Stewart revealed that her wife, retired professional basketball player Marta Xargay Casademont, received a discriminatory email that threatened violence against Stewart and Casademont after the Liberty’s overtime loss to the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 on Thursday. The email included homophobic language and death threats, including ‘I hope someone shoots your wife dead.’

‘We love that people are engaged in our sport, but not to the point that there’s threats or harassment or homophobic comments being made,’ Stewart said on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s Game 3. ‘We’re just continuing to let the league know — they’re handling it — but also just continuing to use this platform to make sure everyone knows that it’s unacceptable to bring to this sport and into the world.’

During an interview with ESPN on Tuesday, Stewart said the email ‘came after the Game 1 loss’ and noted that ‘a few other things have happened.’ Stewart said that although her family is ‘definitely doing OK,’ the email sent directly to Casademont’s personal account hits too close to home.

‘I don’t look at all my (social media direct) messages, but the fact that it came directly to Marta’s email is something she couldn’t not see,’ Stewart said Tuesday. ‘The level of closeness was a little bit different and I think that we want to make sure obviously that myself and Marta are OK, but our kids are the ones who are safest.’

‘We continue to emphasize that there is absolutely no room for hateful or threatening comments made about players, teams or anyone affiliated with the WNBA,’ a league spokesperson said in a statement issued to USA TODAY Sports. ‘We’re aware of the most recent matter and are working with league and team security as well as law enforcement on appropriate security measures.”

The Liberty did not respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY Sports.

Stewart, 30, and Casademont, 33, tied the knot in July 2021 and share two children — Ruby, 3, and Theo, who turns 1 this month. The WNBA Finals series is even at 1-1 with the series shifting to Minnesota for Game 3 Wednesday.

WNBA condemns threatening comments

As the WNBA has grown in popularity, so have security concerns.

Homophobia and racism has been an ongoing issue in the WNBA this season as a new wave of fans have flocked to the sport. Last month, the WNBA condemned all ‘racist, derogatory or threatening comments’ following an increase in incidents, including a threatening and racist email sent to the Connecticut Sun’s Dijonai Carrington.

The WNBA issued a statement last month, saying it is ‘monitoring threat-related activity’ and will work with the teams and venues ‘to take appropriate measures, to include involving law enforcement, as necessary. … While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams and anyone affiliated with the league,’ the statement added.

Stewart said the league needs to be proactive against threats, instead of reactive.

‘I think that (commissioner) Cathy (Engelbert) and the league can just continue to make sure they’re ahead of this,’ Stewart said Tuesday. ‘Everything that’s happened since Thursday everyone has walked hand in hand, step in step with what to do going forward. But if there’s a way to prevent this or just be ready for action so me and Marta aren’t like (wondering what to do), there needs to be a like a protocol or something before the season.’

This story was updated to add new information.

Messi’s brilliance was on full display in his native Argentina, scoring a hat trick and delivering two assists in a 6-0 rout of Bolivia in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday night.

It was Messi’s first match in Argentina in 334 days, and the beloved World Cup champion left fans at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires with a night to remember. They saw Messi’s 10th hat trick with Argentina, and the first game with multiple goals and assists in his national team career. 

It was a performance that leaves no doubt about the form he’s in before his MLS Cup playoff run with Inter Miami later this month. It also leaves Messi’s legion of fans wondering how much longer they will enjoy his greatness.

“It’s great to come here, to feel the affection of the people. I’m excited when they shout my name,” Messi said after the game. “We all enjoy the connection with the people and we love playing in Argentina. We’re happy with the win.”

Messi scored a goal in the 19th minute and dished his two assists before halftime. His final two goals came within two minutes of each other in the 84th and 86th minutes. It’s his first hat trick since he scored three goals for Argentina in a 7-0 win over Curaçao on March 28, 2023.

It was an emphatic performance by Messi, the Inter Miami star who has played in seven matches in the last month in his return from a right ankle injury in the July 14 Copa America final that sidelined him for 2 ½ months.

Messi has 110 goals with Argentina, moving him into second place on the all-time list, ahead of Iran’s Ali Daei (108). Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 133 goals for Portugal, including 10 hat tricks.

The 37-year-old all-time soccer great knows he only has limited opportunities to play in Argentina in his storied career. Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through the end of 2025, and hope will continue to linger about his chance to play in World Cup 2026.

But talks of the next World Cup or retirement will wait for another day.

Messi is just enjoying the moment.

“I haven’t set a date or deadline. I just want to enjoy all of this,” Messi said. “I’m more excited than ever to be here and feel the affection of the people because I know that these could be the last games.”

Messi stretched out his hands in celebration as the crowd erupted after he scored in the 19th minute, capitalizing from a steal by teammate Lautaro Martinez to find the bottom right corner of the net to open the scoring.

Messi later found Martinez for a quick pass on his left side in the 43rd minute and delivered a pass into the box to Julian Alvarez in extra time (45’+3’) for his two assists.

Former Atlanta United standout Thiago Almada also scored (70’) for Argentina, which leads the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points after 10 matches.

Just before the match went final, Messi stole the show again with two goals in a two-minute span to cap his memorable performance.

Tuesday’s match capped a travel-filled week for Messi with the national team. They settled for a 1-1 draw in Venezuela last Thursday, after arriving late in the country from Miami via Columbia ahead of Hurricane Milton. He will return to South Florida on Wednesday and rejoin Inter Miami for the club’s playoff chase.

Messi and Inter Miami have already clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield with the best record in 2024. They need a win in the season finale Saturday at home against New England Revolution to set the MLS record with 74 points.

Then, Inter Miami’s run in the MLS Cup Playoffs begin on Oct. 25 with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

“This is what drives me. Enjoying being happy where I am,” Messi said. “Despite my age, when I’m here I look like a kid because I feel comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can continue to perform as I intend, we’ll continue to enjoy it.”

Check out these highlights from the Argentina vs. Bolivia match:

Lionel Messi hat trick: Argentina 6, Bolivia 0

Lionel Messi has a hat trick, scoring for the third time in the 86th minute.

Lionel Messi goal: Argentina 5, Bolivia 0

Lionel Messi has scored again in the 84th minute, this time with his right boot instead of his legendary left boot.

Messi charged into the box, crossed over a defender to his right foot, and send his second goal of the match into the net.

Thiago Almada goal: Argentina 4, Bolivia 0

Argentina has extended its lead in the second half, with a right boot from former Atlanta United standout Thiago Almada in the 70th minute.

Messi gets second assist on Julian Alvarez goal: Argentina 3, Bolivia 0

We’ve got a rout in Argentina, and Lionel Messi’s brilliance is all over it.

Messi sent a pass into the box, and Julian Alvarez scored in extra time just before halftime (45’+3’) to give Argentina a 3-0 lead over Bolivia.

It’s the second assist for Messi, who also scored in the 19th minute to kick things off for the World Cup champions.

Messi assists Lautaro Martinez goal: Argentina 2, Bolivia 0

Lionel Messi has already scored. Now, he has an assist.

Messi charged toward the net again, but dropped off a pass to Lautaro Martinez for a goal in the 43rd minute and Argentina’s 2-0 lead over Bolivia just before halftime.

While Messi clearly had a chance to score again, he found Martinez streaking down his left side. And Martinez was inspired to point to Messi as the two celebrated the score.

Martinez was the Copa America Golden Boot winner after leading Argentina with five goals during the tournament this summer.

Lionel Messi goal highlight: Argentina 1, Bolivia 0

Messi capitalized on a loose ball after a challenge by teammate Lautaro Martínez, and charged his way to the net. The only person in his path was the Bolivian goalie. And Messi made quick work of the opportunity, finding the lower right corner of the net.

Messi stretched out his hands to the Argentine crowd, enjoying their admiration while his teammates ran to celebrate their 1-0 lead over Bolivia.

What time is the Argentina vs. Bolivia match?

It begins at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. in Argentina).

Where to watch Argentina vs. Bolivia live stream?

The match will be broadcast by NBC Universo. Streaming also available on fubo.

Is Messi playing tonight?

Yes, Messi is in the starting lineup for Argentina against Bolivia.

Argentina vs. Bolivia betting odds

The odds are stacked against Bolivia in this one: Argentina is an overwhelming favorite (-1400), while Bolivia is (+2800) to win and a draw is (+1200) after regulation. The over/under on goals scored is 3.5, according to BETMGM.

When was the last time Messi played in Argentina?

The last time Messi played for Argentina in his home country wasn’t the best of outcomes.

Losing isn’t an often occurrence for Argentina, the reigning World Cup and two-time defending Copa America champions: They’ve lost just four times in their last 67 matches they’ve played.

Messi’s busy week continues with Argentina match

The Argentine national team traveled from South Florida to Colombia, then Venezuela before settling for a 1-1 draw against the Venezuelan national team last Thursday.

Argentina had a full practice Monday, after a light session on Sunday, before Tuesday’s match against Bolivia.

After the Bolivia match, Messi will return to South Florida and Inter Miami practice.

Inter Miami will play its season finale on Saturday against New England Revolution with a chance to clinch 74 points and the MLS record for points in a season.

The good news for Messi: He’ll have a week before Inter Miami begins the MLS Cup Playoffs on Oct. 25.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

Colorado two-way superstar Travis Hunter is likely to play Saturday at Arizona despite getting knocked out of his last game with a right shoulder injury against Kansas State, Colorado football coach Deion Sanders said Tuesday

‘Travis should play for certain on Saturday,’ Sanders said at his weekly news conference in Boulder.

The news is a big boost not just for the Buffaloes (4-2) but also the Heisman Trophy candidacy of Hunter. He is considered one of the best players in college football and had been ranked as one of the top two favorites to win the award before the injury, according BetMGM.

Hunter suffered the injury in the second quarter of Colorado’s 31-28 loss Saturday night at home against Kansas State. It came when he caught a 14-yard pass as a receiver and got hit on the right shoulder by the helmet of Kansas State safety Daniel Cobbs.

Colorado’s other wide receiver injuries

Sanders also gave an update on other players who were injured against Kansas State, all receivers, but didn’t specify the nature of their injuries or Hunter’s.

∎ Receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. is likely to play at Arizona (3-3). He is Colorado’s second-leading receiver behind Hunter with 26 catches for 347 yards.

∎ Receiver Omarion Miller appears to be out for the season after being helped off the field in the fourth quarter against Kansas State. Sanders indicated he had surgery recently and said he was proud of him. Miller is essentially Colorado’s fifth receiver and has 10 catches for 216 yards.

∎ Another receiver, Terrell Timmons, a transfer from North Carolina State, is probably out, Sanders said.

In their absence, two other transfer players are expected to have even bigger roles at receiver: Will Sheppard (Vanderbilt) and LaJohntay Wester (Florida Atlantic).

Hunter leads the team with 49 catches for 587 yards. His absence Saturday was huge for Colorado. After getting hit on the shoulder, Hunter took himself out of the game and never returned as Kansas State mounted three straight scoring drives without him playing cornerback on defense.

‘When you lose Travis, you lose two players,’ Colorado safety Shilo Sanders said Tuesday.

Shilo Sanders addresses his game Saturday

Hunter’s return comes as Colorado prepares to face one of the nation’s top receivers: Tetairoa McMillan of Arizona, who ranks third nationally in receiving yards per game with 123.7. To keep him bottled up, the Buffaloes also will need better play from Shilo Sanders, who was criticized by his father and coach last Saturday for his ‘horrible’ play against Kansas State.

Shilo Sanders missed tackles and slipped at times against the Wildcats but was playing with a broken forearm and hadn’t played in the previous three games because of the injury. Shilo, a graduate student, is playing his last year of college eligibility after leading the team in tackles last year.

‘This is my last season, so … this has to be my biggest season,’ Shilo Sanders said.

He said he worked to get back from the injury and then ‘you have the worst game of your life.’ He acknowledged he played ‘horrible.’

‘It’s really disappointing for me, especially the fans,’ Shilo Sanders said. ‘I’ve been seeing everybody turn on me and stuff like that, but I’m not really worried about none of that.’

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers have swung and missed on a young kicker for the second straight year.

After watching rookie Brayden Narveson miss his fifth field goal in six games, the Packers are moving on, signing veteran Brandon McManus, who last kicked for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A source confirmed an ESPN report that McManus is signing a one-year deal with the Packers.

The team did not announce the move. It’s likely McManus was in for a workout Tuesday and the Packers decided to sign him. The Packers aren’t likely to keep two kickers on the roster, so the club will probably announce Narveson’s release Wednesday.

The Packers are not expected to make a move with practice squad kicker Alex Hale, which means it’s not likely Narveson will be brought back to join the practice squad. He will be subject to waivers once he is released and will be a free agent if he clears waivers.

All things Packers: Latest Green Bay Packers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

The signing will draw attention and not just because the Packers are giving up on Narveson.

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McManus became available to sign after the NFL ruled Sept. 30 that he did not violate the personal conduct policy related to a civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault during a charter flight to London last year when he was playing for the Jaguars,

The anonymous plaintiffs accused McManus of rubbing himself against them and grinding against them during the Jaguars’ flight to London on Sept. 28, 2023. McManus’ attorney has called the suit a “shakedown” and said McManus never met the two women. An amended complaint was filed in early September with both women’s names revealed after a judge ruled the case did not meet Florida law for plaintiff anonymity, according to the Washington Post.

General manager Brian Gutekunst has stayed away from signing players with any unlawful or questionable behavior in their background, even when they have been cleared of any crime. Gutekunst passed on punter Matt Araiza, a year ago, even though it was deemed he had left a party where a woman was later raped.

McManus is entering his 11th season in the NFL, spending all but last season with the Denver Broncos. He hit 30 of 37 field goals for the Jaguars last year, including 25 of 27 field goals from inside the 50-yard line.

The Jaguars chose not to re-sign McManus after he became a free agent and he signed with the Washington Commanders in March. The Commanders released him in June when news of the alleged sexual assault took place.

.For his career, McManus has hit 81.4% of his field goal attempts (253 of 311) and 97.2% of his extra points (312 of 321).

(This story was updated to add new information.)

There’s a new banner in the rafters at Nationwide Arena.

During a pregame ceremony honoring the life of Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed Aug. 29 along with his brother Matthew, the Columbus Blue Jackets hoisted a white banner bearing his No. 13, while his widow, Meredith and young kids, Noa and Johnny, watched on the ice.

They stood next to Sean Monahan, one of Gaudreau’s best friends and a center who signed with the Blue Jackets on July 1 partly to reunite with Gaudreau. They played with in Calgary for almost a decade, and planned to live a few houses away from each other in Columbus. Monahan held one of the kids, while Meredith had the other, wiping away tears as the banner lifted into place.

The ceremony was preceded by a touching video of Gaudreau’s life and career on the screens above the ice, and Meredith Gaudreau provided a recorded message to fans — known in Columbus as The 5th Line ― after the ceremony, urging them to cheer for the Blue Jackets rather than be filled with grief.

“I don’t want anyone to be sad,” she said. “I want everyone to be inspired by the life that John lived. That is love your family, first and foremost, and when it’s time to drop the puck, let’s love the game that John loved.”

All things Blue Jackets: Latest Columbus Blue Jackets news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

More members of Gaudreau’s family, including parents Guy and Jane, plus members of Meredith’s family watched from a private box, which was shown prior to the banner raising. Both teams, after wearing No. 13 jerseys in warmups on each side of the ice, lined a blue carpet for Meredith and the Gaudreau children to walk.

On their way back to the bench, they received hugs from players on both teams, along with the clacking of sticks tapping the ice in salute. The Blue Jackets players also honored Gaudreau by taking the opening faceoff without a left wing, where he’d played on the top line.

The puck from that draw was scooped up and sent to the Jackets’ bench for safekeeping, as a second opening draw with two full teams started the game.  A couple of times, a smattering of “Johnny Hockey!” chants broke out, but a somber feeling hung in in the building as the game began, steadily lifting as play continued.

Messi’s brilliance was on full display in his native Argentina, scoring a hat trick and delivering two assists in a 6-0 rout of Bolivia in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday night.

It was Messi’s first match in Argentina in 334 days, and the beloved World Cup champion left fans at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires with a night to remember.

It was a performance that leaves no doubt about the form he’s in before his MLS Cup playoff run with Inter Miami later this month. It also leaves Messi’s legion of fans wondering how much longer they will enjoy his greatness.

“It’s great to come here, to feel the affection of the people. I’m excited when they shout my name,” Messi said after the game. “We all enjoy the connection with the people and we love playing in Argentina. We’re happy with the win.”

Messi scored a goal in the 19th minute and dished his two assists before halftime. His final two goals came within two minutes of each other in the 84th and 86th minutes. It’s his first hat trick since he scored three goals for Argentina in a 7-0 win over Curaçao on March 28, 2023.

It was an emphatic performance by Messi, the Inter Miami star who has played in seven matches in the last month in his return from a right ankle injury in the July 14 Copa America final that sidelined him for 2 ½ months.

The 37-year-old all-time soccer great knows he only has limited opportunities to play in Argentina in his storied career. Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through the end of 2025, and hope will continue to linger about his chance to play in World Cup 2026.

But talks of the next World Cup or retirement will wait for another day.

Messi is just enjoying the moment.

“I haven’t set a date or deadline. I just want to enjoy all of this,” Messi said. “I’m more excited than ever to be here and feel the affection of the people because I know that these could be the last games.”

Messi stretched out his hands in celebration as the crowd erupted after he scored in the 19th minute, capitalizing from a steal by teammate Lautaro Martinez to find the bottom right corner of the net to open the scoring.

Messi later found Martinez for a quick pass on his left side in the 43rd minute and delivered a pass into the box to Julian Alvarez in extra time (45’+3’) for his two assists.

Former Atlanta United standout Thiago Almada also scored (70’) for Argentina, which leads the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points after 10 matches.

Just before the match went final, Messi stole the show again with two goals in a two-minute span to cap his memorable performance.

Tuesday’s match capped a travel-filled week for Messi with the national team. They settled for a 1-1 draw in Venezuela last Thursday, after arriving late in the country from Miami via Columbia ahead of Hurricane Milton. He will return to South Florida on Wednesday and rejoin Inter Miami for the club’s playoff chase.

Messi and Inter Miami have already clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield with the best record in 2024. They need a win in the season finale Saturday at home against New England Revolution to set the MLS record with 74 points.

Then, Inter Miami’s run in the MLS Cup Playoffs begin on Oct. 25 with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

“This is what drives me. Enjoying being happy where I am,” Messi said. “Despite my age, when I’m here I look like a kid because I feel comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can continue to perform as I intend, we’ll continue to enjoy it.”

Check out these highlights from the Argentina vs. Bolivia match:

Lionel Messi hat trick: Argentina 6, Bolivia 0

Lionel Messi has a hat trick, scoring for the third time in the 86th minute.

Lionel Messi goal: Argentina 5, Bolivia 0

Lionel Messi has scored again in the 84th minute, this time with his right boot instead of his legendary left boot.

Messi charged into the box, crossed over a defender to his right foot, and send his second goal of the match into the net.

Thiago Almada goal: Argentina 4, Bolivia 0

Argentina has extended its lead in the second half, with a right boot from former Atlanta United standout Thiago Almada in the 70th minute.

Messi gets second assist on Julian Alvarez goal: Argentina 3, Bolivia 0

We’ve got a rout in Argentina, and Lionel Messi’s brilliance is all over it.

Messi sent a pass into the box, and Julian Alvarez scored in extra time just before halftime (45’+3’) to give Argentina a 3-0 lead over Bolivia.

It’s the second assist for Messi, who also scored in the 19th minute to kick things off for the World Cup champions.

Messi assists Lautaro Martinez goal: Argentina 2, Bolivia 0

Lionel Messi has already scored. Now, he has an assist.

Messi charged toward the net again, but dropped off a pass to Lautaro Martinez for a goal in the 43rd minute and Argentina’s 2-0 lead over Bolivia just before halftime.

While Messi clearly had a chance to score again, he found Martinez streaking down his left side. And Martinez was inspired to point to Messi as the two celebrated the score.

Martinez was the Copa America Golden Boot winner after leading Argentina with five goals during the tournament this summer.

Lionel Messi goal highlight: Argentina 1, Bolivia 0

Messi capitalized on a loose ball after a challenge by teammate Lautaro Martínez, and charged his way to the net. The only person in his path was the Bolivian goalie. And Messi made quick work of the opportunity, finding the lower right corner of the net.

Messi stretched out his hands to the Argentine crowd, enjoying their admiration while his teammates ran to celebrate their 1-0 lead over Bolivia.

What time is the Argentina vs. Bolivia match?

It begins at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. in Argentina).

Where to watch Argentina vs. Bolivia live stream?

The match will be broadcast by NBC Universo. Streaming also available on fubo.

Is Messi playing tonight?

Yes, Messi is in the starting lineup for Argentina against Bolivia.

Argentina vs. Bolivia betting odds

The odds are stacked against Bolivia in this one: Argentina is an overwhelming favorite (-1400), while Bolivia is (+2800) to win and a draw is (+1200) after regulation. The over/under on goals scored is 3.5, according to BETMGM.

When was the last time Messi played in Argentina?

The last time Messi played for Argentina in his home country wasn’t the best of outcomes.

Losing isn’t an often occurrence for Argentina, the reigning World Cup and two-time defending Copa America champions: They’ve lost just four times in their last 67 matches they’ve played.

Messi’s busy week continues with Argentina match

The Argentine national team traveled from South Florida to Colombia, then Venezuela before settling for a 1-1 draw against the Venezuelan national team last Thursday.

Argentina had a full practice Monday, after a light session on Sunday, before Tuesday’s match against Bolivia.

After the Bolivia match, Messi will return to South Florida and Inter Miami practice.

Inter Miami will play its season finale on Saturday against New England Revolution with a chance to clinch 74 points and the MLS record for points in a season.

The good news for Messi: He’ll have a week before Inter Miami begins the MLS Cup Playoffs on Oct. 25.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

The Detroit Lions are not messing around with their core young players.

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill became the latest Lions player to sign a long-term extension to stay in Detroit.

McNeill and the Lions have agreed to a four-year extension, according to McNeill’s agent, Mike McCartney. The deal is worth up to $97 million with $55 million guaranteed, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport and confirmed by the Free Press.

McNeill, a 6-foot-2, 315-pound defense tackle, is in his fourth season with the Lions after the team drafted him in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft, the first draft under general manager Brad Holmes.

All things Lions: Latest Detroit Lions news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

McNeill found playing time right away as a rookie, appearing in all 17 games and making six starts before starting all 17 games in his second year. McNeill’s third year in the league, 2023, was his breakout campaign, with the defensive tackle developing a knack for getting after the passer, even from his interior position.

Last year, McNeill had five sacks and six tackles for loss in just 13 games and became a dominant force alongside Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line.

McNeill is the latest Lion to get an extension this year as the front office has shown it prefers to get in front of the deal rather than wait longer and pay more.

Since the end of last season, the Lions have given new contracts to Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, David Montgomery and now McNeill.

The latest contract to McNeill comes just days after Hutchinson broke his left tibia and fibula on a nasty play against the Cowboys in a dominant 47-9 victory.

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New U.S. men’s national soccer team coach Mauricio Pochettino gets his first big test when his team faces rival Mexico in Zapopan, Mexico, near Guadalajara, on Tuesday night.

This match marks the USMNT’s first friendly in Mexico since 2012, which coincidentally is the team’s only win in Mexico in 28 all-time matches played in the nation. That 2012 friendly took place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Tuesday night’s match will be held at the Estadio Akron, which is the home of Liga MX’s Chivas de Guadalajara.

The Pochettino era with the USMNT got off to a promising start on Saturday, when the U.S. defeated Panama, 2-0, in Austin, Texas. Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi each scored goals in the win. Pepi, however, will not be available to play against Mexico; neither will the team’s top player, Christian Pulisic, as well as mainstay Weston McKennie.

USA TODAY Sports will provide updates, highlights and analysis from the USMNT’s friendly match against Mexico on Tuesday night:

USMNT vs. Mexico TV channel

The television broadcast will be available on TNT, with pregame coverage starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. A Spanish-language television broadcast is available on TUDN and Univision.

USMNT vs. Mexico live stream

The match will stream on Max and Peacock, with pregame coverage starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. Streaming is also available on fubo.

Where is the USMNT’s friendly against Mexico being played?

Which players are on the USMNT roster?

Goalkeepers (4): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City/Wales), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/England)

Defenders (8): Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/Belgium), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/Italy), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/France), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach/Germany), Auston Trusty (Celtic/Scotland)

Midfielders (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/England), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/Italy), Weston McKennie (Juventus/Italy), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/England), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/Italy), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyonnais/France), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands)

Forwards (6): Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/Italy), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/England), Brandon Vazquez (C.F. Monterrey/Mexico), Haji Wright (Coventry City/England), Alex Zendejas (Club América/Mexico)

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The New York Jets finally landed standout receiver Davante Adams to reunite with Aaron Rodgers, and two words come to mind.

No, not “Super Bowl.” But how does “playoff bound” sound?

Sure, the Jets fell to 2-4 following their 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. But, then they acquired Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, one week after firing coach Robert Saleh.

So, the Jets will make the postseason in 2024 – kicking off USA TODAY Sports’ NFL overreactions after Week 6. It might be difficult for overstimulated Jets fans coping with recent events to buy into this notion, but it’s time to get excited all over again.

If you thought Rodgers’ chemistry in New York has been impressive with Allen Lazard (another former Packers receiver with the Jets), you can only imagine how Rodgers will thrive with Adams again.

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Rodgers and Adams reached the postseason six times with the Green Bay Packers, with four of those playoff trips ending in the NFC championship game.

With a respectable defense and standouts like Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson and Lazard as his top weapons, the Jets could be a 2-4 team to make the playoffs this season. At least one 2-4 team has made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons: the Patriots, Eagles and 49ers in 2021; the Jaguars in 2022; and the Packers last year.

But keep this in mind: Only 24 teams (9.3%) of the 224 that started 2-4 from 1990-2023 made the playoffs, and none of them have won the Super Bowl.

Lions’ Super Bowl chance dashed with Aidan Hutchinson’s injury

Aidan Hutchinson’s broken leg was sad and gruesome. The Detroit Lions’ young defender was on his way to a breakout season worthy of NFL defensive player of the year recognition. And the Lions appear as an early Super Bowl contender.

However, any chances of Detroit winning the Super Bowl are effectively over after his season ended.

This isn’t a slight to Dan Campbell and the Lions, who have transformed Detroit from NFL laughingstock to one of the most exciting teams to watch. There will be several times when the Lions will need a crucial sack on defense to either swing a game in their favor or seal a victory. But their star defender, who will be one of the young faces of the league for years to come, won’t be able to make it while sidelined.

Hutchinson’s loss certainly opens the window again in the NFC playoff picture.

The Ravens will go undefeated for the rest of regular season

This is Baltimore’s year. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are the NFL’s best 1-2 punch. And the Ravens are soaring after their fourth straight win, beating one of the best teams in the league – yes, the Washington Commanders – last week.

Baltimore is going to be favored in every game they play the rest of the way, and we’re going to overreact and say they finish 14-2 this season.

Sunday’s game against the 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers is going to be an enticing matchup. After that, only the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13 and Houston Texans in Week 17 strike as formidable opponents. The Ravens are gritty enough to gut out wins in the AFC North against the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, and every other team on their schedule.

Baltimore has found its mojo, playing complementary football. Jackson leads the offense, Henry punishes opposing defenses, and their defense takes care of the rest. And don’t forget Justin Tucker, the best kicker in the league.

At season’s end, Baltimore should have the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs. And they’ll be kicking themselves for losing to the Chiefs and underestimating the Raiders in the first two weeks of the season.

Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali and a professional boxer, voiced a strong opinon about the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul set for Nov. 15.

“I think Mike Tyson’s just going to embarrass Jake,’’ Ali Walsh, 24, told USA TODAY Sports. “Nothing against Jake. He’s not a technically skilled boxer. He doesn’t have experience or the skill to keep up with someone like Mike Tyson.

“Everyone mentions age, and that’s important.’’

Tyson is 58 and Paul is 27.

“If someone on the street fights Mike Tyson, they have a puncher’s chance,’’ he added. “That’s the beauty of boxing. Everyone has a puncher’s chance.

“That’s what Jake has, because it’s not going to fall back on any skill he has because he lacks that in boxing. So I just feel that Mike Tyson is going to just embarrass him.’’

In June, Ali Walsh (10-1 with five knockouts) said he turned down a multimillion offer to fight Paul.

Ali Walsh shared his opinion about the Tyson-Paul fight Tuesday while talking about the 14-ounce gloves that will be used instead of the standard 10-ounce gloves.

Saying he thought the heavier gloves are a precautionary measure for Tyson – they have more padding, which helps protect the hands when a punch lands, and are considered better for blocking punches – Ali Walsh underscored Tyson will still weather some punches.

“Even when Mike beats Jake, even when he makes him look stupid, Mike is still going to get hit because you can’t swim and not get wet, if you know what I mean,’’ Ali Walsh said.

Follow Josh Peter on social media @joshlpeter11