Entertainment

Niners LBs covet spotlight roles in Super Bowl LVIII

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2024

Staff Reporter

Spread the love

[ad_1]

(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw can finish each other’s sentences because of the amount of time they’ve spent together. On Sunday, the 49ers’ linebacker tandem is considered crucial to helping San Francisco finish its mission in Super Bowl LVIII.

Warner, the second-highestpaid off-ball linebacker in the NFL behind Roquan Smith of the Ravens, knows his role against the Kansas City Chiefs is hyper-critical. He’s the primary defender tasked with covering Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Warner was named first-team All Pro in 2023, collecting 132 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a career-high four interceptions.

“You have to know where he’s at on every single play,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “I think the best part about Fred is that he has the physical ability. He can do everything. He’s tall. He’s fast. He can blitz. He can do whatever you want him to do. But you can tell how much he studies the film, and how he’s able to adjust his coverage based (on) what team he plays. I think you have to know where he’s at on every single play. If you don’t, he will make a play happen that will be negative for us but positive for them. And so, someone you definitely have to account for.”

NFL Next Gen Stats underscores the importance of the key matchup Sunday: Kelce led all NFL tight ends during the regular season with 393 receiving yards, when a linebacker was assigned in coverage. Warner gave up a 61.9 passer rating as the nearest defender in coverage, lowest among NFL linebackers. He also intercepted Mahomes in the Super Bowl LIV matchup with Kelce catching six passes for 43 yards and one touchdown.

Warner was a third-round pick in 2018. Greenlaw was a rookie in 2019, entering the league as a fifth-round pick.

Warner said the past two seasons Greenlaw has “made the leap” and playing at a Pro Bowl level. He is often identified by his physical nature which even Warner said “toes the line” on aggression.

Greenlaw credits his bond with Warner for his rise and their collective commitment in the offseason. He said he’s working harder and appreciating every moment with more focus now that he understands how difficult it is to get back to the Super Bowl.

“Training together in the offseason, it kind of starts there. We made a commitment to stay (in Santa Clara at the team facility) in the offseason, eat together,” Greenlaw said. “It’s a natural connection on the field, understanding what he’s thinking and then knowing what the offense is trying to do. You spend all this time together just to get that one win.”

Warner and Greenlaw grasp that the same applies to Kelce and Mahomes, who’ve been together since 2017.

“When you got great chemistry with somebody, you know where they’re at all the time,” Greenlaw said of the Chiefs’ duo.

Warner said the narrative feels obvious, perhaps even overstated, but he’s not putting too much thought into any “undercard” conversation in the NFL’s main event.

“I feel like that’s going to be the narrative throughout this week, going into the Super Bowl: ‘How are the linebackers going to stop Kelce and Mahomes?'” said Warner. “At the end of the day, the way I look at it, it’s going to take everybody. They are really good. I give them my respect. I’ve seen it on tape. I’ve seen it for a long time now from them doing it, and I’ve seen it in person in the biggest game.”

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that all of the team’s injured players were able to participate in practice in a limited capacity: tight end George Kittle, defensive tackle Arik Armstead, cornerback Ambry Thomas and linebacker Oren Burks.

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

[ad_2]

Staff Reporter

Announcements

DP World ILT20 Crowns ‘Habibi & Habibti’ as mascot winners

Published

2 months ago

November 2, 2025

Staff Reporter

Spread the love

The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September.

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community.

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come.

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE.

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE.

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.”

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Entertainment

Canada Super 60 set to dazzle with star-studded concert line-up at Vancouver’s BC Place

Published

2 months ago

October 9, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The Canada Super 60 isn’t just changing the game; it’s creating North America’s newest entertainment spectacle. From October 8 to 13, Vancouver’s iconic BC Place will transform into a full-fledged cultural carnival, blending high-octane cricket with back-to-back music concerts.

Get ready for six nights of non-stop entertainment, headlined by some of the biggest names in Punjabi, Desi, and global fusion music. From the infectious beats of Harrdy Sandhu and Jassie Gill to the international flair of Mickey Singh, each night promises a festival atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Concert Line-Up Highlights

Oct 8 – Harrdy Sandhu (9pm)
Oct 9 – Jassie Gill (9pm)
Oct 10 – Mickey Singh (9pm)
Oct 11 – Parmish Verma (9pm)
Oct 12 – Raf-Saperra (9pm)
Oct 13 – GirlsLikeYou x Indo Warehouse (6:15pm)

The entertainment bonanza runs alongside thrilling cricket matches featuring international stars and fan favourites. With Yuvraj Singh backing the league and legends like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina on the field, Canada Super 60 is shaping up to be the ultimate blend of glamour, game, and groove.

“This is not just cricket; this is a lifestyle experience,” said a spokesperson for Canada Super 60. “Our entertainment line-up reflects the league’s ambition to unite cultures through music, sport, and community.”

Fans can expect full-scale stadium productions, food and cultural showcases, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, turning BC Place into Canada’s most happening venue this October.

About Canada Super 60

Canada Super 60 is the newest format in global cricket, a 60-ball showdown that delivers fast-paced action and festival-style entertainment. Backed by international icons and powered by music, sport, and cultural unity, it’s redefining how fans experience cricket in North America.

Entertainment

UAE students risk repeating a year if absences exceed 15 days, new rules state

Published

4 months ago

September 2, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Public school students in the UAE could be required to repeat an academic year if their unexcused absences exceed 15 days, under new rules announced by the Ministry of Education.

The updated guidelines exclude absences related to illness, medical travel, official event participation, emergencies, or family bereavements. Students will now be allowed up to five unexcused absences per term, capped at 15 across the year. Any excess will trigger a review, with the student’s file referred to the relevant authorities and child protection services.

The ministry also clarified that absences on Fridays, or on days immediately before or after official holidays, will count as two days. A warning system has been introduced to notify parents on the first day of absence.

Special exemptions will apply to students of determination and those with chronic illnesses. Parents may also appeal within five working days of being notified, ensuring fairness in implementation.

The initiative is aimed at tackling absenteeism, which the ministry said has a direct impact on academic performance. Citing studies, it noted that missing 10 per cent of school days equates to a loss of half an academic year, while absences beyond 20 per cent amount to a full year’s loss in achievement.

Schools have been instructed to create individual support plans for students at risk of frequent absences, including counselling sessions, parent engagement, and incentive programmes.

The ministry added that it will be up to educational boards to decide whether these rules will also extend to private schools.