Fresh off a wave of positive rule changes, MLB is considering reducing the pitcher limit from 13 to 12, according to Rob Manfred.

For the second (well-publicized) time in MLB history, an Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher has claimed a sad and unusual feat -- accidentally taking out and killing a bird with a throw.

Referees’ chief Howard Webb says standards of behaviour in the English game have been “allowed to decline” over a period of many years and insists it is vital a new code of conduct is followed by everyone to address it. Officials are being empowered to issue cards when confronted by two or more players in the season ahead, while players and coaches who seriously or repeatedly abuse referees could face increased financial penalties from the Football Association. Webb, the chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), says there has been a worldwide decline in referees entering the game, and that a collective effort from everyone involved in football to address poor behaviour is essential to tackling it. “I think over a period of time we’ve seen a decline in some behaviours, both on the field of play and in the technical areas. It’s not exclusive to the English game, we’ve seen it around the world,” he said in an interview broadcast on PGMOL’s YouTube page. “This has had knock-on effects. We’ve seen copycat behaviour at grassroots levels, and that’s resulted in people either quitting as referees or not choosing to take up the whistle. “I think for too long we as match officials have not done well enough in dealing with behaviours that have been unacceptable. We have too often confused unacceptable behaviour as passion. We’ve turned a blind eye or a deaf ear. “We’re trying to change behaviours that are exhibited in our sport that have been allowed to decline over the years, for many years, that have now seen a situation where we have a lot of referees who are facing really difficult experiences at grassroots level. We have too often confused unacceptable behaviour as passion. We’ve turned a blind eye or a deaf ear Howard Webb “Numbers are generally around the world declining and I think enough is enough. This is our chance to leave a legacy of improved behaviour. “We’re being tasked as match officials to deliver change on the field of play by being resilient and robust and consistent with the way that we deal with unacceptable behaviour. “We’re ready to do that for the good of the game but it’s absolutely important that all stakeholders in the game stand behind our officials and ensure that they feel empowered and supported when they’re dealing with these behaviours.” The English football authorities have endorsed a series of measures designed to combat bad behaviour on and off the pitch, including a ‘Participants’ Charter’ for players and coaches, plus tougher sanctions on off-field issues such as football tragedy abuse. While at grassroots level teams can now face points deductions where their players or staff are found to have seriously or repeatedly abused officials, there are no indications that the professional game will follow suit. That is despite a number of serious incidents at top-flight level in the last year alone, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp twice sanctioned for abusing officials and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic given an eight-game ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh. Webb says all players and managers must be aware of the impact on their actions, especially on young people. “So many young people’s eyes are on that field of play. They take their lead from what players do.” Webb added. “These are role models whose behaviour they want to emulate, they look up to these people. If they see certain types of behaviour then it sets a really poor example for what is deemed acceptable in everyday life as well. “Not wanting to put too much pressure and responsibility on players’ shoulders or officials or coaches who perform in that pressurised environment, but I think that we have to accept that when we get to a certain level we’re all role models. “And we all have to understand that our behaviours do have an impact and therefore those behaviours that are exhibited have to be positive ones.” The PA news agency understands the Professional Footballers’ Association has been involved in the meetings which led to the new charter and has actively helped to shape it.

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Inter Miami are set to take on NYCFC - how to watch, team news & score prediction.

In the latest NFL rumors roundup, the Tennessee Titans have a quarterback controversy brewing, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to trade a wide receiver, and the Chicago Bears are rumored to be linked to Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young.

Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors' star, found himself on the receiving end of a painful hit, similar to those he's been infamous for delivering.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias and manager Brandon Hyde met with reporters two days after Baltimore was eliminated by Texas in the AL Division Series

Mauricio Pochettino said Chelsea could have Christopher Nkunku available as early as the week after the November international break as the summer signing’s recovery from a knee injury is progressing quicker than expected. The 25-year-old, who was injured in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, had been expected to be out until at least December but that timescale has now been brought forward, raising the possibility he could make a long-awaited competitive debut when the team face Newcastle at St James’s Park on November 25. The loss of Nkunku weeks after completing a £52m move from RB Leipzig was a significant blow to Pochettino’s preparations for the new campaign, particularly as he had been a standout performer during the two weeks in the US. And his absence was keenly felt once the Premier League season began as Chelsea scored just five times in their first six league matches, a run that saw them fail to score a single goal during September. That record has improved markedly during the last three games during which the team has more than doubled its goal return, but the possible early return for the France international - who was last season’s joint top scorer in the Bundesliga with 16 goals - would represent a boost for Pochettino as he faces a torrid upcoming run of fixtures. After Saturday lunchtime’s meeting with Brentford at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea face consecutive league matches against Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle, Brighton and Manchester United. “(Nkunku) is doing really well, working hard, I think he’s really close,” said Pochettino. “As soon as possible we can have him involved again. “After the next internationals maybe he could be involved. “He’s a player that when you see the goals he scored last season, (you see) he provides goals, and I think we’re missing goals. That’s why we think he’s a player that can be important for us. “He’s proved he can score goals in the Bundesliga. If today we had eight or 10 goals from Nkunku, maybe the situation (in the league) would be completely different. “It’s goals that we are missing to be in a different position. It’s unlucky but we can’t complain, we need to work. We’re looking forward to recovering him and helping the team be in a different position.” Pochettino previously said that he could be tempted to look at options in the transfer market if form in front of goal did not improve by January, but acknowledged a run of eight goals in three league games coupled with Nkunku’s progress could lessen the urgency. “Football is really dynamic,” he said. “Today maybe we are thinking in a different way to three weeks ago, but we’re ready and working with the sporting directors to be ready in the transfer window, if we need to add players in an offensive position.” The Premier League confirmed on Thursday that Chelsea will take part in the competition’s first Christmas Eve fixture since 1995 with their visit to Wolves moved from December 23 to accommodate TV coverage. The decision has drawn significant backlash from supporters, but it is particularly resonant for the Pochettino household as the previous day marks his and his wife’s 31st anniversary - which the manager will now spend travelling to Wolverhampton. “Our fans are not happy? Me neither. The 23rd is my anniversary with my wife and now I need to travel to Wolves. “I believe I am not going to convince her to come. “The 24th (of December) for Argentine people is a really important night, and I hope to arrive (home) in time to celebrate after. But if our fans are not happy, I am not happy also. “(The decision) is not easy to change, but we need to accept we are in England and it’s different to the rest of the world. I need to adapt myself. But even if I’m not happy, I need to do my best to be at my best level and accept it’s a situation we cannot change.” Read More Pep Guardiola condemns Man City fans who sang offensive Sir Bobby Charlton chant Mary Earps reveals difficulties with fan relationship with rise of women’s football Mikel Arteta calls for increased squad sizes as Arsenal suffer fresh injury blow Pep Guardiola condemns Man City fans who sang offensive Sir Bobby Charlton chant Mary Earps reveals difficulties with fan relationship with rise of women’s football Mikel Arteta calls for increased squad sizes as Arsenal suffer fresh injury blow

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Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has got the entire football world talking – including Premier League legend Alan Shearer. After Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern agreed terms on an £86.4m transfer to the German champions, Kane was set to fly out to Munich to undergo a medical and sign a four-year deal where he is set to earn £480,000-a-week. But Friday morning brought a fresh twist in the saga, after it emerged that Spurs had revoked Kane’s permission to fly out to Germany. Sky Sports reported that Kane was on his way to Stansted Airport when he heard the news, and had to turn back to his home until his current employers give him the green light Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter The news outlet said Spurs want to make changes to the deal at the last minute, with chairman Daniel Levy currently in the United States. However, Shearer seems particularly keen for the transfer to go ahead. The Newcastle United legend-turned-broadcaster’s Premier League scoring record of 260 goals is firmly in Kane’s sights, and if the England captain stays too much longer he could end up breaking it. Shearer jokingly tweeted a photoshopped image of him dressed as a pilot, captioned: “Come on Harry it’s time to go!” Kane is 47 goals away from matching Shearer’s record, and has openly spoken about his desire to break it. Shearer, too, has predicted that if Kane remains in the Premier League he could break the record. But Kane, who only has 12 months left on his Spurs contract, also seems keen on moving to Germany and finally get the chance to compete for silverware. Spurs stress that Kane is on course to fly over to Munich, despite suggestions the deal could be in limbo. The 30-year-old is set to take the Bayern Munich No.9 shirt, and speculation is mounting that he could even make his debut against RB Leipzig on Saturday should the deal go through in time. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.