Kyler Murray wants to stay in Arizona but needs the Cardinals to "prioritise" a new long-term contract for their quarterback, his agent says.
Murray's future has been the subject of some discussion at the start of the offseason after mixed messages emerging from his camp.
However, the Cardinals still see the 24-year-old as their QB "long-term", owner Michael Bidwill has said.
And a lengthy statement from Murray's agent Erik Burkhardt – widely released on Monday – has stated the two-time Pro Bowler also sees his future in Arizona.
"He absolutely wants to be your long-term QB [and] he desperately wants to win the Super Bowl," read a statement addressed to "loyal Arizona Cardinal fans".
To achieve this goal, however, Burkhardt said there needed to be "long-term stability for both the organisation and [Murray]."
Murray and his team have therefore proposed a lucrative deal for a player due just $5.5million in the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2022.
"To overtly communicate Kyler's desire to be the Cardinals' long-term QB, we sent a detailed contract proposal to the organisation," the statement said.
"It was important to Kyler that his proposal reflected all of the following: provides financial protection, is in line with the current QB market that compares his results alongside relevant comps, lowers his 2022-23 salary cap number to allow the Cardinals to re-sign other deserving team-mates and add additional free agents, and most importantly represents a real commitment from the organisation to see if their ultimate goals align with his two above (consistently competing for championships and Kyler being their QB)."
In an apparent challenge to the Cardinals, the statement continued: "Actions speak much louder than words in this volatile business.
"It is now simply up to the Cardinals to decide if they prioritise their rapidly improving, 24-year-old, already two-time Pro Bowl QB, who led the organisation from three wins before his arrival to 11 wins and their first playoff appearance in five years.
"Or rather, if they choose to financially prioritise committing to other areas and continuing to merely talk about addressing Kyler's long-term future as their QB.
"Unfortunately, every player, coach and executive in the NFL knows (or should know) that words and hypothetical contractual promises are regularly dismissed and fleeting in this business."
The 11-6 Cardinals finished second in the NFC West in 2021, following a 7-0 start.
Murray missed more than a month of the season due to an ankle injury, after which his and the team's form tailed off after MVP-calibre early performances.
He threw for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 14 games, while he also had 423 yards and five TDs rushing on 88 carries.
The Green Bay Packers are set for their first ever game outside the United States after the NFL announced its international schedule for 2022.
The Packers, who become the 32nd and final NFL team to head abroad, will play in London, as will the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Elsewhere, the first Germany game will be hosted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Munich, while the Arizona Cardinals go to Mexico City.
"We are very excited to be staging five games outside the United States in 2022, and thank the owners for their continued commitment to growing the sport internationally," NFL executive vice president of club business and league events Peter O'Reilly said.
"Our fans in Germany, Mexico and the United Kingdom can look forward to seeing some of the most iconic names and biggest stars in the league and enjoying an incredible series of events."
The Packers had previously been reluctant to move games outside of the Green Bay area, but a new ruling agreed last year means every team is required to play abroad at least once every eight years.
That decision was part of the move to a 17-game season, which was implemented in 2021.
Opposing teams, dates and kick-off times for the Packers and the rest will be announced when the full 2022 schedule is confirmed later in the year.
Alize Cornet crashed out on home soil as the Lyon Open got under way on Monday.
Fourth seed Cornet went down to a surprise defeat against Spanish qualifier Cristina Bucsa to disappoint the French support.
Bucsa, the world number 139, broke serve on six occasions as she came from behind to triumph 1-6 6-4 6-1 and dispatch Cornet, who was the highest-seeded player taking to the court on day one.
Fifth seed Jasmine Paolini almost joined Cornet in suffering an early exit at the WTA 250 event.
However, the Italian rallied to defeat Irina Bara 4-6 7-5 6-3 in a battle lasting two hours and 25 minutes.
Elsewhere, six aces helped Varvara Gracheva edge past Kristina Kucova in a 7-6 (7-0) 7-6 (7-2) win.
Paolini's compatriot Camila Giorgi is the number one seed at the tournament.
Giorgi is due to start her campaign on Tuesday after being handed a standout draw against home favourite Caroline Garcia.
The United States will be captained by Zach Johnson at next year's Ryder Cup in Italy.
Johnson, a two-time major winner, has represented the USA in five previous editions of golf's prestigious team event.
Having served twice as vice-captain, Johnson will succeed Steve Stricker as the USA aim to retain the Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf Club.
The news was announced in a dramatic video released on the Ryder Cup's official social media channels.
"Where I'm from, you get behind your people, you push your own, you work hard and you wear where you're from as a badge of honour," says Johnson in the clip.
"As we look ahead to the next Ryder Cup, I see nothing but opportunity. To work hard, to get behind one another, and an opportunity to keep the cup.
"I know we're not supposed to win on European soil. Well, I'm used to 'not supposed to'. Not supposed to make it on tour, win two majors and certainly not supposed to make five Ryder Cup teams.
"But here's the thing, I love it when 'not supposed to's', do. And as your captain, you can bet that I'm gonna bring some of that home-cooked, hard-working, Iowa pride to the Ryder Cup."
The USA cruised to a 19-9 victory in 2021 at Whistling Straits, though they have not won in Europe since 1993.
PGA of America President Jim Richerson said: "I am confident that Zach's appointment will be wildly popular with the players as well as throughout American golf circles.
"But more than that, Zach is the calibre of individual that the PGA of America wants representing the United States and our 28,000-plus PGA Professionals on the global stage. He has performed on the biggest stages as a player, a teammate and as a vice-captain.
"He checks every conceivable leadership box and we anticipate that the U.S. Team in Italy will reflect the hard work, grit and selfless determination that have long defined his stellar playing career."
Johnson, 46, won The Masters in 2007 and The Open in 2015. He featured in the Ryder Cup in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016, though only tasted success as a player in the latter tournament.
"To accept this captaincy, to lead this United States Ryder Cup team abroad ー after what we accomplished last year at Whistling Straits ー is simply the greatest honour of my professional career," said Johnson, who has named Stricker as the first of his vice-captains.
"I want to thank the PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee for this special opportunity. As exciting as this is for both my family and me, it is equally sobering to understand the scope of our challenge in Rome, as we have not won on the road in three decades.
"To win, we will have to outplay a European team that will have both ample talent and motivation on their side. I am anxious to dig in and begin the process of putting our team in the best possible position to succeed."
Anthony Joshua revealed he will be rooting for Dillian Whyte against Tyson Fury despite expressing his hatred for him.
The all-British showdown between WBC champion Fury and mandatory challenger Whyte was finally confirmed for Wembley Stadium on April 23 after weeks of negotiations.
Joshua was expected to fight for the unified heavyweight titles against Oleksandr Usyk shortly after, but there are doubts over the bout with the Ukrainian reportedly returning home following the invasion by Russia.
The winner of the clash between Joshua and Usyk, whenever that is scheduled for, will likely be the next opponent for the victor of Fury's second world title defence.
But Joshua has made it clear who he wants to see come out on top as Whyte looks to an end Fury's unbeaten record.
"It's a good opponent [for Fury], it's a good [title] defence against Dillian Whyte," Joshua told iFL TV.
"Dillian Whyte needs to come in, look at what Tyson Fury does and reacts to, and do the complete opposite. Maybe work the body, and be conditioned to go the distance.
"But I hope Dillian trains hard [and] doesn't underestimate Tyson. Because it's his first shot for Dillian, I think he'll be hungry, do you know what I mean?
"This ain't like his tenth time fighting for a title, you can have a little hiccup along the way. This is his first time fighting for the title.
"I'm rooting for Dillian, even though I hate him, and I want to smash him one of these days. Go on Dillian, I'm with you all the way."
Joshua, who defeated Whyte in December 2015, was due to face Fury last year before a court ruling ordered the final bout of a trilogy battle with Deontay Wilder.
Meanwhile, Joshua continues his preparations for a rematch with Usyk, despite the uncertainties surrounding the showdown due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
When asked whether he was concerned for Usyk, Joshua responded: "I've learnt sport and politics go hand in hand, and they're powerful voices, and it's good that they're speaking up.
"They're not pushing for war, they're saying 'let's find peace.' So good luck to them, and that's it really, before I go on and say something wrong."
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians was among those to pay tribute to Ali Marpet after the guard announced his NFL retirement.
Marpet has spent seven seasons with the Bucs since being drafted in the second round in 2015.
The 28-year-old helped to protect Tom Brady en route to Super Bowl LV glory in the 2020 season and became one of the league's top offensive linemen, but he will now follow the veteran quarterback into retirement.
"I can't say enough about what Ali has meant to our team over the three seasons since my arrival," said Arians, whose roster will have a different look in 2022.
"He has been the consummate professional and has been a rock for us in the interior of our offensive line.
"We will miss him on the field and in the locker room, but I am happy he gets to go out as a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowler.
"It is never easy saying goodbye to a player who has meant so much to our success, but I support and respect his decision and wish him a great life after football."
Marpet made the decision after a 2021 season that was the best of his career to date and saw him named to a first Pro Bowl.
"It has been one of my greatest professional thrills to see his rapid ascension from a small college standout into one of the NFL's best all-around offensive linemen," added Bucs general manager Jason Licht.
Marpet announced his decision in an Instagram post on Sunday.
"After seven formidable years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I've come to the decision to retire from the game that has given me so much," he wrote.
"This organization and the people surrounding it have helped not only fulfill a dream, but also helped build me into the person I am today.
"I've made Tampa Bay my home and I look forward to serving this community in the coming years.
"To the coaches and teammates, family and friends, an Instagram post simply can't express the profound impact you've had on me. I'm eternally grateful. Thank you Tampa Bay."
Daniil Medvedev has officially been crowned as the ATP's new world number one.
The Russian, who claimed his first grand slam title at the US Open last year and reached this year's Australian Open final, only to lose to Rafael Nadal, has been sure of his place at the top of the rankings since Novak Djokovic's shock defeat to Jiri Vesely in the Dubai Tennis Championships last week.
Medvedev was aiming to cap off a sensational week by claiming victory at the Mexican Open, but the 26-year-old lost to eventual champion Nadal in the semi-finals in Acapulco.
Here, Stats Perform looks at the numbers behind Medvedev's rise to number one.
1 - Medvedev is the first player outside of the "big four" of Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray to be crowned number one since Andy Roddick, way back on February 1, 2004 (18 years, three weeks and six days).
198 - At 198cm in height, Medvedev is the tallest player to be crowned world number one.
13 - Medvedev has won 13 Tour-level titles so far.
27 - He is the 27th different ATP world number one. The first was Ilie Nastase, in August 1973.
3 - Medvedev is the third Russian player to reach the top of the ATP rankings, after Yevgeny Kafelnikov (May 1999) and Marat Safin (November 2000).
6 - At 26, Medvedev is the sixth-oldest player to become world number one for the first time in their career.
361 - Djokovic has held the number one spot for 361 weeks in total – a record. It had been 86 weeks since the Serbian was last not at the top of the pile.
Stephen Curry says the Golden State Warriors must "bring an edge" as he and coach Steve Kerr aim to heed the lessons from the shock loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Warriors held a 19-point advantage heading into the final quarter on Sunday, yet ultimately slipped to a 107-101 loss – their fifth defeat in seven games.
Golden State's brilliant start to the season has them comfortably among the top teams in the NBA, with a 43-18 record, though their recent form will be a worry.
For Curry, however, the defeat can provide lessons on what the Warriors have to anticipate as the regular season enters its final stages and the playoffs approach.
"We played great defense for 36 minutes," Curry, who had a double-double of 27 points and 10 assists, said.
"We felt like we had the game under control. For whatever reason, our energy shifted when we missed a couple of shots, empty possessions.
"They come down and score, we start getting deflated, and for no reason.
"We've got to figure out how to maintain our energy when the shots aren't falling. Because, that's what it might be like in a playoff game.
"So I'd like to say it was a good lesson to learn, even though it sucks to have to go through it.
"We've got to bring an edge. Sustain that over 48 minutes and each game we'll have an opportunity to do that, to turn it into a positive and try to build momentum, but it's not going to happen on its own just because the coach says it or because we want it to. We've got to do it."
It was a sentiment echoed by Kerr, whose side's capitulation marked the biggest blown fourth-quarter lead so far this season.
"We did not maintain our grit down the stretch," said Kerr, who has previously been highly critical of his teams defense across their poor run.
"We just let our momentum get away from us. We can't just say, 'Oh well, when Draymond [Green] and Andre [Iguodala] get back we will be better.' It doesn't matter who's out there. We've got to get better executing under pressure and maintaining competence.
"It's actually good to go through and feel it because this is what it feels like in the playoffs, when you're playing against a really good team."
LeBron James conceded this season is "definitely different" after the Los Angeles Lakers slumped to another defeat on Sunday.
The Lakers were humiliated 123-95 by the New Orleans Pelicans at home, giving up 23 turnovers for the game, which was the team's most this season.
James and Russell Westbrook combined for 14 turnovers, which was their worst return as team-mates.
The only positive was James scored 32 points, marking his 500th career game with 30 points or more.
But that was not enough to prevent a fifth defeat in six matches for the Lakers, with James recognising the need for a win to provide the catalyst for a turnaround.
"It all starts with a win. You learn from that win, the things you did well and what you didn't do well," he said.
"It always starts with that and how you can implement it into a game and a game situation.
"Obviously the last two losses have been... the Clippers game was right there [to win] and obviously we couldn't finish the game.
"And tonight against the Pelicans, who have been playing some good ball of late... this season is definitely different."
Next up for the 27-33 Lakers is a showdown with the Dallas Mavericks, who came from behind to stun the Golden State Warriors on Monday.
James Harden recorded his first triple-double for the Philadelphia 76ers who flexed their muscle with a dominant 125-109 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Harden had 29 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists, while Joel Embiid top scored with 37 points along with nine rebounds and four blocks.
Embiid made a season-high 23 free-throws, heading to the line 27 times across the game as the 76ers relentlessly attacked the rim.
The 76ers made 39 free-throws for the game, which was the most of any team this season.
Philadelphia had contributions from beyond their star pair, though, with Tyrese Maxey scoring 21 points with seven rebounds
Doncic leads Mavs comeback win
Luka Doncic helped the Dallas Mavericks overcome a 21-point third-quarter deficit to win 107-101 over the Golden State Warriors. The Slovenian had 34 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavs, while Stephen Curry finished with 27 points and 10 assists.
The Utah Jazz claimed their eighth win from their past nine games and condemned the Chris Paul-less Phoenix Suns to their second straight defeat in a 118-114 defeat, with Rudy Gobert scoring 16 points with 14 rebounds.
Kelly Olynyk scored a match-winning buzzer beater in overtime as the Detroit Pistons beat the Charlotte Hornets 127-126, while the in-form Boston Celtics were shocked 128-107 by the Indiana Pacers.
Lakers demolished on home court
The Los Angeles Lakers were humiliated 123-95 by the New Orleans Pelicans at home, giving up 23 turnovers for the game, which was the team's most this season. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook combined for 14 turnovers which was their worst return as teammates. The only positive was James scored 32 points, marking his 500th career game with 30 points or more.
Former US Open winner Sloane Stephens claimed her first WTA title since 2018 after downing Marie Bouzkova in three sets in Sunday's Abierto Zapopan decider in Guadalajara.
American sixth seed Stephens triumphed 7-5 1-6 6-2 in an epic final which lasted two hours and 28 minutes against 96th-ranked Bouzkova.
Stephens, who won the 2017 US Open, has struggled to re-discover her previous levels of success in recent years, having gone undefeated in the first six WTA singles finals of her career and reaching the world number three ranking.
But Sunday's triumph – Stephens' seventh career WTA title - marks a major return to form for the 28-year-old who lost in the first round of last month's Australian Open to Emma Raducanu.
Stephens had trailed 4-1 in the first set but hit back before Bouzkova double faulted on break point at 5-5.
However, the Czech responded in a one-sided second set, breaking Stephens early and never looking back.
The American claimed the first break of the deciding set at 3-2, with Bouzkova letting slip a 40-0 lead, with Stephens' forehand leading her to victory.
Joel Embiid is feeling good about the new-look Philadelphia 76ers labelling his partnership with James Harden as "unstoppable" after Sunday's 125-109 win over the New York Knicks.
In Harden's second game for the 76ers since his trade from the Brooklyn Nets, the 2018 MVP recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists.
Embiid added a game-high 37 points with nine rebounds and four blocks, as the 76ers put on 125 or more points for the second straight game.
"Unstoppable," Embiid said after the game. "What are you really going to do?
"He's a great passer, and obviously I've got someone [next to me] that attracts a lot of attention to him, so you've got to make a decision. Do you stay on me, or do you stay on him?
"And if you want to guard both of us with the other guys, now you've got Matisse [Thybulle] diving to the rim or wide-open shooters that have got one job to do, and that's make shots. That's all we got to keep doing.
"Like I was saying in the locker room, I'm happy I don't have to post up every single possession, so it's great."
The Knicks had no answer for the pair, with Embiid getting to the stripe 27 times, making 23 free-throws, while Harden made 10-of-10 from the free-throw line.
"That's our job every single night, is to put pressure on that rim," Harden said. "That creates opportunities for ourselves and our teammates.
"There's a lot of opportunities Joel had with and-ones where he just didn't convert, but that pressure night-in and night-out consistently is going to be tough for teams to cover."
In another ominous sign for the 76ers, who improve to 37-23, Harden said he was feeling the best he has physically for a long time, having endured hamstring issues during his time with the Nets.
"I feel good. It's my second game in damn near a month, but just my body feels great," Harden said. "Feels great. I haven't felt this way in a really, really long time.
"So just my pop, me getting to the rim, my extra step, feels really great. So just got to continue to work, continue to build my body and legs and keep pushing."
Pedro Martinez secured his maiden ATP Tour title with a 4-6 6-4 6-4 victory over Sebastian Baez at the Chile Open on Sunday.
Both players were competing for their first success in Santiago, with fourth seed Martinez appearing in his second tour-level final after losing to Casper Ruud in Kitzbuhel in July.
World number 72 Martinez sat six places above his opponents in the rankings, but it was seventh seed Baez who claimed the first set before the Spaniard bounced back to send the match to a decider.
Martinez carried that second-set impetus into the final set, eventually triumphing after 2 hours and 48 minutes as he condemned Baez to just his third loss in 29 outings in Chile since the start of the 2021 season.
Sepp Straka birdied three of the final five holes to clinch his maiden PGA Tour triumph after overnight leader Daniel Berger crumbled at the Honda Classic on Sunday.
Straka became the first-ever Austrian to win a PGA Tour title while he was the sixth first-time winner on the tour this season.
The 28-year-old Austrian started the final day tied for second in a group of four alongside Shane Lowry, Kurt Kitayama and Chris Kirk who were five strokes behind Berger.
But Straka carded a final-round four-under-66 highlighted by his late flurry in wet conditions at Palm Beach Gardens to win outright at 10-under overall.
"They were pretty tough [conditions]," Straka said after the win. "For a little while the wind let down before the rain started which was nice but on the last hole, that second shot into the green it started pouring rain. I was glad I could hit that one on the green two-putt."
Straka and Lowry went into the 18th hole tied at nine-under, but the Irishman could only make par, while the Austrian's two putt earned him the decisive birdie.
Lowry had led by as much as two strokes down the back nine but Straka surged with a fine approach on the 14th setting up birdie, while he sunk a birdie putt from off the green on the 16th to draw level.
Kitayama finished third at eight-under, with Berger's final-round four-over-74 seeing him slide from a five-stroke lead to three shots off the pace.
The American, who resides nearby to Palm Beach Gardens in Florida, saw him lead evaporate quickly, with a double bogey on the third hole, along with bogeys on the fifth and sixth.
Berger, ranked 20th on the PGA Tour, holed a clutch bunker shot on the seventh hole along with a chip for birdie on the 14th but could not do enough to retrieve his lead.
Swiss Ice Hockey, along with other members of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), has called for sanctions on Russia and Belarus due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
After weeks of rising political tensions, Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine on Thursday, with the conflict having escalated further over the weekend.
Russia's actions have been widely condemned and sporting, as well as political and financial, punishments have been handed out as a consequence.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) called on all international sporting federations to relocate or cancel any events set to take place in Russia or Belarus.
St Petersburg was stripped of the right to host the 2021-22 Champions League final by UEFA, while Formula One removed the Russian Grand Prix from its calendar this year.
Numerous high-profile sportspeople have expressed their opposition to the conflict, with Russia's Andrey Rublev writing "no war please" on a camera lens at the Dubai Tennis Championship and compatriot Daniil Medvedev calling for peace.
Vladimir Putin's status as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation (IJF) has also been suspended, and now The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation has demanded further action within their sport.
"The attack is in complete contradiction to the values of the Olympic movement, which is committed to peace, understanding and solidarity between countries and peoples," a statement from Swiss Ice Hockey read.
"With its actions, Russia is breaking the Olympic truce, which was adopted as a resolution by the UN General Assembly on December 2, 2021 by 173 member countries.
"Swiss Ice Hockey strongly condemns Russia's actions. Swiss Ice Hockey's thoughts are with the Ukrainian ice hockey family and everyone in Ukraine in this difficult situation.
"Together with other member associations, Swiss Ice Hockey has submitted an application to the IIHF, in which immediate and far-reaching consequences and sanctions against Russia and Belarus – which supports the Russian government in their actions – are required.
"The application to the IIHF Council calls for, among other things, the immediate exclusion of the Russian and Belarusian ice hockey federations as members of the IIHF and the withdrawal of the U20 World Championship in December 2022 in Novosibirsk and the A World Championship in May 2023 in St. Petersburg.
"Swiss Ice Hockey has also decided that the senior men's national team will not travel to Russia and play a friendly against Russia as part of the World Cup preparations next spring – contrary to the original plan."
The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) took silver in the men's ice hockey tournament at this year's Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell paid tribute to a "brave" Italy performance in defeat, as his side downed the 13-man Azzurri in a 57-6 rout in the Six Nations.
Two tries apiece for Michael Lowry and James Lowe helped the hosts to a crushing bonus-point victory at Aviva Stadium in Dublin to get their championship hopes firmly back on track.
But they had a numerical advantage for the majority of the game after Hame Faiva was shown a contentious red card for shoulder-to-chin contact on Dan Sheehan midway through the first half, with the World Rugby requirement for hooker-less Italy to be a man down in an uncontested scrum in such circumstances reducing them to 13 men.
A late yellow card for Braam Steyn further compounded issues for Kieran Crowley's side, who finished with 12 players.
Amid such difficulties, Farrell felt the visitors showed superb spirit throughout while his own side fell short of his expectations despite the scoreline.
"It was a strange old game," he told ITV. "I thought we were sloppy at times and with the scoreboard at 57-6, you'd think we'd be happy with that. I suppose we got the points we needed in the end.
"I thought Italy were unbelievably brave, they started the game well and were difficult to play against with 15 men. But, having said that, when they went down to 13, I thought they were so brave."
Italy captain Michele Lamaro refused to criticise the ruling by referee Nika Amashukeli and also focused on his side's commitment.
"It's not from my point of view, it's just the rules," he added. "Our hooker got injured before the red card and then the red card came to our other hooker, so we hadn't any other hookers who can play.
"We couldn't play contested scrums, so we had to take someone off to play uncontested scrums. It was really punishing us, but obviously it's the rule.
"I couldn't ask anything more of the boys, so we showed something, but it's difficult to be happy with such a result."
Ireland cruised to a bonus-point 57-6 win over Italy in the Six Nations after a contentious red card left the Azzurri with 13 men.
Italy were always expected to slump to a heavy defeat in Dublin, having done so against both France and England, and their hopes of an upset were essentially ended in the 19th minute when Hame Faiva, on as a replacement hooker for Gianmarco Lucchesi, was sent off.
Faiva was deemed to have made dangerous shoulder-to-chin contact in a tackle on Dan Sheehan, his subsequent dismissal and the World Rugby requirement for hooker-less Italy to be a man down in an uncontested scrum in such circumstances reducing them to 13 men.
From that point, the game was over as a contest, Ireland running in nine tries to make it two wins from three and keep their hopes of Six Nations glory firmly intact as they leapfrogged England into second behind unbeaten France.
Joey Carbery crawled over the line to open the scoring after an Ireland break in the third minute.
Italy answered through Edoardo Padovani's long-range penalty, but the game was settled for all intents and purposes when the officials decided to dismiss Faiva after a long discussion with the TMO despite a seemingly innocuous tackle appearing to have done no damage to Sheehan.
It prompted another prolonged discussion at the scrum as referee Nika Amashukeli explained Italy's secondary punishment, which was soon followed by Jamison Gibson-Park going over for Ireland's second try.
A predictable Ireland overlap saw Michael Lowry cross, the bonus-point try then coming from Peter O'Mahony before Padovani gave Italy some cheer with another penalty before the break.
The rout continued thereafter, though, James Lowe strolling over out wide before Lowry added his second and Ryan Baird charged down an Italy kick to scoop up and dot down.
Italy were then reduced to 12 men as the game finished in farce with Braam Steyn shown a yellow card for batting the ball out of play. Lowe's easy second try took Ireland to the half-century mark and Kieran Treadwell had the final say against a shattered Italy defence.
Unwanted century comes in ruined spectacle
Italy's defeat marked their 100th in the Six Nations, but that unwanted milestone will be overshadowed by the officiating controversy in the first half.
In the circumstances of both the red card and reducing Italy to 13 men, Amashukeli was bound by the rules, but Italy being punished twice for a decision that was marginal at best was extremely harsh and ruined the game as a spectacle.
Ireland home comforts continue
Ireland have now lost just two of their past 23 home matches in the Six Nations, and few have come easier than this victory against an outnumbered Italy side.
What's next?
Italy host Scotland in Rome on March 12, when Ireland face a pivotal blockbuster clash with England at Twickenham.
All-Star Ja Morant scored a career-high 46 points as the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Chicago Bulls at United Center, and later attributed his achievement in part to Bulls legend Michael Jordan.
Saturday's encounter saw the Grizzlies win 116-110 to move to 42-20, while the Bulls are 39-22.
Steven Adams also hit 12 points with a season-high 21 rebounds for Memphis, while DeMar DeRozan extended his 30-point streak to 10 games with a 31-point haul as the Bulls' six-game win streak came to an end.
After the game, Morant was asked if he had seen the highlights video played in the arena of Jordan's most memorable moments.
"I did watch it," he said. "And then, I did start scoring a lot. It probably played a part in it."
The 22-year-old made 15 of 28 field goal attempts, sank three shots from beyond the arc and made 13 out of 15 free throws.
His 46-point haul comes just 10 days after he racked up 44 against the Portland Trail Blazers, and makes it 16 games in a row in which he has scored at least 20 points.
"I've seen too many [incredible performances]. Kinda boring now," Grizzlies team-mate Adams said jokingly. "He's such an amazing player."
Morant also went on to praise the effort of his team, saying: "They gotta be recognised for the job they do for us on the floor. Obviously we had a lot of guys who contributed big for us tonight.
"[Desmond Bane] hit a big-time three, Kyle [Anderson] with the stops on the defensive end, Steve being the man inside the paint, Tyus [Jones] stepping up and hitting big free throws, and so on down the line.
"Obviously without them, we probably wouldn't have been in that position, so a lot of credit has to go to my team-mates."
Elina Svitolina has penned an emotive letter to her homeland of Ukraine, pledging to donate her prize money to military and humanitarian needs after Russia's invasion.
Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine on Thursday. That conflict has escalated over the weekend.
Russia and Vladimir Putin's government faces heavy political and financial sanctions, while sports organisations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and UEFA have also condemned the attack.
St Petersburg has been stripped of this season's Champions League final, while Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have refused to play Russia in qualifiers for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Formula One has pulled the Russian Grand Prix from its race calendar for 2022.
Several tennis players have spoken out against Russia's aggression, including Russian duo Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev, who will ascend to world number one in the ATP rankings on Monday.
On Saturday, Svitolina – the former WTA world number three – told Sky Sports News she was "shocked at this terrible nightmare".
Svitolina has family and friends back in Ukraine and, on Sunday, she posted an emotional message on her social media channels.
"Letter to my Motherland, I am currently far away from you, out of sight from my loved ones, far from my people, but my heart has never felt so warm and filled of your soul," Svitolina's message read.
"It is difficult to express how special you are. To me you are strong, beautiful and unique. You gave me everything and I cherish every piece of you: your culture, your education, your lands, your seas, your cities, your people. My people.
"My people, every day I fear for you. I am devastated, my eyes won't stop crying, my heart won't stop bleeding. But I am so proud. See our people, our mothers, our fathers, our brothers, our sisters, our children, they are so brave and strong, fighting to defend you. They are heroes.
"I commit to redistribute the prize money of my next tournaments to support army and humanitarian needs and help them to defend you, our country.
"Ukraine, you unify us, you are our identity. You are our past and our future. We are Ukraine."
Svitolina also called on other nations to continue to step up their efforts to stop the invasion.
"May the world see it and help us to join forces to protect you," she wrote. "You are in all my thoughts and prayers. You are always with me. I am Ukraine. We are Ukraine."
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