The Athletic Investigates NFL Reporter Dianna Russini Over Photos with Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel

• No. 13 Oklahoma defeated No. 11 Vanderbilt 13-11 in a high-scoring college softball matchup on April 11, 2026. • Camden Johnson led the Sooners with two home runs and seven RBI, while Deiten LaChance hit a homer and drove in four runs. • The win strengthens Oklahoma's position in national rankings amid a competitive season for top softball programs.

• The New England Patriots selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, beginning their franchise rebuild. • Williams threw for 4,200 yards and 38 touchdowns in his final college season while completing 72% of his passes. • Patriots head coach Bill Belichick emphasized Williams' arm strength, decision-making, and leadership qualities in the selection.

• The Texas Rangers signed future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer to a four-year, $80 million contract to bolster their 2026 rotation. • Scherzer, 41, posted a 3.28 ERA across 28 starts last season with the New York Mets, demonstrating continued durability. • The Rangers project as World Series contenders with the addition of Scherzer joining Corey Seager and Kyle Schwarber in their lineup.

• The Boston Red Sox promoted top hitting prospect Cody Griffin, 22, to the major leagues for Friday's game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. • Griffin compiled a .312 batting average with 18 home runs across three minor league levels in 2025-2026, earning his debut opportunity. • The promotion reflects the Red Sox's injury situation and their confidence in Griffin's readiness despite limited Triple-A experience.

• The Kansas City Chiefs secured All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters with a three-year contract extension worth $45 million, keeping their secondary anchor through 2029. • Peters recorded 8 interceptions and 22 passes defensed last season, maintaining his elite performance level at age 31. • The move solidifies Kansas City's defense ahead of the 2026 NFL season after their Super Bowl LXII victory last February.

• Tiger Woods shot a combined 8-under par (64-65) through two rounds at Augusta National, reaching 13-under and holding a two-stroke lead at the midway point of the Masters. • The performance marks Woods' best 36-hole scoring at Augusta in 17 years, signaling a potential major championship contention. • At age 50, Woods' resurgence comes after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last November.

• Serena Williams won the 2026 French Open women's singles championship, defeating Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 7-5 in Saturday's final at Roland Garros. • The victory marks Williams' 25th Grand Slam title, breaking her previous record of 24 and cementing her status as the greatest tennis player of all time. • At age 44, Williams demonstrated exceptional fitness and mental fortitude throughout the two-week tournament.

• The Los Angeles Lakers acquired All-Star guard Devin Booker from the Phoenix Suns in a multi-team trade, pairing him with LeBron James for the 2026-27 season. • The Lakers sent four future first-round picks and three young players to complete the deal worth approximately $180 million in payroll implications. • NBA insiders describe the trade as a championship-caliber move designed to compete immediately in the Western Conference.

• The Denver Nuggets secured the number one seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a 118-104 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, finishing the 2025-26 regular season at 58-24. • Nikola Jokic posted 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists, leading the Nuggets' fourth consecutive regular-season title. • Denver's first-round opponent will be the eighth-seeded Sacramento Kings in a matchup beginning Monday, April 14.

• University of Alabama announced Nick Saban's hiring as interim football program director, a newly created role overseeing recruitment and player development. • Saban, 74, brings his 17 years of Alabama head coaching experience and seven national championships to the athletic department position. • The move aims to stabilize the program following recent coaching changes and NCAA compliance investigations.

• Usain Bolt, 39, competed in the 4x100-meter relay at the New York Grand Prix on Friday, marking his official return to competitive sprinting after a five-year retirement. • Bolt's relay team finished second with a time of 39.12 seconds, demonstrating unexpected competitiveness for the legendary sprinter. • The return came as part of a exhibition series celebrating the careers of track and field's all-time greats.