The viral humour stems from the unique relationship between France and Morocco. Millions of people of Moroccan heritage live in France, particularly in Paris and its surrounding suburbs. Add to that the nations’ shared colonial history, deep cultural ties, and passionate football fanbases, and the fixture becomes far more than just a game.

Authorities are taking no chances. Reports indicate that Paris has implemented enhanced security measures ahead of the quarter-final, including additional police deployment and surveillance, with officials aiming to ensure that celebrations remain peaceful.

🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Paris ramps up security ahead of the France vs. Morocco World Cup quarterfinal amid fears of fan unrest.

· Authorities will deploy drones, ban fireworks and pyrotechnics, and close several metro stations around the Champs-Élysées to prevent large gatherings and… pic.twitter.com/HnednJpJeB

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 9, 2026

Paris after the France vs Morocco match regardless of who wins – One of the most widely shared meme threads joking about Paris “regardless of who wins.”

Paris after the France vs Morocco match regardless of who wins pic.twitter.com/Fs9OnKmPCL https://t.co/NmlzvOD9oZ

— inqilāb (@tastefullysaucy) July 4, 2026

Paris regardless of the outcome of Morocco vs France: pic.twitter.com/TJmVMV8R3I

— Mads (@europemaxxed) July 5, 2026

Paris tonight pic.twitter.com/SYXM35YUP5

— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) July 9, 2026

The state of France if either France or Morocco win or lose tonight: pic.twitter.com/brWrU7tuqy

— autist (@litteralyme0) July 9, 2026

Paris after the Morocco-France game regardless of who wins pic.twitter.com/299rYGT8rr

— Kaguya’s Top Gal (@hayasaka_aryan) July 5, 2026

Which is your favourite meme?

At the press conference, Joshua revealed he is now training with Oleksandr Usyk’s team, emphasizing the seriousness of his preparations. Paul admitted this to be his toughest fight to date and highlighted that facing smaller, quicker opponents can pose problems for heavyweights. Paul believes he can avoid Joshua’s power punches for all eight rounds. Although Paul recognizes the significant challenge, he remains confident and determined, stating Joshua will have to give everything to stop him in the ring. The fight will take place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, with high anticipation and controversy surrounding whether Paul can back up his words against such a formidable opponent.

The recent NBA gambling scandal has shaken the foundation of the league, with allegations that span illegal betting, insider information misuse, mob connections, and arrests of notable figures like Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones. The scale and consequences have prompted both federal investigation and league-wide soul-searching.​

Scandal Overview

Federal indictments reveal a complex web of unlawful gambling activities that have persisted since at least 2019. Central figures include Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones, alongside more than 30 co-defendants. The scheme involved rigged poker games backed by organized crime families and leveraging non-public NBA injury and lineup information for fraudulent sports betting.​

Key Allegations and Arrests

• Billups and Jones were implicated in orchestrating manipulated poker games, using technology-enabled devices to swipe thousands from unsuspecting participants, many of whom were drawn in by NBA celebrity presence.​

• Rozier and others faced charges for providing confidential, advance injury status and game participation details, which were used to place profitable, fraudulent bets.​

• Notably, in one instance, Rozier allegedly told an associate he would leave a game early, leading to suspicious betting surges and sportsbooks halting bets on his game statistics. He indeed left after nine minutes due to a “foot injury,” and the bets paid off handsomely for the conspirators.​

• Damon Jones was accused of leaking injury information about LeBron James to assist illegal betting, though sources clarify that James had no knowledge or involvement with the plot; he was merely a victim of having his health status weaponized for profit.​

• The NCAA and Hall of Fame are reportedly reviewing whether figures like Billups should remain honored after their alleged roles in the scandal.​

Organized Crime and Money Laundering

Federal authorities report support from notorious Mafia groups, who leveraged the NBA insiders for both poker rigging and sports betting scams. Earnings were laundered through co-defendants, with a trail of wire transfers and complex transactions cited in indictments.​

Impacts and NBA Response

• Billups and Rozier have been put on immediate leave by the NBA as investigations continue.​

• The league released memos stressing the “dire risks” posed by legal gambling and is reassessing its rules around injury reporting, education, and safeguarding game integrity.​

• The scandal has drawn scrutiny from U.S. legislators and the NBA’s own internal teams, raising concerns about the vulnerability of confidential information and the wider culture of betting around sports.​

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Fallout

• Both sports betting and rigged poker games are being investigated under “Operation Nothing But Bet” and “Operation Royal Flush”.​

• Charges include wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, with overlapping defendants between both cases, all proclaiming their innocence via attorney statements.​

• The NBA has reiterated its commitment to integrity and is cooperating fully with authorities while reviewing its security and compliance frameworks.​

What’s Next

As investigations are ongoing, more indictments and statements are expected. The league is considering long-term changes to its gambling policies and educational strategies to prevent similar scandals. The reputations and careers of those involved remain uncertain, pending legal outcomes and league decisions concerning honors and employment.​

This scandal underscores the complex intersection of professional sports, legalized betting, and criminal enterprise, with the NBA now forced to confront and strengthen its safeguards against gambling-related corruption.

The Roots of the Alleged Conflict between Engin Terzi and Robert Baxter

East vs. West, founded by Engin Terzi, emerged as a premier armwrestling organization known for its high-profile matches, international appeal, and professional production.  However, in recent years, Terzi stepped back from EvW, reportedly selling or transferring ownership to Robert Baxter.

The alleged disagreement between Terzi and Baxter centers on the direction and management of EvW and its sister promotion, KOTT. Terzi has publicly claimed that Baxter’s leadership has deviated from the original ethos of EvW, accusing him of prioritizing profit over the sport’s integrity. Baxter, on the other hand, defends his approach, arguing that his business-oriented strategy is necessary to sustain and grow the organization in a competitive sports landscape. The conflict came to a head in 2024, with both parties airing their grievances publicly, including through social media, interviews, and statements involving other figures in the sport, such as Kirill Sarychev.

A notable point of contention was an exhibition match involving Levan Saginashvili, widely regarded as the world’s top armwrestler. According to a YouTube video featuring Terzi, Baxter, and Sarychev, a miscommunication led to confusion over the match’s terms, prompting an apology from all three to Saginashvili. This incident highlighted underlying tensions, as Terzi and his supporters argued it reflected Baxter’s mismanagement, while Baxter’s camp viewed it as an isolated misunderstanding.

Armwrestlers come out in support of Engin Terzi

So far many pullers have come up to support Engin Terzi including the likes of Gennadi Kvikvinia, Artyom Morozov, Ibragim Sagov etc.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Артём Морозов (@steelmorozov)

“I just want a good atmosphere to remain in this big family. I am staying with Engin, if he is not in the league, then I will not be either!“, Artyom Morozov stated showing his support for Engin.

Armwrestling legend Denis Cyplenkov also came out in support of Engin Terzi.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Денис Цыпленков (@cyplenkovden)

“David and I worked, work and will work only with Engin! He behaved with dignity and integrity towards us, therefore we will only cooperate with him!!!“, Denis posted on his Instagram.

Devon Larratt backs Robert Baxter

Amidst all the chaos, Devon Larratt has publicly came up in support of Robert Baxter.

The armwrestling fanbase is equally divided. Terzi’s supporters argue that he built EvW from the ground up, earning loyalty through his dedication to the sport’s grassroots. Baxter’s advocates, however, point to the increased visibility of EvW and KOTT under his leadership, including partnerships with streaming platforms and sponsors. A Reddit thread summarized the sentiment: “Engin has the heart, but Baxter has the wallet. Who’s right depends on what you think armwrestling needs right now”

]]> https://www.thesportsroom.org/russell-westbrook-favored-to-land-with-an-eastern-conference-team/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 03:54:34 +0000 https://www.thesportsroom.org/?p=55967 Russell Westbrook might be making a return to the Southeast Division soon.

According to Bovada oddsmakers, the Miami Heat are currently the frontrunners to sign the former MVP guard in free agency, with odds set at +260. Other top contenders include the Dallas Mavericks (+325), Sacramento Kings (+500), Golden State Warriors (+750), and Orlando Magic (+750).

Westbrook, who spent the 2020-21 season with the Washington Wizards—another team in Miami’s division—is about to enter free agency. He recently declined his $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets, where he played last season.

At 36, Westbrook remains a valuable contributor off the bench, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game with the Nuggets.

The Heat, who lack significant depth at point guard behind Tyler Herro, could benefit from Westbrook’s experience. With Davion Mitchell headed for restricted free agency and other players like Kyle Anderson, Nikola Jovic, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. not being traditional point guards, Westbrook could fill a key role.

His potential interest in Miami could also be boosted by the presence of his former UCLA teammate Kevin Love. Compared to other recent options linked to Westbrook, Miami appears to be a much more appealing destination.

Originally scheduled to begin his sentence in March, Mizuhara was granted a delay by a federal judge, though the reasons for that delay remain confidential. In February, he was sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges of tax and bank fraud. Mizuhara admitted to embezzling approximately \$17 million from Ohtani’s accounts, allegedly to pay off gambling debts to an illegal bookmaker. Evidence also surfaced of Mizuhara impersonating Ohtani in a recorded phone call to a bank in an attempt to authorize a large wire transfer.

Following his prison term, Mizuhara may be deported to Japan. The bookmaker involved in the case, Matthew Bowyer, has also pleaded guilty to federal charges.

The timing of Mizuhara’s prison entry is notable—it coincides with the day Ohtani is scheduled to return to pitching after nearly two years away from the mound.

Event Schedule:

• Date: March 29, 2025​

• Time: 12:00 PM Local Texas Time

• Venue: Esports Stadium Arlington, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011.

Press Conference:

A live press conference will precede the main event on March 28, 2025, at the same time.

Devon Larratt vs Corey West Full Card

1. Devon Larratt vs. Corey West
   Category: Left Arm Superheavyweight​

2. John Brzenk vs. Yoshinobu Kanai
   Category: Right Arm Light Heavyweight

3. Dave Chaffee vs. Georgi Tsvetkov
   Category: Right Arm Superheavyweight​

4. Janis Amolins vs. Mindaugas Tarasaitis
   Category: Right Arm Lightweight​

5. Sarah Bäckman vs. Jocelyne Brisson
   Category: Right Arm Open Weight​

6. Matt Mask vs. Kydyrgali Ongarbaev
   Category: Right Arm Light Heavyweight​

7. Kody Merritt vs. Evgeny Prudnik
   Category: Left Arm Superheavyweight

8. Craig Tullier vs. John Therrien
   Category: Right Arm Welterweight​

9. Hunter Noffz vs. Valen Low
   Category: Right Arm Lightweight

10. Cody Wood vs. Joseph Meranto
    Category: Right Arm Lightweight

11. Andrei Sharkevich vs. Arsen Khachatryan
    Category: Left Arm Light Heavyweight

12. Hunter Noffz vs. Mindaugas Tarasaitis
    Category: Left Arm Lightweight

Tournament Details:

In conjunction with the main event, the East vs West 17 Open Armwrestling Tournament will take place on March 28, 2025, at the Hilton Arlington.

• Weigh-Ins and Registration:

  • Thursday Early Weigh-ins: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Friday: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM​

  • Entry Fee: $40 per arm/class. A second arm/class is free with proof of purchase of an EvW17 event ticket.

Weight Classes:

• Men’s Open and Amateur (Right and Left Arms):
  154 lbs, 171 lbs, 187 lbs, 209 lbs, 231 lbs, 253 lbs, 253+ lbs​

• Masters (Right and Left Arms):
  187 lbs, 231 lbs, 231+ lbs

• Women’s Open (Right and Left Arms):
  154 lbs, 155+ lbs

Custom awards will be presented by elite athletes at the conclusion of the main event on Saturday. Open class finals are scheduled for Saturday, March 29, at the Esports Stadium prior to the main event.

Ticket Information:

Tickets for East vs West 17 are available for purchase through the Dallas Sports Commission. Fans worldwide can also access the event via pay-per-view through the official East vs West Armwrestling website.​

Conclusion:

East vs West 17 promises to be a landmark event in the world of armwrestling, bringing together legendary figures and rising stars for a series of thrilling matches. Whether attending in person or watching remotely, fans can expect a showcase of unparalleled strength, technique, and sportsmanship.

Offline play has unique advantages. Whether you’re playing on GameZone or using another platform, it’s easier to focus entirely on the game and polish your skills. Offline Tongits provides an ideal environment to develop the tactics necessary for consistent victories. This article will walk you through several essential strategies to help you master the game when playing offline, ensuring you dominate your opponents with ease.

Strategy 1: Thoroughly Understand the Rules

Before diving into advanced techniques, it’s crucial to have a strong grasp of the basic rules of Tongits offline. While many players are familiar with the game, even seasoned players can falter when they misinterpret rules.

The objective of Tongits is straightforward: form sets or sequences of cards (called “melds”) while minimizing the value of any unmatched cards left in your hand (referred to as “deadwood”). Understanding when to declare a win, whether it’s by calling “Tongits” or choosing a draw, is essential for victory.

When you download Tongits offline and play against AI opponents, having a solid understanding of the rules is a significant advantage. It provides a foundation for advanced strategies, making it easier to adapt as the game unfolds. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to fine-tune your skills, knowing the rules inside out is key to success.

Strategy 2: Master the Art of Card Counting

Card counting is one of the most valuable skills you can develop when playing Tongits. Though it may sound complicated, it’s actually a practical technique that can dramatically improve your chances of winning. The concept is simple: by tracking the cards played during the game, you gain insight into what your opponents might be holding.

In Tongits offline mode, the lack of online distractions like notifications or chats gives you the perfect opportunity to practice card counting. Pay close attention to the cards you and your opponents discard. By remembering which cards are already out of play, you can better anticipate which sets your rivals are trying to complete, allowing you to thwart their plans.

This skill becomes particularly useful when playing on platforms like GameZone, where AI opponents can present significant challenges. Developing a knack for card counting will give you a tactical advantage in every game.

Strategy 3: Enhance Your Hand Management Techniques

In Tongits, proper hand management is a critical component of winning. Your goal is to reduce your deadwood as much as possible by forming melds quickly and efficiently. Understanding when to “hit” (add cards to existing melds) and when to draw new cards is crucial in shaping the outcome of the game.

One common mistake that players make is holding onto high-value cards like face cards or aces for too long. If these cards are still in your hand at the end of the round, they can cost you the game by adding up as deadwood points. It’s often better to discard high-value cards early and work toward completing your melds. This minimizes your point total in case your opponent declares a win before you do.

Offline play gives you the freedom to experiment with hand management without pressure. The more you practice, the more skilled you’ll become at making quick decisions and navigating the shifting dynamics of each game.

Strategy 4: Observe Your Opponents’ Moves

Even when playing Tongits offline, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about your opponents’ actions. Whether you’re facing AI or human players, analyzing the way they play their cards can reveal valuable information about their strategies.

Pay attention to when they draw cards from the pile or discard certain cards. If an opponent picks up a low-value card, they may be working on a straight. Conversely, if they start discarding high-value cards, it might indicate that they’re preparing to finish the game soon, signaling that the end is near.

By staying alert to your opponents’ moves in offline games, you’ll be able to anticipate their next steps and adjust your strategy accordingly. This heightened awareness helps you block their progress and seize control of the game.

Strategy 5: Utilize Offline Play to Refine Your Skills

One of the biggest advantages of Tongits offline is the ability to practice at your own pace. Without the stress of real-time opponents or unstable internet connections, you can take your time developing and testing different strategies. Regular practice is key to becoming a master of the game.

With platforms like GameZone, you can play Tongits offline whenever you like, which allows you to sharpen your skills. You can experiment with techniques like card counting or mastering your hand management in a low-pressure environment. Some apps even offer Tongits offline free coins, giving you the chance to try out new tactics without any risk of losing real money.

Taking the time to practice offline will improve your game dramatically. It builds confidence, enhances decision-making, and allows you to handle even the toughest opponents with ease.

Strategy 6: Know When to Gin and When to Draw

Another important strategy in Tongits offline involves making smart decisions about when to declare a win (called “gin”) or continue drawing cards. Some players get too eager to end the game and declare a win before their hand is ready, only to lose because they didn’t fully optimize their melds.

To master this tactic, wait until you have minimized your deadwood or are close to completing all of your melds. This ensures that when you declare a win, you’re truly in a winning position. Likewise, be strategic when drawing cards—sometimes it’s better to wait and see what your opponents discard rather than blindly drawing from the pile.

Practice with offline games in GameZone helps you recognize these crucial moments faster. Over time, you’ll be able to make well-timed decisions with confidence, even in high-stakes games.

Conclusion: Mastery Comes with Practice

Becoming a skilled Tongits player takes time, practice, and a solid understanding of strategic play. From mastering the basic rules and learning the nuances of card counting to improving your hand management and observing your opponents, these strategies will give you a clear path to success.

Playing Tongits offline—whether you’re using GameZone or another app—provides the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and practice without relying on an internet connection. It’s a convenient way to play at your own pace, try new tactics, and ultimately master the game. Whether you’re in it for fun or aiming to increase your win rate, consistently practicing these strategies will ensure you’re always ahead of the competition.

So, don’t hesitate to download Tongits offline today and start applying these strategies. With time and dedication, you’ll find yourself mastering the game and enjoying each round with confidence.

Introducing Zarohk, the Temporal, the pinnacle boss of Path of Exile 2. As a master of time manipulation, he presents one of the most demanding challenges in the game.
The key to victory lies in three crucial aspects: positioning, mobility, and precise timing.

How to Reach Zarohk?

To face Zarohk, the Temporal, players must first conquer the four layers of the Final Trial, each featuring escalating difficulty and three intense boss battles along the way.

Optimizing Your Build for the Trial

Buff Selection & Relic Choices:

• Prioritize bonuses that enhance damage and movement speed, while avoiding debuffs that weaken your defense.

Gear Up for the Challenge:

• Acquire powerful equipment and currency on BuyMMOG to optimize your character’s strength, ensuring a smoother journey through the Final Trial.

Combat Mechanics: Zarohk’s Power Over Time

Core Abilities

• Massive Health Pool: Expect a prolonged fight.
• High Elemental Resistances: Adjust your damage types accordingly.
• Weakness Analysis: Identify vulnerabilities to maximize damage output.

Attack Patterns

• Unstable Skill Indicators: Zarohk’s attacks have unpredictable timing, testing your reflexes.

Phase Transitions

• 66% HP: Triggers the first “Hourglass of Time” challenge.
• 50% HP: Introduces high-speed rotating energy pillars.
• 40% HP: Deploys time-slowing bubbles, affecting movement and skill execution.
• 33% HP: Marks players with Time Rewind, forcing strategic positioning.
• 25% HP: Reintroduces the “Hourglass of Time” challenge for a final endurance test.

Optimal Tactics and Survival Strategy

Core Principles

• Evade First, Attack Second: Prioritize dodging Zarohk’s attacks over dealing damage. Staying alive is the key to success.
• Maintain Honor: Your honor represents your health in this fight. Every hit lowers it, so protect it at all costs.

Recommended Classes and Builds

• Physical and Chaos Damage: These damage types bypass Zarohk’s resistances, allowing you to deal full damage without needing to break through his defenses.

Gear Recommendations

• High Mobility: Equip items that increase movement speed, allowing you to dodge attacks more easily.
• Survival-Focused Gear: Prioritize defensive stats, such as evasion and energy shield, to withstand Zarohk’s onslaught while maintaining your position for effective counterattacks.

Zarohk’s Rewards: The Ultimate Trial Worth Conquering

Random Drops and Exclusive Gear

• Legendary Jewels, Armor, Rings: Zarohk drops highly coveted items, including powerful Time-Lost Diamonds, Blessed Bonds, and Temporalis Silk Robes, each offering unique boosts to your stats and playstyle.
• Exclusive Gear: Special items like the Sandstorm Visage Chain Tiara and Sekhema’s Resolve Ring come with rare affixes and effects, making them valuable for high-level builds.

The Influence of Trial Relics on Final Rewards

• The relics you select at the beginning of the trial will directly influence Zarohk’s drops. Different relic combinations can grant you different rewards, such as enhanced life regeneration, mana recovery, or resistance buffs, tailoring the loot to your needs.
• Strategic Choices: Carefully choose your relics based on your build’s strengths and weaknesses to maximize your rewards and gain the edge in the final fight.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Challenge of the Time Trial

Zarohk, the Temporal, stands as a formidable test of skill, reflexes, and strategy in Path of Exile 2. His battle is a unique challenge, requiring precise timing, quick decision-making, and a deep understanding of how to manage both your honor and movement through the chaos of his attacks. The constant shifts between phases and his unpredictable nature make this fight unlike any other, where dodging projectiles and overcoming environmental challenges are as important as dealing damage.

Growth After Defeating Zarohk

Conquering Zarohk marks not only a major milestone in your journey but also opens the door to further growth and refinement of your character. The powerful rewards dropped by Zarohk can elevate your build, and his defeat signals your readiness for even greater challenges ahead. As you advance in Path of Exile 2, consider refining your build based on what you learn from this encounter, focusing on enhancing survivability, damage output, and mastering time-related mechanics.

With the challenge of Zarohk overcome, you will find new avenues for exploration and mastery in the world of Path of Exile 2. The journey is far from over, but now you are prepared to face whatever lies ahead, stronger and wiser than before.

Allen has agreed to a six-year contract deal with the Buffalo Bills through 2030, the team announced on Sunday. The $330 million contract comes with a $250 million guarantee. In addition to the $230 million guaranteed Deshaun Watson signed for, the $250 million guarantee is the highest amount ever guaranteed for an NFL player.

A new NFL mark: the Bills and Josh Allen reached agreement on a new record-setting six-year, $330 million contract that includes $250 million guaranteed, the largest guarantee ever given to an NFL player, sources tell ESPN.

Allen had four years left on his deal, but the Bills… pic.twitter.com/HVImHRv7TB

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025

In 2018, the Bills selected Allen with the seventh overall pick. He has guided the squad to five consecutive AFC East crowns and six consecutive seasons with ten or more wins. During Allen’s tenure, the Bills have advanced to the conference championship game twice and are now trying to make a splash and win the Super Bowl.

Allen tossed for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 2024, his MVP season. In addition, he ran for 12 touchdowns and 531 yards.

Allen has tossed for 26,434 yards and 195 touchdowns in seven NFL seasons. He has scored 65 touchdowns and gained 4,142 yards while rushing. Over the past four months, Allen has achieved a number of significant milestones. After winning NFL MVP and becoming engaged to Hailee Steinfeld, he has now signed a record $250 million guaranteed contract.

Even though Allen has a large total guaranteed salary, he still earns $55 million annually, which is fair when compared to other quarterbacks in the league.