Tag Archives: injury

Lynx rule out Napheesa Collier for WNBA semifinals Game 4 vs. Mercury

Posted on by
Reply

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will miss Sunday’s Game 4 against the Phoenix Mercury due to a left ankle injury, the Lynx announced Saturday.

Collier suffered the injury with less than 30 seconds remaining in Minnesota’s 84-76 loss in Game 3. The injury occurred during a consequential sequence that also led to Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve being suspended for Sunday’s contest. Collier appeared to roll her ankle late in the game as she fell to the ground following a steal by Mercury star Alyssa Thomas. She left the game with 21.8 seconds remaining and needed assistance heading to the locker room.

Coach Reeve said afterward that Collier probably has a fracture, though the team has not provided further details about the severity of her injury. This is a significant setback, as Collier missed more than three weeks earlier this season due to a right ankle injury. Minnesota went 5-2 in her absence.

Trailing the best-of-5 series 2-1, the Lynx will have to win Game 4 without their star forward and their head coach on the sideline. The WNBA announced Saturday that Reeve will be suspended for Game 4 due to her conduct and comments during and following Minnesota’s defeat.

The league cited several reasons for the suspension, including Reeve aggressively pursuing and verbally abusing a game official on the court, failure to leave the court in a timely manner upon her ejection with 21.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, inappropriate comments made to fans when exiting the court, and controversial remarks during a post-game press conference.

Lynx lead assistant Eric Thibault is expected to assume Reeve’s role on Sunday.

In terms of lineup changes, reserve forward Jessica Shepard moved into Minnesota’s starting lineup for six of the seven games Collier missed this season, while forward Maria Kliundikova started once. Regardless of who starts, both players are expected to take on a more significant role in Sunday’s elimination game.

The top-seeded Lynx entered the semifinals hoping to reach consecutive WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury have not made the WNBA Finals since 2021.

The series and Minnesota’s playoff hopes now hinge on their ability to overcome these key absences and pull out a victory in Game 4.

—

*Minnesota Lynx | Phoenix Mercury | WNBA 2025*
*Provided by The Athletic Media Company*
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/lynx-rule-napheesa-collier-wnba-004605819.html

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas reveals what was said during phone call with Dani Dyer after she was forced to quit show – and how producers are working to replace her

Posted on by
Reply

**Strictly Judge Shirley Ballas Reveals Details of Phone Call with Dani Dyer Following Show Exit**

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has opened up about her conversation with Dani Dyer after the TV personality was forced to quit the show due to a devastating injury. The 65-year-old dancer and judge appeared on *This Morning* alongside hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Wednesday to discuss Dani’s shock departure and how producers are working to find her replacement.

Speaking gravely about Dani, Shirley said, “I know her work ethic and when she got onto Strictly I thought, ‘They don’t know what’s hit them!'” Singing praises for the young star, Shirley continued, “This young lady is all sparkle, and of course, yesterday, she fell on her ankle, or twisted it, she has a hairline fracture, so she’s out.”

Shirley revealed she had spoken to Dani the day after her injury. “I spoke to her yesterday, she’s mortified, she’s devastated but, as I said to her, she could come back next year. You know, like Jamie Laing did, and he made the final.”

With Dani’s departure, Strictly bosses are now scrambling to find a replacement. Shirley shared insights on the situation behind the scenes: “I did speak to the executive producer [about a replacement] to try to get an answer for you and they’re hustling and bustling to see what they can do. We’re a dancer down. So, either, someone won’t go home the first week or something like that. But let’s hope that someone else will get the opportunity.”

The news broke on Tuesday when the *Daily Mail* reported that Dani, 29, one of the show’s favourites, had suffered a fractured ankle during a rehearsal last Friday, forcing her to bow out of the competition.

Dani confirmed the injury in a heartfelt statement, saying:
“I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.”

She added with a touch of humour, “Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so I’ve had to pull out of the show.”

Dani expressed her heartbreak over the situation: “To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”

The accident occurred before Dani even had the chance to perform a routine on the show.

Sarah James, Executive Producer for BBC Studios, also commented on the news:
“Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start. Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.”

Many of Dani’s Strictly co-stars, celebrities, and professional dancers expressed their sympathies following her early exit. Among them was head judge Shirley Ballas, who wrote on social media:
“I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel.”

—

Dani Dyer’s departure is a huge loss for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, but fans and the show’s cast alike are hopeful for her swift recovery and eventual return.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-15129141/strictly-judge-shirley-ballas-phone-call-dani-dyer-quit.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Troubled footy star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to part ways with Western Bulldogs

Posted on by
Reply

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is set to try and make an AFL comeback, but it won’t be with the Western Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were expected to make a call on Ugle-Hagan’s future early this week as the out-of-favour forward prepared for his exit interview. However, it now appears the Bulldogs star has made the decision for them.

The former No. 1 draft pick had previously been linked to the Sydney Swans, but their interest has reportedly cooled. The Dogs could seek a negotiated settlement on the remainder of his deal, which runs until the end of 2026, if no club picks Ugle-Hagan up before the end of the trade period.

This decision comes at the end of a difficult season in which Ugle-Hagan did not play a single game at any level, leaving both his career and the club in limbo. Despite remaining under contract until the end of 2026 on a deal worth upwards of $800,000 a year, it is widely believed he will not be at Whitten Oval next season.

The Bulldogs are currently weighing up whether to explore a trade, pursue a negotiated settlement, or find another way to cut their losses.

The 21-year-old’s turbulent year reached a low point in August when he was caught up in a nightclub shooting in Prahran. There is no suggestion that he was involved in the incident, but he was present at the Love Machine nightclub when it happened.

Ugle-Hagan later revealed he was standing just a metre from where a bullet struck, describing himself as “lucky to be alive.” This frightening episode highlighted off-field issues that have increasingly dominated discussions about his career, raising further concern about his wellbeing and lifestyle choices.

This incident followed months of absence from football. Ugle-Hagan began the year on a flexible training program following personal tragedy and officially took a leave of absence in April to focus on his mental health.

He later admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts and a deep loss of connection with the game. In June, he delivered an emotional video message to teammates apologising for his struggles and vowing to try again.

Although he returned briefly to training, he never pushed for selection and by season’s end had failed to feature in either the AFL or VFL sides.

For the Bulldogs, managing this situation has meant balancing support for a young man in crisis with the practical realities of a list spot and a heavy salary commitment. Coach Luke Beveridge has acknowledged the delicacy of the situation, recently stating that Ugle-Hagan needs a “fresh start.”

While Beveridge would not confirm whether that fresh start might still exist at the Bulldogs, his comments underline the growing belief that the club and player will part ways.

Trade speculation is already underway, with Sydney floated as a potential suitor. Any rival club would need to conduct extensive due diligence before considering a deal, cautious about taking on both the contract and the associated risks.

Ugle-Hagan’s management, however, insists he is capable of redemption. Prominent agent Paul Connors said last week he still believes in his client’s talent and commitment, pointing to Jesse Hogan’s successful revival at Greater Western Sydney as proof that players can rebuild careers after serious setbacks.

“He looks fit, he’s got an appetite for training, he trains hard,” Connors said. “I think he can still play, so it’s just if someone is going to give him an opportunity. You might have to go ten steps back to go twenty forward, but let’s see.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-15124703/Troubled-footy-star-Jamarra-Ugle-Hagan-ways-Western-Bulldogs.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490