London Irish have filed for administration after being suspended from the Premiership.

Owner Mark Crossan and a US consortium have been unable to reach a deal.

Crossan, who bought the club in 2013, said administration had "always been the last resort" but was now the "safest path forward".

"We bitterly regret the difficulties it will present to each and every one of you," he said in a letter to staff.

"My focus is now on working with the appointed administrator and I hope that the club will come out of administration as quickly as possible."

Crossan said the decision to suspend the club from the Premiership was "bitterly disappointing".

"I understand the sadness felt by the thousands of our loyal supporters and the frustrations of our incredible coaches, medical staff, back-office team, and players," he said.

"This decision has ultimately ended any hope of an acquisition of the club and has regrettably forced us to file for administration."

Despite plans announced in 2021 to expand its top division to 14 teams, English rugby now faces the prospect of a 10-team Premiership next season after the demise of Worcester Warriors and Wasps.

Crossan said he spent the past seven months "working closely" with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Premiership Rugby (PRL) and representatives of the NUE Equity to "complete a widely publicised deal" to buy club.

He said a deal could not be agreed "despite our very best efforts".

He said he had made "significant financial investment" since buying the club, but that it it is "not feasible for me to continue absorbing the multi-million-pound losses of the club each year, indefinitely".

After Irish's suspension on Tuesday, RFU board chair Tom Ilube said rugby must "professionalise its management off the pitch".

"Covid accelerated the impacts of underlying structural challenges and had a major effect on PRL clubs and the RFU," he said.

"Given the cost-of-living crisis, the post-Covid bounce-back has been weaker than expected, and that has meant clubs with unsustainable business models have gone out of business - regrettably so for players and their fans.

"All three clubs that have failed this season have had fragile business models for many years."

Crossan said Ilube's comments "completely overlook the precarious situation other clubs are currently in".

"Collectively, owners of clubs are working very hard to transform their models, but the lack of real support, at times, is non-existent," Crossan said.

"The professional game in this country needs to be radically transformed."

How did London Irish get here?

While Irish had a solid season on the pitch - they finished fifth and reached the final of the Premiership Rugby Cup for the second successive season - there has been talk for some time of issues off the field.

The club are understood to have debts of about £30m, and Crossan had to step in to pay overdue wages in April, minutes before players were preparing to submit breach-of-contract notices.

The club were given a deadline of 30 May to complete the takeover or risk being suspended from the Premiership next season, but the Rugby Football Union pushed that cut-off point back to 16:00 BST on Tuesday.

As well as completing the takeover or proving they had funding to operate for next season, Irish had to ensure all staff and players were paid in full for May, after only 50% of the money had been forthcoming.

The club were last week served a winding-up petition by HM Revenue & Customs over an unpaid tax bill.

Petitions were filed at the High Court on Friday against London Irish Holdings Limited and London Irish Rugby Football Ground Limited.

LAS VEGAS -- For the Florida Panthers' Brandon Montour and the Vegas Golden Knights' Zach Whitecloud, this year's Stanley Cup Final carries a significance that goes well beyond both of them trying to help their teams win what would be each franchise's first championship.

They are also part of the conversation about representation in hockey.

While records have not been meticulously kept, Montour and Whitecloud appear to be the first pair of players who identify as Indigenous to play against each other in a Stanley Cup Final in more than 30 years, based on data compiled by Hockey Indigenous, a Canadian nonprofit organization that promotes the sport among Indigenous people.

"I think it's obviously pretty crazy. I don't know the exact number of Indigenous players on the Stanley Cup, but just the league in general, to have that is huge," said Montour, who is in his third season with the Panthers. "To support not just my reserve and his reserve, but the whole countries of Canada and the [United States] will be watching. The support will be huge for both of us."

Both Montour and Whitecloud, who did not know each other before the Cup Final, are among 10 players on current NHL rosters who identify as Indigenous. The list also features Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie, Ottawa Senators defenseman Travis Hamonic and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ethan Bear.

A New York Times story from 2018 suggests that Tony Gingras along with brothers, Magnus and Rod Flett, might have been the first Indigenous players to win a Stanley Cup in 1901 and 1902, when they played for the Winnipeg Victorias. Gingras along with both Flett brothers were Métis, according to The Times.

Since then, there have been numerous Indigenous players who have won a Stanley Cup. They include four members of the Hockey Hall of Fame: George Armstrong, Theo Fleury, Grant Fuhr and Bryan Trottier. Other Indigenous players to win a Cup include Dwight King, Jamie Leach, Reggie Leach, Jordan Nolan and Chris Simon.

Oshie is the most recent Indigenous player to win a Stanley Cup when he helped the Capitals beat the Golden Knights to win the first title in franchise history during the 2017-18 season.

The meeting between Montour and Whitecloud appears to be at least the fourth time two Indigenous players have faced each other in a Cup Final since 1980.

That year, Trottier and the New York Islanders defeated Leach and the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. In 1983, Trottier and the Islanders faced Fuhr and the Edmonton Oilers, but Fuhr did not play in the Final, which the Isles won. A year later, Fuhr did play as he and the Oilers beat Trottier and the Islanders for the title.

Based on information on HockeyIndigenous.com, the most recent meeting between Indigenous players on opposite teams in the Cup Final came in 1989, when the Calgary Flames beat the Montreal Canadiens. Fleury, who is Métis, played against Shayne Corson, who is also reported to be Métis. ESPN contacted an event management firm that represents Corson to seek clarification but did not receive a response.

"It's a cool experience for a lot of our youth in our communities. ... It's about sending a message to a lot of those kids that this is possible," said Whitecloud, who is in his third full season with the Golden Knights. "Dreaming and going after your dreams are attainable. That's the most important part for me. It's being able to get to this point but also, being a role model in terms of saying this is possible with hard work, dedication and that doesn't stem from just hockey. ... Whatever your passion is in life, go get it."

Montour, who is Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River, has been one of the Panthers' best players this season. He finished the regular season with 16 goals and 73 points, shattering his previous career highs of 11 goals and 37 points in 2021-22.

In the postseason, Montour is leading the Panthers and third in the NHL in average ice time at 27:29 per game. His six goals are tied for third on the Panthers, while his nine points are the most for a Panthers defenseman.

"You see players like myself come from the same town as you or little towns where all of us came from, it just gives that sense of hope," said Montour, who grew up in Oshweken, Ontario. "When I was a kid, I was in the same situation trying to watch and follow the footsteps of my heroes and guys I looked up to. To be in that spot, obviously, is huge and you take that in a full serious note and enjoy playing for all of them."

Whitecloud, who grew up in the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, about 30 miles west of Brandon, Manitoba, expressed a similar sentiment. Growing up close to Brandon, he saw players who reached the NHL, both those who were from there or who played for the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings.

Keegan Kolesar, Whitecloud's Vegas teammate, is from Brandon, and Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon played for the Wheat Kings before becoming their coach, GM and owner prior to reaching the NHL.

But Whitecloud said there were no hockey players who came from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation who went further than juniors. He said his dad was among them, but the numbers were few from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, which has a population of 2,500.

Whitecloud said his dad has always been his hockey role model and continues to have a passion for the game. It's what led to Whitecloud working his way to the Golden Knights, signing as an undrafted free agent after two seasons at Bemidji State University. He spent two seasons playing for Vegas' AHL affiliate before he became a full-time NHL player during the 2020-21 season.

Jennifer Bone, who is chief of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, told ESPN there is an immense sense of pride in that community watching Whitecloud. She said there is a sign that welcomes people when they enter the community that reads, "Home of NHL player Zach Whitecloud of the Vegas Golden Knights."

"When we had a watch party last week, we gave away T-shirts at the school and there are cars driving around with flags on their window and people have flags outside their homes," Bone said. "They are really supportive and people are being fans of Zach. ... It's like, 'Wow, he is in the Stanley Cup playoffs' and the success he has had over the past few seasons and the limited number of First Nation who have achieved that in hockey makes it more inspiring for our community members.

"Just having that and having him and Brandon Montour in the Stanley Cup Final just shows the representation of Indigenous people and showcases the talent that they have."

Like Montour, Whitecloud has made significant contributions to the Golden Knights' playoff run. The biggest came in Game 1 of the Cup Final, when he had the winning goal in a 5-2 Vegas victory. Whitecloud is averaging just under 19 minutes per game but has paired with Nicolas Hague to create a defensive partnership that has logged the most 5-on-5 ice time of any Golden Knights pairing in the playoffs.

Bone said the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation will continue to have watch parties. The nation's website features a graphic that includes a picture of Whitecloud and words such as "Ambassador," "Role Model," "Trail Blazer" and "Warrior."

The Six Nations of the Grand River also will host watch parties for every game of the Stanley Cup Final, according to the community's official website, with Chief Mark B. Hill issuing a news release that said Montour "represents Six Nations of the Grand River with pride."

Bone said she received a phone call from Hill days before the Cup Final in which they talked about the significance of seeing two members of their communities represent what it means to be Indigenous on hockey's biggest stage.

"Jordin Tootoo was one of the role models for me, and Micheal Ferland and some of those guys," Whitecloud said. "People that look like me that got to those levels. That was always cool, but I was never the player that was first picked for teams or was always praised for being that person. I was fine with that. I think that's a big part of why I am where I am today. I genuinely played the game because I love it."

Bone was not able to attend the Game 1 watch party but said more than 100 people did, which she said is a strong number for their community events.

While she was talking about the watch parties, Bone said she had thought about what would happen if the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup and what it would mean for Whitecloud to have his day with the Cup in their community.

"It would be a huge event for us and a huge celebration," Bone said. "Zach returns to the community during the summer months, and he was here for an annual power celebration. Him visiting and spending a few hours with people is a big deal. There was a line of people wanting photographs, autographs or have him sign whatever memorabilia and meet with him and have a chat with him. It's definitely going to be a huge event if that happens."

Sheikh Jassim made a fifth bid to buy Manchester United and told the Glazer family he wants an answer by Friday, sources told ESPN.

The Qatari businessman lodged the improved bid with Raine Group, the U.S. bank working on behalf of the Glazers, earlier this week.

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Sources told ESPN it will be his last offer and it will not be a part of the process beyond Friday. It gives Raine and the Glazers three days to make a decision.

Sources said that Sheikh Jassim has become increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress after the Glazers announced in November 2022 that they would consider "strategic alternatives" including investment or a full sale.

The Qatari consortium, headed by Sheikh Jassim, made its first offer in February but now wants a quick resolution because it is keen to take control at Old Trafford before the start of the summer transfer window on June 14.

The Glazers also have an offer from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chairman of chemical company INEOS. Sheikh Jassim wants to buy 100% of United while Ratcliffe has lodged an offer that would see him hold 51% of the shares while allowing co-chairmen Joel Glazer and Avram Glazer to keep a stake.

A number of U.S.-based investment firms have also made offers to purchase a minority stake which would help the Glazers raise funds to redevelop Old Trafford.

Sources told ESPN that the Glazers have signed off United's pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, but manager Erik ten Hag is growing increasingly concerned about the impact the takeover could have on the rest of his transfer plans.

Ten Hag, who also wants at least one striker and a goalkeeper, remains in the dark about the size of the summer budget and has been concerned at the lack of information passed down from the board.

Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 U.S. Open champion who was one of the first big names to sign up for LIV Golf, says he feels bad for the players who stayed loyal to the PGA Tour.

The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf League ended their bitter two-year dispute and announced an agreement Tuesday to form one unified commercial entity.

"I do feel bad for the PGA Tour players because they were told one thing and something else happened, and our side, we were told one thing and it's come to fruition," DeChambeau told CNN. "It does stink a little bit from my perspective that the PGA Tour players are not necessarily winning. I hope they can find a way to make sure that they are valued in the same way that we are over at LIV. I think that'll happen. It's just going to take some time."

The shockwaves from the deal are set to reverberate for a while. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan faced calls to resign at a meeting with players at the Canadian Open in Toronto.

The most aggrieved players are likely to be those such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Hideki Matsuyama who turned down eye-popping sums from LIV Golf to remain loyal to the PGA Tour, only to see the tours agree to work together.

DeChambeau defended the backers of LIV Golf and in particular Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund who will chair the board of the new entity.

"What I can tell you is that ... Yasir has always been a staunch supporter of golf globally and wanting to grow the game," DeChambeau said. "That's been his vision from the start, when we first started talking a few years ago. As it's come to fruition now, I think this is the best thing that could ever happen to the game of golf."

DeChambeau deflected a question about Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Several advocacy groups, including 9/11 Families United, a group of nearly 2,500 survivors of family members killed or injured in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, released statements criticizing the new agreement Tuesday.

"I mean, look, it's unfortunate what has happened, but that is not something I can speak on because I'm a golfer," DeChambeau said.

MIAMI -- Jimmy Butler doesn't mince words.

As he sits just three wins away from his first NBA championship, Butler is honest about what winning a title for the Miami Heat would be to him in his 12th professional season.

"Everything," Butler told ESPN. "What are you talking about? That's why everybody plays this game. I lied -- that's why a lot of people play this game -- is to win a championship. Everybody here -- is to win a championship. That's all we lock in on, that's all we're focused on. Like we put so much energy towards winning and playing for one another that if we do this together, we get to celebrate this together, we're like, I don't know the word, itched, niched, we made our mark in history together forever, so we're in that."

As Butler, 33, comes into Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, he does so as the driving force behind the Heat's surprising run. The Heat are just the second No. 8 seed in NBA history to reach the Finals and Butler has been at the center of Miami's wins over the No. 1 seeded Milwaukee Bucks, No. 5 seeded New York Knicks and No. 2 seeded Boston Celtics. Butler won the Larry Bird trophy as the MVP of the Eastern Conference finals, but he has his eyes on an even bigger prize.

After many highs and lows in his previous stops with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers, Butler has fully embraced the culture that has been a bedrock of the Heat organization for almost three decades under the leadership of team president Pat Riley and, since 2008, coach Erik Spoelstra.

"It's only about winning here," Butler said. "It's only about working hard, it's only about being together, and they only bring people here that's about one goal. We're not worried about how much money you make, we're not worried about the stats, we're not worried about the All-Star appearances, we don't give a f--- about no Eastern Conference final MVP. Honestly, we don't give a f--- about no Finals MVP either.

"We only care about winning the championship and then we can break that goddamn trophy up 15 ways and we all get a piece of that, but that's what it is."

As Butler reflects on one of the most unlikely paths to stardom in NBA history, he does so with an appreciation for what he's been through to get to this point. After being selected by the Bulls with the 30th pick in the 2011 Draft, Butler admits that even he didn't see this level of stardom in his future. He worked his way up from being the last man on the bench in Chicago to being one of the top stars in the game 12 years later, but even he acknowledges he didn't see this kind of rise to stardom coming.

"Honestly, no," Butler said. "I didn't know how many years I would play in the league. I had some guys telling me that I wouldn't make it even in that [Bulls] organization, so it's crazy to see how far that I've come to this day. I knew that I was a hell of a player, but I'd be lying if I knew I would be this. Be in this opportunity, being able to be one of the leaders, on this championship caliber team.

As Butler sits on the precipice of cementing both his own greatness and that of this iteration of the Heat, the team he's now led to The Finals twice in four seasons, he does so with an admiration for being able to raise the level of his own game within the framework of a Miami team that follows his lead.

"I'm happy it's here," Butler said. "I'm happy I get to do it with these guys. I'm happy of the man, the dad, the basketball player, the everything that I am today. And I'm still very grateful for day one in the Berto Center [with the Bulls] and the Mayo Clinic [facility with the Timberwolves], and whatever the 76ers' [facility is called], I'm grateful for all those opportunities that's getting me here to know what I got to do to get it done."

Wales Wing Luke Morgan has signed a new contract to remain with Ospreys.

"I'm really happy to have signed a new deal with the Ospreys," said Morgan, who has scored 24 tries in 86 games.

"This is a club with a proud history, and I'm excited to remain part of a squad that's looking to build something really special."

Morgan won his solitary Wales cap in autumn of 2018 against Scotland.

Tottenham and West Ham have been offered the chance to explore a deal to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire this summer, sources have told ESPN.

The 30-year-old started just eight Premier League games last season and United boss Erik ten Hag is open to letting Maguire leave in the transfer window.

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When asked last week about Maguire's lack of game time Ten Hag said: "I'm happy he's here... it's also a decision he has to make [because] nobody would be happy with this situation."

Maguire is under contract at Old Trafford until 2025 with an option to extend by a further year and the centre-back has previously been determined to stay and fight for his place.

However, with United willing to let Maguire leave the club, it remains to be seen whether a firm offer from Spurs, West Ham or another club would be enough to convince him to attempt to revive his fortunes elsewhere.

Spurs are keen on strengthening their defence this summer after appointing former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou as the club's new head coach yesterday.

Although Postecoglou does not officially start work at the club until July 1, the 57-year-old will help form the club's transfer plans this summer and Maguire's name is expected to be discussed.

Maguire's wage is a potential stumbling block for the north London club. Sources have told ESPN he earns in the region of £200,000-a-week but that figure is set to rise after United qualified for next season's Champions League.

Harry Kane is Tottenham's top earner on the same amount and Maguire would likely have to take a pay cut to join Spurs, as would be the case with West Ham, who enquired about the England international in January.

Maguire was unwilling to move to east London at the time and West Ham's interest was driven by manager David Moyes, whose own future is unclear ahead of Wednesday's Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.

If Moyes stays on, the club are likely to pursue a deal for Maguire. England boss Gareth Southgate warned Maguire last month that his lack of first-team football at United is "not a situation that can continue for ever" if he wants to keep his international spot.

Southgate has remained loyal to Maguire throughout his time in charge of England, starting the defender in all five of the team's matches at the World Cup in Qatar but his place will likely come under renewed threat ahead of Euro 2024.

London Irish's suspension from the Premiership will leave people feeling like their hearts have been "ripped out", says club legend Topsy Ojo.

The club, who finished fifth in the Premiership in 2022-23 and reached the Premiership Cup final, will not be able to play in any league next season.

"It is gutting. Really, really gutting," Ojo told BBC Sport.

"It is heartbreaking for many good people. It is their life and their heart and it sort of feels like it has been ripped out of them.

"It is difficult to put into words. I have probably still not processed it, but I am maybe still half in denial."

Ojo, 37, made 301 appearances for Irish between 2005 and 2019, scoring 80 tries.

His former club's suspension was announced in a statement from governing body the Rugby Football Union.

Despite plans announced in 2021 to expand its top division to 14 teams, English rugby now faces the prospect of a 10-team Premiership next season after the earlier demise of Worcester Warriors and Wasps.

Tom Ilube - chair of the RFU board - said rugby needed to "professionalise its management off the pitch".

"Covid accelerated the impacts of underlying structural challenges and had a major effect on PRL clubs and the RFU," he added.

"Given the cost-of-living crisis, the post-Covid bounceback has been weaker than expected, and that has meant clubs with unsustainable business models have gone out of business - regrettably so for players and their fans.

"All three clubs that have failed this season have had fragile business models for many years."

Ojo said there were "a lot of questions" that needed asking.

He added: "I am sitting here thinking, 'How has London Irish become a part of this?'

"You would think somewhere along the line this could have been seen happening and something could have been done to stop it.

"It is a sad way for the club to demise, and the knock-on effect will be huge."

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said it was "desperately sad news" and added his organisation would work with the club, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players' Association to "do the utmost to secure the long-term viability of the club".

Ojo said the game - and the running of it - needed "a complete overhaul".

"I've been covering it all season and hearing these stories, and yet here we are again," he said.

"What is the solution? What does rugby union need to do to ensure this never happens again?

"We now have 10 teams. We started with 13 this season. It might solve a problem for a lot of people but the pain to get here, I've never known anything like it. It is pretty brutal.

"You just like to think between Premiership Rugby, the RFU and the RPA they are sitting down and thrashing out what the game looks like going forward so that it just doesn't happen again."