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      in Soccer

      Man Utd statement confirms ‘exceptional’ cost of sacking Erik ten Hag and staff including Dan Ashworth

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have revealed how much money they spent to sack Erik ten Hag, his staff and Dan Ashworth.Ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils in October after winning just three of their opening nine Premier League games.The cost for Man Utd to sack Erik ten Hag and his staff has been revealedCredit: PAThe figure also includes the cost of parting ways with Dan Ashworth after just five monthsCredit: PAThe interest paid back on the debt owed by Avram Glazer, right, and his family has hit £1bnCredit: The TimesThe club also got rid of the Dutchman’s staff as they swept the board clean for Ruben Amorim and the arrival of his own coaching team.While that move was not too surprising, at the start of December it was announced sporting director Ashworth would be leaving after just five months in charge.United have now confirmed the cost of parting ways with them.In the club’s second-quarter fiscal results for 2025 published today, it was noted under “exceptional items” that United spent £14.5million – £10.4m to sack Ten Hag and his staff and £4.1m on Ashworth’s exit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fiscal report also revealed the club’s total revenue was down 12 per cent over the quarter and the staggering cost of servicing the Galzer family’s debt.The loss of income was due to a 42.1 per cent reduction in broadcasting revenue, falling to £61.6m from the lack of Champions League football.That came despite commercial revenue increasing by 18.5 per cent driven by a new shirt sponsorship with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon brand.The accounts revealed United had an operating profit of £3.1m, with EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of £70.5m, down 22.9 per cent from £91.4m in 2Q24.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, including player trading, this figure resulted in a £27.7m loss.The balance sheet of the club was also strengthened by an £80m investment by Ineos – without which Man Utd would have been left with just £15m in cash.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upInterest costs since the 2005 Glazer buy-out have now gone over £1billion after £18.8m payment, while the total debt stands at £731m – with around £300m still owed on transfers.In a statement, CEO Omar Berrada spoke about the challenges facing the club and the ongoing work to regenerate Old Trafford and redevelop the Carrington training centre.He said: “We recognise the challenges in improving our men’s team’s league position and we are all working hard, collectively, to achieve that. “At the same time, we are pleased to have progressed to the knock-out phase of the UEFA Europa League and the 5th Round of the FA Cup. “Meanwhile, our women’s team is currently placed second in the Women’s Super League, and has reached the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup.“Our redevelopment of the Carrington Training Complex remains on track. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We continue to work towards a decision on the future of Old Trafford as part of a wider regeneration programme, which has now attracted UK Government support. “This follows the work of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force in demonstrating the significant economic potential of a revitalised area around a future stadium project.” More

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      in Soccer

      Referee at centre of Jude Bellingham red card probe reveals ‘suffering’ family sent ‘threats and attacks’

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      THE REFEREE at the centre of Jude Bellingham’s red card has revealing his “suffering” family have been sent “threats and attacks.”Jose Munuera sent off Bellingham during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna at the weekend.Jose Munuera says his family have received threats since he sent off Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyThe England ace has been banned for two matches for swearing at the officialCredit: ReutersThe midfielder was left gobsmacked when he was given his marching orders for what he later claimed was a “miscommunication.”Munuera wrote in his report that Bellingham said “f*** you” after a decision went the other way.And the England ace was left facing a 12-match ban as a result of his actions.Bellingham has today avoided the major suspension following an investigation from LaLiga.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has instead been banned for two matches, meaning he will just miss games against Girona and Real Betis.Real Madrid plan on appealing the two-match ban, with the club and Bellingham insisting he did not swear at Munuera.But the ref claims the incident has seen his family receive various threats, saying they are under “attack” following his red card for Bellingham.He said: “Today it was my turn, but how long has the committee been suffering these attacks? Most read in FootballInside Jude Bellingham’s new romance with stunning Instagram model“They are vilifying my nephews, they are attacking my nine brothers, my 80-year-old father went to mass today and… I better keep quiet. “What are we creating? How can we show in a newspaper the barbarities that we are saying? Are we crazy? Are we controlling violence or promoting it? This is getting out of hand. What sport are we creating with football?“Before they sent me another hundred thousand death threats or insults, I silenced my Linkedin account so that the same thing wouldn’t happen again. I’m not afraid, it’s for my protection and that of my family. They are in a bad way, very worried. “They haven’t asked me to stop because they know that’s impossible. My parents don’t deserve this.”Meanwhile, the Mail reports that the official himself is under investigation from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).It has nothing to do with Bellingham’s red card though, and is instead related to his ownership of Talentus Sports — a sports consultancy agency.Alleged clients including Uefa, LaLiga and several football clubs.The RFEF is reportedly investigating an incident based on Munuera’s “extra-sporting activities.”But Munuera denies any conflict of interest, claiming: “I have been doing it for a year now, and I and other sportsmen give talks to companies of all kinds. READ MORE SUN STORIES“As an extra service, and that is where the whole mess came from, we offer a free service on Linkedin to the people who go to these conferences, without any kind of connection, let’s be clear, neither economic nor contact, in which we create a database with the job offers generated by sport, basketball, tennis, football.“So that young people who have done a postgraduate degree in sport have a reference site to be able to see these job offers. Full stop. There is nothing else.” More

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      in Boxing

      What TV channel is Ortiz Jr vs Madrimov on and can it be live streamed?

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      WBC interim super-welterweight title holder Vergil Ortiz Jr will square up against former WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov THIS WEEKEND.Ortiz Jr said he wanted to fight Madrimov because of their “fun” sparring session against each other – and expects an entertaining bout.World champ Vergil Ortiz Jr (left) beat Fredrick Lawson by TKO last JanuaryCredit: GettyIsrail Madrimov (left) lost to Terrence Crawford by unanimous decision last time outCredit: APOrtiz Jr will enter the ring with an unbeaten record of 21-0 (20 KOs), while Madrimov comes in with a record of 10-1-1 (7 KOs).The Uzbek comes off the back of a narrow defeat to Terrence Crawford in the BMO Stadium in California last August.He was scheduled to fight Serhii Bohachuk on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 in December but had to pull out due to acute bronchitis.Ortiz Jr beat Bohachuk in his most recent fight in August, winning by majority decision in the Michelob Ultra Arena in Nevada.Read more boxingWhen is Ortiz Jr vs Madrimov?Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov is set to take place on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol II, on Saturday, February 22. The card gets underway at 4pm GMT, however the exact time for Ortiz Jr vs Madrimov is yet to be announced.The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.What TV channel is Ortiz Jr vs Madrimov on, and can it be live-streamed?Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov will take place on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol undercard, live on DAZN PPV.DAZN will broadcast the fight live to over 200 countries on their website.The event does not require a subscription and is on pay-per-view for £19.99.Should you purchase the PPV, you can live stream all the action via the DAZN app/website. Coverage gets underway from 4pm GMT.SunSport will have live coverage of the build-up and every fight.Who else is on the card?Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesDaniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker – for the IBF heavyweight titleShakur Stevenson vs TBA – for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz – for the WBC middleweight titleVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith – for the interim WBO light-heavyweight titleBradley Rea vs Constantino Nanga More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Nowhere else in the world has this’ – Eddie Hearn reveals little-known rule that can catch boxers out

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      EDDIE HEARN has revealed the little-known rule that is catching international boxers out when they fight in Saudi Arabia. The British Boxing Board of Control oversee the bouts staged in Saudi – including this Saturday’s mega-event. Eddie Hearn revealed the little-known rule that is catching international boxers outAnd Hearn revealed how the BBBoC enforce a rule that boxers must check their weight on the Wednesday of fight week. That is two days before the official weigh in. So Hearn admitted uninformed boxers flying in internationally are sometimes blindsided by this rule. He told iFL TV: “One of the issues – and I’ll be completely honest – it’s a bit of a pain in the a***e.READ MORE IN BOXING”The British Boxing Board of Control operate the events out here. They have a very strict rule of a check weight on the Wednesday of fight week.”Now, I’m not saying that rule is a bad rule but, nowhere else in the world to my knowledge of any major commission has that rule.”So every international fighter that comes over – I mean they should be told weeks in advance, some only find out when they actually get there, that’s not our job if it’s not our fighter.”But, basically and this is where I think it’s a bad policy is fighters are really focussed on making that weight for the check weight.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And then they’re rehydrating for the check weight and then they’re going forward to another weigh in two days later.”So I don’t know, I can’t give you the doctors’ opinion on whether it’s a good or a bad rule but it’s a rule and that’s it.”Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol come together before huge heavyweight showdownOfficial BBBoC rules read: “Three days prior to the contest both Boxers will have to submit to a further check weigh-in before a designated official of the Board or Area Council at a time and place to be determined by the Board or Area Council. “A Boxer weighing more than 3 per cent above the relevant Championship limit three days prior to the date of the contest will require the sanction of the B.B.B. of C. before being permitted to box for that Championship on the contracted contest date.”Artur Beterbiev, 40, rematches Dmitry Bivol, 34, in the main-event on Saturday after his close points win in October. And Daniel Dubois, 27, defends his IBF title against Joseph Parker, 33, as part of the massive card.American Floyd Schofield, 22, was due to challenge WBC champion Shakur Stevenson, 27, but he was pulled out by the BBBoC. And his dad and trainer, Floyd Sr, wildly claimed his son was “poisoned” before sharing a picture of him in a hospital bed.Promoters, Golden Boy, said: “Yesterday, Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. fell ill and was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. “In the interest of Schofield’s health and safety, the British Boxing Board of Control made the decision to cancel his scheduled bout against Shakur Stevenson. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Schofield has since been discharged from the hospital and is awaiting the results of his medical evaluation. “We extend our gratitude to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, SELA, and the medical professionals who provided Schofield with care.” More

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      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney spotted training his England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son at £8k Dubai holiday camp

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      WAYNE Rooney is training up the next generation of football stars – including former England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son.Ex Manchester United ace Rooney has been spotted at an £8,000 kids’ football camp based at a five-star Dubai hotel.Wayne Rooney’s son Cass and Kyle Walker’s son Reign are at the footie campWalker remains in Milan for football training after last night’s drawCredit: ReutersRooney is coaching the kids’ team after a setback in his own careerCredit: Football EscapesThe legendary goalscorer, 39, is back coaching this February half-term – two months after being sacked as Plymouth Argyle manager after just seven months in charge.Pictures show Wayne’s son Cass, also six, playing footie with Walker’s third child Reign as his dad’s AC Milan team were knocked out of the Champions League.Walker, 34, looked gutted last night to lose out at the play-off stage with a 1-1 draw to Dutch team Feyenoord, having quit Man City for the Italian club and admitting: “Winning the Champions League would be a dream come true. I have experienced it in a great final with City.”Meanwhile his football mad son Reign is almost 4,000 miles away in Dubai with his mum Annie Kilner and brothers Roman, Riaan and Rezon, where Rooney is hosting a special event at the stunning Jumeirah Beach as the new Football Escapes ambassador.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYRunning from February 17-21, Wayne is putting the kids through their paces as they learn from one of England’s all-time greats.A spokesman for Football Escapes posted on social media: “Wayne Rooney’s first Football Escapes course is in full flow, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. “Expert coaching, plenty of laughs, and memories being made on and off the pitch.”Since leaving Plymouth Argyle, Rooney landed a punditry gig for Amazon Prime’s live coverage of Man City’s Champions League efeat to Real Madrid last week.Most read in FootballHe’s now back coaching again in his new role as ambassador for Football Escapes – after being sacked for winning just four of his 23 Championship matches.He’s being used as a way to entice parents to splurge on the package, with prices for a family of four averaging between £7,500 and £8,650.Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth “While the children learn from one of football’s most celebrated players, parents can relax by the private beach”, says the event website.”Indulge in fine dining, or explore the many family-focused activities the resort has to offer.”From football coaching with a Premier League legend to relaxing in Dubai’s luxurious setting, this Football Escapes holiday strikes the perfect balance of fun, learning, and quality family time.”Rooney got involved as he put the kids through their pacesCredit: Football Escapes More

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      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham escapes 12-game ban after X-rated rant at referee with Real Madrid star to miss just TWO matches

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has received a two-match ban for his X-rated rant at a referee.The Real Madrid star was red carded in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna after what he claims was a “miscommunication” between him and referee Jose Munuera.Jude Bellingham was sent off for dissent on SaturdayCredit: ReutersThe England star couldn’t believe the decisionCredit: AFPMunuera claimed Bellingham, 21, had yelled “f*** you” – which could have landed the England international a TWELVE-GAME ban.In the Munuera’s report after the game, he claimed: “In the 40th minute, Bellingham was sent off for the following reason: For addressing me, being just a few metres away, in the following terms: “F*** you.”Bellingham immediately refuted the claim, insisting: “It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication. I remember the incident very well but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.”I don’t want to go too much in detail about what was said but it’s like a expression like ‘f***’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence.”Obviously we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”While Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claimed after the match that Bellingham had used the term “f*** off” instead, suggesting it is a phrase rather than a personal attack.He said: “I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said f*** off, not f*** you… that’s way different.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Spanish FA’s disciplinary Code says that any player guilty of “insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes” will be punished with a suspension of four to 12 matches.But Bellingham has avoided a lengthy ban, and will be suspended for matches against Girona at home and Real Betis away.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Reports in Spain suggest Real will appeal.The Spanish giants had been 1-0 up at the time of Bellingham’s red card, via Kylian Mbappe’s 15th minute opener.They went on to draw 1-1 following Ante Budimir’s 58th minute penalty.Asked whether he will talk to Bellingham about his conduct, Ancelotti added: “I’ve nothing to say to Jude. I should talk to the referee, not to Jude.”The previous week, TV mics picked up a similar X-rated Bellingham rant directed at a linesman during Real Madrid’s clash with Atletico.He shouted: “F*** you man! F*** off!”Even though he swore at an official, the midfielder escaped any punishment on that occasion.On Tuesday evening, Munuera detailed the abuse he had received during an appearance on Spanish TV show El Partizado.He said: “Today it was my turn, but how long has the committee been suffering these attacks?”They are vilifying my nephews, they are attacking my nine brothers, my 80-year-old father went to mass today and… I better keep quiet.”What are we creating? How can we show in a newspaper the barbarities that we are saying? Are we crazy? Are we controlling violence or promoting it? This is getting out of hand. What sport are we creating with football?”Before they sent me another hundred thousand death threats or insults, I silenced my Linkedin account so that the same thing wouldn’t happen again. I’m not afraid, it’s for my protection and that of my family. They are in a bad way, very worried.”They haven’t asked me to stop because they know that’s impossible. My parents don’t deserve this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLast season, Mason Greenwood saw red while at Getafe for appearing to tell a referee to “f*** off.”The former Manchester United forward denied those words, instead claiming to have said “don’t f*** with me” – subsequently escaping a ban.Carlo Ancelotti stood by Bellingham after the matchCredit: AFP More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘Cheer up Max’ – Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event

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      JACK WHITEHALL endured an awkward moment with Max Verstappen at Formula 1’s London launch event.Verstappen and his fellow Formula One drivers were all in attendance at the O2 Arena to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary as teams revealed their car liveries ahead of the new season.Max Verstappen had an awkward reaction to a joke about his argument with George Russell last yearCredit: XVerstappen accused Russell of being two-faced after he had been branded a ‘bully’ by the BritCredit: GettyAnd the reigning world champion was picked on by comedian-turned-presenter Whitehall over his argument with Mercedes driver George Russell towards the end of last season.As Whitehall walked pasta grumpy-looking Verstappen, he said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse.”We didn’t sit you next to George Russell.”Verstappen, 27, gave a polite smile to the comment before the camera panned over to a smiling Russell.READ MORE IN F1The Dutchman and Russell had heated run-in following the Qatar Grand Prix in December last year after Verstappen allegedly said he would deliberately crash into the Brit.But the argument boiled over at the season finale in Abu Dhabi as the 27-year-old branded the four-time world champ a “bully” — while Verstappen hit back by labelling Russell a “backstabber” and “loser”.Speaking at the event last night, Russell said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter, and insisted he had “no intention” of burying the hatchet.He added: “I’ve got no intentions to, to be honest. That happened last year. I want to focus on myself.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Things got out of line last year. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that’s for sure. I have no concerns about him or his driving. “I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it. But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win.Watch moment Jack Whitehall shocks with joke about sex life with Roxy Horner at F1 event“So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”Meanwhile, Verstappen was less fiery on the subject, admitting he will put the issue to one side by saying: “I have no intention to continue any beef in February.”Instead, Verstappen aimed his ire towards the FIA following their controversial introduction of harsher rules on drivers swearing during media duties.Drivers can be hit with a €10,000 (£8,300) fine for a first offence, escalating to a fine of €30,000 (£25,900) plus a one-month suspension and a deduction of World Championship points for a third offence.Asked about it last night, Verstappen went full Jose Mourinho as he said: “I prefer not to speak about that. Otherwise I’ll get in trouble.”But in a roundtable discussion later on, he said: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, that says enough.“In the heat of the moment when you get interviewed in your car, sometimes things slip out.“We grew up playing sports, it happens, you use a swear word.“We shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell them how to behave in life.“You need to use a bit of common sense and, besides that, I prefer we actually focus on other topics — to try to improve safety, try to improve the overall performance of F1 cars — instead of actually having to focus on all these kind of things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first such case under these rules happened last weekend when World Rally Car driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000 (£8,300) for using inappropriate language during a live post-stage interview.This included an additional suspended fine of €20,000 (£16,600). More

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      in Boxing

      Floyd Schofield health update as boxer’s father shares scary video from hospital amid ‘poison’ scandal

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      FLOYD SCHOFIELD’S father has shared a video of the boxer in hospital.The American, 22, was withdrawn from his scheduled bout with Shakur Stevenson this Saturday amid online rumours that he’d been “poisoned”.Floyd Schofield Sr posted a video of his son in a hospital bedCredit: TwitterSchofield, 22, had performed his media commitments as planned on MondayCredit: GettySchofield had arrived in Saudi Arabia as planned and turned up to his Monday media events.But following leaked texts claiming that Schofield had been “spiked” allegedly received by his father, the boxer did not turn up to his Tuesday commitments.Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn initially believed that the fight would still go ahead.But the world title challenger was then withdrawn by the British Boxing Board of Control.READ MORE IN BOXINGSchofield Sr subsequently posted a worrying video of his son in a hospital bed.He captioned it: “God got our back.”The boxer’s dad then wrote on X: “I would like to thank everyone for their prays. I also would like to thank Your Excellency for the hospitality and great support.”Our host RaKan has been amazing. He has been at the hospital with us and very supportive in honor of Your Excellency.Most read in BoxingSchofield had been set for a shot at Shakur StevensonCredit: Getty”Thank you to the Saudi people.”He also posted: “Please pray for my Son.”Floyd Schofield pulls out of Shakur Stevenson fight after wild claims of ‘spiking’Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol: When is it, UK start time, live streamOn Wednesday, he cryptically wrote: “People are going to feel dumb when they see the proof.”People fear Floyd and this just made him more focused. Karma is very real… All things will be revealed in time.”A statement from promoter Golden Boy revealed that Schofield Jr has now been discharged from hospitalIt read : “Yesterday, Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. fell ill and was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. “In the interest of Schofield’s health and safety, the British Boxing Board of Control made the decision to cancel his scheduled bout against Shakur Stevenson. “Schofield has since been discharged from the hospital and is awaiting the results of his medical evaluation. “We extend our gratitude to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, SELA, and the medical professionals who provided Schofield with care.”Boxing chiefs are seeking a short-notice replacement for Schofield.Saudi-owned Ring Magazine claim that Brit Josh Padley could step in to fight Stevenson.The stacked card is led by Joseph Parker vs Daniel Dubois and Dmitry Biviol vs Artur Beterbiev 2.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier in the week, Schofield Jr had told talkSPORT, he said: “It’s a very huge opportunity. I’m ready to take the opportunity by storm.”I’m just going to go out there and do my best”. More