#miami

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Carlos Ulberg Undergoes ACL Surgery Carlos Ulberg, the newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion, has undergone surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee following his title-winning performance against Jiří Procházka at UFC 327 last weekend. The injury occurred in the first round of the 205-pound championship fight in Miami. Ulberg, who entered the bout with a 14-1 professional record, sustained the damage during the fight but managed to land a left hook that knocked out Procházka, securing a knockout victory. Ulberg shared updates about his surgery from Las Vegas this week, with his manager, Ash Belcastro, confirming the extent of the injury. The fight took place at UFC 327, where Ulberg faced Procházka, who entered the bout with a 32-6-1 record. The injury occurred in the opening round, leaving Ulberg to fight on one leg for the remainder of the contest. Procházka, who had previously vacated the light heavyweight title in 2022 due to injury, called for an immediate rematch after the fight, claiming he felt “mercy” for Ulberg following the injury. The UFC has not yet announced plans for the light heavyweight title during Ulberg’s absence. The light heavyweight division has experienced multiple title vacancies in recent years. Procházka and Jamahal Hill vacated the belt in 2022 and 2023, respectively, due to injuries, while Alex Pereira recently stepped down to pursue a heavyweight title. This latest incident adds to the division’s instability, as the UFC faces uncertainty about the future of the championship. Ulberg’s injury could complicate matters further, with the organization yet to determine whether to hold a title unification match or allow another contender to step in.#miami #ufc_327 #carlos_ulberg #ji_prochzka #ash_belcastro

Lionel Messi faces $7 million fraud lawsuit as Florida promoter alleges huge losses after Argentina star skipped Venezuela exhibition match Lionel Messi is now facing a legal dispute in the United States after a Florida-based company filed a lawsuit alleging he caused significant financial losses by skipping a scheduled exhibition match. The lawsuit, filed by VID, a Miami-based promoter of sports and music events, claims Messi’s absence from a Venezuela game led to substantial damages. According to TMZ, VID had signed a $7 million deal with the Argentine Football Association for two exhibition matches in October. These matches were planned against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The agreement required Messi to play at least 30 minutes in both games unless he was injured. However, Messi did not appear in the Venezuela match at Hard Rock Stadium, prompting VID to accuse him of breaching the contract. VID alleges that Messi’s failure to participate in the Venezuela game, despite being fit to play, caused the event to lose value and revenue. The company further claims that Messi played the following day for Inter Miami CF, scoring two goals against Atlanta United, which they argue proves he was physically capable of participating in the Venezuela match. Additionally, VID states it paid for a private suite for Messi and his family to watch the game, even though he did not take to the field. The promoter asserts that the missed match led to losses exceeding $1 million, citing a venue change as a contributing factor. The Venezuela match was originally scheduled to take place in Chicago but was moved to Fort Lauderdale due to poor ticket sales. VID claims the decision to relocate the event was made without their input, leading to confusion about responsibility.#miami #lionel_messi #inter_miami_cf #argentine_football_association #vid

UFC 327 Prediction: Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa Clash at Kaseya Center The highly anticipated light heavyweight matchup at UFC 327 on Saturday, April 11, pits undefeated Azamat Murzakanov against Paulo Costa in a battle of contrasting styles and histories. The fight, scheduled for 10:45 p.m. ET at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, will be broadcast on Paramount+ and carries significant implications for both fighters’ careers. Murzakanov, a 16-0 southpaw with a reputation for precision striking, faces Costa, a 15-4 Brazilian known for his aggressive, grappling-oriented approach. The odds, as of DraftKings, favor Murzakanov at -198, while Costa is listed at +164. Murzakanov, who has remained undefeated since turning pro in 2017, has built his career on a blend of technical striking and defensive resilience. His record includes victories over notable opponents, though he has yet to face a top-tier contender. Costa, meanwhile, has carved out a niche as a middleweight but has tested his limits at 185 pounds, with a history of grappling success. Despite his size, Costa’s striking has improved, and his ability to adapt to southpaw fighters has drawn attention. The fight’s stakes are high: a win for Murzakanov could solidify his status as a title contender, while a victory for Costa could elevate his ranking and challenge the division’s elite. The statistical breakdown highlights key differences between the two. Murzakanov, at 5'10", averages 7:51 per fight with a sharp jab and effective body work, while Costa, standing 6'1", dominates in terms of reach and power, averaging 12:46 fight time. Both fighters have similar reach (71" vs. 72") and strike accuracy (57% vs. 58%), but Costa’s higher strike absorption rate (6.20 per minute) and lower defense (49%) contrast with Murzakanov’s balanced approach.#miami #kaseya_center #ufc_327 #paulo_costa #azamat_murzakanov

UFC 327 Main Event: Procházka vs. Ulberg for Light Heavyweight Title The UFC light heavyweight championship will be contested Saturday at Miami’s Kaseya Center during the UFC 327 event, with Jiří Procházka facing Carlos Ulberg in the main event. The current titleholder, Alex Pereira, is vacating the belt to challenge Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship at a June event in the White House. Procházka, who previously held the light heavyweight title from June to November 2022, will compete in his fourth UFC title fight. The 33-year-old Czech fighter has secured his last two title bouts via third-round knockouts, establishing himself as a formidable contender in the division. Ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s light heavyweight rankings, Procházka’s unorthodox style and resilience have defined his career. Ulberg, the No. 4-ranked light heavyweight on ESPN’s list, enters the fight on a nine-fight winning streak, making his UFC title fight debut. The 29-year-old New Zealander’s aggressive approach and technical skill have earned him praise as a rising star in the division. However, his inexperience in high-stakes title bouts could be a critical factor in the matchup. The event marks a pivotal moment for both fighters, as the winner will claim the vacant light heavyweight title and solidify their status as top contenders in the division. The fight’s significance is amplified by the departure of Pereira, who vacated the title to pursue a heavyweight championship opportunity. Procházka’s potential to reclaim the belt has drawn attention, as his past performances against elite opponents have demonstrated his ability to adapt and overcome. Ulberg’s recent dominance in the UFC has positioned him as a legitimate threat, but his lack of title fight experience may create vulnerabilities.#miami #kaseya_center #ufc_327 #carlos_ulberg #ji_prochzka

NBA's 15-Game Friday: Playoff Implications and Key Performances The NBA’s final regular-season stretch delivered a packed slate of action as all 30 teams took the court on Friday, April 11, 2026, with just two game days remaining before the playoffs. The day featured critical matchups that reshaped playoff seeding, highlighted standout performances, and set the stage for the upcoming postseason. Atlanta secured its postseason berth with a decisive 124-102 victory over Cleveland, as Dyson Daniels recorded his second career triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals, and a block. The Hawks now face Miami on Sunday, aiming to clinch the fifth seed in the East. Meanwhile, the Hornets’ loss to Detroit guaranteed their participation in the SoFi Play-In Tournament, with Charlotte set to face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden to wrap up their season. The Celtics solidified their No. 2 seed in the East with a commanding 144-118 win over New Orleans, showcasing their dominance in the conference. Philadelphia snapped a three-game losing streak with a 105-94 victory against Indiana, maintaining their No. 8 seed while keeping playoff hopes alive. New York clinched the East’s No. 3 seed with an 112-95 win over the Raptors, while Toronto’s loss to the Knicks dropped them to No. 6, though they remain in contention for a top-six spot. Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs delivered a historic performance, scoring 40 points and 13 rebounds in a 19-point win over the Mavericks. His achievement marked the fastest 40-point/10-rebound/5-assist game in NBA history, accomplished in 26 minutes and 13 seconds. Orlando extended its winning streak to five games with a 127-103 victory over the Bulls, holding the seventh seed and still in the race for a top-six playoff spot.#miami #nba #atlanta_hawks #cleveland #charlotte_Hornets

UFC 327 Fight Card Predictions: Expert Picks for Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg The vacant light heavyweight championship is set to be decided in the main event of UFC 327 on Saturday, as former titleholder Jiri Prochazka faces Carlos Ulberg in Miami. Prochazka, who won the title from Glover Teixeira in 2022, was forced to vacate the belt after sustaining an injury. He previously lost to Alex Pereira, the only man to defeat him in the UFC, but Pereira has now vacated the belt to pursue the interim heavyweight championship at UFC Freedom 250. This creates a clear path for Prochazka to reclaim the title. Ulberg, making his UFC debut in 2023, suffered a knockout loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu but has since compiled a nine-fight winning streak, six of which ended opponents. A victory here would mark his first UFC title. The co-main event features Paulo Costa, a former middleweight title challenger, moving up to light heavyweight to face Azamat Murzakanov. Murzakanov, who has dominated the division with a 6-0 record and five stoppage wins since joining the UFC, will test Costa’s resilience. Costa, returning to light heavyweight after a recent losing streak, is expected to rely on his toughness to outlast Murzakanov’s power. Other notable matchups include Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit, Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker, and Nate Landwehr vs. Cub Swanson, among others. Odds for the main event, as listed by DraftKings Sportsbook, have Prochazka at -118 and Ulberg at -102. Murzakanov is favored (-205) over Costa (+170), while Blaydes (-122) faces Josh Hokit (+102) in a heavyweight clash. The fight card also includes featherweight bouts between Nate Landwehr and Cub Swanson, and Aaron Pico vs. Patricio Pitbull, as well as welterweight and lightweight matchups.#miami #ufc_327 #carlos_ulberg #jiri_prochazka #ufc_freedom_250

Reds’ Sal Stewart continues strong start in return to Miami Sal Stewart’s return to Miami was more than just a baseball game—it was a homecoming for the Cincinnati Reds first baseman, a former standout at Miami Westminster Christian. On Monday night, the 22-year-old prospect, ranked No. 19 in MLB Pipeline’s rankings, stepped onto loanDepot park for his first at-bat as a big-leaguer, greeted by a crowd of around 150 to 170 fans in Section 8 behind the Reds’ dugout. The group, many of whom had followed Stewart’s journey from high school to the majors, made their presence known during his first inning plate appearance and again in the fourth inning when he launched a middle-middle fastball past a diving Leo Jimenez for an RBI single, opening the Reds’ 2-0 victory over the Miami Marlins. Stewart’s performance was part of a broader trend for the Reds, who began a four-game series with a strong showing. The game was defined by dominant starting pitching, with the Marlins’ Janson Junk tossing a career-high 7 1/3 innings and Cincinnati’s Brandon Williamson holding Miami to three hits and one walk over 6 2/3 shutout frames. Stewart’s fourth-inning single up the middle, which drove in Elly De La Cruz from second base, gave the Reds a 1-0 lead. Tyler Stephenson later doubled the advantage with a solo home run in the eighth, capping a day where Stewart hit .353 with a 1.094 OPS through the first 10 games of the 2026 season. For Stewart, the game carried personal significance. Growing up in Miami, he had often visited loanDepot park, where he marveled at the home-run sculpture in left-center field that activated every time a Marlins player hit a homer. As a teenager, he told his father he couldn’t wait for the sculpture to ring out when he hit a home run at the stadium.#miami #loandepot_park #miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #sal_stewart

Jarrett Allen News: Strong Performance in Return Written by RotoWire Staff Updated on March 27, 2026 at 8:39pm Jarrett Allen made a strong return to the court on Friday, contributing 18 points (8-10 FG, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, and one block in just 18 minutes during the Cavaliers’ 149-128 victory over Miami. After a 10-game absence due to right knee tendinitis, Allen was cleared to play and immediately made an impact. He led the Cavaliers in rebounds and finished as the team’s top scorer, showcasing his efficiency and presence on the glass. The win marked a promising step forward in his recovery, as Allen continues to build momentum for the season. ---#miami #jarrett_allen #cavaliers #right_knee_tendinitis

Tiger Woods arrested after rollover crash on suspicion of DUI, bonds out Professional golfer Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a two-vehicle crash on Jupiter Island, Florida, on Friday. The incident involved a pickup truck and a Land Rover driven by Woods, which rolled over near 281 South Beach Road. According to Sheriff John Budenseik, law enforcement arrived at the scene shortly before 2 p.m. and found the pickup truck pulling a pressure cleaner trailer, while the Land Rover had overturned on its driver’s side. Budenseik stated that the investigation indicated Woods was impaired at the time of the crash. The pickup truck was traveling northbound on South Beach Road and had slowed to turn into a driveway when the driver noticed a dark-colored Land Rover overtaking him at high speed. The Land Rover clipped the back of the pressure cleaner trailer, causing it to roll onto its driver’s side. Woods was able to exit the vehicle through the passenger side door. DUI investigators conducted roadside tests at the scene. While Woods’ breathalyzer test at the Martin County Jail came back negative, he refused to submit to a urine test. As a result, he faces charges of DUI, property damage, and refusal to comply with a lawful test. No injuries were reported in the crash. Woods has previously been involved in notable vehicle incidents. In February 2021, he suffered serious injuries to his right leg after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Rolling Hills Estates, California. Authorities ruled the incident an accident and found no evidence of impairment. Another significant crash occurred on November 27, 2009, near his home in Windermere, Florida, where his SUV collided with a fire hydrant and a tree. He sustained minor injuries and was released from the hospital.#donald_trump #miami #tiger_woods #jupiter_island #sheriff_john_budenseik

Martin Landaluce’s Miami breakthrough: ‘Everything’s coming together this week and I hope it stays that way’ Martin Landaluce is making history with his first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final appearance at the age of 20, marking a career-defining week in Miami. The Spaniard has overcome significant challenges, including a 0-4 record against Top-50 players before the tournament, to reach the final eight. His journey began with a grueling qualifying run, followed by three consecutive victories against elite opponents, showcasing his resilience and adaptability. Landaluce’s path to the quarter-finals included a dramatic comeback against Sebastian Korda, a player who had recently defeated Carlos Alcaraz. The match was a test of mental and physical endurance, as Landaluce faced a 2-6 first-set deficit and saved a match point in a tense second-set tie-break. He eventually prevailed 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-4, demonstrating composure under pressure. “The matches are so tough that thinking long term would be a mistake,” he said. “Right now I’m focused on the quarters and trying to make tomorrow a good match.” The victory over Korda was part of a broader trend of consistent performance. Landaluce had already defeated Luciano Darderi, Karen Khachanov, and Korda, each of whom represented a significant challenge. His ability to maintain focus and execute under pressure has been key to his success. “I had a tricky moment at 5-4, serving for the match,” he admitted. “I don’t think I did anything wrong, but the opponent played very well. At such a high level, even a small drop in performance can complicate things.” Landaluce’s breakthrough is even more remarkable given his ranking. Starting the tournament at No.#miami #carlos_alcaraz #sebastian_korda #martin_landaluce #rafa_nadal_academy

Amanda Anisimova vs Belinda Bencic Prediction & Picks - WTA Miami Two of the WTA’s top players will face off in Miami on Monday, with Amanda Anisimova and Belinda Bencic set to battle for supremacy. While the match is expected to be highly competitive, the odds may slightly favor Anisimova, particularly given her strong recent performance against opponents ranked outside the top 10. Bencic, currently ranked outside the top 10, has struggled in high-stakes encounters, most recently losing to Jessica Pegula in straight sets. This trend suggests she may face challenges against Anisimova, who has shown resilience in similar matchups. Anisimova’s recent form further supports her position as the favorite. She has pushed Jessica Pegula to three sets in recent matches, indicating her ability to compete with top-tier players. Meanwhile, Bencic’s recent losses to Pegula and Elina Svitolina highlight her difficulties in maintaining consistency against the best competition. Despite her overall strong form, Bencic’s performance against elite opponents has been inconsistent, raising questions about her readiness for this match. The head-to-head record between the two players also leans in Anisimova’s favor. She has won two of their last three encounters, a statistic that could play a role in shaping the outcome. Additionally, Anisimova’s recent streak of not losing to players ranked outside the top 10 since early January underscores her dominance in such matchups. This trend, combined with her recent efforts against Pegula, suggests she may be peaking at the right time. While Bencic remains a formidable opponent and has shown flashes of brilliance, the evidence points to Anisimova as the more likely winner.#miami #wta #jessica_pegula #belinda_bencic #amanda_anisimova

Adjusting to surprisingly slow Miami conditions, Daniil Medvedev solved Rei Sakamoto The former No. 1 had a rough landing to the Hard Rock Stadium after suffering a delay on his luggage but made up for lost time on Saturday with a solid comeback over the Japanese teenager. Published Mar 21, 2026#tennis #miami #daniil_medvedev #hard_rock_stadium #rei_sakamoto

Felix Auger-Aliassime records 200th hard-court win of career with opening victory in Miami Felix Auger-Aliassime secured his 200th career hard-court victory with a strong start to the Miami tournament, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. The 25-year-old Canadian became just the second man born in the 2000s to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Jannik Sinner. His win in Miami not only highlights his consistency on hard courts but also underscores his growing reputation as a top-tier player in men’s tennis. Auger-Aliassime’s victory over Fucsovics in the opening round of the tournament set the tone for his campaign, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes matches. The win came as part of a broader trend of young players making their mark on the ATP Tour, with Auger-Aliassime’s achievement serving as a testament to his dedication and skill. His milestone comes at a pivotal moment in his career, as he continues to build momentum toward higher rankings and major titles. The Canadian’s success in Miami also places him in a select group of players who have consistently excelled on hard courts, a surface that demands precision, endurance, and adaptability. With his 200th win, Auger-Aliassime joins an elite club of athletes who have mastered the unique challenges of hard-court play. His performance in Miami has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike, with many praising his technical prowess and mental toughness. As the tournament progresses, Auger-Aliassime’s ability to maintain his form will be critical in determining his path to the later rounds. His victory in Miami not only solidifies his position in the rankings but also sets the stage for a potential run toward the title.#jannik_sinner #miami #atp_tour #felix_augeraliassime #fucsovics

Uber Expands Autonomous Vehicle Ambitions with Rivian Partnership Uber is making significant strides in its autonomous vehicle (AV) initiatives through a new partnership with Rivian, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer. The deal involves an initial $300 million investment from Uber and the purchase of 10,000 fully autonomous R2 robotaxis, with an option to acquire up to 40,000 more starting in 2030. These vehicles will be exclusively available on Uber’s platform and are set for a planned rollout in San Francisco and Miami by 2028. This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Uber, which previously sold off its in-house AV development unit, Uber ATG, in 2020. Despite this, the company has maintained a strategic focus on AVs, forming partnerships with numerous technology firms across delivery, drones, trucking, and robotaxis. Recent collaborations include agreements with Chinese companies to deploy robotaxis in Europe and the Middle East, as well as partnerships with startups like the U.K.-based Wayve. The Rivian deal, however, stands out as Uber’s first agreement where it acts as both the developer of the self-driving system and the vehicle manufacturer. While the total deal could reach up to $1.25 billion, Uber’s initial financial commitment is relatively modest. The risk, however, is heavily skewed toward Rivian, which has yet to begin production of the R2 SUV or test a self-driving system tailored for robotaxis. Compounding the challenge, Rivian’s Georgia factory, where the vehicles are intended to be built, is still under construction. Rivian has already made sacrifices to pursue this project, including abandoning its 2027 profitability goal due to the high costs of its autonomy efforts. This underscores the significant financial and technical hurdles involved in scaling autonomous vehicle technology.#miami #san_francisco #uber #rivian #rivian_r2_robotaxi

March Madness Day 2 Recap: Game Highlights and Sweet 16 Outlooks The first round of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament concluded with 32 games, setting the stage for the Sweet 16. Here’s a breakdown of Day 2’s matchups, including how each team advanced and expert insights into their potential for deeper runs. (2) UConn 82, (15) Furman 71 The Huskies dominated Furman with a performance led by Tarris Reed Jr., who tallied 31 points and 27 rebounds. Reed’s 11 offensive rebounds, including critical grabs in the final moments, secured the win. Despite struggling from beyond the arc (5-of-25), UConn’s interior control and Reed’s dominance proved decisive. Furman’s Alex Wilkins and Tom House provided resistance, but UConn’s depth and Reed’s all-around game overwhelmed the Paladins. UConn’s next opponent is UCLA. The Huskies’ path to the Sweet 16 hinges on their ability to maintain rhythm and efficiency. With Reed’s 30-point, 20-rebound performance, plus contributions from Solo Ball, Alex Karaban, and Braylon Mullins, UConn remains a formidable force. However, the team’s recent turnover issues and reliance on Reed’s defense against potential NBA prospects like Tyler Bilodeau could pose challenges. (7) Miami 80, (10) Missouri 66 Miami’s 7-seed upset over Missouri showcased resilience. After Missouri briefly took the lead, Miami’s 11-0 run in the final minutes sealed the victory. Senior forward Malik Reneau, who scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half, was instrumental. The Hurricanes’ ability to adapt to a hostile environment and execute under pressure marked a key step in their tournament journey. Miami faces Purdue in the next round. Jai Lucas’s coaching has already transformed the program, but a Sweet 16 berth will require Malik Reneau to elevate his game.#miami #florida #uconn #ncaa_tournament #kansas

Cameron Boozer’s Girlfriend Yva Lauren Cao Is a Cheerleader at Duke’s Rival Cameron Boozer, a standout player for Duke, is navigating a unique dynamic during March Madness as his girlfriend, Yva Lauren Cao, competes as a cheerleader for Miami, the Blue Devils’ ACC rival. The couple’s relationship, which began in high school, has taken on added complexity as both are involved in major college basketball events. Cao, a cheerleader for Miami, has also been recognized for her talents, earning first-team All-Dade honors from the Miami Herald. Boozer, projected as a top NBA draft pick in 2026, has been a key figure for Duke in the NCAA Tournament. However, the team faced an early challenge in their opening game, trailing 16-seeded Siena by 11 points at halftime. Despite the setback, Duke rallied to secure a victory, with Boozer reflecting on the game’s intensity. “We came out here with the mentality that it was going to be handed to us, and obviously that’s not what happened,” he told ABC 11’s Travon Miles. “We got punched in the mouth.” Cao’s presence in the tournament adds a personal layer to Boozer’s focus. While Duke is the No. 1 seed in the East Region, Miami is competing in the West, meaning the two teams will only meet in a potential national championship matchup. The Hurricanes, seeded No. 10, advanced past Missouri in their opening game but face a daunting path. Duke, meanwhile, swept Miami in the regular season by 35 points or more, and head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the team’s confidence in Boozer’s ability to handle high-pressure moments. “It’s his composure in these moments,” Scheyer said, noting Boozer’s readiness for the ACC Tournament and beyond. The couple’s relationship has also been highlighted through social media, with Cao sharing a November 23, 2025, post expressing hope for their future together: “Be back soon🖤.#miami #duke #acc #cameron_boozer #yva_lauren_cao

Purdue Boilermakers Advance to March Madness Second Round The No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers secured their place in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament after defeating No. 15 Queens Royals by a score of 104-71 in the first round. The game, held in St. Louis on Friday night, saw Purdue dominate from the outset, building a 45-33 lead at halftime. Purdue guard Braden Smith made history by becoming the all-time leader in career assists in men’s Division I basketball during the contest. The Boilermakers’ commanding performance extended to a final margin of 33 points, showcasing their strength and depth. With the victory, Purdue will face No. 7 Miami in the Round of 32 on Sunday, March 22. The matchup is set to take place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, where the Boilermakers will aim to continue their strong run in the tournament. Purdue’s path to the second round was marked by their No. 2 seed in the West regional, a position that reflects their strong season performance. The team’s next challenge will be against the Hurricanes, who advanced by defeating No. 10 Missouri in their opening game. The 2026 March Madness tournament kicked off on March 17 with the First Four, and the first two rounds will span from March 19 to March 22. The tournament will conclude with the Final Four on April 4 and the National Championship game on April 6. For fans hoping to attend the Purdue-Miami matchup, the Enterprise Center will host the Round of 32 game. While limited tickets remain for the first weekend of the tournament, the Boilermakers’ next game is a key event in the bracket. Purdue’s schedule for the tournament includes their Round of 32 game against Miami, with the exact tip-off time yet to be announced. If the Boilermakers advance further, they would face the Sweet 16 in San Jose, Calif.#miami #braden_smith #enterprise_center #purdue_boilermakers #queens_royals

Miami Chef Kenny Gilbert Competes in Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions Miami is making its mark in the latest season of Guy Fieri’s cooking competition, “Tournament of Champions,” as local chef Kenny Gilbert faces off against top culinary talents. Gilbert, owner of House of Birds + Drop Biscuits in Coconut Grove, is set to showcase his bold flavors and Southern roots in a high-stakes showdown. The competition, which shifts its format this season, pits iconic chefs against all-star contenders in a knockout-style format, with Gilbert representing the city’s culinary scene. Fieri emphasized the new season’s focus on elevating the competition, stating, “I built Tournament of Champions for the best chefs to etch their names in culinary history. But this season, everything shifts.” The change has added an extra layer of intensity, with participants like Gilbert tasked with creating standout dishes under challenging conditions. Gilbert, known for his vibrant Southern-inspired cuisine, described his approach to the competition: “We really have a lot of fun with the recipes and the dishes. They have a lot of huge southern roots to it.” His enthusiasm has been echoed by industry peers, who praise his ability to blend tradition with innovation. “I’m bringing from a perspective of my culture and my passion about the cuisine,” he said, highlighting the personal significance of his work. A key challenge for Gilbert is the surprise ingredient element, which forces him to think on his feet. “You have to come up with a dish that’s gonna basically highlight these ingredients in the best possible way, and that is a challenge,” he admitted. Despite the uncertainty, Gilbert has already revealed his signature dish: a chicken and biscuit sandwich he calls “The Local,” a nod to his restaurant’s classic offerings.#miami #guy_fieri #kenny_gilbert #house_of_birds_drop_biscuits #tournament_of_champions

LeBron James is listed as questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers' game in Miami on Thursday, meaning Robert Parish could retain the NBA's all-time games played record for a few more days. The Lakers confirmed James is dealing with left foot arthritis, while Luka Doncic (right hip soreness) and Austin Reaves (right forearm contusion) are also questionable for the matchup. The trio combined for 84 points in the Lakers' 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The team flew to Miami after the game, arriving at 3:59 a.m. — later than most teams typically arrive in their next city when facing back-to-back games. James, who shot 13-of-14 from the field in the victory, tied his best shooting performance of his NBA career. The game marked his 1,610th regular-season contest, one behind Parish's record. James hit his right elbow on the court in the final minutes of Wednesday's game, remaining briefly on the floor and grimacing in pain. He told ESPN after the game that he hoped to play in Miami, a city he called home for four seasons during which he won his first two NBA titles. Parish, who entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003, has held the outright lead in career games played since April 6, 1996, when he broke a tie with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Parish, who played 50 more regular-season games before retiring after the 1996-97 season, spent his NBA career with Golden State, Boston, Charlotte, and Chicago. He praised James for his potential to break the record, stating, "No player is better deserving to break that iron man record than LeBron." James, already the NBA's all-time leader in points scored, minutes played, field goals made, and attempted, also holds records for 23 seasons played, 22 All-Star selections, and 21 All-NBA team honors.#miami #lebron_james #nba #los_angeles_lakers #robert_parish

Duke football and head coach Manny Diaz have shifted focus to the 2026 season, moving past the legal issues surrounding former quarterback Darian Mensah. The Blue Devils’ spring practice begins March 19, and Diaz addressed the media for the first time since the resolution of the lawsuit against Mensah, which concluded on January 27. Duke filed a lawsuit against Mensah on January 20 after he entered the transfer portal at the last minute, violating his multi-year contract with the program. Mensah, along with wide receiver Cooper Barkate, transferred to Miami shortly after the settlement was finalized. Diaz emphasized that the team has moved forward, stating, “It’s been a while, we’ve kind of moved on.” He acknowledged the complexities of the transfer portal and NCAA rules, noting, “The deck reshuffles every year and you try to play yourself to a winning hand.” The Blue Devils, who won the 2025 ACC championship for the eighth time in program history, have embraced the transfer portal to bolster their roster. Among the additions is San Jose State transfer Walker Eget, a two-year starter who threw for 5,555 yards and 30 touchdowns. Eget’s waiver for an extra year of eligibility was approved by the NCAA on February 19, but he is currently limited in his role due to an ACL tear sustained in October 2024. He underwent surgery after the 2025 season and is participating in light throwing drills this spring. Diaz praised Eget’s arrival, calling him a “massive gap filler” for a quarterback room that previously lacked in-game experience. The team now includes Eget, North Alabama transfer Ari Patu, redshirt freshman Dan Mahan, and freshman Terry Walker III. “We’re really excited to have Walker join our program,” Diaz said, highlighting Eget’s role in learning the offense and attending meetings.#miami #duke #manny_diaz #darian_mensah #acc_championship