General News

General

Braves’ star gets 80-game MLB ban for PED violation: ‘I would never knowingly do anything to cheat’

The Atlanta Braves’ Jurickson Profar will serve an 80-game suspension Monday as a result of testing positive for a banned substance, it was reported.

The outfielder tested positive for chorionic gonadotropin, a performance-enhancing drug, ESPN reports, according to Major League Baseball.

Mike Rodriguez was the first to report the news.

As part of the suspension, Profar will be ineligible for the 2025 postseason as part of his suspension.

“This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game,” Profar wrote as part of his statement, per ESPN. “There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite. I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans. It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it.”

Profar added that he was tested eight times for PEDs in 2024 and “never tested positive.”

Profar will be eligible to return June 29 against Philadelphia and would lose $5,806,440 of his $12 million salary.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

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What Bruce Pearl said about facing one of his former assistants in the Final Four

Saturday’s Final Four game between Auburn and Florida will feature familiarity on multiple levels.

Not only is it a rematch of the two teams’ Feb. 8 meeting, but it’s another matchup between Bruce Pearl and Todd Golden, who worked together on Auburn’s staff from 2014-2016.

Golden was one of Pearl’s first assistant coaches when he became Auburn’s head coach, and since then Golden spent time as both an assistant and the head coach at San Francisco before landing at Florida.

Pearl made an appearance on the Paul Finebaum show Monday afternoon and was if it’d be weird to face a coach he’s been so close with in the Final Four.

“It is, because the relationship is that close,” Pearl said on the show. “If we have to play each other, let’s do it for a championship. So, I’m so proud of Todd and so happy for him.”

Pearl also said that for the last two months, he’s thought Florida is the best team in the country. Part of that two-month stretch for the Gators included beating Auburn in Neville Arena, one of the Tigers’ two home losses this season.

The rematch between Auburn and Florida in the Final Four is set to tip off at 5:09 p.m. Saturday. The game will be televised on CBS from the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

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Robertsdale football coach Cris Bell steps down after 1 season

Cris Bell has resigned after one season as head football coach at Robertsdale High.

Bell confirmed his resignation to AL.com on Monday afternoon but did not want to comment further. He did say he has accepted another coaching position in the state.

The Golden Bears went 2-8 in his only season. The defeated Chickasaw and Elberta to open the season before losing the final eight games. The Chickasaw win broke a streak of 24 straight losses by the school.

Bell spent his first 9 years as a head coach at Oak Mountain, accumulating a 47-49 overall record. He then spent three years at Scottsboro, leading that team to a 18-15 mark.

It’s been a tough go for Robertsdale, which hasn’t made the playoffs since 2004 and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2001.

The Golden Bears play in Class 7A, Region 1 along with Alma Bryant, Baker, Daphne, Davidson, Fairhope, Foley and Mary G. Montgomery.

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Live updates on TCU vs. Texas from March Madness in Birmingham

Two star-studded teams from the Lone Star State will be facing off in Birmingham.

Texas is set to face off against TCU in the Elite Eight at Legacy Arena for the final game of March Madness in Birmingham.

TCU is aiming for the program’s first Final Four appearance, while Texas is hunting for its fourth and first since 2003.

Monday’s matchup will be broadcast on ESPN.

RELATED: Madison Conner almost said no to TCU. Here’s why she changed her mind

Rewinding South Carolina’s Elite Eight victory over Duke in Birmingham

The winner will face off against South Carolina in the Final Four in Tampa, Florida, on Friday.

Follow along here for updates from the matchup.

5:32 p.m., Heading back: The Horned Frogs are making their way to the locker room for final talk before a matchup against Texas.

5:25 p.m., Getting set: TCU is warming up before heading to the locker room for the final time before the game starts against Texas.

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This college football team’s concessions will be free all season in 2025

Coastal Carolina is offering free concessions for all fans at home football games this season.

The school introduced what is known as the CCU Kickoff Meal Deal on Monday, which will allow fans to eat at Chanticleers home games at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C., this season. Fans will be able to visit concession stands an unlimited number of times during games and choose four items from a selection of hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks.

Alcoholic beverages and specialty items — those from outside vendors — will not be part of the free concessions. Fans will also be required to download a mobile app that will be scanned upon each concession stand visit.

“Our fans are the heartbeat of Teal Nation, and we’re always looking for ways to elevate their game day experience,” Coastal Carolina athletics director Chance Miller said. “With the CCU Kickoff Meal Deal, we’re excited to offer free concessions this fall as a way to say thank you for the energy, passion and support they bring to Brooks Stadium every game.”

Coastal Carolina drew an average of 18,622 spectators to six home games last season at Brooks Stadium, which seats 21,000. The Chanticleers, a member of the Sun Belt Conference along with Troy and South Alabama, finished 6-7 in 2024.

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Suspects in Panama City Beach shooting that injured 3 are ‘idiots,’ police say: ‘Just turn yourselves in’

The search continues for the suspects in the weekend shooting at busy Pier Park in Panama City Beach that left three people injured.

Police Chief J.R. Talamantez in a Monday press conference said “the majority” of four persons of interest taken into custody shortly after Saturday’s shooting have been released without charges.

However, Talamantez said he’s confident the investigation with end in the arrests of the shooters.

The chief said the gunfire erupted between two groups of people at 9:19 p.m. and said police officers were just 50 feet away when the shots rang out.

“They’re idiots. They’re so stupid they think they can pull out a gun and start shooting and think there is no consequence for that,” Talamantez said.

“That might be the case where they’re from. That’s not going to happen here. I’m confident we’ll be holding these people accountable.”

Talamantez said the majority of those involved are believed to be juveniles.

“There’s a lot of concern about the identity of these individuals,” he said. “Our suspects are believed to be from out of state and there’s no current threat that they’re still here.”

The shooting happened in the area adjacent to Dave and Busters.

Well over 50 police officers were stationed in the area, as well as the department’s mobile command center.

“Up until that point, the crowds were manageable,‘’ said Talamantez, adding that the majority of people in the area at the time were between the ages of 14 and 19.

“We knew we were going to have a large influx of students at Pier Park.”

Of the shooting, the chief said there was more than one person with a gun, and more than one person shooting.

“It was a very chaotic incident, as you can imagine,” he said. “We responded in matter of seconds.”

“Our officers that night were heroic, ran towards the gunfire, immediately rendered first aid, helped these individuals in their time of need and immediately started looking for suspects,” he said. “They’re good at their job.”

All three victims who were shot, he said, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released from the hospital.

Talamantez said investigators the four people initially detained and said the majority of them have been ruled out as suspects. He did not elaborate.

After those interviews, however, “I am confident this case will be resolved with an arrest of the individuals firing these weapons,” he said.

“If the shooters are out there listening to this, just turn yourselves in,” Talamantez said. “It’s going to save us a drive to come and get you because it’s going to happen.”

Talamantez said his department will continue to aggressively police spring break, and that entails.

“It’s an enforcement challenge when we have thousands and thousands of underaged kids here,” he said. “There’s only so much we can do with them.”

“Make no mistake,” he said. “This police department will not let the actions of criminals to essentially make us perform unconstitutional things.”

Since the spring break season started, the chief said his officers have conducted more than 3,500 traffic stops, pulled more than 6,000 case numbers and made more than 600 arrests.

“You’re not going to come to Panama City Beach and walk all over us, but the reality is the challenges we’re facing are the challenges that everybody is facing – trying to police a community – a youth group – that does not listen to authority, that does not care if a police officer is 50 feet from them,‘’ he said.

“Nobody’s going to come here and scare this community as long as this police department is here,” he said.

Talamantez said he can’t promise a similar situation won’t happen again in the next few weeks.

“I don’t have a crystal ball,” he said. “We are planning and prepared.”

He urged those in the hospitality business to make sure they are renting to adults, and he urged parents to not allow their children to go to Panama City Beach unsupervised.

“You’re making a mistake,” he said. “We’re not babysitters. We’re police officers.”

“The sad part is every year we have to call someone and say their loved one has been hurt in Panama City Beach,” he said. “I want to stop doing that.”

Talamantez said authorities are in the planning stages of increased restrictions. He did not say what those additional restrictions would entail.

“We’re not done with spring break,” he said. “We’re not going to take our foot off the gas.”

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What we’re hearing about Auburn QB Jackson Arnold in spring practice

In an overhauled quarterback room, Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold is now the face of an Auburn offense trying to move forward from a disappointing 2024 season.

The production was up compared to 2023, but turnovers and costly mistakes turned a handful of potential wins into losses. Starting quarterback Payton Thorne ran out of eligibility and Hank Brown, Walker White and Holden Geriner all transferred, meaning the 2025 starter was going to come from outside the program.

Arnold seems to be the answer, coming to Auburn after playing the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Oklahoma. He and the team will officially be a week into spring practice on Tuesday, but a number of Arnold’s new teammates already have positive things to say about him.

“Just his decision making, him knowing where the ball is supposed to be and being able to look at the defense and knowing where to throw the ball,” said sophomore wide receiver Malcolm Simmons when asked what stands out about Arnold. “We need a good quarterback, somebody to be able to run the offense and run the system that frees the runner.”

Arnold’s relationship with Simmons will be an important one, as Simmons was one of the breakout players in Auburn’s offense last season. He caught 40 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, and could take on an even bigger role this season.

Head coach Hugh Freeze said on the first day of practice that he’s “very optimistic” about Arnold early on in his time at Auburn. Like Simmons, Freeze also complimented Arnold’s decision making, something that carries extra importance given last season’s turnover problems.

“There’s a reason he was Gatorade Player of the Year coming out of high school,” Freeze said. “I think he needed a (restart) to regain some confidence. I think he’s doing that at a fast, fast pace.”

When talking about his intangibles, senior offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright praised Arnold’s leadership, describing his personality as goofy.

“Very funny guy,” Wright said. “Just try to brighten up the room and try to get to know each and everybody and really learn their background and why they play football.”

Quarterbacks coach Kent Austin gave a more technical explanation of Arnold as a player, complimenting his smarts, quick release, accuracy, pocket presence and foot speed.

Austin also backed up what Freeze said, alluding to Arnold already looking promising as Auburn’s signal caller.

“He’s got a pretty good command of what we’re doing right now,” Austin said. “He’s a really talented player, and we are very hopeful that he’ll stay on the trajectory he’s on right now and carry us out of the spring and into the summer, and obviously into the fall and play at a high level.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

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The Nike Court Vision Alta Platform Shoes are on sale for as low as $37

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Beyonce has four upcoming shows in Atlanta, here’s how to snag tickets before they sell out

Global pop and R&B star Beyonce is currently on her 2025 “Cowboy Carter” tour which includes four upcoming show dates at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 10-11 and July 13-14.

Queen B kicks off the massive tour on April 28 in Los Angeles with show dates set for around the U.S., UK and Europe. In pure Beyonce fashion, the tour announcement came just a day before she dominated the 2025 Grammys and secured three wins in total, including the Best Country Album award for Cowboy Carter.

Since then, Beyonce has added additional dates to the tour adding up to 27 show dates, and four of those dates are in Atlanta.

Where can I find the cheapest tickets to the Atlanta shows?

Those interested in finding tickets to the “Cowboy Carter” shows can find the cheapest tickets on trusted verified ticket resell vendor sites such as Vivid Seats, StubHub, Viagogo and Seat Geek.

As of Monday, March 31, current ticket prices for the upcoming Atlanta shows are as follows:

Thursday, July 10 – Vivid Seats ($41 to $9,504) | StubHub ($38 to $3,488) | Viagogo ($39 to $5,983) | Seat Geek ($47 to $3,130)

Friday, July 11 – Vivid Seats ($100 to $1,132) | StubHub ($102 to $2,995) | Viagogo ($93 to $3,000) | Seat Geek ($111 to $3,130)

Sunday, July 13 – Vivid Seats ($47 to $1,080) | StubHub ($44 to $9,274) | Viagogo ($44 to $7,978) | Seat Geek ($46 to $13,524)

Monday, July 14 – Vivid Seats ($77 to $1,309) | StubHub ($79 to $1,579) | Viagogo ($74 to $1,358) | Seat Geek ($78 to $14,494)

More upcoming “Cowboy Carter” tour dates

April 28 – Los Angeles, California at the SoFi Stadium

May 1 – Los Angeles, California at the SoFi Stadium

May 4 – Los Angeles, California at the SoFi Stadium

May 7 – Los Angeles, California at the SoFi Stadium

May 9 – Los Angeles, California at the SoFi Stadium

May 15 – Chicago, Illinois at Soldier Field

May 17 – Chicago, Illinois at Soldier Field

May 18 – Chicago, Illinois at Soldier Field

May 22 – East Rutherford, New Jersey at the MetLife Stadium

May 24 – East Rutherford, New Jersey at the MetLife Stadium

May 25 – East Rutherford, New Jersey at the MetLife Stadium

May 28 – East Rutherford, New Jersey at the MetLife Stadium

May 29 – East Rutherford, New Jersey at the MetLife Stadium

June 28 – Houston, Texas at the NRG Stadium

June 29 – Houston, Texas at the NRG Stadium

July 4 – Washington, D.C. at the Northwest Stadium

July 7 – Washington, D.C. at the Northwest Stadium

July 25 – Las Vegas, Nevada at the Allegiant Stadium

July 26 – Las Vegas, Nevada at the Allegiant Stadium

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Popular snack food sold in 13 states recalled

A popular snack food maker has recalled bags of tortilla chips that could have an undeclared allergen.

Frito-Lay said the recall covers a limited number of bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips. The chips, sold in 13 oz. size, could contain nacho cheese tortilla chips which would have milk as an ingredient. That could be dangerous for those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, Frito-Law said in a statement.

“A limited number of 13 oz. bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips are being recalled as they could include nacho cheese tortilla chips, and therefore may contain an undeclared milk allergen,” the snack maker said. “Unless a consumer has a dairy allergy or sensitivity to milk, this product is safe.”

The chips were distributed in 13 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Consumers would be able to purchase the chips as early as March 7.

No allergic reactions related to the recall have been reported and no other Tostitos products, flavors or sizes are included.

The recall covers bags with UPC 28400 52848 with a “guaranteed fresh” date of May 20. You can go here to see manufacturing codes.

People with allergies or sensitivities to milk should not eat the products and should throw it away. They should also call Frito-Lay at 1-800-352-4477.

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