Rays’ Wander Franco’s sex abuse trial postponed after nearly every witness fails to show

The sex abuse trial of Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco was supposed to commence Thursday. But it was delayed until June after 28 of 31 witnesses expected to testify were absent. Franco has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. His trial is scheduled … Read more

Bill Belichick says he spoke with UNC legends, including Michael Jordan and Lawrence Taylor, before taking job

Bill Belichick isn’t going to Chapel Hill blindly. After spending nearly five decades on NFL sidelines, the eight-time Super Bowl champion took his first-ever college coaching job with the Tar Heels. He was officially introduced Thursday. Early reports of Belichick’s interest in the job were often scoffed at, but it’s clear he was interested from … Read more

LeBron James steps away from Lakers due to ‘personal reasons’ amid shooting slump, feeling ‘gassed’

Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said Thursday that LeBron James is away from the team due to “personal reasons.” Redick called it an “excused absence,” as James’ status for Friday is up in the air – he was already dealing with a foot injury and missed Wednesday’s game, his first of the year. … Read more

Olympic athlete amateur world champion joins Jake Paul’s boxing promotion

Roughly a month after defeating Mike Tyson, Jake Paul has added to his boxing promotion roster. Most Valuable Promotions on Friday announced the signing of two-time Canadian Olympian and amateur world champion Tammara “Tamm” Thibeault. Thibeault will become the first woman in history to make her pro debut under men’s rules – four three-minute rounds … Read more