Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
From silence to song: Iran women's anthem shift in Australia at the Women's Asian Cup

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — The Iran women's team sang and saluted as its national anthem played ahead of the Women's Asian Cup contest against Australia on Thursday, a contrast to the silence before its opening game.

Associated Press Iranians in Australia react with flags and political signs outside the stadium ahead of the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between Australia and Iran in Robina, Australia, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage via AP) Iran players pose for a team photo ahead of the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between Iran and South Korea on the Gold Coast, Australia, Monday, March 2, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage via AP)/AAP Image via AP)/AAP Image via AP)

Women's Asia Cup Soccer Australia Iran

Thesilence during the anthembefore Monday's loss to South Korea was variously reported as an act of defiance or a show of mourning. The team didn't clarify.

But in a news conference on the eve of the game against Australia, Iran strikerSara Didar choked back tearsas she shared the concerns of players and management for their families and loved ones amid thewar in the Middle East.

The 21-year-old Didar was on the bench when Thursday's match started in pouring rain on the Gold Coast, where Iran is scheduled to play all three of its Group A games.

The Iranian women's squad arrived in Australia well before the strikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iran last Saturday.

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The change in approach with the anthem between games in Australia seemed to mirror the Iranian men's team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The men didn't sing the national anthem before theiropening loss against Englandas turmoil overshadowed the start of their campaign. In their second game against Wales, the men sang along to the anthem and celebrated when they scored.

Iran was competing in that World Cup amid a violent crackdown on a major women's protest movement that was spurred by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country's morality police.

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

From silence to song: Iran women’s anthem shift in Australia at the Women's Asian Cup

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — The Iran women's team sang and saluted as its national anthem played ahead of the Women...
One-year QB wonders don't work in NFL. Why would Ty Simpson?

This isn't quarterback rocket science, or a gut feeling. It couldn't be more clear and concise.

USA TODAY Sports

The one-year wonders at the quarterback position don't work in theNFL.

Yet there they are, the talking heads all over the sport, falling for it again withTy Simpson. The formerAlabamaquarterback showed up last week at the league'sannual NFL Scouting Combine— with all of 15 career starts in his pocket — and had an impressive throwing session for the assembled scouts and team personnel.

Throwing session.

Suddenly,he's a Top 15 pick. Even ESPN's Dan Orlovsky — as smart and measured analyst as there is — declared Simpson's tape "from his first eight games" of the 2025 season is better than projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

2026 NFL mock draft:Rams, Chiefs shuffle outlook following Trent McDuffie trade

The Gospel of Lou:Lou Holtz was more teacher than coach, spreading his gospel everywhere

Has the entire NFL scouting world gone mad? This isn't that difficult to process, everyone.

Anthony Richardsonstarted one season at Florida. Trey Lance started one season atNorth Dakota State.

Kyler Murray(Oklahoma), Dwayne Haskins (Ohio State) and Mac Jones (Alabama) started one season in college, too. All flamed out.

Meanwhile, I give you (since the 2018 draft) these multiple-season college starters who are all ascending in their careers: two MVPs (Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen), two Super Bowl champions (Jalen Hurts, Sam Darnold), and eight who have led teams to the playoffs (Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Herbert, Caleb Williams, CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Bo Nix).

Obviously there are multiple-season college starters who don't pan out, but the odds of success are much higher for a player with elite skills who has spent extended time leading a team, managing games and experiencing every possible win-lose scenario on the grass.

Not a throwing session.

The last time we saw Simpson on the field at Alabama, he and the Tide were gettingclobbered by Indianain the Rose Bowl — where Simpson completed 12 passes for 67 yards before getting knocked out of a 38-3 loss.

It's almost as if these NFL guys, whose very livelihood depends on getting it right more than getting it wrong, never learn.

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Simpson is a talented player. He has a live arm, and is sneaky athletic. He's accurate, and he has played well at times in big games.

But it's hard to fathom a position that demands as many game repetitions as possible to develop and reach potential, could have an obvious red flag so flippantly ignored by the best of the best in the sport.

It's the quarterback obsession. The game — no matter the level — revolves around the play of the quarterback.

The better he is, the better you are.

But when we reach the elite of the game, where everyone runs fast and everyone is freakishly athletic, football IQ is heightened to an unreal level. Knowledge of the game, understanding the nuances, knowing the answers ― all before the ball snaps at the line of scrimmage.

Translation: The more reps, the more you know before making the pick.

I can't imagine why any NFL owner, now spending more than $300 million annually in salary cap revenue, would trust his franchise to a quarterback who has played one college season. It's blind faith on steroids.

This isn't learning on the job, or sitting behind a cagey veteran. You're drafted, and we're paying you millions ― and you're playing Week 1.

The enormity of the moment crushes some, overwhelms others. Typically, it impacts every quarterback.

It's rare that a rookie quarterback steps into the breach and starts making plays all over the field. Rare that he's so good, teams win because of him — not with him.

It takes two or three years (or more) for these guys to feel completely comfortable when they walk to the line of scrimmage. When they can look at grown men on the other side of the ball — whose coaches (the best in the sport, no less) spend an entire offseason scouting the player and the offense — and feel completely at ease.

When they can consistently win games at the highest level of football, and give their team — one that plays in a league designed for parity — an advantage more than the other guy.

Now we're ready to bet all that on a guy with 15 career college starts, and a throwing session?

The entire NFL scouting world has gone mad.

Matt Hayesis the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at@MattHayesCFB.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ty Simpson is now a projected NFL first round pick, but why?

One-year QB wonders don't work in NFL. Why would Ty Simpson?

This isn't quarterback rocket science, or a gut feeling. It couldn't be more clear and concise. The ...
Olandria Carthen's Sheer Khaled & Marwan Gown Is a Minidress in Disguise

Olandria Carthen, the Love Island star, made a striking appearance at Le Grand Dîner du Louvre in Paris. She stepped out in a dramatic couture creation byKhaled & Marwan. The look instantly commanded attention, combining dramatic design elements with perfect craftsmanship. The event, held at the iconic museum, celebrates art, culture, and fashion, making it the perfect setting for a statement-making design like this one.

Olandria Carthen brings the drama in sheer Khaled & Marwan gown with a minidress twist

At first glance, the look appeared to be a full-length sheer gown, but the real focal point was the structured corset at the centre. The corset itself served as a minidress, fitting closely to Carthen's body and serving as the main structure of the outfit. Made from black lace and detailed with gold embellishments, the corset stood out immediately.

Adding further drama were the voluminous sheer sleeves, which expanded outward from the wrists. Their exaggerated shape balanced the structured corset and introduced movement to the sculpted upper half of the gown. The combination of delicate transparency and bold volume created a powerful visual contrast, elevating the couture piece.

Below the corset minidress, the design transitioned into a long sheer skirt that fell to the floor. The transparent fabric created the illusion of a full gown while allowing the corset minidress above to remain visible. The skirt then flared out toward the hem, forming a soft train behind her and adding movement to the look. She finished the outfit with sleek black heels and minimal gold jewellery.

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According toRCFA, Olandria Carthen's choice of Khaled & Marwan also stood out for another reason. Rather than opting for a widely recognized fashion house, she once again used the spotlight to spotlight a designer many fashion audiences may not yet be familiar with. For an evening dedicated to art, culture, and fashion inside the iconic Louvre, the choice felt thoughtful and intentional.

The result was a look that blended couture drama with storytelling, making Carthen's appearance one of the most memorable fashion moments of the night.

Originally reported by Viha Shah forTheFashionSpot.

The postOlandria Carthen's Sheer Khaled & Marwan Gown Is a Minidress in Disguiseappeared first onReality Tea.

Olandria Carthen’s Sheer Khaled & Marwan Gown Is a Minidress in Disguise

Olandria Carthen, the Love Island star, made a striking appearance at Le Grand Dîner du Louvre in Paris. She stepped out in a dramatic cou...
King Charles Following a 'Blueprint' To Navigate Brother's Arrest — Source

FormerPrince Andrew's recent arrest put the spotlight on the royal family and theissuesbrewing within the four walls. However, it seems his brother,King Charles, has a road map ready to deal with the crises. As per sources, the monarch is following a "blueprint" to navigate his younger brother's arrest.

King Charles is focusing on 'presenting an image of calm leadership' after brother's arrest, per source

After the arrest of his younger brother, ex-Prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, King Charles issued apublic statementsaying that the authorities have their "full and wholehearted support and co-operation," emphasizing that he and his family will "continue in our duty and service to you all." After the statement, the monarch attended the London Fashion Week "to project continuity and reassurance."

A palace source toldRadarOnlinethat his move is the monarch's "blueprint out of this mess." As per the insider, "By continuing with official engagements and public duties exactly as planned, he is making it clear that the work of the monarchy does not pause because of controversy affecting one member of the family."

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Charles aims to reflect the institution's focus "on serving the public regardless of the personal difficulties" that are happening in the background. Moreover, his public statement was meant to highlight that "law must operate freely and that the royal household will not attempt to influence the process" as he is well aware that any hindrance "would be enormously damaging" for the royal household.

Hence, amid all the controversy and noise, the monarch wants to "remain composed and continue carrying out the duties expected of the sovereign." The source added, "The King's focus is on presenting an image of calm leadership. He believes the monarchy must appear steady and dependable, particularly during moments of controversy."

The postKing Charles Following a 'Blueprint' To Navigate Brother's Arrest — Sourceappeared first onReality Tea.

King Charles Following a ‘Blueprint’ To Navigate Brother’s Arrest — Source

FormerPrince Andrew's recent arrest put the spotlight on the royal family and theissuesbrewing within the four walls. However, it seem...
Khloe Kardashian Clarifies Her Role in Good American Amid Feud Rumors

Khloe Kardashianis clearing up the chatter about her place at Good American. During a recent "Ask Me Anything" segment on her podcast Khloe in Wonder Land, the reality star addressed questions from fans about her business ventures, including whether she had stepped away from the clothing brand she helped build.

Khloe Kardashian confirms she's 'still co-founder and owner' of Good American on podcast

The rumors had circulated online for weeks, with some fans wondering if Kardashian had quietly stepped back from the company she helped launch. "I'm still the co-founder and owner," Kardashian told listeners. The question surfaced during an "Ask Me Anything" segment on the podcast, where Kardashian answered listener questions about her businesses and projects. When asked about her involvement with Good American today, Kardashian explained that the brand has reached a point where it can thrive without requiring her constant day-to-day attention.

"At first, I think you really want to help build the brand as much as you can, and we've definitely done that," she said. "But Good American is doing so well now. Good American is strong enough and stable enough to sustain on its own." Still, Kardashian emphasized that her connection to the company hasn't changed. "I am still very much co-founder and owner of the brand," she reiterated.

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The clarification comes after fans on Reddit began theorising that Kardashian had shifted her focus to other ventures, including her popcorn label, Khloud. Those conversations fueled speculation that she had stepped away from the denim company she built nearly a decade ago.

Kardashian launched Good American in 2016 alongside business partner Emma Grede. At the time, Kardashian toldHarper's Bazaarthat the pair set out to design jeans that felt inclusive rather than limiting. "We wanted jeans that can fit real women," she said in 2016. "We really felt like that was missing in the market."

The postKhloe Kardashian Clarifies Her Role in Good American Amid Feud Rumorsappeared first onReality Tea.

Khloe Kardashian Clarifies Her Role in Good American Amid Feud Rumors

Khloe Kardashianis clearing up the chatter about her place at Good American. During a recent "Ask Me Anything" segment on her po...
Stefon Diggs to be free agent after Patriots release

Add another veteran wide receiver to the list of pendingNFL free agents.

USA TODAY Sports

TheNew England Patriotsinformed wide receiverStefon Diggsthat they will release him after the start of the new league year, which is set for March 11.

Diggs, 32, signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with New England in free agency last offseason. He will end hisPatriotstenure after playing one year on that contract.

"THANK YOU for a hell of a year," Diggswrote in an Instagram story. "We family forever (heart emoji)."

During the 2025 season, Diggs' 11th season in the NFL, he caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. His receptions and yardage total, along with his 104 targets, led all Patriots pass-catchers this season.

The Maryland product will have a chance to join a fourth team in four seasons when he becomes a free agent next week after spending 2023 with the Buffalo Bills, 2024 with the Houston Texans and 2025 with New England.

NFL NEWS, TAKES, FANTASY ADVICE:USA TODAY Sports has you covered with our NFL vodcast

1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana <p style=2. New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=3. Arizona Cardinals – OLB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=5. New York Giants – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=6. Cleveland Browns – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=7. Washington Commanders – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=8. New Orleans Saints – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=9. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=10. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=11. Miami Dolphins – OT Spencer Fano, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=12. Dallas Cowboys – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – WR Denzel Boston, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=14. Baltimore Ravens – DL Caleb Banks, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – WR Makai Lemon, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=17. Detroit Lions – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=18. Minnesota Vikings – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=19. Carolina Panthers – DT Peter Woods, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – OLB/DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=21. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=22. Los Angeles Chargers – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=23. Philadelphia Eagles – DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=25. Chicago Bears – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame 27. San Francisco 49ers – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 28. Houston Texans – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams) – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State <p style=30. Denver Broncos – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=31. New England Patriots – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

NFL mock draft: First-round projection after Trent McDuffie trade

Mike Vrabel recently discussed Stefon Diggs' future with the Patriots

At the NFL combine last week, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel praised Diggs for his contributions on the field as well as his leadership.

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"He worked extremely hard in the time that he was rehabbing from the knee," Vrabel said, referring to Diggs' recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in 2024. "I think he was just a really good presence each and every week."

The Pats' head coach said at the time that he and other members of New England's front office were still evaluating Diggs' future, including how Diggs' legal troubles factored into the decision.

The veteran wide receiver is facing strangulation and assault allegations after a physical altercation with his personal chef in December last year. Diggs was arraigned on Feb. 13, days after the Patriots' loss in Super Bowl 60, and pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.

Vrabel said at the NFL combine that Diggs "or anybody else that has something, have done exactly what they're supposed to do, been where they're supposed to be, communicated with the court when they're supposed to communicate with them. So we're going to let all that take care of itself, and then we'll have to see what the judgments are in those particular cases."

Diggs is due for another pre-trial hearing on April 1.

Stefon Diggs stats

  • Games (starts): 17 (17)

  • Receptions: 85

  • Receiving yards: 1,013

  • Yards per reception: 11.9

  • Touchdowns: 4

  • Games (starts): 161 (153)

  • Receptions: 942

  • Receiving yards: 11,504

  • Yards per reception: 12.2

  • Touchdowns: 74

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Patriots to release star WR Stefon Diggs

Stefon Diggs to be free agent after Patriots release

Add another veteran wide receiver to the list of pendingNFL free agents. TheNew England Patriotsinformed wid...
Report: Jon Rahm jet carries seven LIV Golf players out of Dubai to Hong Kong tournament

A midnight flight out of bordering Oman on a jet arranged by Jon Rahm brought seven players out of a war zone and into safety 24 hours before the start of LIV Golf Hong Kong, according to Golf.com.

Field Level Media

LIV Golf was set to begin play in the annual event in Hong Kong on Thursday and made an attempt to arrange travel from Dubai, which has been struck repeatedly during an escalating conflict involving Iran, Isreal and the United States.

U.S. officials called for American citizens to evacuate 14 Middle East nations, but only after damage had already been done around Dubai International Airport, grounding flights. Several LIV Golf players and caddies live in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the report, Rahm's plan required players to coordinate from different locations in the Middle East to travel toward Oman. The driving distance from downtown Dubai to the border is more than 90 minutes. The usual flight time from Oman to Hong Kong is approximately seven hours.

Golf.com reported Lee Westwood, Anirban Lahiri, Thomas Detry, Sam Horsfield, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk and Caleb Surratt and a caddie traveled in a shuttle van to the Oman border under the cloak of darkness before switching to another shuttle for transportation to an airstrip where the aircraft waited to fly the crew to Hong Kong.

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"It was terrifying," Surratt told Golf.com via text on Tuesday. "But since then, it's been OK. It was bad Sunday and Monday here with missile interceptions, but all day today was fine."

McKibbin and Surratt are teammates on Rahm's Legion XIII.

They landed just before midnight local time and all are expected to participate in the event this weekend.

Multiple reports indicated Laurie Canter, an eighth LIV Golf player who was in Dubai, was not on the flight but was expected to arrive in time for the start of the event. By late Wednesday, a limited opening of the main airports in Dubai and Oman was permitted.

--Field Level Media

Report: Jon Rahm jet carries seven LIV Golf players out of Dubai to Hong Kong tournament

A midnight flight out of bordering Oman on a jet arranged by Jon Rahm brought seven players out of a war zone and in...
WNBA executive committee meets, Stewart says players still unified amid CBA talks

MEDLEY, Fla. (AP) — Breanna Stewart, who teamed with fellowWNBAstar Kelsey Plum on a letter to the players' association this week expressing concerns about thestate of labor talks with the league,said Wednesday she feels better about where things stand and is convinced players are still unified in what they want in the next collective bargaining agreement.

Associated Press Mist BC wing Breanna Stewart (30) chases down a loose ball during the second half of a semifinal in an Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball game against Breeze BC, Monday, March 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Mist BC wing Breanna Stewart (30) celebrates with teammate Alanna Smith (8) after scoring during the second half of a semifinal in an Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball game against Breeze BC, Monday, March 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Phantom BC guard Kelsey Plum (10) reacts after making the game-winning shot during the second half of a semifinal in their Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball game against Vinyl BC, Monday, March 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Phantom BC guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives past Vinyl BC guard Erica Wheeler (17) during the second half of a semifinal in their Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball game, Monday, March 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Unrivaled Basketball

And the union, later Wednesday, released a statement saying the league's latest offer "is not worth taking" — with less than a week remaining until the deadline for getting a deal done and preserving a full 2026 WNBA season.

Stewart was part of a call with other members of the players' executive committee on Tuesday night, hours after the letter that she and Plum wrote to WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson — one where they expressed "serious concerns about how (the union) is handling the current negotiations."

Several media outlets, including The Associated Press, obtained copies of the letter, which was dated Monday.

"The call made me feel better," Stewart told AP, speaking after her Mist team finished its final shootaround practice in advance of Wednesday night'sUnrivaledchampionship game against the Phantom team that features Plum. "Sometimes hard conversations need to be had. I felt better after it and know that we finished that call understanding that we're representing the larger body (of players) and we have work to be done and we're going to do that work."

The union — in a statement from its executive committee, of which Stewart and Plum are members — echoed Stewart's comments in its statement, saying it remains "united and focused on delivering a transformational CBA ... and are committed to negotiating for as long as it takes."

There is obvious urgency to get a deal done.

The WNBA has told the players' union that it needs to get a deal in place by this coming Tuesday to start the season on time. That would allow the new CBA to be written and signed by the end of the month, which would in theory be followed by expansion drafts for the new franchises in Portland and Toronto during the first week of April. Free agency would follow, signings could start on April 12, training camps would open about a week later and the season would begin May 8.

The league and the players have been unable to reach anew collective bargaining agreementsince the union opted out of the previous deal.

Stewart and Plum are in unique roles; both are vice presidents of the players' association, both are among the biggest names in women's basketball, and both have been dealing with the CBA uncertainty while on Unrivaled playoff runs with their clubs.

"I've always approached anything in life, any adversity, by staying in the game," Plum said after shootaround Wednesday, when asked about simultaneously dealing with an Unrivaled title push amid the WNBA's labor uncertainty. "I'm a human being. It's hard. I definitely have moments, but at the end of the day, I know my heart. I know I'm super excited about tonight, and when you work all year for something, you want to finish it."

Added Stewart: "We've been in CBA negotiations for more than just the past two weeks. It's been 17, 18 months. I don't know exactly how long. And to be able to compartmentalize that hasn't been easy."

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In the letter, Stewart and Plum said WNBA players "are at one of the most consequential moments in the history of this league" and called upon Jackson to provide many things, including:

— a detailed breakdown of the WNBA's expenses and revenue.

— analysis between the potential losses players would face in a delayed or strike-shortened season vs. the gains that could be earned through a new CBA.

— player opinions on the WNBA's latest proposal.

— clarity on the rookie salary scale.

— an explanation of what Jackson thinks the executive committee's "role and responsibilities should be in this process."

Stewart said it wasn't her intention for the letter to get out publicly.

"This is a letter that was meant for Terri, and for the EC, for us to really have a conversation and stay strong in all the things that we're negotiating, and I believe that we are," Stewart said. "We are still unified and understanding what we're fighting for and that's the messaging that we had on our call last night. ... Our main goal is to make sure that we have the best possible deal for all players."

AP Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg in New York contributed to this report.

AP WNBA:https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

WNBA executive committee meets, Stewart says players still unified amid CBA talks

MEDLEY, Fla. (AP) — Breanna Stewart, who teamed with fellowWNBAstar Kelsey Plum on a letter to the players' associat...

 

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