Brendan Rodgers resigned as manager of Celtic on Monday, sparking turmoil at the club, with major shareholder Dermot Desmond issuing an extraordinary statement accusing him of fostering a "toxic atmosphere" during his departure.

In response, Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney have taken over as interim managers, leading the team to a 4-0 victory over Falkirk in their first Scottish Premiership match without Rodgers, which helped reduce Hearts' lead at the top of the table; however, O'Neill, aged 73, has stated he is only a short-term solution, and Maloney has ruled himself out of the permanent role.

Sky Sports pundit Chris Sutton criticized Desmond's "vicious" and "blistering" attack on Rodgers, suggesting that it could deter high-profile managers from considering the Celtic job due to fears of reputational damage if similar fallout occurs, potentially hampering the club's recruitment efforts.

As the search for a permanent manager continues, candidates like Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy are being considered, but a return for Ange Postecoglou appears unlikely, raising questions about whether Celtic can attract a manager of the required calibre after years of dominance in Scottish football.

Martin ONeill and Shaun Maloney are in interim charge at Celtic following Brendan Rodgers departure; major shareholder Dermot Desmond accused him of creating toxic atmosphere in extraordinary statement; the Hoops beat Falkirk 4-0 in their first Premiership game without Rodgers

Celtic need 'leader' after Brendan Rodgers departure, but will some 'think twice' after Dermont Desmond outburst?

The Indiana Pacers have started the 2025-26 NBA season poorly, remaining winless and struggling without their superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton. Additionally, the team faces a significant gap at the center position following the departure of longtime player Myles Turner, who signed a four-year, $108.8 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey identified trade targets for the Pacers, suggesting San Antonio Spurs center Kelly Olynyk as the most realistic option to address their center needs. Olynyk, a 12-year veteran, is praised for his career 39% three-point shooting and passing abilities, making him a sensible short-term replacement, though he is a defensive downgrade compared to Turner and represents a low-cost acquisition.

For a more ambitious solution, Bailey listed Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford as the Pacers' dream trade target. Gafford could become available if Dallas opts to use Anthony Davis at center, leveraging their roster depth, and he would offer a higher-impact option for Indiana as they navigate the season without Haliburton.

The Indiana Pacers were given 'realistic' and 'dream' trade targets to replace longtime center Myles Turner.

Pacers Given ‘Realistic’ and ‘Dream’ Trade Targets to Replace Myles Turner

The NBA and Cosm have announced an extended partnership to continue airing live NBA games in Cosm's immersive domes, reinforcing their collaboration into 2030 and beyond. This renewal builds on their initial agreement from February 2023, with the NBA being Cosm's first major professional sports league partner even before the company opened its first location in Los Angeles in 2024.

Cosm, an entertainment company focused on "shared reality," utilizes domes featuring 87-foot-diameter, 12L+ LED screens to provide an IMAX-esque viewing experience for fans. This setup allows customers to watch live sporting events with unique, viral-worthy perspectives, enhancing fan engagement through advanced technology.

Jeb Terry, Cosm's president and CEO, explained that the partnership aims to offer fans alternative ways to experience NBA games, especially those who are out-of-market, unable to attend in person, or seeking complementary access to courtside seats. He emphasized that this aligns with the NBA's goal of increasing accessibility and leveraging innovation to enrich the fan experience, making it a natural fit from the start.

As part of the extended agreement, Cosm will produce and distribute live NBA games at its venues for at least the next five years, including key events such as national TV games, the All-Star Weekend, playoffs, and the NBA Finals. Cosm's in-house production team will be responsible for delivering the distinctive views that characterize their dome experiences.

Teddy Kaplan, NBA vice president and head of new media partnerships, expressed strong support for the collaboration, noting that a 2022 visit to Cosm's headquarters in Salt Lake City convinced him of its potential as a future-forward solution. He highlighted that Cosm's approach resonates with the NBA's young, tech-savvy fan base and complements the league's broader efforts to innovate viewing options, such as alternative streams and virtual reality.

The initial partnership in 2023 was a pivotal moment for Cosm, providing legitimacy as the company engaged with other leagues and broadcasters. Terry described it as a key step in building market adoption and leveraging technology to enhance fan experiences, underscoring the strategic importance of this high-profile alliance for Cosm's growth and credibility in the industry.

One of the sports world’s most intriguing start-up companies is renewing its long-term partnership with its first-ever major professional sports league partner.

The NBA is extending its relationship with one of the sporting world’s most intriguing start-up companies

Bayern Munich is determined to retain Michael Olise, making it difficult for Liverpool and Manchester City to pursue a transfer, as confirmed by Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk. The clubs have faced a setback due to the absence of a release clause in Olise's contract, which was officially verified by Bayern's head of sport, Max Eberl, signaling that Premier League teams have little chance of acquiring the player.

In response, Bayern Munich plans to offer Olise a new contract, and he is reportedly very committed to the team, showing strong integration and enthusiasm. Despite being quiet in media interactions, Olise is described as an active communicator within the squad, frequently engaging with teammates on WhatsApp to offer support and encouragement, which highlights his leadership role off the field.

Ultimately, Bayern Munich will exert maximum effort to keep Olise, and any potential early departure would require his strong desire to leave, though even that might not guarantee a smooth exit given the club's firm stance.

Bayern Munich won’t let Michael Olise go easily…

Report: Liverpool, Manchester City can dash hopes to get Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James announced the release of a Halloween-themed children's book titled "Happy Spooky Halloween," scheduled for publication on July 21, 2026. James described this project as a "bucket list item" and shared on social media that he was a dedicated reader of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series during his middle-school years.

The book, illustrated by Ariel Landy and published by HarperCollins, is characterized as a "spooktacular picture book about teamwork and Halloween thrills." According to the publisher, the story follows main character Zara and her friends who discover that a Halloween party at their elementary school is "a little too spooky," leading to concerns about having fun. The plot centers on whether the students, both older and younger, can collaborate to create the perfect party.

This marks James's latest venture into children's literature, following his debut as an author in 2020 with "I Promise," illustrated by Niña Mata. He continued this partnership with the 2024 release of "I Am More Than" and expanded into middle-grade fiction in 2021 with "We Are Family," co-authored with Andrea Williams.

Currently, James is sidelined from basketball due to sciatica in his right side and has not yet made his debut for the 2025-26 NBA season. Upon his return to the Lakers, he is anticipated to become the first player in NBA history to compete in a 23rd season.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is releasing a Halloween-themed children's book in time for fall 2026.

LeBron James Announces Children's Book 'Happy Spooky Halloween' Releasing in 2026

In a closely contested NBA game on Wednesday night, the Memphis Grizzlies edged out the Phoenix Suns 114-113, with Ja Morant delivering a game-winning 11-foot jumper with just 7.6 seconds remaining to secure the victory.

The Suns mounted a late comeback in the fourth quarter, erasing a 10-point deficit to tie the game at 108 on Devin Booker's jumper with 2:23 left, and briefly took a 113-112 lead after Mark Williams' dunk with 51.4 seconds to go. However, after a series of scoreless possessions, Santi Aldama assisted Morant for the decisive basket, and Booker's potential game-winning three-pointer rimmed out at the buzzer.

Morant led the Grizzlies with 28 points, including 18 in the second half, along with 8 rebounds and 7 assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points. Off the bench, Santi Aldama contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, including a three-pointer that sparked a reaction from the Suns' bench. For the Suns, Devin Booker scored 32 points, with 16 in the fourth quarter, but struggled with 10-of-26 shooting, and Mark Williams, in his first start, posted 20 points and 11 rebounds on efficient 9-of-11 shooting.

The Grizzlies extended their winning streak over the Suns to six games, while Phoenix has now lost four consecutive games since their season-opening win. The Suns held a halftime lead of 53-49, with Collin Gillespie scoring 13 of his 14 points before the break, but were hampered by injuries, as Jalen Green missed his fifth straight game and Dillon Brooks was out for the second consecutive game.

Looking ahead, the Grizzlies are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, while the Suns will face the Utah Jazz at home on the same day.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns NBA game from October 29, 2025 on ESPN.

Grizzlies 114-113 Suns (Oct 29, 2025) Game Recap

Beatriz Neila is set to make her debut in the JuniorGP series at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking her first foray into prototype machinery after finishing second in the 2025 WorldWCR Championship. This move comes as she transitions from the WorldWCR series, where she achieved four wins and maintained a 100% podium record this year, securing the runner-up position behind former Moto3 rider Maria Herrera.

Neila will participate as a wildcard in the penultimate round of the 2025 JuniorGP season from October 31 to November 2 in Barcelona, followed by the final round in Valencia from November 21 to 23, which occurs one week after the MotoGP race there. JuniorGP serves as a key step on the Road to MotoGP ladder, providing her with an opportunity to gain experience in a competitive environment.

She will be racing for the AGR team, known for its success in Moto2 with riders like Jonas Folger and for previously fielding Moto3 rider Cormac Buchanan in JuniorGP. Her participation is facilitated by the sports management firm Hadden Sport, and Neila has expressed gratitude for the chance to join such a professional team, emphasizing that her goal is to focus on growth and learning rather than targeting specific results in these initial races.

In her statements, Neila highlighted the difficulty of the JuniorGP category, noting that it can be as fast as the Moto3 World Cup, and she aims to approach it step by step. She views these two races during her competition break as valuable for training and preparation for the 2026 season, expressing eagerness to hit the track and continue her development.

The 2025 JuniorGP season has been dominated by Brian Uriarte, who leads the standings with five wins out of eight races and a 46-point advantage over Rico Salmela, with four races remaining. Both Uriarte and Salmela are scheduled to advance to the World Championship next year, with Uriarte joining Red Bull KTM Ajo and Salmela with Red Bull KTM Tech3, while Casey O'Gorman, currently third in the standings, will race for SIC58 Squadra Corse in the upcoming season.

Beatriz Neila will get her first shot at racing in the JuniorGP series at Barcelona.

WorldWCR star to step on the Road to MotoGP with Barcelona wildcard

The Gilas Pilipinas roster for the Southeast Asian Games has been finalized, featuring players from various leagues such as the PBA, MPBL, UAAP, and Japan B.League, which presents challenges in team preparation according to Coach Norman Black.
Coach Black expressed concern over the difficulty of convening the players due to their ongoing commitments in different leagues, with Ray Parks set to arrive only in the second week of December because of his games in Japan, while others like Kymani Ladi, Michael Phillips, Veejay Pre, Jason Brickman, and Dave Ildefonso are still actively competing in the UAAP and MPBL, making timely practice sessions uncertain.
Despite these obstacles, Black remains optimistic, estimating that the team will have approximately 23 days of practice, including some double sessions, to prepare for defending their title in Bangkok and aims to quickly form a competitive squad for the tournament.

Gilas Pilipinas’ roster for the Southeast Asian Games is composed of players suiting up in various leagues like the PBA, MPBL, UAAP and Japan B.League. 

Gilas coach Norman Black has this concern ahead of SEAG

The Rams vs. Saints NFL Week 9 game is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, with viewing and streaming options sponsored by Verizon. NFL+ allows fans to watch live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on mobile devices, along with on-demand NFL programming, and additional ways to watch are available through provided links.
For radio coverage, local broadcasts include ESPN LA 710 AM and 93.1 Jack FM as a simulcast, with affiliate stations in domestic and international markets, and Spanish coverage on Tu Liga Radio 1330 AM and its affiliates. Social media updates can be followed on the Rams' Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok accounts.
In their last meeting during Week 13 of the 2024 season, the Rams defeated the Saints 21-14 at the Caesars Superdome. Key performances included Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing for 183 yards and two touchdowns, running back Kyren Williams rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, and outside linebacker Jared Verse securing the win with a critical quarterback hit on Derek Carr that caused an incompletion on fourth down.
Kickoff for the upcoming game is set for 1:05 p.m. Pacific Time and will be broadcast on FOX.

How to watch, listen to and live stream the Rams' Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 2.

Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints: How to watch, listen to and live stream Week 9

The United States women's soccer team secured a dominant 6-0 victory over New Zealand in a friendly match held in Kansas City, Missouri, with Emma Sears scoring a hat trick, the first by a U.S. woman since Sophia Wilson in April 2022.
Emma Sears netted all three of her goals from close range, contributing one in the first half and two in the second, as the U.S. controlled the game against FIFA's 33rd-ranked team. Catarina Macario and Rose Lavelle also scored in the first half, with Lavelle's goal being a notable long-range volley from 20 yards out, while Michelle Cooper provided two assists.
U.S. coach Emma Hayes continued her strategy of rotating the starting lineup, similar to previous friendlies against Portugal. After the match, Hayes praised captain Rose Lavelle, describing her as one of the best players she has coached and highlighting her technical skills and ability to break down defenses.
Defender Kennedy Wesley made her debut, becoming the 25th player to earn her first cap under Hayes, with the starting backline having limited prior appearances for the national team. The game took place at CPKC stadium, the world's first purpose-built women's soccer stadium, which is home to the NWSL's Kansas City Current, where Michelle Cooper plays. Before the match, New Zealand honored former captain Ali Riley, who retired after 163 appearances for the team.
The U.S. competed without several star players due to injuries and maternity leave, including Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Mallory Swanson. Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Portugal in the October window, the team rebounded with this win, maintaining a strong historical record against New Zealand and improving their performance in friendly matches.

Expert recap and game analysis of the United States vs. New Zealand Women's International Friendly game from October 29, 2025 on ESPN.

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