Giants star stunningly wins strike challenge by less than 0.1 inch — and more

It's a brand-new day for MLB teams, players and fans: The ABS challenge system -- which was tested in spring training and the All-Star Game last year -- is coming full-time to the game in 2026!

That's right! Hitters and pitchers will be able to challenge umpires' ball and strike calls with replays starting this year, so we've already seen some use in early spring training games.

That included what might already be the best challenge of the year, courtesy of Willy Adames. The San Francisco Giants shortstop challenged a third strike call... and replay showed he was right by LESS THAN 0.1 INCHES!

Willy Adames won a challenge by 0.1 of an inch pic.twitter.com/2wq2WKmf4D

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 22, 2026

Willy Adames might have already locked up Challenge of the Year 😳 pic.twitter.com/2B1AugjBzd

— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) February 22, 2026

How did he do that? WILD. Further proof that the ABS challenge system is going to be awesome.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Willy Adames wins ABS challenge by less than 0.1 inch

Police are investigating a spate of online abuse directed at Premier League footballers over the weekend, with authorities issuing a stark warning to offenders that "anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again".

The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed it had received four separate reports of abuse targeting top-flight players within the last three days.

Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were the latest to be subjected to online vitriol on Sunday, following similar incidents involving Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri on Saturday.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UKFPU, condemned the behaviour on Monday, stating: "There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person, and anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again.

“The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behaviour and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice."

Arokodare, who missed a penalty during Wolves’ 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Sunday, subsequently received racist messages from multiple accounts.

Sunderland later revealed Mundle had been the victim of similar attacks after his substitute appearance in the 3-1 loss to Fulham.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, which has consistently called for social media platforms to take more robust action, issued a statement on Sunday evening.

It read: "We stand in solidarity with Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle. This has been an appalling weekend after four players called out the racist abuse they’ve received on social media.

“But the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly. The message from them is loud and clear: action must follow. Players cannot be expected to tolerate this behaviour, and nor should anyone else."

Fofana, who shared screenshots of messages sent to his Instagram account, expressed a pessimistic view on the ongoing issue.

"2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes. These people are never punished," he posted.

"You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything."

Mejbri also shared abusive messages, writing on his Instagram story: "It’s 2026 and there are still people like that. Educate yourself and your kids, please."

The Premier League issued its own statement, pledging to assist Wolves’ and Sunderland’s investigations, promising "serious consequences" for those found guilty, and reaffirming: "Football is for everyone – there is no room for racism."

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman added: "The racism experienced by these footballers is abhorrent.

“The Prime Minister has supported footballers before who have had the courage to come forward and call out discrimination and racism and this is no different.

“Premier League clubs have said they want to work with social media sites, including Meta, the Premier League and the police to identify those responsible.

“And Meta has said that it will continue to work to protect people from abuse. Ministers will be holding them to account to ensure it happens."

In a related development, Nigel Dewale, who sent online abuse to England defender Jess Carter during last summer’s Women’s Euro, is scheduled for sentencing on 25 March after pleading guilty to a charge of malicious communication in January.

His arrest and subsequent conviction followed an investigation launched by the UKFPU last July.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his associates are prepared to make amends for hastily giving up on one of Manchester United’s academy products.

In their first transfer window in charge of United, INEOS permanently parted ways with Mason Greenwood and Scott McTominay for different reasons. However, both players have gone on to establish themselves as key figures at Marseille and Napoli, respectively.

United are unlikely to consider bringing back Greenwood due to off-field issues, but the club’s hierarchy are hoping to welcome back McTominay.

Manchester United pushing to sign Scott McTominay

According to a report in Football 365, Manchester United have made an offer to re-sign Scott McTominay.

It is understood that Napoli are ready to “listen to offers” for the Scotland international in the summer amid growing interest from the Premier League.

The Serie A giants are “seriously considering selling him to strengthen their financial structure”, as the 29-year-old is one of the highest-paid players in Naples.

With his current deal due to expire in the summer of 2028, Napoli have to decide whether to offer McTominay a pay rise or let him run down his contract, which would plummet his transfer value in the process.

It is claimed that United have “re-entered the picture” for McTominay and “the offer, close to €80m (£70m), is enticing to Napoli, who see it as an opportunity to balance their books and reinvest.”

Antonio Conte highly rates Scott McTominay

That being said, Antonio Conte is not going to be delighted with this development, as McTominay is one of his most reliable players at Napoli. He has started in 22 matches, helping the Parthenopeans remain in the race for the Scudetto.

Earlier this year, Conte claimed McTominay “became a complete player” under his tutelage after working “on the build-up and construction.”

The Italian tactician also took a gamble on United youngster Rasmus Hojlund, signing him on a season-long loan.

Recently, Hojlund, who has somewhat rediscovered his best form in Italy, underlined that he is happy with his choice to join Napoli. The striker has 12 goals to his name across all competitions this term.

Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images

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