Joey Barton, former Premier League midfielder
26 March 2025
Found guilty of assaulting his wife by pushing her to the ground and kicking her in the head.
Barton received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, after Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard of a 2021 incident at the couple’s home in south-west London. His wife suffered a bloody nose and forehead injury. The court noted his history of violence but chose not to impose immediate jail time, citing that the couple remain in a “happy relationship” and have a child. Barton plans to appeal the decision.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
26 March 2025
Curry was ruled out for a second straight game due to a pelvic contusion suffered last week. Coach Steve Kerr said Curry felt discomfort at the end of a Monday workout, prompting the decision to hold him out.
Despite looking good during his individual session, Curry made a movement that “didn’t feel quite right,” according to Kerr. With two days off before their next game, Curry is expected to return Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, giving him a full week of rest and recovery.
NBA league office, all 30 NBA teams
26 March 2025
NBA informed teams that the salary cap is projected to rise by 10% for the 2025-26 season.
Arda Güler (Real Madrid, Turkey), Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool, Hungary)
25 March 2025 (post-match social media exchange)
Güler called Szoboszlai “a joke” after Turkey’s 3-0 win over Hungary in the UEFA Nations League. Their clash included an on-pitch taunt and Instagram banter. Güler also dismissed rumors of a Real Madrid exit, saying he remains committed to the club’s long-term plan.
Güler taunted Szoboszlai with a “shhh” gesture and a follow-up Instagram post. Szoboszlai had mocked Güler’s minutes at Madrid, to which Güler replied with the scoreline and a dig. In a separate interview, Güler stated he bought a house in Madrid and believes in the club’s plan for him.
Sepp Blatter (Former FIFA President), Michel Platini (France & UEFA legend)
25 March 2025 (verdict date)
Blatter and Platini were acquitted of fraud charges related to a CHF 2 million payment.
A Swiss court rejected the federal prosecution’s appeal, reaffirming the 2022 verdict. The payment from Blatter to Platini in 2011 was ruled as legitimate compensation for consultancy work from 1998 to 2002. The long-running legal battle severely impacted Platini’s career, blocking his 2016 FIFA presidency bid.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
24 March 2025 (Sunday match)
Ronaldo missed an early penalty but rebounded by scoring and helping Portugal defeat Denmark 5-2 (5-3 aggregate) to advance to the UEFA Nations League semifinals.
Despite the miss, Ronaldo remained confident. Portugal’s dominant display included goals from Ronaldo, Francisco Trincão (2), and Gonçalo Ramos, sealing a showdown with Germany in the next round.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
25 March 2025
Suffered a left ankle sprain after a hard foul
Tatum landed on Domantas Sabonis’ foot after a flagrant foul in the third quarter. He stayed in long enough to take free throws but left for the locker room soon after. Coach Joe Mazzulla said the team is being cautious, and Tatum described the ankle as “just sore.”
Los Angeles Lakers
25 March 2025
Lakers fall to 3-7 in their last 10 games after a 118-106 loss to the Orlando Magic.
Despite a strong start post-Luka Doncic trade, the Lakers are now struggling. Luka Doncic admitted the team got “a little bit satisfied” as their defensive intensity has dropped. Inconsistent third-quarter performances, including being outscored 34-18 by Orlando, are contributing to their skid. Doncic and LeBron James acknowledged their responsibility in leading and refocusing the group. The Lakers sit 4th in the West, only three games ahead of the 7th-place Clippers, with 11 games remaining and three back-to-back
