Archive July 7, 2025

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton will miss the 2025-26 NBA season after having surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon.

The 25-year-old had sustained the injury during the first quarter of the decisive game seven of the NBA Championship play-off finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder last month.

Haliburton fell down without any contact as he attempted to drive to the basket and was in obvious distress as he was helped from the court during the game that the Pacers lost 103-91 to end their hopes of a first NBA title.

Confirming the point guard’s lengthy absence, Pacers president Kevin Pritchard said he hoped Haliburton “will be back better than ever”.

“The surgery went well”, Pritchard told WISH-TV.

“He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardise that now. So don’t get any hopes up that he will play”.

A two-time All-Star, Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 73 games during the 24-25 regular season and 14 points, 5.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds during the NBA Finals.

He had played the decider against the Thunder despite suffering a calf strain in game five of the finals.

Haliburton became the third high-profile player to suffer a ruptured Achilles tendon in the play-offs, following the Boston Celtics ‘ Jayson Tatum and the Milwaukee Bucks ‘ Damian Lillard.

Two games, six points, 11 goals – Spain are making their mark at Euro 2025.

After a convincing opening five-goal win over Portugal and a 6-2 thrashing of Belgium, La Roja are through to the knockout stage in Switzerland.

As world champions and the top-ranked side in the tournament, Spain already had a target on their back – now they have underlined why they are favourites.

“It’ll take something special to outdo them or get a win over them,” ex-Scotland captain Rachel Corsie told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Spain deserve all the credit they’ve had so far. It’s a daunting task for whoever has to face them as the tournament progresses.

“It’s a Spanish side that are nothing short of exceptional.”

Former England forward Eni Aluko told ITV: “Spain are the team to beat.

Portugal offered little resistance in Spain’s Group B opener, but Belgium proved a different challenge, twice equalising after going behind.

But each time the Red Flames responded, Spain replied instantly to restore their lead and regained complete control when Esther Gonzalez netted their third.

The rest of the game was spent largely in Belgium’s half, with Mariona Caldentey, Claudia Pina and Alexia Putellas scoring in the final half an hour to round off a successful evening for Spain in Thun.

After having 12 shots in a hard-fought first half, Montse Tome’s side stepped up a gear after the break to take their shot tally to 33.

“They have a bit of everything,” Corsie said. “They have players that are dynamic, they have players that are exceptionally talented individually, one v one.”

Their second-half performance left Belgium manager Elisabet Gunnarsdottir saying she “wanted to cry” when she entered the dressing room.

“I really believed in what we were doing and loved seeing my players give everything they had,” Gunnarsdottir said.

“They [Spain] understand the game on a different level to anything we will see at this tournament.

“They’re so good about making decisions around the box. If you give them time around the box, or give them space, they use it.”

With Patri Guijarro dominating play from the base of Spain’s midfield, and Putellas and either Aitana Bonmati or 18-year-old Vicky Lopez in front, Spain are able to camp outside the opposition’s box.

And if they fail to squeeze the ball through to one of their forward players, they are ready to have a go themselves.

The worry for Spain’s rivals? Both Tome and Putellas said in their post-match media conferences that Spain had “room for improvement”.

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Emma Byrne agreed on ITV, saying: “I still believe there is a lot more to come from Spain. We haven’t seen the best from them in a while, even though they are winning.

“They have got the quality, you can certainly see that, but I still don’t think we’ve seen Spain in full flow yet. We’ve seen it in moments.

“There is more to come and that’s the scary thing.”

With seven different names on the scoresheet across their two games, Spain have shown they are not reliant on one player.

While Spain are known for their short, intricate passing and high possession count, they took a different approach for their second goal, with captain and centre-back Irene Paredes showing up to head home a set-piece.

That was also seen by Caldentey’s long-range ball over the top for Putellas’ goal against Portugal.

“Spain have added a different style by being able to go more direct. When sides go 5-4-1 it is very difficult to break down, so Spain adding a long ball is an extra thing to win competitions,” former Spain midfielder Vicky Losada said.

So, are Spain unstoppable? The task for their opponents is to find and crack any weaknesses Tome’s side may have.

Belgium, at least, showed their defence is not invincible.

“Their primary strengths are in possession and going forward. Today, Belgium didn’t have too much of the ball and they managed to create goals and chances, which on a different day could’ve been more,” Corsie said.

“That will give teams and nations that they’ll face later on a bit of hope, and the way you can see they can be vulnerable.

“It’s understanding that when you do win the ball there’s a lot of place to play with if you can find that initial combination to break their press.

“You need two passes to break it, and if you can do that, that’s where Belgium were able to find success.”

Spain, after all, have been beaten recently. England triumphed against them in the Nations League this year, and they lost to Brazil and Germany in a disappointing Olympic campaign last summer.

“For Spain, they will be disappointed that they’ve given Belgium opportunities from very little, because the other teams look at that and potentially use that to their advantage,” Corsie added.

Two games, six points, 11 goals – Spain are making their mark at Euro 2025.

After a convincing opening five-goal win over Portugal and a 6-2 thrashing of Belgium, La Roja are through to the knockout stage in Switzerland.

As world champions and the top-ranked side in the tournament, Spain already had a target on their back – now they have underlined why they are favourites.

“It’ll take something special to outdo them or get a win over them”, ex-Scotland captain Rachel Corsie told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Spain deserve all the credit they’ve had so far. It’s a daunting task for whoever has to face them as the tournament progresses.

” It’s a Spanish side that are nothing short of exceptional. “

Former England forward Eni Aluko told ITV:” Spain are the team to beat.

Portugal offered little resistance in Spain’s Group B opener, but Belgium proved a different challenge, twice equalising after going behind.

But each time the Red Flames responded, Spain replied instantly to restore their lead and regained complete control when Esther Gonzalez netted their third.

The rest of the game was spent largely in Belgium’s half, with Mariona Caldentey, Claudia Pina and Alexia Putellas scoring in the final half an hour to round off a successful evening for Spain in Thun.

After going 12 shots in a close first half, Montse Tome’s side stepped up a gear after the break to increase their total to 33.

Corsie claimed that “they have a little bit of everything.” They have dynamic players, dynamic players, and exceptional individual talent, one v.

Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, Belgium manager, claimed that during their second-half performance that she “wanted to cry” when she entered the dressing room.

“I really cherished seeing my players give everything they had,” Gunnarsdottir said.

“They] Spain understand the game on a different level than anything we will see at this tournament.”

They are so adept at making strategic decisions. They use the box if you give them space or time to maneuver it.

Spain can camp outside the opposition’s box with Patri Guijarro dominating play from the base of their midfield and Putellas and either Aitana Bonmati or 18-year-old Vicky Lopez in front.

And they are prepared to try their luck if they can’t get the ball to one of their forward players.

The concern for rival Spain? In their post-game press conferences, both Tome and Putellas claimed that Spain had “room for improvement.”

Emma Byrne, the former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, said on ITV, “I still think there is a lot more coming from Spain. Even though they are winning, they haven’t had their best in a while.

You can see that, but I still don’t believe we’ve seen Spain fully flown yet. “They have got the quality. It has been seen in a few moments.

The scary thing is that there is more to come.

Spain have demonstrated they don’t rely on just one player with their two games’ scores, with seven different ones appearing on the scoresheet.

Spain’s captain and center-back Irene Paredes showed up to head home a set-piece, which is in contrast to their short, intricate passing and high possession count.

Caldentey’s long-range goal over the top contributed to Putellas’ goal against Portugal, and that was another example.

By being more direct, Spain have given their country a distinct style. Vicky Losada, a former Spain midfielder, said that adding a long ball is an additional thing to win competitions because it is very difficult to break down when teams go 5-4-1.

Are Spain’s forces unstoppable, then? Their opponents must identify and exploit any weaknesses that Tome’s side may have.

Belgium at least demonstrated how unstoppable their defense is.

Their main points are “going forward” and “being in possession.” Belgium managed to score goals and chances today that could have been better, according to Corsie.

That will give teams and nations that they’ll encounter later a little hope, and how you can see how vulnerable they can be.

“It’s understanding that if you can find that initial combination to break their press when you do win the ball, there’s a lot of place to play with.”

Belgium were successful because they had to break it with two passes, and that’s where they did it.

After all, Spain has recently been defeated. In the Nations League this year, England defeated them, and they lost to Brazil and Germany during a subpar Olympic campaign.

The other teams look at that and could make use of it to their advantage, Corsie continued, and Spain will be disappointed that they have given Belgium so little opportunity.

Two games, six points, 11 goals – Spain are making their mark at Euro 2025.

After a convincing opening five-goal win over Portugal and a 6-2 thrashing of Belgium, La Roja are through to the knockout stage in Switzerland.

As world champions and the top-ranked side in the tournament, Spain already had a target on their back – now they have underlined why they are favourites.

“It’ll take something special to outdo them or get a win over them”, ex-Scotland captain Rachel Corsie told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Spain deserve all the credit they’ve had so far. It’s a daunting task for whoever has to face them as the tournament progresses.

” It’s a Spanish side that are nothing short of exceptional. “

Former England forward Eni Aluko told ITV:” Spain are the team to beat.

Portugal offered little resistance in Spain’s Group B opener, but Belgium proved a different challenge, twice equalising after going behind.

But each time the Red Flames responded, Spain replied instantly to restore their lead and regained complete control when Esther Gonzalez netted their third.

The rest of the game was spent largely in Belgium’s half, with Mariona Caldentey, Claudia Pina and Alexia Putellas scoring in the final half an hour to round off a successful evening for Spain in Thun.

After having 12 shots in a hard-fought first half, Montse Tome’s side stepped up a gear after the break to take their shot tally to 33.

“They have a bit of everything”, Corsie said. “They have players that are dynamic, they have players that are exceptionally talented individually, one v one”.

Their second-half performance left Belgium manager Elisabet Gunnarsdottir saying she “wanted to cry” when she entered the dressing room.

“I really believed in what we were doing and loved seeing my players give everything they had”, Gunnarsdottir said.

“They]Spain] understand the game on a different level to anything we will see at this tournament.

” They’re so good about making decisions around the box. If you give them time around the box, or give them space, they use it. “

With Patri Guijarro dominating play from the base of Spain’s midfield, and Putellas and either Aitana Bonmati or 18-year-old Vicky Lopez in front, Spain are able to camp outside the opposition’s box.

And if they fail to squeeze the ball through to one of their forward players, they are ready to have a go themselves.

The worry for Spain’s rivals? Both Tome and Putellas said in their post-match media conferences that Spain had” room for improvement”.

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Emma Byrne agreed on ITV, saying:” I still believe there is a lot more to come from Spain. We haven’t seen the best from them in a while, even though they are winning.

“They have got the quality, you can certainly see that, but I still don’t think we’ve seen Spain in full flow yet. We’ve seen it in moments.

” There is more to come and that’s the scary thing. “

With seven different names on the scoresheet across their two games, Spain have shown they are not reliant on one player.

Spain’s captain and center-back Irene Paredes showed up to head home a set-piece, which is in contrast to their short, intricate passing and high possession count.

Caldentey’s long-range goal over the top contributed to Putellas’ goal against Portugal, and that was another example.

By being more direct, Spain have given their country a distinct style. Vicky Losada, a former Spain midfielder, said that adding a long ball is an additional thing to win competitions because it is very difficult to break down when teams go 5-4-1.

Are Spain’s forces unstoppable, then? Their opponents must identify and exploit any weaknesses that Tome’s side may have.

Belgium at least demonstrated how unstoppable their defense is.

Their main points are “going forward” and “being in possession.” Belgium managed to score goals and chances today that could have been better, according to Corsie.

That will give teams and nations that they’ll encounter later a little hope, and how you can see how vulnerable they can be.

“It’s understanding that if you can find that initial combination to break their press when you do win the ball, there’s a lot of place to play with.”

Belgium were successful because they had to break it with two passes, and that’s where they did it.

After all, Spain has recently been defeated. In the Nations League this year, England defeated them, and they lost to Brazil and Germany during a subpar Olympic campaign.

The other teams look at that and could make use of it to their advantage, Corsie continued, and Spain will be disappointed that they have given Belgium so little opportunity.

Wimbledon’s Centre Court served as the ideal metaphor for the current conflicts between people and machines for a brief period of time on Sunday afternoon.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Sonay Kartal’s British opponent, was aware of the impact’s long backhand that had landed her. She claimed that the umpire also did it. Television replays provided proof.

The electronic line-calling system, which indicates that humans have undergone a complete replacement this year following earlier trials, remained silent.

Minutes passed quickly. The human umpire ultimately decided that the situation should be rehearseen.

Pavlyuchenkova blew it this time. She won the game before telling the umpire that the game had been “stolen” from her. She pondered whether Kartal’s Britishness might be to blame.

Later, it became apparent that the person had unintentionally turned the line judge off, which was a more mundane but still essentially human reason.

Disgruntled discussions continue that the tech does not deserve a place among Wimbledon traditions, in contrast to Pimm’s, and strawberries.

Without any human judges to yell at, John McEnroe might have been much less well-known at the time of his heyday.

Britain’s Emma Raducanu recently expressed “disappointment” with the new technology after posing questions about its decisions during her game on Friday.

Pat Cash, the previous champion at Wimbledon, disagrees.

He told the BBC, “The electronic line-calling is unquestionably superior to the human eye.”

“From day one, I have always been for it.” Sometimes there will be computer errors, but players generally are content with them.

The issue of line-calling not being 100% this week has been the subject of numerous discussions with players and coaches. However, it still outperforms people.

He is correct in saying that the technology is consistently more accurate than the human eye in various sports. The notorious “Hand of God” goal from 1986 would probably not have passed through artificial intelligence, according to Diego Maradona.

The company Hawk-Eye has created Wimbledon’s electronic line-calling (ELC) system.

It records balls served on each court using 12 cameras, as well as keeping track of the players’ feet while they play. A team of 50 human operators manage the entire thing, and the data is continuously analyzed with the aid of AI.

The ELC’s decisions are sung in 24 different human voices, each recorded by a member of the tennis club and tour guide.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club claims AI is not used to directly officiate the footage, but it may do so through artificial intelligence. Sally Bolton, the club’s CEO, told the BBC that she believes it to be the best in the industry, and that the club maintains its confidence in the technology.

She said, “We have the most accurate officiating we could possibly have here.”

Why, then, do we not have greater faith in this technology?

One reason for this is that Cambridge University professor Gina Neff claims that there is a collectively very strong sense of “fairness.”

We believe that humans are much more adept at understanding the context right now than the machine is in many areas where AI is influencing our lives, she said.

The machine decides its decisions based on the set of rules it has programmed to apply. What’s the right call might not feel like the fair call, but people are really good at including multiple values and outside considerations as well.

It isn’t fair, in the opinion of Prof. Neff, to frame the debate as whether humans or machines are “better.”

She said, “We have to get the intersection right between people and systems.”

To make the best decisions, we must use the best of both.

The foundation of what is referred to as “responsible” AI is human oversight. Using the tech as fairly and securely as possible, in other words.

Someone must be monitoring what the machines are doing, somewhere.

Not that this is going to work in football, where the video assistant referee, VAR, has long drawn out controversy.

For instance, it was officially identified as a “significant human error” when a crucial goal was decided offside in a match between Tottenham and Liverpool in 2024, leading to a barrage of fury when it wasn’t and being declared a “significant human error.”

Even though chief football officer Tony Scholes acknowledged that “one mistake can cost clubs,” the Premier League claimed VAR was 96.4% accurate during “clear match incidents” last season. Norway is reportedly about to stop doing it.

A perceived lack of human control, according to entrepreneur Azeem Azhar, who writes the tech newsletter The Exponential View, contributes to our reluctance to rely on technology in general.

In an interview with the World Economic Forum, he said, “We don’t feel we have agency over its shape, nature, and direction.

Because systems we previously used don’t work as well in the new world of this new technology, it forces us to change our own beliefs very quickly.

Our apprehensions of technology extend beyond just to sports. The first time I watched a demo of an early AI tool that had been trained to identify early cancer signs from scans, it was incredibly accurate (it was years before the NHS trials today), far superior to human radiologists.

According to its developers, the problem was that those who were diagnosed with cancer did not want to learn that a machine had found the cancer. Before they agreed to it, they sought the consent of several human doctors, ideally several of them.

Similar to autonomous vehicles, which have millions of miles of driving distance on roads in nations like China and the US, and data indicates that they have fewer accidents than humans. However, a survey conducted by YouGov last year suggested that 37% of Brits would feel “very unsafe” inside one.

Although I didn’t feel unsafe when I went there, I did feel a little bored once the novelty had faded. And perhaps that is at the heart of the debate over tech in the sport of refereeing.

What [sports organisers] are trying to achieve, and what they are achieving using technology, according to golf Monthly’s general editor Bill Elliott.