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Blackburn defender Wharton added to squad
Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray tells BBC Radio Lancashire defender Scott Wharton is fit and ready to play a part in the first team.
Titans release veteran defender after 'incident' at team facility
The Titans have released Jordan Elliott, a veteran defensive tackle, after an 'incident' at the team facility. Here's what we know.
Packers Lose Star Defender for Remainder of Season
Packers star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is believed to have suffered a season-ending torn Achilles during Green Bay's win over Tampa Bay.
Chiefs Reveal Potential Change in Plans for Returning Defender
Steve Spagnuolo revealed the Chiefs could use Chamarri Conner at both safety and nickel as the veteran defensive back closes in on his season debut.
Former Browns defender part of NFL's biggest disappointments
This former Cleveland Browns defender was named among the leagues biggest disappointments to start the year.
Kyle Louis returns to Miami Dolphins practice
Dolphins rookie defender has his 21-day practice window opened.
Rangers Defender Olwethu Makhanya Backed to Reach the Highest Level
Former Philadelphia Union coach Bradley Carnell has backed Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya to continue progressing after his Ibrox move.
Schlotterbeck not listed in Germany's squad for match against Greece
Defender Nico Schlotterbeck will not play Germany's Nations League match against Greece on Sunday evening, according to the squad list published by UEFA ahead of the game. Coach Jürgen Klopp had to remove one player from his 24-man roster as regulations allow for only 20 field players and three goalkeepers.
Liverpool handed blow in chase for Premier League defender
One of Liverpool’s problem areas this season has been at left-back. Long-time first choice Andy Robertson left the club on a free transfer in the summer, and his presence is greatly missed.Milos Ker...
Ex-Eagles DT Blames The Trenches For Struggles vs Bears
This week, there will be plenty of focus on the struggles of the Philadelphia Eagles‘ safety duo, rightfully so. But in the eyes of former Eagles defender Hugh Douglas, the real struggles on the Eagles’ defense start with the defensive line play. Following the Eagles’ 27-7 loss against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, […] The post Ex-Eagles DT Blames The Trenches For Struggles vs Bears appeared first on HEAVY.
Arsenal 24yo explains international absence
Piero Hincapié has explained why he was left out of Ecuador’s latest squad, with the Arsenal defender confirming the reason during a live broadcast in his home country.Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty I...
Milan Testing the Waters for Bayern Munich Defender
Milan ended up standing pat in the back late in the summer despite a few attempts and the persistent buzz because they couldn’t find the right man, but they’ll likely address the role in January, ...
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal plan to take another team photo including William Saliba after defender's omission
William Saliba was left out of Arsenals team photograph for the 2026/27 season earlier this week; Mikel Arteta explained it was taken because of commercial obligations despite defenders absence; club will retake image
Muharemović impresses in Nations League opener
Tarik Muharemović played the full 90 minutes for Bosnia and Herzegovina as they opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Poland in Warsaw.The Leeds United defender start...
Arsenal Ramping Up Interest on Juventus Defender Andrea Cambiaso
Arsenal are increasing their scouting intensity on Italian international, Andrea Cambiaso. The Gunners are said to hold a keen interest in the defender and have escalated their interest recently according to reports.
Real Betis Interested in Olympiacos Left-Back
Real Betis eyes a January move for Nigerian standout Bruno Onyemaechi, as Olympiacos sets a €6 million price tag for the decorated Super League defender.
Defender of Kenya's democracy or political compromiser? Kenyans divided over Raila Odinga's legacy
One year after Raila Odinga's death, Kenyans are reflecting on his contribution to democratic reforms and national reconciliation. However, the so-called 'handshakes', with his political rivals remain debatable.
Juventus want to extend France international Pierre Kalulu contract
Juventus are reportedly working on extending the contract of Pierre Kalulu (26), according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.Linked to the Bianconeri until 2029, the French defender has established himself i...
Goal for Elvedi as Switzerland ease past Scotland at Hampden
Nico Elvedi marked his 75th international appearance with a goal as Switzerland recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland in the UEFA Nations League at Hampden Park.The Leeds United defender sta...
Jarell Quansah Ahead Of Alexander-Arnold In Tuchel’s England Hierarchy
Thomas Tuchel prioritizes physical presence and versatility, leaving the Real Madrid star sidelined while the Leverkusen defender cements his unexpected status as England’s preferred right-back.
Carragher: Manchester City should face three-to-five-year punishment
Manchester City should face a multi-year punishment for their financial misdemeanours, according to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. An independent commission found City guilty of breaking Premier League rules in a strongly-worded report released last week, which the club have appealed against.
Jules Koundé on Bayern Munich’s January shopping list
The defender’s future keeps on being talked about.
Bills Defender Sounds Off on Early Defensive Troubles
Christian Benford addresses Buffalo’s bottom-tier statistical ranking, citing scheme adjustments and roster turnover as the secondary works to mirror Josh Allen’s elite offensive production during a 5-1 start.
Cubarsi urges young players to seek mental health support without fear of judgement
Pau Cubarsi has won a World Cup at 19, but the Spain defender wants young footballers to know that success does not mean having to cope with everything alone — and asking for help should carry no stigma.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ stars preview Defenders reunion with final season teaser
Marvel’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ stars staged a Defenders reunion at New York Comic Con to preview the final season of the superhero show.
Kingston Flemings Reveals What He’s Learning From Hawks’ Elite Defenders
Kingston Flemings says Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luguentz Dort are teaching him different defensive habits before his NBA debut.
Three Boston Red Sox Named Finalists For Gold Glove Awards
Caleb Durbin, Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela continued to establish themselves as some of the league’s best defenders.
Bayern Munich eyeing €30m-rated Chelsea target Tomas Araujo
Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Benfica defender Tomas Araujo as the Bavarians look to bolster their rearguard, according to Sport Bild.The 24-year-old centre-back has emerged as a player on the rad...
West Ham "showing strong interest" in Köln defender
Having struggled to find consistent playing time at 1. FC Köln since his €8 million move from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2025, Rav van den Berg could potentially be on the move this winter.Acco...
Michel Sanchez Provides Injury Update On Ajax Defender Daley Blind
Michel Sanchez has revealed that Daley Blind is nearing a return to action.
Ronald Araujo holds the key to Liverpool's transfer plans
Ronald Araujo has been one of Liverpool’s most promising players in the early weeks of Andoni Iraola’s tenure. The Uruguayan defender was a surprise arrival at Anfield in the summer, joining on lo...
Watford defender Garrad joins Real Bedford on loan
Watford defender Grace Garrad has joined FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division club Real Bedford on loan.The Pirates announced the news via a post on their official club website this ...
Spence makes Inter debut: how the former Tottenham defender fared
Djed Spence finally made his Inter debut in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Parma, and showed a few glimpses of what he can offer.The former Tottenham defender came on in the 73rd minute with the result lon...
Three Cardinals Named Gold Glove Award Finalists
Once again, the St. Louis Cardinals were one of baseball’s better defensive teams. St. Louis tied with Toronto for second in fielding run value (46), finished third in outs above average (38), and fifth in Fangraphs’ defensive value metric (22.0). Although the Cardinals had several above-average defenders, a few standouts in the field did much …
'Madueke Was Screaming!' - Jurriën Timber on His Goal vs Lille
Jurriën Timber has revealed Noni Madueke’s role in his opening goal against Lille, after the Arsenal defender was named Player of the Match in the 3-0 win.
Sources: Newcastle working on new defender signing
Football Insider exclusive as Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle applauds, while sporting director Ross Wilson watches from a circular inset.
Panthers Named Landing Spot For Former First-Round Defender
The Carolina Panthers could be a strong candidate to land a former first-round defender.
Chelsea Join Race For RB Leipzig Centre-Back Lukeba
Europe’s elite are circling the versatile Frenchman as a high-stakes bidding war looms for the left-footed prodigy, whose tactical composure makes him the market's most coveted defender.
Kosta Nedeljkovic Returns for Serbia to Hand Rangers Fitness Boost
Rangers defender Kosta Nedeljkovic has returned to action for Serbia against the Netherlands after missing four club matches through injury.
Michigan State's top five defenders against Nebraska, according to PFF
See the top five defenders Michigan State had against Nebraska, according to PFF.
Lukeba’s Return Could Be The Boost Demichelis Needs At Leipzig
The French defender’s recovery offers the tactical recovery speed essential for high-pressing football, providing the defensive security necessary to stabilize a struggling backline before a daunting fixture run.
'Every setback also has a positive'
"I had a tumour when I was five years old," the Newcastle United head coach says. Jaissle, like so many, visualised one day becoming a professional footballer, but he was among the rare few to actually go on to do so. The former Hoffenheim defender even felt he was on the verge of a senior call up to the German national team at one stage, only to suffer a serious knee injury.
Cucurella: “We cannot relax for a minute”
Real Madrid left-back Marc Cucurella talked to the press after the team’s convincing 4-1 win over Sevilla in La Liga. The Spanish defender was pleased with the effort. “I think we played a very good game from the start. We had quite a bit of control and knew when to attack quickly and when to […]
Bayern Munich plotting winter move for Jules Koundé
Bayern Munich are plotting a winter move for Barcelona defender Jules Koundé (27), according to a report from Sport. The Bundesliga champions are understood to be monitoring the France international ...
Ex-Cagliari and Tottenham defender Vega running for FIFA President
Former Cagliari and Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega announced he intends to run as a candidate for FIFA President against Gianni Infantino.The 55-year-old played his international football for S...
This Is Why Everyone Hates V6 Engines
The V6 has powered all kinds of cars and trucks, including many enthusiast favorites. But it has few defenders.
Germany’s Nico Schlotterbeck to sit vs. Greece
The Borussia Dortmund defender will get a day off.
Roma maintain interest in Oosterwolde for January
Roma could make a strong move for Jayden Oosterwolde in January. The Fenerbahçe defender was ready to wear the Giallorossi jersey this summer, even undergoing a medical. It was at this stage that Rom...
Bove reveals precious Calafiori advice for an Italian in London
Watford’s Edoardo Bove reveals he is neighbours with Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, who gave him some precious advice on living in London as an Italian.The pair grew up together as part of the...
Forest Green Rovers sign free agent defender McIntyre
Forest Green Rovers sign centre-back Tom McIntyre on a short-term contract.
Neil Pierre: Philadelphia Union's towering defender reaches USMNT
By Jonathan SigalNeil Pierre goes bowling with his Philadelphia Union brothersPhiladelphia Union center back Neil Pierre has gone from prospect to star for club and country, emerging as one of Major L...
Did Illinois’ mental health safety net fail? Rep. LaPointe responds to 7-year-old's stabbing death
The suspect charged in the murder of 7-year-old Eddimar Hernandez Chacon had a history of violent arrests and years of unaddressed psychiatric crises, according to her public defender. Former social worker and Illinois State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-19) breaks down why families struggle to access emergency care, current legal avenues, and what Springfield must do to build sustainable, community-based care before tragedy strikes.
Man United ‘leading’ race for Crystal Palace defender Mitchell
Manchester United are reportedly ‘leading’ the race to sign Tyrick Mitchell from Crystal Palace as leading clubs eye a cut-price deal for the defender.Mitchell’s contract at Palace expires at th...
Juventus remains interested in experienced Ligue 1 defender
On deadline day during the last transfer window, Nicolas Tagliafico was confident that he would find a new club after reaching agreements with Juventus and Atletico Madrid.Juventus wanted to sign him ...
Young Eagles defender suffers gruesome-looking injury against Jaguars
Young Eagles player suffers scary-looking injury.
Olympiacos Sign 18-Year-Old Left-Back From Legia Warsaw
Olympiacos has signed 18-year-old left-back Athanasios Christopoulos from Legia Warsaw. The Greek defender returns home as a free agent before the window closes.
How Fabian Hurzeler Has Changed Maxim De Cuyper At Brighton
The Belgian defender has evolved into a clinical goalscorer, swapping traditional fullback duties for a lethal role ghosting into the box within Hürzeler’s fluid, attacking system.
Morrison extends Bristol City stay until 2028
Bristol City defender Elijah Morrison signs a new deal to stay at Ashton Gate until the summer of 2028.
Marseille’s Derek Cornelius set for three-month absence
Derek Cornelius (28) will be out for around three months, as per a report from L’Équipe, after the defender sustained a hip injury while on international duty with Canada.Cornelius returned to Mars...
Brighton’s Olivier Boscagli: ‘We’re looking to win trophies.’
Brighton and Hove Albion defender Olivier Boscagli (28) has told L’Équipe that the club are “looking to win trophies” this season, whilst the defender also revealed that he harbours the ambitio...
Dortmund defender picks up injury on international duty
Borussia Dortmund are sweating over the fitness of Julian Ryerson after the 28-year-old was forced off while on international duty with Norway.Ryerson was substituted after 66 minutes of his country��...
"It's Genius!" Adam Smith Amazed By AFC Bournemouth's Recruitment Model
Adam Smith has admitted he still cannot work out how Bournemouth's recruitment team repeatedly finds top young talent. The long-serving defender explains why the squad now trusts the club to replace key departures, praises Kroupi and Rayan, and reveals why the Cherries' model gives them an edge.
Eagles Select Standout SEC Defender In 2027 NFL Mock Draft
Approaching the midway mark of October, it’s starting to become mock draft season in the NFL world. Since the Philadelphia Eagles are potentially just a few more losses away from reaching a selling point, it seems like the perfect time to glance at some potential additions from the rookie pool. In Pro Football Focus’s first […] The post Eagles Select Standout SEC Defender In 2027 NFL Mock Draft appeared first on HEAVY.
Nico Schlotterbeck suffers fresh injury during Germany training
Ahead of Germany’s UEFA Nations League game against Serbia, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck went down with an injury during training, according to Sky Germany. The central defender was seen...
Wout Faes leaves Leicester City for Shabab Al Ahli
Leicester City have confirmed the departure of defender Wout Faes who has joined UAE Pro League side Al Ahli.The Belgian first joined the Foxes from Ligue 1 side Reims midway through the 2022/23 seaso...
Rochdale's Moss out for season with knee injury
Rochdale defender Dan Moss will miss the rest of the 2026-27 season because of a serious knee injury.
Dolphins activate former first-round pick off IR, release QB
The Miami Dolphins are getting back one of their top young defenders this week, after he missed the first four games on injured reserve.
Ajax Interested In Colombian Defender Likened To Davinson Sanchez
Ajax are said to be interested in a Colombian defender who has been compared to Davinson Sanchez.
Credit Where Credit's Due: Mykolenko Quietly Performing For Everton
Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko deserves credit for taking on the pressure of being their only left-back this season.
Bijol plays starring defensive role in Slovenia draw
Jaka Bijol was at the heart of Slovenia’s defence as they opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Scotland in Ljubljana.The Leeds United defender started at centre-bac...
Malick Thiaw’s Clean Sheet Double For Germany Under Klopp
The Newcastle defender solidified his place in Jurgen Klopp’s new-look backline, showcasing elite composure and tactical growth while anchoring two dominant shutouts on the international stage.
Elvedi stars as Switzerland keep North Macedonia at bay
Nico Elvedi played the full 90 minutes as Switzerland began their Nations League campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over North Macedonia in Skopje.The Leeds United defender, earning his 74th cap ...
Barcelona expressing fresh interest in Sporting star
The board at La Liga giants Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the situation of Iván Fresneda in Portugal, with a view to a potential future bid for the defender.The situation at right-back at the ...
Kayode impresses on Italy debut as duel with Palestra emerges
Most Italian newspapers named Brentford defender Michael Kayode their Man of the Match after Italy’s 4-1 victory over Türkiye, with the 22-year-old capping an impressive debut by scoring his first ...
Two Colorado defenders rank among Big 12's leading tacklers
Colorado safety Randon Fontenette and linebacker Gideon Lampron are two of the Big 12's tackle leaders heading into the Buffaloes' Week 6 bye.
'Nothing impossible' as NI begin long road to Brazil
Northern Ireland defenders Nat Johnson and Rebecca Holloway tell BBC Sport NI of their dream of reaching a first ever Women's World Cup as NI go through the play-offs.
Vuskovic a target for Bayern
Bayern Munich are among a number of clubs keen on Brighton defender Luka Vuskovic, AC Milan looking at Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Liverpool interested in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, plus more.
Trail Blazers May Have Found Ja Morant’s Most Dangerous Role
Reimagining the explosive guard as a high-octane reserve allows Portland to unleash a relentless second wave, weaponizing his speed to terrorize tired defenders for all 48 minutes.
As flag football becomes official sport in Oregon, Salem-Keizer coaches, players hopeful about future
The decision is particularly meaningful for some Salem-Keizer Public Schools teams that have been invested since the sport began gaining popularity in 2023.
Lions Named Trade Fit for Chargers’ Young Defender
The Los Angeles Chargers are sitting at 0-6 and likely to be sellers at the trade deadline. After Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press suggested the team call the Chargers for cornerback Tarheeb Still or Donte Jackson, Mike Payton of A to Z Sports suggests the Chargers’ other cornerback is the best fit of […] The post Lions Named Trade Fit for Chargers’ Young Defender appeared first on HEAVY.
Italy 1-1 France – Bastoni Delivers at Both Ends
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni scored Italy’s equaliser in a 1-1 Nations League draw with France in Paris, then made a vital late intervention to help secure the result.According to Football Ital...
'We will get through this together'
Former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has posted a message on social media following the news of his former club being found guilty of financial breaches. Guardiola led City to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, during his 10-year reign at the club. Among reaction elsewhere, ex-City defender and academy graduate Micah Richards said he felt "absolutely devastated" after reading the Premier League's "damning" guilty verdict on the club's financial charges.
Arkansas football injury report | Three defenders out vs Tulsa
Arkansas football will be without three defensive players against Tulsa. Here's the latest injury report.
Jacobo Ramón not considering Real Madrid return -report
Como defender Jacobo Ramón has established himself as a quality center-back just after leaving Real Madrid for €2.5 million in the summer of 2025. While Los Blancos keep 50% of his rights and could trigger an option to bring him back, Ramón is not even considering said return for now, according to a report published […]
Bobby Kotick’s lawyers sent me a bad email (and later apologized)
The message I had received was unsettling—for a moment. Then it was just really confusing. Back on January 20 of this year, at 5:15pm ET, I received an email with the subject line “Legal Correspondence re Bobby Kotick.” It was from the law firm Clare Locke, a firm I’d heard had been emailing reporters in recent years about their coverage of Kotick, the former, longtime CEO of Activision Blizzard. The letter was threatening. A lawyer from the firm introduced themselves as “defamation counsel to Bobby Kotick.” They issued a “demand” that I “correct” a Game File article I’d published a week prior. The article that had irked them had been a scoop of sorts. I’d written about a a 2022 lawsuit brought by a Swedish pension fund, AP7, over Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard. The suit wasn’t news, but I was first to review and report about Kotick’s extensive pushback to the fund’s claims. The pension fund’s core contention was that the sale had been rushed by Kotick to avoid the consequences of sexual misconduct scandals swirling around the company in 2021. (He’d not been accused of misconduct himself in those suits, to be clear.) As I wrote at the time, Kotick had denied the allegations of the rushed sale. Beyond that, Kotick used a December 2025 reply to the Swedish fund’s lawsuit to assign blame for those workplace scandals, the bad press and even for the AP7 lawsuit. I’d found Kotick’s arguments novel and newsworthy. Across nearly 3,000 words, I explained Kotick’s take: that a Swedish gaming company was behind the Swedish fund’s lawsuit (the Embracer group; they denied it); that the Microsoft-Activision deal was not rushed and was secured at what Kotick felt history had proven to be an optimal price for shareholders; that he believed a conspiracy of people at unions government agencies, PR firms and the media had spun up claims of widespread workplace misconduct at Activision Blizzard in 2021. The article gave context for all of this, letting readers assess the claims and weigh their credibility. As I’d later write to Kotick’s lawyers: I would be surprised if you could point to any news article about Bobby Kotick in the last five years that has spent more of its wordcount articulating his point of view. He is welcome to do an interview with Game File any time. Nonetheless, there they were in my inbox that Tuesday evening: Clare Locke, the law firm that secured a $787.5 million settlement from Fox News over false statements about voting machines. They were emailing me, threatening that failure to comply with their demand could support a claim of “actual malice,” a legal standard for libel. Unless… Unless, they said, I added a key paragraph to my article. This was a paragraph that I already knew Kotick’s lawyers had been emailing reporters about for at least a year, and it was a paragraph that was already in my article. The paragraph they wanted is from a 2023 settlement that California’s Civil Rights Department struck with Activision Blizzard. The settlement had closed a two-year-old lawsuit over alleged sexual discrimination at the game maker. The paragraph basically said that claims of systemic or widespread sexual harassment—or of execs like Kotick tolerating such behavior—had never been proven. I’d already seen proof that Kotick’s lawyers had pushed for the settlement’s language to be added to reports about 2021 sexual discrimination and misconduct lawsuits brought against Activision Blizzard by California and, separately, by the U.S. federal government (both suits were since settled). I knew that Kotick and his lawyers felt that the California settlement language should be mentioned in the same breath as references to an article he hated and denied, a November 2021 Wall Street Journal article claiming Kotick knew “for years” of sexual misconduct at Activision Blizzard. So, in the Game File article that Clare Locke emailed me about, in the interest of ensuring I was being fair and balanced regarding the person I was covering, I had already included the following excerpt from the California settlement [emphasis added in bold]: (Kotick has repeatedly pushed back against that November article in the Wall Street Journal, citing among other things, language from a court-approved consent decree as part of Activision’s 2023 $54 million settlement over the California suit. It states: “no court or any independent investigation has substantiated any allegations that: there has been systemic or widespread sexual harassment at Activision Blizzard [or] that Activision Blizzard senior executives ignored, condoned, or tolerated a culture of systemic harassment, retaliation, or discrimination.”) On the evening of January 20, I was incredulous. How do you write a four page legal threat about a week-old article and miss this? While scrambling to also make my kids dinner, I wrote a lengthy reply to Clare Locke’s lawyers, basically asking them to cool it with the threats and to start making sense. In part, I wrote: I hope you can understand why I am having trouble understanding what you’re asking for, when the statement you’re demanding to see in Game File’s article already appears in Game File’s article. Actual malice, as you know, refers to a reckless disregard for the truth. I’m not sure what your argument is when my article already states your client’s position. Here is where I should remind you, the reader, that I am an independent journalist. I publish on Substack, and have availed myself of the Substack Defender program that provides writers on the platform with legal support. But I’m no Wall Street Journal or New York Times, nor even IGN or GameSpot when it comes to such things as, well, having a legal department. There are more fun things for me to do as an independent journalist than writing back to a powerful law firm representing a very rich person. On the evening of January 20th, I was just trying to cook some pasta, broccoli and chicken nuggets for hungry twins. Nevertheless, I wrote back to them. Two hours later, I got a reply. Summarizing: A lawyer for Clare Locke said they’d “reviewed an incomplete version” of my article and they “apologize for the confusion.” (My guess: Someone didn’t read past the piece’s paywall, even though they’d had a full week to scrounge up the funds to do so. What I’d published above the paywall was balanced, as was what came after.)1 That was almost that, but something about the situation bothered me. The letter had been marked “confidential.” I hadn’t agreed to that, and I disliked the idea that powerful people on the beat that I cover would act like they could unilaterally control what I might tell my readers about. On the morning of the 21st, having already gotten the powerful law firm to back off, I oh-so-wisely re-approached them with just one more thing. I thanked them for clearing things up the night before but noted that I’d never agreed to keep their letter confidential. I’m all for agreeing with a source to keep things off the record, but that’s the thing. We have to agree. You can’t just declare it. I’m not bound by that. I wrote to Clare Locke’s lawyer and said, in part: I trust the matter is resolved. It was disappointing to have to spend less time with my kids last night in order to address your legal letter. Family time’s precious. I will add, for clarity’s sake, that, while your letter stipulated that it was confidential, I did not agree to those terms. In the future, should you wish to communicate with me confidentially, I am happy to agree to classifying our communication as “off the record” prior to the actual communication—as is standard with any professional journalist. The firm’s lawyer replied, not directly addressing the confidentiality issue but asserting that the matter was resolved. Why I didn’t write about this until now In May, I told this story on an episode of Simon Parkin’s podcast My Perfect Console, but I held off on sharing it directly with Game File readers. I held off to avoid stepping on the toes of another reporter, the journalist Mikhail Klimentov. He’d interviewed me in the spring of 2025 about an investigation he was working on regarding Bobby Kotick lawyers pressing the media to add the California settlement language to stories referencing the 2021 lawsuits. And about how some outlets had changed their stories and how some simply deleted them. Initially, I was a third-party source for Klimentov’s reporting, providing on-the-record context about the state of the games media. I’d heard about the letters but hadn’t put the time into pursuing the story. I thought it was interesting, and I was glad he was covering it. When the outlet that Klimentov was going to run his reporting in dropped the story, I began talking to him about potentially publishing his reporting on Game File. This was tentative. Then, in January, when I got my own Clare Locke letter, I told Klimentov that I didn’t think it would make sense for me to publish him, not with me now being part of the story. I had my own version of this situation to tell. But I wished him well and said I’d refrain from telling my tale until he could get his reporting out there. Last Friday, Klimentov finally ran his investigation, in a nearly 48-minute video report for People Make Games. It covers various Clare Locke letters, how media outlets reacted to them and what to make of all this. His video weighs the merits of Kotick’s request and looks at some of the articles that were changed (one of which had a glaring error). I highly recommend watching it: (Note, I did some editorial consulting for a People Make Games video last year but nothing to do with this report.) While many outlets haven’t left any public evidence that they updated their Kotick coverage at Kotick’s counsel’s request, at least one has. Back in October 2025, the mainstream outlet Reuters applied the most transparent article update I’ve seen. On the 3rd of the month, they published an article about the state of the Swedish pension fund’s lawsuit. Days later, they added this: In an October 7 letter sent after publication of this article, Kotick’s defamation counsel disputed claims of widespread harassment at Activision. “Not a single investigation, court finding, verdict, or ruling ever concluded that there was any merit” to the allegations of widespread harassment at Activision, Tom Clare and Nick Brechbill of Clare Locke wrote. I’ve never added a statement to my article on Game File, because none was needed. Not for fairness’ sake, nor to meet any demands of Kotick’s lawyers. I’ve nevertheless wanted to be transparent with Game File readers. If someone powerful is questioning my reporting, is threatening a lawsuit over it… if that threat is part of a pattern involving other games media outlets and if, in my case, the whole thing ran into a ridiculous ditch, I want you to know about it. I also share this as a real example of how I handle threats to Game File. I stand up for my own reporting, even when it’s not comfortable to do so. (In that same category of standing up for the work I do, I’ll point to an incident in late August. Asocial media post I published to X/Twitter regarding reporting I did about Take Two and GTA VI was hit by bogus copyright claim by a firm working for the publisher. I pushed back and got it reversed; even while a bigger games media outlet let themselves be censored. This is the other reason I’m sharing this story: To emphasize that dealing with threats from powerful people is one of the costs of covering the video game industry independently and as fearlessly as possible. This is where you come in. Your support, through free and paid subscriptions (sign up here!), can help me keep doing that. It can ensure that I’ve got the back-up I need. And it can help make fiascoes like this even less of a worry, so I can spend my evenings dealing with more important things, such as making sure I steam the kids’ broccoli just right. 1 That pension fund lawsuit I wrote about in January has all but gone away. In May, the fund and Activision Blizzard owner Microsoft agreed to settle. Lawyers for the fund brokered a $250 million settlement for former Activision Blizzard shareholders. In the settlement, the fund’s lawyers changed their rhetoric. Where once they’d questioned the meaning of the California settlement language, they adopted a version of it for themselves. Several weeks ago, while seeking to get a court to sign off on the terms of the settlement, they proposed their fee for their work in the case: $60 million.
Gvardiol did not want to leave City after Barcelona enquiry
Barcelona made an enquiry about Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol last season, but the Croatia international was clear he did not want to leave, the BBC report. The account, which cites Mundo D...
Bills' Greg Rousseau named AFC Defensive Player of the Month
This marks the first time a Bills defender has been awarded the honor since Jordan Poyer won it in Dec. 2017.
Hungary draw 'a fair result' for NI
Northern Ireland defender Trai Hume says the side "worked until the end" during their Nations League Group B2 goalless draw against Hungary at Windsor Park.
Seahawks sign linebacker to practice squad, release D’Anthony Bell
It’s the second day in a row the Seahawks have added a defender to their practice squad, and they’ve released a veteran to make room.
Barcelona explored move for Man City defender Josko Gvardiol
Barcelona looked into the possibility of signing Josko Gvardiol last season, but the Manchester City defender was not interested in leaving the Premier League champions.According to Mundo Deportivo, t...
Science fiction vs. reality: CTOs assess fears of AI doom
Tech leaders from Trulioo, ModelOp, Reality Defender, and Indigo BioAutomation examine how real the cautions from speculative stories might be.
👀¿Deal off? AFA blocks Marcos Rojo's move to Estudiantes
Marcos Rojo's move to Estudiantes de La Plata is on hold following the AFA's decision not to clear the defender to play in the domestic league. Extra registration slot denied and CONMEBOL's stanceArge...
Giants' Much-Maligned Defender Has Completely Turned a Corner
This much-maligned New York Giants defensive player has done a 180 this season.
Ex-City star Richards 'absolutely devastated' amid calls for demotion
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards says the Premier League’s damning verdict on the club has left him devastated and heartbroken. City were found to have engaged in an almost £1 billion ($1.
Juventus keeping tabs on Brentford defender Michael Kayode
Juventus are keeping tabs on Brentford defender Michael Kayode as the Serie A giants look to bring more Italian talent into their squad, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.Bianconeri chief executive...
Martinez outburst came out of 'anger and frustration'
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez says he "spoke out of anger and frustration" when launching a scathing attack on the club's hierarchy.
Michel Sanchez Praises Ajax Defender For Performance Against FC Groningen
Michel Sanchez has praised Dies Janse for his performance against FC Groningen on Sunday.
Ballard back at Sunderland after hamstring injury
Northern Ireland's Daniel Ballard will miss the rest of the international window through injury, but manager Michael O'Neill says the Sunderland defender "hopefully" could be back by the next international fixtures in November.