Salah Criticised by Allardyce Amid Liverpool Goal Drought
Mohamed Salah has managed only seven goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this season, a stark contrast to the 34 he scored in Liverpool's title‑winning campaign last year.
Former Liverpool manager Sam Allardyce has publicly criticised the forward, calling him a "big baby" amid the striker’s current goal drought and questioning his form in the Premier League.
Week 18 Fantasy Basketball Rankings: Risers and Fallers
As we navigate Week 18 of the fantasy basketball season, "The High Score 100" breaks down the biggest rankings risers and fallers.
Hakimi to Face Trial in Rape Case
PSG defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial for the alleged rape of a young woman in February 2023. The information was confirmed on Tuesday by both the player's lawyer and a representative of the Nanterre prosecutor's office.
Two-time WNBA champion and former UGA player killed in Atlanta crash
A WNBA veteran, two-time champion and former University of Georgia Bulldog Kara Braxton died in Atlanta over the weekend.
She was 43 years old.
Cobb County police said Braxton was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Atlanta's I-285 on the evening of Feb. 21. Braxton "failed to maintain her lane" before colliding with a median on the left shoulder.
Her death was confirmed by the WNBA on Feb. 22 with a statement on social media.
"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton," the organization said. "A 10-season veteran, Kara played with the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and former teammates at this time."
Kara Braxton joins the Bulldogs
Georgia Basketball said they are mourning the "loss of former Lady Bulldog Kara Braxton, who played from 2002-2004," in a Feb. 22 post on X.
The 6 foot, 6 inch tall forward-center came to Athens from Jackson, Michigan and went on to win SEC Rookie of the Year, SEC All-Freshmen and All-SEC.
Braxton had a career 71 games, averaging 15.4 points a game. She was drafted in 2005 as the 7th overall pick to the Detroit Shock.
Braxton becomes two-time WNBA Champion
Braxton was named to the All-Rookie team in 2005, and went on to play five seasons with the Detroit Shock. She played one season with EAST, one season with Tulsa Shock, two seasons with Phoenix Mercury and four seasons with New York Liberty. She was waived from the New York Liberty in 2014, and worked with Nike before moving to Atlanta.
Braxton won the WNBA Championship twice with the Detroit Shock, first in 2006 and then again in 2008.
In 2023, Braxton came back to the University of Georgia to complete her degree.
"It has always been a goal of mine to come back and finish school, and finish what I started," Braxton said in an interview with The Frierson Files. "It's a very exciting time for me right now."
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kara Braxton, a former WNBA champion, killed in Atlanta crash at 43
Rising Hoffenheim talent Wouter Burger (25) speaks on lessons learned at Stoke and developing under Arne Slot
In an interview with club magazine Spielfeld, Hoffenheim midfielder Wouter Burger has spoken on developing under current Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. The newly-turned 25-year-old continues to thrive with his new Bundesliga club. Thanks to four league goals and eight assists this season, the former Stoke City professional has doubled his estimated market value from €4.5m to €9m in the last six months.
Burger also commented on his time in the English Championship and the Swiss top flight in the interview. Overall, the former Netherlands U21 international declared himself fully content to have finally found a home in Germany. Brought in as a direct replacement for the departed Anton Stach this past summer, Burger has unquestionably exceeded the specific expectations placed upon him.
Wouter Burger on his time in the EFL Championship
“Many young players make important progress in the Championship,” Burger noted. “I wanted to make my game more intense, more physical, and stronger defensively in order to become a more complete player. It ultimately paid off as I was able to prove myself ready for a top five league.
“The level here [in the Bundesliga] is obviously higher,” Burger continued. “Everything is even faster. I came to Hoffenheim to take my game to the next level. We have the opportunity to secure Champions League football. We have excellent motivation as a team and hope to achieve great things.“
Burger on his current tactical role
“I really enjoy the freedom of the box-to-box role,” Burger said of his current position ahead of former FC Basel teammate Leon Avdullahu. “That was always my favorite position as a young footballer. [The way head coach Christian Ilzer has us set up] makes us very difficult to predict.“
Burger on transfer rumors linking him with the Premier League
“One never knows in football,” Burger said of a potential return to the Isle. “Football is football and one can’t guarantee anything. My [German] girlfriend and I are nevertheless happy to be here in Germany. We bought a very nice apartment and have no immediate plans to leave.“
Burger speaks on working under Slot at Feyenoord
“I always found the way he was able to explain things and shift the mood within the team to be very impressive,” Burger said of his former mentor. “I did leave Holland because they [Feyenoord] wanted to try me out as a centre-back and I didn’t see myself in that position. It was time to leave my comfort zone.“