If it was up to Paul Finebaum, the College Football Playoffs would never include automatic bids. Amid rumors of another potential CFP expansion, Finebaum rejected the idea of the postseason tournament giving the SEC and Big 10 a set number of guaranteed spots. While Finebaum agreed that the two conferences are already historically the two […]
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One of the biggest questions heading into this NFL offseason was what would happen with Aaron Rodgers. Coming out of a disappointing 2024 campaign, Rodgers staying with the Jets, becoming a free agent or retiring seemed to all be on the table. After hiring former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to be the team’s […]
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The New Orleans Saints are building their staff after hiring Kellen Moore as their new head coach, and they just got a new defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “The Saints are hiring former Chargers coach Brandon Staley as the defensive coordinator for coach Kellen Moore, per The Insiders. Staley was an assistant […]
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MARION BARTOLI has relived her own Wimbledon harassment hell in the wake of Emma Raducanu’s terrifying episode with a stalker.
France’s 2013 Wimbledon champion has talked about being targeted by a man 18 years ago while competing in UK tennis tournaments.
As she made the singles final on SW19 grounds for the first time in 2007 – she was beaten in the Centre Court final by Venus Williams – it was amid a backdrop of being followed and targeted by a fixated individual.
It comes as Raducanu, 22, burst into tears on court in Dubai after feeling terrified by the presence of a guy in the stands who had approached her the day before.
Bartoli, 40, said: “Someone just followed me through the whole grass season in 2007.
“I played Birmingham and Eastbourne and that person found a way to get into the grounds, behaving like a ball kid and a groundsman.
“He found a way to purchase the same kit and get himself into my court as a groundsperson.
“And I sort of recognised him. It was from my first-round match against Flavia Pennetta.
“I pointed out straight away to the All England Club and the organisation of the tournament to say that he was not a groundsperson, he was not working there.
“He was someone who had been stalking me for three weeks. And they found a way to get his identity and get rid of him and put his picture on all the entrances of the All England Club.
“When you’re in that environment, it can feel very, very stressful. And I was very young back then.
“I was 22 years old as well, and I remember just getting on the court and saying to my dad, that person does not have the right to be on my courts.
“That’s the only time I experienced it to that close degree, which I think is a bit similar to what Emma has experienced.
“Even though that guy didn’t insult me, he was really, really stalking me.”
On Monday, Raducanu was approached by the obsessed stranger in the UAE city – he asked for a photo and gave her a note.
And then on Tuesday night, she hid behind the umpire’s chair when she recognised him watching her second-round defeat to Karolina Muchova from the front rows of the stands.
The stalker was arrested by Dubai Police and though Raducanu dropped all charges, he has since signed a restraining order to keep away from her in the future.
Bartoli said: “It’s very disturbing to see those kinds of images, and very worrying as well.
“I was extremely proud of Emma for continuing to play and willing to give it a go, and willing to try to fight as much as she could despite the circumstances.
“But it’s very difficult when you get targeted like this.
“It’s very difficult for the WTA to have the control of people who can come into the gate without any tickets, which is the case in Dubai.
“When you come and sit on those outside courts, you don’t even need to purchase a ticket. You don’t even need to give an identity to get into the stands.
“And therefore, anyone can come in and behave that way.
“So I’m not sure how the WTA can prevent that. But I hope they will in the future.
“For Emma to stay on that court, to keep fighting, against a very good opponent, it was such a great effort.”
A FORMER ally of Alex Salmond has called for his “vision” of a new Scots town called Independence to be reignited.
Chris McEleny, who was a close aide to the late ex-First Minister, claimed the pair had drawn up plans for the town to be based somewhere between Edinburgh and the North East.
And he said that “now is the right time” to make the idea a reality, with Mr Salmond having died from a heart attack in October last year.
Mr McEleny said: “Alex Salmond and I had a vision for a new Scottish town and we could think of no better name than Independence.
“Scotland has an abundance of renewable energy potential. At the moment the Westminster plan is to cable most of that energy south with no benefit to Scotland.
“What we should be doing is using that energy to attract the industries of today and tomorrow to Scotland by using the incentive of cheaper energy anywhere else in Europe.
“Such an influx of highly skilled jobs would require the industries, the labour force and the infrastructure to all be mutually beneficial to each other – that is why a new town would make sense.
“A new Scottish town has not been designated since not long after the Second World War, now is the right time to begin a discussion to make a town called Independence a reality.”
Earlier this month, we told how Mr McEleny was suspended by the Alba Party over claims of “gross misconduct” – which he has denied.
A party source said Mr McEleny was stood down on January 1 for “disobeying direct instructions” from leadership and for “obstructing party office bearers from carrying out their duties”.
The idea for a new town was panned by political rivals who suggested Scots would give the proposal “short shrift”.
Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr said: “This ludicrous suggestion is on a par with Ash Regan’s infamous independence thermometer.
“Scots have made it clear they are sick and tired of nationalists pushing independence at every turn and will give this back of a fag packet idea short shrift.
“This desperate stunt shows how out of touch Alba are with what Scots are really concerned about right now, who would have no desire to move to this fantasy town.”
Five new towns have been built across Scotland since the end of the war in some of the country's biggest cities.
They include:
They quickly became associated with poor planning and architecture having been constructed quickly and through the use of unattractive grey conrete.
Plans for a new sixth town at Stonehouse in South Lanarkshire were also drawn up in the 1970s, but those plans were scrapped in 1976 with just 96 houses built to completion.
A new town called Blindwells is currently under construction next to the A1 near Prestonpans in East Lothian.
A TOP chef who appeared on BBC has been forced to shut his beloved pizza restaurant after admitting financial struggles.
The Manchester-based restaurateur said it was “impossible for us to make money anymore” with COVID-19 restrictions.
Dokes pizzeria in Prestwich is sadly shutting up shop after three years of serving Italian classics as well as a highly-rated roast dinner.
Chef and owner Michael Clay shared his disappointment on BBC Radio 5 Live where he revealed the venue, which opened in 2022, faced over 100,000 cancelations due to the pandemic.
Michael owns the Enecot in Ancoats, which also runs Dokes, had urged customers to warn them in advance to combat no-shows and offered outdoor seating to those who wanted it.
He said the knock-on impact of these cancellations was “massive,” and affected everything from the staff rota to food waste.
Dokes was regarded as one of the top independents in the area and it’s loyal customer base was gutted to see it go.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dokes announced the closure to Prestwich residents.
The post read: “After nearly 3 years of trying our hardest, unfortunately we’re going to have to call it a day.
“Having originally taken on the premises in between the two lockdowns (remember them?!), we’ve been extremely proud of what we have achieved under sometimes unbelievably difficult circumstances.
“Our staff have been the cornerstone of this and we would like to thank them for all of their hard work.
“The feedback we have received over the past couple of years on their food, service and hospitality has been absolutely incredible and we are extremely grateful for the hard work they have put in and the commitment they have shown.”
Dokes opened up as a small pizza restaurant but then soared in popularity after it revealed a popular roast dinner dish on the menu.
The post continued: “We feel like we have created a product that you have absolutely loved and a space that you have enjoyed coming to and we now really feel like a part of the Prestwich community – and for that we can’t thank you enough!
“You came for the pizzas and stayed for the roasts and it’s been a lot of fun.”
“Try as we might though, it’s just not been possible for us to make the money required for the size of team needed to run as a pizza restaurant.
The venue claimed that it was simply not able to operate at the same that it could of before the pandemic.
Despite leaving customers devastated, Dokes said they have new plans in the works.
“We are a small restaurant and the margins that were there pre-Covid are not achievable anymore at this scale and only getting tighter month on month,” Dokes revealed.
“So it is with a heavy heart that we are closing the door on this chapter BUT…we aren’t going to be leaving you completely.
“We have plans for the place which we will be updating you about very soon so please watch this space for more details. We hope you’re going to love it.
“As Dokes, Sunday 9th March will be our final service so please come down over the next couple of weeks, grab a pizza or a roast and say hello. It would be lovely to see you all.
“Bookings are open and the cellar is stocked so lets fill the little place up and go out with a bang!”
Pizza-fans and Prestwich foodies responded to the post saying they were “absolutely gutted! and were “so sorry to hear this.”
The pandemic isn’t the only factor that has been affecting the hospitality industry of late.
The cost of living crisis, an increase in bills, and a rise in rent, has led to fewer Brits splashing the cash.
Without as much disposable income, fewer customers pour money into hospitality making it difficult to sustain.
It was revealed that six pubs were shut every week last year as they were hit by rising business costs.
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
FORMER RTE Fair City star Jenny Lee Dixon was left in tears after an “emotional” milestone.
The actress, best known for playing Kerri-Ann in the long-running soap, gave birth to twins Bella Sky and Capri Lucia in February 2023.
In 2019, Jenny and her long time love TD Tom Neville tied the knot in Corpus Christi Church in Drumcondra.
The happy couple celebrated their daughters’ second birthday this week.
The family-of-four posed for heart-melting pictures at home together on the special day.
Little Capri and Bella looked adorable in matching yellow bee print dresses.
Jenny shared the snaps on Instagram and revealed her high emotions with fans.
She wrote: “We now have two two-year-olds. When all the running around this week was done, (buying every doll & princess ever invented) I had a moment.
“Emotions are crazy. Last time I shed tears like this intensity was moments before going down to theatre to give birth, two years ago.
“A myriad of thoughts & feelings. Two years ago I shed tears on the brink of entering motherhood.
“This week I shed similar tears but for whatever reason it was, because they were turning two. I decided to just honour the emotion and feel it.”
Jenny gushed over her little “tiny princesses” and said how “funny” and “intelligent” they already are.
She added: “I could go on but I’ll stop. I love them.”
Before welcoming her twins, Jenny struggled to conceive for three years and she has been quite open about it.
Speaking about her experience, Jenny said: “It was a journey I’ve spoken about getting to have Bella and Capri and so on their birthday I celebrate and give thanks, so much thanks.
“And passing on this good news story to anyone who needs it right now. Dreams do come true.”
Jenny’s friends and fans all rushed to the comment section with their birthday wishes.
Aoife wrote: “Happy birthday to your beautiful girls. They are lucky to have you.”
Alice said: “Gorgeous girls. Huge happy birthday.”
Helen remarked: “That was the fastest two years!! Happy birthday to the princesses.”
RACHAEL BLACKMORE has spoken of the “unshakeable sadness” surrounding racing following the death of fellow jockey Michael O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan, 24, died on Sunday as a result of injuries sustained in a fall at Thurles on February 26.
His funeral took place on Wednesday and tributes have poured in from the racing world for the Cheltenham Festival-winning rider, who famously partnered Marine Nationale to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023.
Blackmore, the only woman to ride the winner of the Grand National and also successful in the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup, said the weighing room was now a “different place”.
She told Betfair: “There is an unshakeable sadness over racing at the moment. What we think will never happen… happened.
“The weigh room I know is different now. Michael will never be forgotten. All our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
O’Sullivan’s passing prompted tributes across the horse-racing world, with minute’s silences held at both Ludlow and Punchestown.
Long-time trainer Barry Connell made the point of paying tribute to his former confidante at the Irish racecourse on Thursday.
The pair had linked up for O’Sullivan’s most memorable triumph with Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
At the outset of his interview with Racing TV, Connell acknowledged: “It has been a terribly difficult week for the family and everyone in the racing community.
“Michael was part of our operation for a long time, and it’s been heartbreaking, it’s been very difficult.”
He added: “I was lucky enough to spend a good bit of time with the family during the week.
“He packed so much into a career of two and half years that most riders wouldn’t be able to do in a lifetime.
“The two of us went along together.
“I only had the [training] license for a year and Michael had only just turned professional, and we went on a magical journey.
“We’ll be going back to Cheltenham this year, and it will be very emotional.
“Our hearts go out to the family, and we will never forget Michael.”
The Irish horse racing community en masse turned up in Glantire on Wednesday to pay their respects as the prodigiously talented rider was laid to rest.
Perhaps the most moving moment to come from a sombre day from start to finish was supplied by his girlfriend Charlotte.
She read out a poem she’d composed in his honour that summed up his lifelong love of racing.
It read: “Around the home bend, he came, so proud, a jockey, strong, with heart unbowed.
“The cheers of Cheltenham rose to the sky, as he galloped past, swift as a sigh.
“In the saddle, he knew no fear, chasing victory, his purpose clear.
“The crowd erupted with each swift stride, but it was his love that burned inside.
“With the reins in his hands and the wind at his back, he’d race through life, never looking back.
“A man of grit, of courage, and grace, whose smile could light up the darkest space.
“His spirit runs free, beyond the track, and in my heart, he’s forever mine.
“My love, my life, my endless love.”
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have sensationally asked broadcasters not to refer to them as “Tottenham”.
For decades, broadcasters of the north Londoners’ matches have referred to the club as “Tottenham”.
But in an email to TV rights holders around the world, Spurs have asked to be referred to by their full name.
Broadcasters received the email, details of which have been made public by The Athletic, on February 10.
The communication was titled: “Tottenham Hotspur Naming Update.”
An excerpt of it read: “Tottenham Hotspur have provided clarification regarding the club’s name.
“They have requested that the club are primarily known as Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs being the preferred short version.
“The club have requested that they are not referred to as Tottenham.”
Not being referred to as “Tottenham” has actually been the club’s stance since 2011.
And they felt it necessary to remind broadcasters of it following a refresh of their brand guidelines after Christmas.
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Spurs seemingly don’t want to be referred to as “Tottenham”, the area of London in which they reside, in order to increase the global presence of the Tottenham Hotspur brand.
Broadcasters have started heeding the club’s request, with Sky Sports describing Ange Postecoglou as the “Tottenham Hotspur Head Coach” during their coverage of Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester United last weekend.
Additionally, when the team’s starting XI was displayed on the screen it said “Spurs” at the top.
Spurs will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town.
UFC bigwig Dana White was pitched a “crazy” champion-versus-champion fight by his good friend Joe Rogan before making a huge announcement.
MMA’s premier promotion has only staged seven champ-vs-champ fights in its near 32-year-long history.
The most recent saw dominant lightweight king Islam Makhachev brutally knock out his former featherweight counterpart Alexander Volkanovski in October 2023.
Makhachev has been linked with a move up in weight to challenge for welterweight gold.
But veteran UFC commentator Rogan wants to see the Dagestani defend his belt against current 145lbs champion Ilia Topuria next.
During a recent episode of his Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, he said: “As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia goes up to 155. I really do.
“Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes at 145, Ilia goes up to 155. I don’t care if he only defended the title one time or didn’t.
“Who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f****ing go.”
Many, including former welterweight title holder Matt Serra, want to see Topuria bank a few more title defences before moving up in weight.
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But Rogan dismissed the notion put forward by his good friend, saying: “Yeah, it’d be nice.
“But also who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f***ing go.”
“If you want to make that big fight in July, is it the Volkanovski rematch?
“I don’t know. I think people want to see Volkanovski win one.”
Georgian-born Spaniard Topuria became the king of the featherweights last February with a sensational second-round KO of Volkanovski at UFC 298.
He racked up his first title defence in equally as devastating fashion last October, knocking out former 145lbs king Max Holloway at UFC 308.
That stunning win proved to be Topuria’s last in the weight class as White announced this week he’ll be moving up to lightweight.
And fans are convinced he’ll be facing Makhachev, who became 155lbs champion in October 2022 with a second-round submission of then-titleholder Charles Oliveira, next.
Makhachev, the protege of the retired Khabib Nurmagomedov, hasn’t shown any sign of relinquishing the throne any time soon, racking up four straight title defences.