York Mets star first baseman Pete Alonso wants to introduce a rule that would bring fights into Major League Baseball.

Alonso, 30, said that he does not think players should be ejected for charging the mound and fighting. 

"If there is one rule I could change, I don't think people should get ejected after charging the mound and fighting. I think it should be hockey style," Alonso said at a press conference on Tuesday.

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The five-time All-Star emphasized the fight would have to be one player vs. one player to avoid injury as much as possible. Alonso said when fights happen and the entire two teams are out on the field in a moshpit, that’s when players can get hurt. 

Alonso also suggested that for a player unwilling to fight if he were charged at by an opposing player, he could yield and effectively opt-out.  

"I think there's a rule if you want to go out and charge the mound, then you should be able to, but if the pitcher or hitter or whoever charges and if they don't want to fight, they take a knee, and they don't have to fight," Alonso said. 

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"If someone goes out and take a knee then it is like whatever, then you both go your separate way, that is what I would change about the game."

However, in Alonso’s proposed rule, if a player decidedly loses the fight, he gets ejected from the game while the winner gets to remain in the game. 

In the NHL, regardless of who wins the fight, both players receive a five-minute penalty for fighting. 

In Alonso’s scenario, a player could win a fight against a pitcher after being hit by a pitch and then go stand on first base and remain in the game while pitcher, after losing the fight, would depart the game. 

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has made a bunch of rule changes in his tenure, but none so drastic as Alonso’s suggested rule. 

Alonso has been terrific this season for the Mets as he is in the midst of a career year. The star slugger has a .280 batting average with 21 home runs and 77 RBI while leading the National League with 26 doubles. 

Fox News' Connor McGahan contributed to this report. 

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An Olympic medalist has died after being struck by lightning.

Alpine skier and ski cross athlete Audun Groenvold was struck by lightning during a "cabin trip," the Norwegian Ski Federation announced on Wednesday. He was 49.

"It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Groenvold's untimely passing," the federation said. "The former national Alpine skier and ski cross athlete was recently struck by lightning during a cabin trip."

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The federation said Groenvold was "quickly taken to hospital and received treatment for the injuries he sustained in the lightning strike" and then died Tuesday night.

Groenvold was struck by the bolt on Saturday.

Groenvold was a member of Norway's Alpine skiing team before he moved into freestyle and ski cross in 2004. He earned a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

He had one podium finish as a World Cup Alpine skier, finishing third in a downhill in Sierra Nevada, Spain, in 1999. He also won a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2005 world championships, and the overall ski cross cup in 2007.

After his career ended, he became a national team coach and a TV commentator.

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"Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the Alpine and freestyle communities," federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug said, adding that his passing creates "a huge void."

Groenvold finished behind Switzerland's Michael Schmid and Andreas Matt of Austria at the Vancouver games.

He competed in his first race at the age of 3 and earned Alpine Ski World Cup points for the first time two months before his 21st birthday in 1996.

Groenvold competed in the Freestyle Skiing World Cup throughout Europe, where he earned three victories. Two of them came within a one-month span in 2007, and the other came in 2010. He also finished second three other times.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Athletics' slugger Brent Rooker took aim at a fan on social media after the heckler called him out for giving his child a bottle during Monday night’s All-Star Home Run Derby. 

Rooker, 30, was captured on ESPN's broadcast feeding his 11-month-old daughter, Blake Eloise, a bottle while sitting near the dugout. 

Rooker hit 17 homers, but was eliminated in the first round. After the event, Rooker took to social media to congratulate Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh, who won his first All-Star Home Run Derby. 

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"What a blast! It was an honor to compete against those guys and fulfill a childhood dream," he wrote in a post on X. "Congrats to Cal and everyone else who made it a great night! Still hard to believe I get opportunities to do things like this."

But not everyone was feeling the love. 

In response to his post, one person on X criticized the MLB player for jumping into dad-mode during the derby. 

"Hey Rooker… did you really need to feed your baby on camera? Sometimes people just want to see you play," the person wrote. 

NATIONAL LEAGUE WINS MLB ALL-STAR GAME IN HISTORIC FASHION

Rooker clapped back, writing, "Yes, it was necessary to feed my 11 month old child her night time bottle at like 9:00 pm. Thank you for asking." 

Fans on social media overwhelmingly agreed with Rooker. 

"Personally, I think one of the best things is seeing people be loving parents who are there for their kids as much as possible. That’s the ultimate home run," one person wrote.

"17 home runs and feeding your kid… thats Boss status," another added. 

"I’m sure with a ballplayer’s schedule, he doesn’t get to give his child a bottle all that often… maybe it’s something he doesn’t want to miss out on if he doesn’t have to, or maybe he wanted to give his wife a break. Good on him for being a dad," a separate post read. 

Rooker capped his All-Star performance with a three-run homer in the seventh inning of Tuesday’s game, helping the American League rally from a 6–0 deficit. He also went 2-for-3 in the historic swing-off tiebreaker, though the National League ultimately edged out the AL, 7–6.

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Xander Schauffele has become one of the top golfers in the world in recent years, but no one would ever know it if they took a tour of his house.

Schauffele has won nine times on the PGA Tour, including the PGA and Open Championships last year for his first and second majors of his career. He also won the Tour Championship in 2017, as well as three Presidents Cups and a Ryder Cup.

There's also the Olympic gold medal from Tokyo in 2021 - and despite plenty of hardware, none of it is at his house.

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Schauffele revealed at Royal Portrush this week, before defending his title, that his parents have all of his trophies "probably in a bank vault somewhere."

Except for the gold medal.

"I actually have no idea where that is, to be completely honest," Schauffele said. 

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"What am I going to do with it? I don't really invite people over to my house. Am I just going to go look at it myself? I don't want to walk into a trophy room like, 'Look how great I am.' I was just raised to think that way, and it's kind of stuck."

That begs the question: What is on the shelves of his Florida home if not trophies?

"My wife hung up some pictures of me in my gym of me winning the Olympic medal, and she put it so high up I can't reach it," Schauffele said. "I have to get a ladder now, and it bothers me. If anything, put up me in a Masters jacket, like that would piss me off, you know what I mean? Something like that is more motivating."

Schauffele will tee off alongside reigning U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun and two-time major champ Jon Rahm at 4:58 a.m. ET on Thursday.

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