A signed Chicago Bulls basketball jersey worn by Michael Jordan in the second game of the 1998 NBA Finals has sold for $US14 million ($AU20 million).

In that particular match, Jordan scored a game-high 37 points. The Bulls went on to win the Finals, beating the Utah Jazz 4-2 in the best-of-seven series.

It’s the second most anyone has ever paid for a piece of sports memorabilia, falling short of the record of $US24.1 million ($AU34.6 million) set in 2024.

Can you guess what that was for?

29
The age of German tennis player Alexander Zverev, who has become the oldest player to finish a year as the men’s world No.1 for the first time. The title recognises the player who finishes the calendar year at the top of the ATP rankings. Zverev has had a breakout season, winning his first two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and U.S. Open.

“I want to say that I’m sorry for the events that led up to my exit from Sydney… I know I have to win back the trust of the broader community, football and otherwise.”
Former Sydney Swans star Nick Blakey in his first official statement since the alleged incident at Melbourne’s Pullman hotel in August, confirming his trade to the North Melbourne Kangaroos. The 26-year-old had been contracted to the Swans until 2031, but was offered $12 million over eight years by the Kangaroos. Blakey was one of five Swans players suspended by the club in August for breaching behavioural standards. Four of those players, including Blakey, were interviewed by Victoria Police as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual assault. No charges have been laid.

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732

On this day in 1996, British racing driver Damon Hill won the Japanese Grand Prix to become F1 world champion. Hill’s father, Graham, won the world title twice (1962, 1968), making Damon the first son of a world champion to win the title himself.

🏏 Australia is on the cusp of taking a 1-0 lead in its Test cricket series against South Africa after Matthew Renshaw starred again on Day 4. After scoring 190 runs in the first innings, Renshaw was Australia’s top scorer in the second innings with 82 runs, helping set South Africa a target of 421 runs to win. South Africa lost four wickets in the final session of the day, including captain Temba Bavuma, who was dismissed for just one run by Renshaw – his first Test wicket. Day Five in Durban begins at 6:30pm (AEDT), with Australia needing six wickets to win.

🏅 Brisbane 2032 Olympics CEO Cindy Hook has announced she will resign at the end of her four-year contract. Hook was appointed in December 2022, with her contract set to expire early next year. She said it was the right time to “pass the baton” to a new leader, after overseeing the Games Vision, Games Plan, brand narrative and emblems. Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris praised her leadership in building the organisation, with a search for her replacement underway.

⚽ Martin Kugeler, the CEO of Football Australia (FA), has condemned booing of the Welcome to Country at Saturday’s Australia Cup final between South Melbourne and Melbourne Victory. In a statement, Kugeler said: “The actions of individuals who jeered during the Welcome to Country ritual were not reflective of the respect and inclusivity that define our game.” The Australia Cup is an annual domestic knockout tournament organised by FA. South Melbourne won Saturday’s final on penalties.

Reporting by Pavitra Ravi and George Finlayson.

Every weekday, the biggest stories are sorted for you by 5am.

That's when The Daily Aus podcast drops, breaking down the news that matters so you can understand it in one listen. It's made for the parts of your morning when reading isn't an option, whether that's the train, a run or making breakfast. Press play first thing, and you'll be across it all before you've opened the group chat.

Listen on Spotify and Apple!

An Olympic cyclist has been withdrawn from Great Britain’s team ahead of this week’s track world championships in Shanghai over alleged misconduct.

Here’s what to know.

Matthew Richardson is a two-time Olympic track cyclist, having represented Australia in Tokyo and Paris. He also represented Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and won two gold medals.

After winning two silver medals and a bronze with the Aussie team at the Paris Olympics, Richardson made the decision to begin representing Great Britain internationally. Richardson was born in England, and the 27-year-old’s British passport meant he was eligible to switch allegiances.

Richardson is returning home from the team’s training base in China after The Times reported he has been accused of misconduct. The British publication said that Richardson was dropped from the team whilst he’s being investigated for “alleged discriminatory posts and behaviour”.

A statement from British Cycling said: “British Cycling can confirm that Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain cycling team squad for the upcoming 2026 track cycling world championships in Shanghai, China.”

Richardson was favoured as one of the team’s strongest medal hopes at the championships.

Enjoying the newsletter?

If you are, why not share the love with your friends? We’d love your help in getting the word out there.

Send them this link to sign up.

Mexican professional surfer Alan Cleland Jr has been suspended by the World Surf League (WSL) after it was made aware of sexual assault allegations involving an Australian teenager in Tahiti in August.

The allegations relate to a private gathering that was not affiliated with the surfing competition. Three other men were allegedly involved, but are not affiliated with the league.

NSW Police confirmed to TDA that the Australian Federal Police had referred the matter to French Polynesian police.

Here’s what you need to know.

The allegations reportedly involve an Australian teen surfer and four men following the Tahiti Pro, the seventh stop on the WSL’s Championship Tour, held at Teahupo’o in Tahiti from 8-18 August.

The WSL confirmed it had suspended a competitor on its 2026 Men’s Championship Tour, saying its Discipline Committee had “taken prompt action” after being made aware of the allegations.

The league did not specifically name Cleland Jr., but he has been removed from its competition rankings.

The statement said: “The WSL was recently made aware of allegations of a deeply serious nature involving the competitor. The WSL is committed to upholding the values and integrity of the sport on behalf of all surfers, and the broader surfing community.”

Since the allegations broke, Cleland Jr’s ex-partner, fellow surfer Noah Lia Klapp, has separately accused him of sexual and emotional abuse.

In a statement posted to Instagram, she alleged that Cleland Jr pinned her down, sexually assaulted and verbally abused her, frequently confined her to their room and once dragged her back after she tried to escape.

Both U.S. surfing great Kelly Slater and Australian world champion Tyler Wright commented on Klapp’s post, praising her for speaking out.

Cleland has not been charged, the allegations have not been tested, and he has not publicly responded.

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Reporting by Pavitra Ravi.