The final men's golf major of 2026 has arrived.

The Open Championship begins Thursday at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, where the winner will have his name etched on the prestigious Claret Jug as the Champion Golfer of the Year. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is back to defend his title against a field loaded with the biggest names in golf, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Bryson DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth, who won The Open last time Royal Birkdale hosted.

Follow along with Golfweek below for live leaderboard updates, highlights, breaking news and more from Thursday's first round of the 2026 Open Championship.

The Open 2026 live leaderboard

Keep tabs on every score posted at Royal Birkdale with The Open Championship 2026 live leaderboard.

The Open 2026 tee times

Click here to see every tee time for the first round of the 2026 Open Championship. The first group is set to go off at 1:35 a.m. ET. Here's a look at Thursday's featured groups (all times ET):

• 4:58 a.m. - Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton
• 5:09 a.m. - Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood
• 9:53 a.m. - Brooks Koepka, Shane Lowry, Aaron Rai
• 10:15 a.m. - Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick

The Open 2026 TV, streaming schedule

If you're on the West Coast, stay up late to catch the start of the tournament. Elsewhere, set your alarm clock. Here's a look at Thursday's TV and streaming schedule for The Open:

• NBC Sports Network/Peacock, 1:30-4 a.m. ET
• USA Network, 4 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET

Watch The Open on Peacock

Watch USA Network on Fubo

The Open 2026 odds

Here's a look at the pre-tournament betting favorites for the Open Championship. See the full list of odds at BetMGM.

• Scottie Scheffler (+750)
• Rory McIlroy (+900)
• Tommy Fleetwood (+1600)
• Matt Fitzpatrick (+1600)
• Jon Rahm (+2200)
• Viktor Hovland (+2500)
• Chris Gotterup (+2800)
• Xander Schauffele (+2800)

Odds accurate as of 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 15.

The Open 2026 expert picks

See who the Golfweek staff is picking to win the 2026 Open Championship and hoist the Claret Jug on Sunday.

The Open 2026 prize money, purse

The winner of the 2026 Open Championship will receive $3.2 million, or 18 percent of the total purse, which is $17.75 million. It's the largest prize fund in the history of The Open, but remains the smallest of the four men's majors. See the full payout breakdown.

The Open weather forecast

Thursday's forecast calls for clear skies with a high temperature in the low 80s and a northeast wind at 10-15 mph. It's expected to be warm and sunny all week at Royal Birkdale, which is quite rare for an Open Championship.

The Open 2026 field

The full field list has 156 golfers, with three coming in from the final Open qualifying series event (the Genesis Scottish Open) and the very last one getting in after winning Monday's Last-Chance Qualifier, the first-ever 12-for-1 knockout round of 18 holes. Of course, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, No. 2 Rory McIlroy and the rest of the game's top players are set to tee it up this week. There will also be 11 LIV golfers at Royal Birkdale.

The Open future sites

Unlike the USGA and the PGA of America, who have championship sites planned out for a few decades, the R&A has announced only the next two after this year:

• 2027 - St. Andrews, Old Course (Scotland)
• 2028 - Royal Lytham & St. Annes (England)

The Open past winners

Here are the last 10 winners of The Open, including Jordan Spieth in 2017, which is the last time the event was held at Royal Birkdale.

• Scottie Scheffler (2025)
• Xander Schauffele (2024)
• Brian Harman (2023)
• Cameron Smith (2022)
• Collin Morikawa (2021)
• Shane Lowry (2019)
• Francesco Molinari (2018)
• Jordan Spieth (2017)
• Henrik Stenson (2016)
• Zach Johnson (2015)

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: The Open 2026 leaderboard, Thursday tee times, live updates from Royal Birkdale

Brock Purdy is getting a vote of confidence from someone who knew him before the San Francisco 49ers did. Xavier Hutchinson, who played receiver alongside Purdy at Iowa State, says his former college teammate belongs in the top-10 quarterback conversation.

Asked directly whether he believes Purdy is a top-10 quarterback in the league, Hutchinson didn't hesitate.

"Yeah, I don't see why not," Hutchinson said on Good Morning Football. "You have to prove it every single season, and every single game. And I think that's exactly what he's done. I'm super excited for him because I don't even think this is the best that we've seen of him. And I know that he believes that himself, too. There's so many areas that he has to work on. And I'm excited to see him put it all together. I just wish him the best, man. That's my guy."

.@XBH__8 has nothing but love for former college teammate Brock Purdy 🤝@HawkeyeFootballpic.twitter.com/T2seDLDFhM

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) July 15, 2026

Purdy's ranking in the NFL quarterback pantheon has been a question this offseason. ESPN's survey of coaches, executives and scouts had him on the outside of the top-10, while Pro Football Focus ranked him 10th.

The 26-year-old has thrown 84 career touchdown passes and 11,685 passing yards since taking over as the 49ers' starter as a rookie in 2022. His 2025 season was limited to nine starts because of toe and shoulder injuries, but he still threw for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in that span, along with three rushing touchdowns.

Hutchinson's comments come as Purdy heads into a pivotal fourth full season as San Francisco's starter, one that carries heavy expectations after last year's injury-shortened campaign. The 49ers spent the offseason retooling around him, and for the first time in years, Purdy could open a season with a healthy offensive line in front of him.

Running back Christian McCaffrey returns as the offense's centerpiece, and San Francisco added veteran receiver Mike Evans in free agency to give Purdy a true No. 1 target on the outside. Tight end George Kittle, who is working back from a torn Achilles suffered in the postseason, remains a question mark for the start of the year, but his eventual return would give Purdy a full complement of weapons for the first time since 2023.

With the pieces in place, 2026 shapes up as a defining season for Purdy, one where health and continuity, not talent, may determine whether he validates the top-10 billing from those who know him best.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Brock Purdy's ex-teammate believes he's a top-10 QB in the NFL

Conor McGregor took to social media Wednesday night to provide a small injury update and make a request of sorts.

In a post on Instagram, McGregor wrote that he would be receiving the results of his leg scan on Thursday.

McGregor was getting the scan due to the injury he apparently suffered that halted his comeback bout during UFC 329. His first fight in five years ended in just 69 seconds as his knee seemingly gave out, resulting in a stoppage and victory for Max Holloway.

But in his social media post, McGregor said "The fight should be a no contest and all bets returned."

🚨 Conor McGregor says his loss to Max Holloway should be overturned to a No Contest

"1. I will have the results of the scan on my leg tomorrow.

2. The fight should be a no contest and all bets returned." pic.twitter.com/hoOGBcSC7u

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 16, 2026

McGregor, 38, has lost his last three fights, his prior two due to injury stoppages. He has one more fight remaining on his UFC contract.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Conor McGregor provides injury update, says fight should be no contest

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Put this one in the win column for the Rockford Rivets, and put an exclamation point next to it. Second baseman Jackson Forbes slugged a three-run homer in the bottom of the 9th inning to break up a 5-5 tie and give the Rivets an 8-5 walk-off win against the Traverse City Pit Spitters Wednesday night.

Forbes also had another hit. Center fielder Connor Kave had three hits. Third Baseman Beau Bloxdorf had two hits.

The Rivets now head out on the road for a single game in Kenosha Thursday night. The Rivets will then head home for three games over the weekend.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO WQRF News, Weather and Sports.

Baker Mayfield is facing tough criticism from a Philadelphia Eagles legend who’s not buying into the hype about his trash talk. The quarterback has been known to throw some testy jabs at his opponent, and his fairly respectable winning record lets him get away with it. However, LeSean McCoy thought otherwise.

“See, the problem is when dudes are regular or above average, we want to hype them up and y’all rather support and give love to dudes like Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold, but disrespect guys like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson,” LeSean McCoy said during Wednesday’s segment of the Speakeasy podcast. “So now these dudes are not on the same level; they hear y’all talking about them, and they think and feel like they can come up and say something to Quinyon Mitchell, like, ‘Who are you?’

“One dude is an All-Pro, the other guy has never been that.”

The latest season of Quarterback on Netflix gave viewers an exclusive glimpse into the lives of NFL quarterbacks. One episode featured Baker Mayfield getting into an altercation with Philadelphia Eagles’ Quinyon Mitchell during an NFC matchup in Week 4 of the last season. Mayfield can be seen saying, “Who the f*** are you, anyway?”

Things became so heated that Buccaneers linemen had to hold Mitchell down.

“I do think I play better when I trash-talk,” Mayfield says in the docu-series. “Gives me an edge. Gets me going. I’ve learned you’ve gotta have some things ready to roll. You’ve got to keep a couple in the holster. A couple in the chamber.”

But Mitchell had the last laugh. He walked away from that game with five pass deflections and five tackles, earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, and later locked up first-team All-Pro status along with his first Pro Bowl nod. The Eagles took the win 31-25, and Mayfield’s chirping did nothing to stop it.

Bold move for a guy who threw an interception and got sacked twice that same night.

Mayfield also went after defensive tackle Jalen Carter, needling him about the spitting incident that got him tossed from the Week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Otherwise, the quarterback is the definition of defying odds. He became the first overall pick in his draft class after beginning his collegiate career as a walk-on. Mayfield has suited up for multiple teams in the NFL, and remains the last quarterback to win a playoff game for the Cleveland Browns. Signing with the Buccaneers meant stepping into a franchise still searching for answers at quarterback after Tom Brady’s retirement. But in the years since, Mayfield and the Bucs dominated the NFC South.

Maybe that does give him some bragging rights. But perhaps a line has to be drawn when it comes to players who were never at his level to begin with.

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The post “Who Are You?”: Baker Mayfield Slammed by Eagles Legend for Trash Talking Philadelphia Star appeared first on EssentiallySports. Add EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WFXR) – WFXR sports director Jermaine Ferrell caught up with head football coach Tony Elliott and the University of Virginia football team at the 2026 ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte to discuss the team building off of last season’s success.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.

BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota State football team has something to prove for the first time in years, and the Jackrabbits believe last year’s disappointment could be what pushes them back into national title contention.

The Jackrabbits have won two national titles in the last five years. Those expectations haven’t changed, even with last season’s second round exit.

“There’s only so many programs that can say that they have a realistic opportunity to win a national title every year and that is a fun motivator and it’s really a reason why we all do it,” Head Coach Dan Jackson said.

Jackson believes last year wasn’t the beginning of a decline, but instead a reminder of what built the program in the first place. Years of adversity, growth and a blue collar culture that made winning championships possible.

“Last year’s roster hadn’t experienced any adversity. Now they understand what that feels like and they don’t ever want to feel that again,” Jackson said.

This lesson resonated with graduate quarterback Chase Mason, who after working his way back from injury, says the setbacks became an opportunity to grow physically and mentally.

“I think that really brought my football IQ level and my game to a whole ‘nother level. When I came back I felt more comfortable and I think I really took a step forward instead of taking a step back,” Mason said.

Mason enters this year as a captain once again, saying his role has evolved from leading with his play to leading with his voice.

“I’ve been been more of a lead by example type person but the more I’ve grown the last couple years I’ve been able to get more vocal with guys,” Mason said.

Senior defensive lineman Logan Green says the growth wasn’t limited to one player. He believes the team’s leadership group learned what it takes to keep the championship standard in tact.

“When it kind of hit the fan of like, well we’re not winning these games what’s going on? Then you really have to, you know, evaluate what you’re doing as a leader because it starts up front with you as the team leader, and we got to make sure that everyone’s better,” Green said.

The Jacks open the 2026 season on August 29th at home against Stetson.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.

LENNOX, S.D. (KELO) – Runs were hard to come by in Lennox on Wednesday as Post 911 shut out Post 174, 3-0.

Post 911 struck first in the top half of the second inning on a passed ball, a lead they would not let go of behind starting pitcher Landyn Johnson. Post 174 had a chance to even the game up in the fourth inning, but a diving grab in center field robbed Mason Reischl of an RBI single.

Two more passed balls in the bottom of the sixth extended Post 911’s lead to three, and they would go on to win 3-0. It’s the first time Post 174 has lost back-to-back games since June 14 and 19. The Legion B Playoffs will begin next week.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.

COLTON, S.D. (KELO) — Post 206 extended its win streak to three games with a 10-4 win over Dell Rapids on Wednesday night.

A six-run third inning was the catalyst for Colton’s big win with three singles, two errors, and a steal of home plate to put Dells on its heels. Tristen Bunde earned the win for Post 206, giving up five hits and four runs across four and two-thirds innings with four strikeouts and six walks.

Colton will face Vermillion on Friday at 7 p.m. to close out its regular season while Dell Rapids awaits postseason play.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.

The Pleasant Valley Baseball team battled Bettendorf in their Sub-state final, in the end it was the Spartans that came up with a thrilling 1-0 win in 10 innings.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — USD football made an appearance at the second annual MVFC media day on Tuesday, including first year head coach Matt Vitzthum.

Vitzthum was named as the Coyotes head coach back in February following two seasons on staff as wide recievers coach and then as Co-Offensive Coordinator. Vitzthum, like any other head coach on the brink of a season, is confident and excited for how the Coyotes are looking leading up to August.

“Probably just like every coach and player in here today, I’m super optimistic and excited about the season,” Vitzthum said. “I feel like we have a really good team, really good coaching staff. Obviously, there’s some question marks just like every program has but excited to kind of answer those calls and excited to get going here in a couple of weeks.”

The Coyotes host Central Connecticut State on August 29 for the season opener.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.

After snagging his second MVP title, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to ignite passionate debate following a highly competitive postseason. During a recent guest appearance on the Underground Lounge podcast, former NBA players Lou Williams and Rashad McCants clashed dramatically over whether the back-to-back MVP got “exposed” during the playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs.

McCants, who’s often critical of the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, questioned SGA’s reliance on foul-drawing mechanics rather than raw field-goal execution.

“I don’t think that SGA does it the way he [Lou Williams] does it,” McCants argued. “I think that SGA looks more for the foul based on, ‘if I don’t foul you, can you still make the shot? If I don’t foul you, are you going to just fall out of bounds?”

Lou Williams’ elite foul-drawing skills made him a 3x Sixth Man of the Year. But he’s also fiercely protective of SGA. He countered that after the 2025-26 season, “I think this is the summer that he proved y’all got him f—-d up.”

When McCants claimed, “I don’t know. I think he got exposed, bro… In the finals. That’s because he didn’t have nothing else to go to,” co-host Spank Horton reminded him that the Thunder guard was playing through an injury and their next best scorer, Jalen Williams was also injured.

Irrespective of Rashad’s argument, Lou shut down the notion that his former teammate has reached his ceiling.

“No, I understand his point, but if my rook is who I think he is, he responds,” Williams asserted, fiercely defending the Thunder cornerstone.

“He evolves. He changes some pieces of his game, and y’all going to have to deal with him. And I’m saying that from a place of I’ve never seen a like in our game. You want your young star to be coachable. You want him to be a worker. You want him to be one of the guys. You want him to be the toughest. You want him to be the smartest. SGA is all of those things.”

Williams’ unwavering defense comes with deep personal context. He mentored Shai since his rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers before the franchise executed the blockbuster trade for Paul George. Back then, most wouldn’t have seen the Clippers’ lack of foresight becoming OKC’s gain.

But Williams knew the young guard’s potential. Williams shared a locker room story of a young Shai lacing his shoes right back up for extra shooting despite seeing Williams resting with ice on his knees in a foot bath, proving he truly “wants something for himself.”

He recalled asking front office executive Lawrence Frank immediately if Shai was included in the trade package and was left “heartbroken” that SGA was traded.

Williams, who SGA publicly credits for teaching him the art of foul-drawing, is proud that his rookie won consecutive MVPs and a championship. But it’s done little to silence critics after a debatable playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs.

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs eliminated the 2025 champions in a grueling seven-game Western Conference Finals classic, despite Gilgeous-Alexander dropping a game-high 35 points in the Game 7 loss.

While critics like McCants feel that the Spurs revealed that SGA has offensive limitations, McCants still conceded that the back-to-back MVP remains undeniably “cold” as a pure shot-maker.

McCants compared the criticism to the daily scrutiny Kobe Bryant endured from 2003 to 2010 before capturing back-to-back titles. Even the most hard-headed critic finally relented that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will ultimately use the criticism and the Spurs series to sharpen his elite repertoire for subsequent title runs.

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The post “SGA Is All of Those Things”: Lou Williams Doesn’t Believe OKC Thunder Star Got Exposed vs the Spurs appeared first on EssentiallySports. Add EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

New Los Angeles Lakers starting center Walker Kessler is known as a prolific shot-blocker and an outstanding rebounder. But he isn't known as an offensive threat.

He can convert lob passes into layups and dunks, and he can run the floor for easy transition baskets. But other than that, he hasn't developed his offensive game in his four NBA seasons — with one slight exception.

This past season, in the five games he played before shoulder surgery sidelined him for the rest of the campaign, Kessler made six of eight 3-point attempts. That's a very small sample space, but it could've been a sign of things to come.

During his first media availability as a member of the Lakers, Kessler said that coach JJ Redick encouraged him to continue to develop his 3-point shooting.

“Coach JJ is obviously hyper-intelligent and obviously being a shooter himself we’ve talked about it and he wants me to be able to do that,” Kessler said during his recent media availability. “Because I think, for a big to be able to stretch the floor like that, or even have the threat of it, I think it makes other team’s scout really difficult. Because whether I can do that on pop, or catch on the pop, go second-side or be able to roll. Both of those things are gonna be really important.”

Teams can never have too much 3-point shooting in the NBA, and it's a skill set needed when a team is built around a wonderful passer such as Luka Doncic. The Lakers were 14th in 3-point shooting and 24th in 3-point attempts last season, and they're set to improve in both categories because they will have more outside shooting threats this coming season.

For his career so far, Kessler has averaged 9.5 points on 68.1% shooting, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes a game. It seems some are underselling or even casting doubt on the impact he will have on Los Angeles, but make no mistake — he's the type of center the team has badly needed for some time.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Walker Kessler on JJ Redick talking to him about 3-point shooting

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have long lived and died on the hill that their linebackers have built over the years. When their defense has been dominant, the play of their linebackers has led the charge. However, as we saw in 2025, when they do not have the depth or high-level play, they are at the mercy of opposing offenses.

Now, going into 2026, the team has revamped its group after the retirement of Lavonte David. They brought in Alex Anzalone in free agency and drafted Josiah Trotter. Both of them should bring new energy to the position, but it leaves SirVocea Dennis out in the cold.

That is where a trade now makes sense for the young linebacker.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently wrote up one trade every NFL team should consider making and he mentioned the Bucs need to move on from Dennis. He writes, "Tampa Bay revamped its linebacker unit with the addition of Alex Anzalone, Christian Rozeboom and rookie second-rounder Josiah Trotter.  Although Dennis started in 16 games, logging 101 tackles (10 for loss), three sacks and an interception with the club in the previous season, he may be expendable because of the new acquisitions. It's also worth noting the three-year pro allowed a 122 passer rating last year. Dennis' limitations on passing downs could cost him a roster spot."

Dennis has a role somewhere in 2026, it just shouldn't be with the Bucs based on their depth chart.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs suggested to try and trade away an underperforming linebacker

Clatsop County Special Olympic athletes added to their growing medal collection last weekend in Corvallis at the Oregon Summer Games. The July 10 – 12 competition was the final stop on the 2026 Special Olympics summer schedule.

“Overall the athletes had a great time down in Corvallis,” Special Olympics Coordinator David McAloney said. “Our athletes competed really hard and seeing them come home with awards is a great thrill for the coaches and volunteers.”

The track and field team took home seven gold medals, nine silver medals and one bronze. The bocce team brought home a gold, a silver, two bronze medals and a sportsmanship award. In addition, some of the athletes also placed in fourth and sixth places, all getting a winner’s spot on the podium.

The performances capped off a winning summer season for local Special Olympic athletes.

2011 Astoria High School graduate Brittney Clarke and 2018 Astoria graduate Jacob McCarr recently competed in the 2026 USA Games, which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota from June 20 to June 27. The USA Games are the National Championships of Special Olympics and they feature athletes from all 50 states. In total, the event featured 3,000 athletes. Clarke won gold in the 400 meter walk, and medaled in both the 4 x 100 meter relay and mini javelin. McCarr was also a member of the silver medal winning 4 x 100 relay team.

In Corvallis, Clatsop County’s representation was a big presence. The county sent 12 athletes to compete in the track and field portion and eight competed in bocce ball. McAloney highlighted the strength of his bocce team.

“We sent four partner teams of two and ended up getting a medal of each color,” he said. “We had one team get gold, one get silver and also received a sportsmanship award. This was big for us because one of our athletes struggles when she doesn’t get an award. We also had two teams take home bronze medals.”

The bocce team of Jesse Banks and Jerry Allen won gold, Jackie Bleech and Nikki Fletcher won silver plus the sportsmanship award. The teams of Ben Johnson/David Killion and Brandi Higgins/Angelica Lizarraga won bronze medals.

Though there were a lot of outstanding individual performances, said McAloney. But he said he was most proud of the growth shown by his athletes, and not only on the competition fields. This past weekend was the first time some of them had ever been on a bus or stayed in a dorm. Seeing athletes in his group handle that so well illustrated personal growth, he said.

“We asked a few of the athletes to get out of their comfort zone and try new things this year,” he said. “Seeing them ride the bus and stay in the dorms with us is great progress in their lives.”

In addition, there were more participants because of the addition of bocce ball to the games. McAloney said it brought out many more athletes who had never participated until this year.

“Half of the athletes on our bocce team went to the summer games for the first time,” he said. “Bocce had a 50% increase in athletes and we were able to bring half of those to the summer games,” he said. “We had 17 players at regionals — and took half of them to Corvallis.”

Track and field team stands out

The Clatsop County Special Olympics track and field team joined the bocce participants in the medal circle with a colorful performance.

Led by Mathias Costello, the track and field team took home a total of seven gold medals. Costello won gold in all three of his events. He took gold in the 100-meter manual wheelchair dash, in the 30-meter slalom and the wheelchair shot put. Other gold medalists included Nicholas Bailey in the 100-meter dash, Alex Cary in the 50-meter dash, Brittney Clarke in the 400-meter walk and Marie Kujala in the 800-meter walk.

Second place finishers included Cary in the softball throw; Blake Chick in both the 200-meter dash and 4 x 100-meter relay; Clarke in the 800-meter walk; and Jack Kain in the 400-meter walk and 4 x 100-meter relay. Other silver medalists included: Jonathan Lempea in the 4 x 100-meter relay; Beau Roth in both the mini javelin and 4 x 100-meter relay; and Megan Wilson in the 400-meter walk. Bailey wrapped things up with a bronze medal in the softball throw.

Other notable finishers were Joey Bailey who placed fourth in the softball throw and Cheyenne Valenzuela who was fourth in the shot put and also came in sixth place in the 200-meter dash.

Athletes get a break

After this weekend of competition the athletes will have about a month break until they resume competition. Next up will be the fall sports season which consists of soccer, bowling and swimming. The beginning of fall competition will coincide with the beginning of the high school sports season.

“Fall sports season will go from September to about mid-November,” McAloney said.”Then we will have about a month off before winter.”

Conor McGregor is hoping for good news soon, but he also has a couple of wild ideas about how his UFC 329 rematch against Max Holloway should be handled.

McGregor injured himself by awkwardly landing on his right knee in the first action of the fight against Holloway and was unable to fight on, despite trying. The Irishman has already had his knee examined and is expecting scan results, which can be assumed to be an MRI, on Thursday, which will reveal the extent of the damage to his knee.

Wednesday evening, McGregor shared the latest update on Instagram, while also suggesting that the fight result against Holloway be overturned to a no contest, while also taking care of bettors who gambled and lost on the fight.

"A few notes," a text image from McGregor on Instagram read. "1. I will have the results of the scan on my leg tomorrow. 2. The fight should be a no contest and all bets returned."

Both suggestions from McGregor have a near-zero chance of happening, as an injury TKO can occur at any point during a fight, whether in the first or final minute. There was also no mishandling of the result by officials, so an appeal would almost certainly fall flat.

As far as the bettors go, some daily fantasy apps offer early injury protection for sports games and can be lenient in handling customers when unfortunate outcomes occur. A fight is a different story, because the injury directly leads to a definitive result. Sportsbooks raked in loads of cash due to McGregor's loss, as an overwhelming majority of bets were placed on him to defeat Holloway. If McGregor is somehow able to convince betting establishments to refund their customers, that would be unprecedented.

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The Oklahoma Sooners have made yet another addition to their support staff this offseason. OU has hired Abigail O'Connor, who has spent the last eight years with the Michigan Wolverines, as Associate AD, Performance Nutrition for the program.

O'Connor was in a similar role in Ann Arbor, as she rose to Director of Football Performance Nutrition at UM. According to Doug Samuels of FootballScoop.com, O'Connor will "oversee performance nutrition across all sports, with a stated emphasis on continuity of care for student-athletes."

While with the Wolverines for nearly a decade, O'Connor was part of the Michigan teams that made three straight trips to the College Football Playoff, concluding with a national championship in 2023. She has also worked at Minnesota and Houston.

O'Connor is a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach.

The Sooners will face O'Connor's old team on the road in Week 2 on September 12th. Oklahoma won in 24-13 last season in Norman.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners make support staff addition

ATLANTA — Chelsea has been forced to delete a post featuring Enzo Fernandez, who scored a vital goal for Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semifinal win over England.

The Blues posted a picture of Fernandez celebrating his late equalizer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The caption was simply the midfielder's name along with an explosion emoji.

But the post, which was shared across several social media channels, inspired a torrent of abuse from Chelsea fans who were unhappy to see the club celebrate a player who's made no secret of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

It also didn't help Chelsea's cause that Fernandez's goal came against England.

Fernandez scored an 85th-minute equalizer from long range to level the match. Just seven minutes later, Lautaro Martinez headed home a Lionel Messi cross to give Argentina a 2-1 win, sending them to the final against Spain on Sunday.

Disgraceful from @ChelseaFCpic.twitter.com/ziNTQZNr8k

— THE CHELSEA FORUM (@TheChelseaForum) July 15, 2026

Chelsea suspended Fernandez for two matches in April after his comments about a potential move to Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old hinted he would like to live in Spain, particularly Madrid. This came after he expressed doubts about his future at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's elimination from the Champions League against PSG.

Earlier this month, Real Madrid released an official statement denying any interest in a transfer move for Fernandez.

"The club wishes to state that it has not made any efforts, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player and, furthermore, has no intention of pursuing such an operation," Madrid said of Fernandez.

When asked if he wanted to keep the Argentine at the club, new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso gave a one-word answer earlier this week: "Yes."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chelsea deletes social media post celebrating Enzo Fernandez goal vs England

After resting during a Monday night Summer League showdown with the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez returned to action on Wednesday evening in a big way. He helped the Green Team hold off the Sacramento Kings 82-76 in Vegas with a game-high 24 points.

The soon-to-be second-year Celtic rested for just 6 minutes all game and added 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal to his impressive statline. Fellow second-year Celtic John Tonje also had a strong showing against the Kings, tallying 18 points (on 60 percent shooting) in 27 minutes. Rookie Milos Uzan — who just signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics — finished with 13 points and 7 rebounds and sealed the narrow win with a tough driving layup with 29 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

As for the Kings, rookie forward (and Massachusetts native) Alex Karaban led the team with 21 points on roughly 47 percent shooting from the field. Sacramento trailed by as many as 16 points and managed a meager 4 points in the first quarter before making things close down the stretch.

The Kings still fell, though, dropping to 1-3 in Summer League play while the Celtics improved to 3-1 under head coach Amile Jefferson. Boston will have to wait to see who it'll face next, as the scoring differential of other teams with the same record will impact its upcoming matchup.

Whether it's in the playoffs or the consolation bracket, the Summer C's will play again in Sin City in the near future.

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp 

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Hugo Gonzalez powers Summer Celtics past Kings in 82-76 win

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani won the ESPY Award for Best Single-Game Performance.

Boxing legend Mike Tyson, boxer/influencer Jake Paul and music producer DJ Khaled announced Ohtani as the winner during the show. Ohtani was not in attendance.

Ohtani received the award for a performance against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he hit three home runs and pitched six scoreless innings, striking out 10 batters, in Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship Series.

Ohtani has played a key role in leading the Dodgers to back-to-back World Series championships.

He was the league's leading vote-getter but withdrew from the MLB All-Star Game this week due to inflammation and irritation in his left knee. The discomfort in the knee impacted his pitching mechanics, and he was recently pulled from a scheduled start for the Dodgers.

This season, he has 98 hits, 65 runs, 22 home runs and 58 RBIs in 88 games played. On the mound, he's produced an 8-2 record in 14 starts, allowing 55 hits, 21 runs (17 earned runs) and four home runs. He has struck out 95 and walked 26.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani wins ESPY Award for Best Single-Game Performance

The NFL's annual Top 100 Players ranking isn't perfect, but more often than not, it has rewarded consistency. We may disagree with the order in which players are often stacked (see Lamar Jackson's finish this year), but most thought the Baltimore Ravens would be well represented.

That's exactly why Roquan Smith's latest appearance matters. Don't look now, but one of the Ravens' defensive captains cracks the list again. He lands at 65. It's another reminder that one of football's most dependable defenders continues earning the respect of those who compete against him every Sunday.

No. 65 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@Ravens LB Roquan Smith! @NFLFilmspic.twitter.com/tw3kHERzWU

— NFL (@NFL) July 15, 2026

Roquan Smith continues building a remarkable resume

Every summer, new stars emerge while others disappear from the list entirely. Injuries, production, and team success all influence where players ultimately land, making longevity one of the most impressive accomplishments the ranking can recognize.

Smith's NFL journey has been defined by excellence from the very beginning. Selected eighth overall by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he immediately established himself as one of the league's premier young linebackers, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors during his first professional season. Since then, the accolades have continued piling up.

Smith has been named a first-team All-Pro three consecutive seasons from 2022 through 2024 after earning second-team All-Pro recognition in both 2020 and 2021. He's also appeared in four straight Pro Bowls while capturing the professional Butkus Award twice, cementing his reputation as one of the NFL's premier off-ball linebackers.

That success has continued in Baltimore, where Smith has become far more than an elite tackler.

Baltimore's defensive identity starts with No. 0

The Ravens feature stars at every level of their defense. Kyle Hamilton remains one of football's most versatile defensive backs. Marlon Humphrey continues leading the secondary, while Trey Hendrickson strengthens an already dangerous pass rush. Even with all that talent, Smith remains the defense's heartbeat.

His leadership, communication, and instincts consistently place teammates in a position to succeed before the football is ever snapped. Those qualities rarely appear on a stat sheet, but they remain essential to Baltimore's defensive identity. Landing at No. 65 won't generate the same headlines as some of the league's offensive stars, and that's perfectly fitting. Smith has never built his career around attention. He's built it around consistency. Year after year, season after season, he continues proving why teammates, opponents, and fellow NFL players still view him as one of football's premier defensive leaders.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens star Roquan Smith earns another NFL Top 100 honor

Read the original on HuffPost

Each year since 1993, sports programming channel ESPN has hosted an annual event honoring the top athletes and sports performances of the year in an event called the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, or ESPY Awards.

The ESPYs highlight and recognize the best male and female athletes, most influential athletes and those who have spent countless hours giving back to communities. As part of the ESPYs are the Sports Humanitarian Awards.

The Sports Humanitarian Awards recognize those who have shown an industry-wide commitment to philanthropy and public service across six major honors: Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award, Sports Philanthropist of the Year Award, Corporate Community Impact Award, the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award and Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year.

The Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry was named a recipient of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award in recognition of his community impact through the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Curry and his wife, Ayesha, in 2019.

"When we launched Eat. Learn. Play. in 2019, we saw the tremendous need that existed in our adopted hometown of Oakland and set out to use our platform and resources to work to unlock the full potential of the kids in our community," Curry said in a statement on their website.

Curry accepted the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award from the Muhammad Ali Center president and CEO, Lonnie Ali.

"Oakland gave us so much love, support and energy, and this is how we are able to continue to get back to the community that has wrapped its arms around us from the very beginning back in 2009," Curry said. "We’re just excited to meet kids where they already are every single day, because if you invest in a child, you’re investing in everything that’s possible for their future.” 

Other award recipients include Philadelphia Eagles’ owner Jeffrey Lurie with the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award, co-owner of the New York Giants and Gotham FC Laurie Tisch received the Sports Philanthropist of the Year Award.

Additionally, there were three recipients of the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award — Julia Howe, Kelis Armstrong, and Sam Phillips. The Baltimore Ravens were recognized as the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, which was accepted by team president Sashi Brown.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Warriors' Stephen Curry receives Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award

NEED TO KNOW

• Tim Ream praised the fan engagement and atmosphere during the U.S. team’s home World Cup matches in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE
• The U.S. team was eliminated after a loss to Belgium on July 6
• Ream hopes to build on the momentum of soccer’s popularity in the U.S. following the 2026 World Cup amid the return of MLS

U.S. Men’s National Team captain Tim Ream is sharing “the coolest thing” about playing in a home World Cup.

“It was an incredible experience, you know, I think that the guys really embraced what it is to play in a home World Cup,” Ream, 38, tells PEOPLE exclusively at the ESPY Awards at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on Wednesday, July 15, in New York City.

“I think it’s such a unique opportunity,” Ream shares. “And one that we really enjoyed. Obviously the tournament is still going on, a lot of excitement around it, but I think the coolest thing was seeing how engaged and how amazing the fan experience was over the course of the last couple of weeks.”

Belgium defeated the U.S.on July 6 in a4-1 match held in Seattle. Belgium took the lead early, scoring the first goal just nine minutes into the game.

The defeat came after FIFA reinstated U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who previously received a red card suspension after the U.S. clinched a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1.

Balogun, 25, was initially ejected after becoming entangled with Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic, after he appeared to inadvertently step on his ankle.

Balogun was sent off and handed a one-game suspension. On July 5, FIFA overturned the initial ruling, clearing the way for Balogun to rejoin the team for what would become the U.S.’s final 2026 World Cup match.

When asked about the return of Major League Soccer (MLS) following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Ream, who plays center-back for Charlotte FC, says he hopes to “capitalize” on the community of soccer fans formed this summer.

Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!

“[With] how much soccer has been played here in the country, and the eyes of the world and the sport have been here, [we are] obviously looking to piggyback off of that,” Ream says.

He adds, “We’ve got the All-Star Game coming up in two weeks’ time, and it’s a great experience, and one that’s unique and one we’re going to be looking to build on.”

Read the original article on People

The Minnesota Vikings roster underwent a bit of an overhaul this offseason, leaving quite a few holes to be filled. While some will likely be filled with some of their free agent signings, Minnesota will need its rookies to step up in a big way in 2026. With opportunities to be had, are there any rookies who have a shot at starting this upcoming season?

Kevin Seifert of ESPN looked at all the rookies on the Vikings roster and went over their chances of starting this season. While starting multiple rookies could be dangerous, Seifert believes that both rookie defensive tackles, Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, have real chances to be on the field in week one. Jake Golday and Jakobe Thomas could also see early work for Minnesota, with Thomas potentially being in the mix to replace Harrison Smith.

Minnesota made a concerted effort to get a little younger this offseason, and it worked. Now, it is time to see if the youth movement will pay off, especially on defense. This Brian Flores scheme is not one easily learned, but if the young pups can pick it up fast, Minnesota should find themself in a similar spot in the team defense rankings from a year ago.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Analyst sheds light on which Vikings' rookies could start in 2026

England's years of hurt will now stretch beyond 60, but the late collapse to a World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina may just be the most painful wound of all.

The clock inside the magnificent Atlanta Stadium showed England were five minutes of normal time away from ending the wait for a men's World Cup final that stretches back to 1966, when they lifted the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley.

England's players and head coach Thomas Tuchel had immortality in their hands as they led through Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal.

Their grasp, however, was being loosened by catastrophic decision making from Tuchel that instigated wave after wave of Argentina attacks orchestrated by Lionel Messi.

One goal seemed inevitable - and it came from Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute.

Then, with England on the ropes, they were floored by Lautaro Martinez's injury-time header.

England could not come back, so a stunned football nation wakes up to another desperate near-miss from this nearly team.

Tuchel fails in England mission

Tuchel's unique selling point when he succeeded Sir Gareth Southgate was the idea he would win matches his predecessor could not.

That he would not be gripped by the caution Southgate was criticised for when losing the last two Euros finals to Italy and Spain, as well as the 2018 World Cup semi-final to Croatia.

The thinking was that Tuchel would drive England over the line, whereas Southgate supposedly retreated from it.

And yet, when it counted and the pressure was at its height, Tuchel produced the sort of tactical retreat - and loss - that would have seen Southgate pilloried.

Instead, it will now be Tuchel getting the criticism for that decision - and rightly so.

The Football Association went for a quick-fix appointment to succeed Southgate after Euro 2024, bringing in a proven winner whose sole mission was to win the 2026 World Cup, or put "a second star on the shirt" as Tuchel called it.

A semi-final can only rank as par, and, in the harshest light, a failure, because he was brought in to make sure England did not have any more hard-luck stories or disappointments.

And, as with Southgate, Tuchel has still not guided England to victory against a side there were not high expectations they would beat.

There will be recriminations about how Tuchel engineered England's defeat mainly by his own hand, effectively repeating everything that brought Southgate so much criticism.

Once Gordon put England ahead in this latest stormy episode of an old and bitter rivalry, Tuchel decided on a rearguard action.

That had worked for England in their knockout wins over Mexico and Norway - but it would not against a Messi-inspired Argentina.

Tuchel replaced goalscorer Gordon with defender Ezri Konsa with 18 minutes left and switched to a back five. He then brought Nico O'Reilly and Dan Burn on for Declan Rice and Reece James.

It was clear almost instantly that Tuchel had called it badly. It did nothing but invite Argentine pressure and those late goals. This one was almost all on Tuchel.

If there was one statistic that brutally condemned his approach, it was that England only had 12% possession between taking the lead and Martinez's winning goal nearly 40 minutes later.

Such was England's sudden attacking need in the closing moments that Tuchel threw on Ivan Toney after 96 minutes - his first appearance of the tournament.

Toney's "blink and you'll miss it" cap also brought some of Tuchel's selections under scrutiny. Was Toney simply picked for a penalty shootout that never came?

And the debate around Tuchel's defensive picks, especially at right-back, will continue to rage.

Tuchel gambled on the injury-prone Reece James staying fit - but when the Chelsea defender was sidelined with a hamstring issue, right-back suddenly became a problem position.

The position turned into musical chairs between Jarell Quansah - injured against Panama then sent off against Mexico - Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa before James was back for the semi-final.

All this while Trent Alexander-Arnold watched from afar, his natural gifts ignored by Tuchel on the basis of defensive frailty.

And as the ashes are raked over, Tuchel's decision to ignore the creativity of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden - easy to say with hindsight given both had poor seasons with Chelsea and Manchester City - and Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White will be revisited.

Jordan Henderson, whose tournament ended in bizarre circumstances when he broke an arm amid the celebrations after the win against Mexico, was taken for his influence around the squad but was never going to be a serious on-field performer.

If Tuchel valued his professionalism and personality so much in this area, why not take Henderson on his backroom staff and open up a place for a younger, more creative player?

This was a desperate day for England - and Tuchel and his tactical approach.

A day when it could easily have been said, as the song goes: "Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss."

• 'Passive' and 'crumbled' - did Tuchel's defensive tactics cost England?
• Defeat will 'haunt' England as history repeats itself
• 'That's why he's the king' - Messi sets up third World Cup final

Was this England's most painful loss?

England have suffered plenty of pain over the years, but as an observer covering a seventh World Cup, as well as those Euro final defeats, this felt like the worst.

This was not because it was against the old adversary Argentina, with all the history and iconic imagery that evokes, who created such obvious despair among England's players and supporters.

It was because this will be forever a World Cup semi-final of "what ifs" against an Argentina side that has looked beatable all tournament, but who simply refuse to lose.

This was the World Cup semi-final, the latest big chance to challenge for the sport's greatest prize in New Jersey on Sunday.

England were within minutes of crossing the barrier that has proved insurmountable for six decades, only to stumble again.

Gordon's goal looked to have finally given England a measure of control in an occasionally brutal game - and even after they ceded control and possession, the finishing line was in sight until they finally crumbled.

Given the stage, this is a defeat that will be pored over more - and leave more regret - than any other.

What can England take away from World Cup?

England will always have that momentous, spine-tingling night at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, when they dug deep to beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the last 16.

It was one of their great World Cup wins, when Jude Bellingham proved his world-class credentials and Tuchel's changes and gameplan suggested he just might be the strategist to take England all the way.

Bellingham is joined in that elite class by captain Harry Kane, but the Bayern Munich striker will feel the pain of this exit more acutely than most because he will be 36 by the time the next World Cup comes around.

England have shown reserves of character to come from behind against DR Congo in the last 32 then Norway in the quarter-final, but the times when they truly flowed have been few and far between.

The manner of this crushing loss to Argentina will have England and their fans wondering if the major tournament curse will ever end.

The recovery will need to be quick with a Nations League fixture at home to World Cup finalists Spain - who beat the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final - in September.

What next for Tuchel?

The FA and Tuchel's relationship was initially just to the end of this World Cup, but in February he was handed an extension to take him through to Euro 2028.

It was a surprise and a heavy financial commitment by the FA, especially as they did not know how the World Cup would work out.

Tuchel's tournament cannot be judged as a total success, but he has the FA's backing to lead the team into the next Euros.

England will have to undergo an element of rebuilding, with the outstanding John Stones surely at the end of his international career. And will Tuchel keep faith with Marcus Rashford?

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is 32 so should continue, but potential successors need to be found.

Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson can be the midfield bedrock for years, while a fully-fit Bukayo Saka will be another huge asset.

Tuchel still has the talents of Foden, Palmer and Gibbs-White to consider, as well as Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, while Liverpool's 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha showed what a glittering future he has in the World Cup warm-up games in Miami.

There is also the prodigious talent of Arsenal 16-year-old winger Max Dowman, another example of how England's future can be bright.

For now, however, the pain of the loss to Argentina, and the manner of it, will take some getting over for England and Tuchel.

• Argentina shatter England's World Cup dreams in semi-final
• Tuchel retains FA backing despite England defeat
• 'The change didn't work' - England player ratings

For the second time in eight years, England's men led a World Cup semi-final.

But for Croatia in 2018, read Argentina in 2026.

England went ahead in the 55th minute of Wednesday's game in Atlanta, when Anthony Gordon finished from Morgan Rogers' cross.

But late goals from Enzo Fernandez and - in the second minute of injury time - Lautaro Martinez meant the Three Lions missed out on their first men's World Cup final appearance since 1966.

And Dan Burn, who was roared on to the field as a second-half substitute with the score 1-0, summed up the feelings of the England players.

"Gutted," said the Newcastle defender. "Absolutely gutted.

"We nailed the gameplan pretty well. To go 1-0 up... then we got too passive, conceded too many crosses and too many chances.

"When you're playing a team of that quality, it is going to cost you. This will haunt me for a long time, I think."

England had produced resolute displays in the previous two rounds - beating Mexico 3-2 in the last 16 despite playing most of the second half with 10 men, then hanging on to defeat Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Asked why they had been unable to continue that run against the holders, Burn said: "I don't know.

"It is human nature [to be nervous] when you're that close to doing something you haven't done since '66 and be in a final.

"Argentina have done that and got that confidence. The last few games we have been able to defend the box so well. We thought we could do that again, but we weren't as tight in the box as we would have liked."

England must now prepare for Saturday's third-place play-off against France (22:00 BST), which will be live on the BBC.

"I am still very proud of what we have done at this World Cup," said Burn.

"I don't think anyone really gave us a chance. We have done a lot of good, and honestly I thought we were going to do it."

A similar story for devastated England

England have now lost in the semi-finals in two of the past three men's World Cups, and were beaten in the European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.

"There's not much to say - everyone is gutted," said England captain Harry Kane.

"When you're so close, 10 minutes away, and it slips out of your hands like that, obviously the lads are devastated.

"We did so well for 60 minutes. We scored and deserved to be ahead then we struggled to keep the ball, struggled to put pressure on the ball and it allowed them to create more momentum and chances in the final third.

"We're going to have to find out how we can improve in those situations. It's been probably the missing piece now for probably the past four or five tournaments."

Bayern Munich striker Kane has scored six goals at this World Cup and could still win the Golden Boot - though both Lionel Messi, who set up both Argentina goals, and France's Kylian Mbappe are on eight.

Kane, who turns 33 later this month, refused to be drawn on whether he would still be playing by the time of the 2030 World Cup.

"It's too early to talk about that - for me it's about taking it year by year," said Kane.

"The national team is my pride and joy, it's what I love to do most.

"Four years is a long way away and I'm 33 in the summer, but as you see with Leo [Messi], he's still performing at the highest level [at 39]. For now it's about processing another tough loss."

Like Kane, Jude Bellingham has also scored six goals for England at this tournament.

"The lads did everything they could over the course of the tournament - I can't fault the effort and the fight," said the Real Madrid midfielder.

"That's the life of a footballer at this level. The more beautiful the journey, the more heartbreaking the end is. I'm really proud of all my team-mates - they put in a magnificent shift over the last few weeks.

"I wanted to be part of an England squad that finally did it and finally got it over the line. To be here telling the fans the same things they have heard for years and years, it's really gutting."

• 'Passive' and 'crumbled' - did Tuchel's defensive tactics cost England?
• Why England's loss to Argentina felt like most painful in 60 years of hurt
• 'That's why he's the king' - Messi sets up third World Cup final

'We invited too much pressure'

Despite the defeat, head coach Thomas Tuchel retains the backing of the Football Association and is expected to lead the team into Euro 2028.

But he said he was surprised his side were unable to see the game out.

"We went 1-0 up but it totally turned the momentum in their favour," Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live. "They took all the risks after. They played totally free after that with all the risks and a lot of quality.

"They made offensive substitutions and suddenly had four players in the forward line and we couldn't stop the crosses. We couldn't stop the runners in the box.

"We were basically not physical enough. We couldn't win duels and we couldn't get hold of the ball. It was a total momentum shift from our goal."

Tuchel said his players had given "everything" during the tournament.

"The conviction and the self-confidence after going 1-0 up was just not there," he said.

"They played with a mindset of nothing to lose, took a lot of risks and we could not get the momentum back."

England will co-host the European Championship in 2028, though they still have to qualify.

Asked if they were capable of winning a major tournament, Tuchel said: "Yes, of course we are, even if I have no proof of that at the moment.

"In big defeats it's important to take them with respect, digest them, stick together and second of all it's about the reaction to it. Of course we feel very close and still Argentina showed the gap in the last half-an-hour.

"Unfortunately we were close and couldn't push over the line. We wanted to push over the line and that's our goal and we are very, very disappointed and will try again."

• Argentina face disciplinary action for Falklands banner in semi-final win
• When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sport

Four years ago it felt as if Lionel Messi's story was told.

He had finally won the World Cup, aged 35, in what he said was his last game in the tournament and - depending on your point of view - cemented his place as football's greatest ever player.

Four years before that, aged 31, many - including those around him - felt he had played his final World Cup game and would end his career without winning it.

And here he is at 39, having helped take England to the cleaners and send Argentina to their second World Cup final in a row.

Messi's two assists helped the South American side come from behind to win 2-1, taking him up to four assists at the 2026 World Cup - to go with his eight goals.

The joint top scorer and the second highest assister in the whole show.

Argentina will play Spain, the country where Messi has played most of his football with Barcelona, in Sunday's final in New Jersey.

"He's the best player in history, I don't know what else he would have to do to prove that. The majority of Spaniards love him," said his national team boss Lionel Scaloni.

BBC pundit Micah Richards said: "They have Lionel Messi. They have the 'GOAT'. The greatest of all time.

"[It's about] moments. We thought it could have been Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane, but this is why he is the king."

How Messi destroyed English hopes

Former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward Messi had never played England in his career before - and Thomas Tuchel and every Three Lions fan will wish that was still the case.

The veteran showed a few quality touches in an attritional first half - playing more centrally - but it was after Anthony Gordon gave England a 55th-minute lead that Argentina came to life.

As Tuchel sent on more defenders and England sat back, Argentina had 88% possession for the following 37 minutes.

And Messi had a field day after moving out to the right wing.

"Getting Messi on the wing was the key for us," said goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez afterwards.

He completed nine dribbles and assisted two goals against England - the first player on record (from 1966 onwards) to do so in a single World Cup knockout game.

The entire England team combined completed seven successful dribbles in Atlanta.

Messi had seven touches in the opposition box - the same as every English player added together. Ditto his four chances created.

He also put in a game-high nine crosses.

And by far the most important, he set up both of Argentina's goals.

The first was from a corner routine when he found Enzo Fernandez, who slammed in an 85th-minute equaliser from outside the box.

And then he crossed for Lautaro Martinez to head in an injury-time winner.

Ex-England defender Richards said: "He walks around the pitch and then he comes alive when the ball comes to his feet.

"This genius comes into play and sometimes that is just the difference."

Former England keeper Joe Hart added: "The guys went back to what they did against Mexico and Norway where they locked the door.

"What that did was free up Lionel Messi, who had the skeleton key - he absolutely ran the show for the last 15 minutes."

England captain Kane added: "For large parts of the game we dealt with him really well, but as always with the most dangerous players in the world when they have the ball they can create something. He's one of the best players ever for a reason."

• Argentina face fine for Falklands banner in semi-final win
• 'The change didn't work' - England player ratings

Can Messi win the Golden Boot?

This summer Messi became the all-time top scorer at World Cups with 21 goals (out of his 125 Argentina goals in total).

Fifteen of those 21 have come since his 35th birthday.

Eight have been at this tournament, passing the seven he scored in 2022 - which was just one short of Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race.

This time Messi and Mbappe are level on eight goals. Mbappe's France play England on Saturday in the third-place play-off.

England's Bellingham and Kane are on six goals each and not out of the picture.

If players finish level on goals, the tie-breaker is assists - with Messi on four to Mbappe's three.

Messi could yet finish as the top assister at this summer's World Cup too - sitting one goal behind France's Michael Olise.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to the BBC, said: "He's a little magician, he really is.

"He's done it all tournament now. You look at the goals scored and the balls he's put into England's box."

Will Messi ever slow down?

It is easy to forget Messi, then at Barcelona and aged 29, actually retired from international football in 2016.

He had lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and three Copa America finals.

Since reversing that decision he has won the Copa America twice.

When Messi - then of PSG - lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, it felt as if the final piece of the jigsaw of his career was complete.

Many considered that the final thing missing from the argument over the best player ever - with many considering fellow World Cup winners Pele and Diego Maradona the greatest.

"I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying," he said before the 2022 final.

"There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant."

And when he left Europe the next year to join Inter Miami in the MLS, it seemed like he was going to wind down.

Even during last year's Fifa Club World Cup, which he played in, it was far from clear if he would be involved this summer.

But here he is, still seemingly unstoppable - even though his game has changed.

Before the England tie, he had walked 47% of the distance he covered in this tournament, the highest percentage of any outfield player.

Tactically he has reinvented himself at least five times, says Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, who wrote a biography on Messi.

Messi has now scored or assisted in 13 consecutive matches for Inter Miami and Argentina.

If he gets involved in a goal in Sunday's final against Spain, it will equal his record set in 2011 of 14 in a row.

He will also become only the second player after Cafu to play in three World Cup finals.

Surely that will be his final World Cup game? After all, he turns 43 in 2030.

But maybe at this stage we need to stop presuming anything when it comes to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Micah Richards has paid tribute to his father Lincoln, who died shortly before the BBC pundit went on air for England's World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina.

Former England right-back Richards was one of the experts on BBC One for the coverage of the Three Lions' 2-1 loss.

"Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away," wrote Richards on Instagram.

"His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon."

Richards, 38, the former Manchester City, Aston Villa and Fiorentina defender, won 13 caps for England.

He said his father "was my greatest fan" and "barely missed a game my entire life".

Richards added: "He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side.

"I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else.

"I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would've wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did.

"Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration."

• Argentina face fine for displaying Falklands banner after semi-final win
• 'The change didn't work' - England player ratings
• When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sport

England were on the cusp of reaching their first men's World Cup final since 1966.

They were 1-0 up against reigning world champions Argentina when the clock inside Atlanta Stadium ticked to 84 minutes - and then it all went horribly wrong.

Enzo Fernandez equalised with a thumping strike in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed a 92nd-minute winner - both goals coming from assists by Lionel Messi.

Just like that, England's World Cup dreams lay in ruins.

They had worked so hard to take the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute - and then sat back and paid the price.

The decision by England boss Thomas Tuchel to go defensive backfired spectacularly.

Instead it is Argentina who go through to Sunday's showpiece against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium (20:00 BST kick-off).

But should England have gone for the kill when they went 1-0 up?

They did not - and had just 12% of possession from going ahead to conceding the second goal.

Tuchel only sent on forwards Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney deep into stoppage time, while defenders Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly were introduced after the Three Lions took the lead.

"We have crumbled," former England captain Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport.

"It started from the manager and the decisions he made. It was too passive.

"Against this team, the world champions, you will not get away with it. This has been the biggest test and we have failed it."

So why did England sit back when in control against Argentina? And are Tuchel's second-half tactics to blame for England's failure to make the final?

• Why England's loss to Argentina felt like most painful in 60 years of hurt
• Tuchel retains FA backing despite England defeat
• Defeat will 'haunt' England as history repeats itself

'Coaching catastrophe' - Sutton

England have showed character at this World Cup, coming from behind to defeat both DR Congo at the last-32 stage and Norway in the quarter-finals.

"The difference is hanging on against Norway or Mexico [in the last 16], they have not got the quality this Argentina team have got in terms of the ability on the ball and the ability they have to punish you," former England captain Alan Shearer told BBC Sport.

"Tuchel played his cards very, very early and it has backfired."

England looked to have taken full control of the semi-final against their old foes when Gordon put them ahead 10 minutes into the second half.

England's fans celebrated wildly - but then the Three Lions opted to sit back and defend.

"The fact that England got themselves in front and then basically handed Argentina the initiative... that was a coaching catastrophe from Thomas Tuchel," Chris Sutton, a Premier League winner with Blackburn in 1994-95, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"You can't expect to defend for 30 minutes against the quality Argentina had.

"It's all on the coach where I am concerned. He made the changes. He was negative, so the question which I'm going to ask is 'how can you trust Thomas Tuchel to take this team forward?'"

England have come undone against Argentina in the past.

Who can forget Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal at the 1986 World Cup or the 1998 World Cup defeat that burns so deep.

England, however, have no-one but themselves to blame for Wednesday's loss.

"Norway and Mexico panicked against England," former England goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport.

"I didn't see one bit of panic from that Argentina side. I saw belief, I saw the realising they could free up the great man Lionel Messi in the pocket, and they were running all over England.

"Gareth Southgate took a lot of criticism for the big moments with England, when they had the lead in big games and shut up shop. I don't see that anything has changed in that big moment out there."

So what were the changes that frustrated England fans so much?

Leading 1-0, many expected Tuchel to go for another goal - but instead the German made three defensive changes.

He brought Konsa on for Gordon in the 72nd minute - switching to a back five - before bringing on further defensive reinforcements 10 minutes later in Burn and O'Reilly.

Tuchel sent on forwards Rashford and Toney in added time, but it proved too little too late.

"I felt the changes we made at 1-0, that if Argentina scored we wouldn't make extra time," added Rooney.

Former England defender Micah Richards told BBC Sport: "When England scored that first goal they should have gone for the second.

"Yes, you respect their quality, but dropping deep allowed Argentina to get into their flow."

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, said Tuchel went too deep too soon.

"I think he has got that wrong," added Robinson, who won 41 caps for England between 2003 and 2007.

"He has got a lot of decisions right, but I think trying to defend a lead against this team was a wrong choice."

'When we went 1-0 up we tried to hold on'

Even Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez admitted there was a change in momentum after the opening goal as England sat back and looked to defend.

"Sometimes when you are winning, you have to go forward," added Martinez.

"You can't change the gameplan. I think they did it and they sent on extra defenders."

Tuchel, of course, has improved on England's showing at the 2022 World Cup, when they reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to France.

But this England team is sprinkled with exceptional individual talent like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.

England captain Kane, who will be approaching his 36th birthday at the next World Cup, suggested his side could have done more.

"When we went 1-0 up we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough," said the England captain.

"[I am] just gutted because we've worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, blood, sweat, tears.

"We pressed them well, we put them under loads of pressure high up the pitch which then allowed us to win balls and control the game a bit better.

"After the goal, whether it was them putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man for man, it was just wave after wave.

"The lads were putting blocks in but, in the end, it just wasn't enough."

'Tuchel got it wrong - he has to accept that'

Asked in his post-match news conference if he made wrong decisions against Argentina, Tuchel defended himself and said: "No, I believe it's just the nature of the game. As soon as you lose you get criticised, it's just what it is.

"In the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything and we were very, very close.

"We played one of our better matches, maybe our best match in the circumstances.

"The team was top, we couldn't get over the line.

"I think we saw the mentality throughout the match and the strong group. We played the matches how they were, we played against strong teams in the group, travelled a lot of miles, played at altitude, we played with 10 men, we played in the heat and we overcame every obstacle.

"We were very close today. It's not the moment to analyse the full tournament."

Despite reaching the semi-finals, Tuchel's tactics and choices will be criticised for days to come after failing to make the final, despite taking the lead.

"I love Thomas Tuchel," added former England defender Richards.

"I love how brave he is. Tonight, on the biggest stage, he got it wrong, and he has to accept that."

• 'That's why he's the king' - Messi sets up third World Cup final
• Argentina face disciplinary action for Falklands banner in semi-final win
• When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sport

England head coach Thomas Tuchel retains the backing of the Football Association and is expected to lead the team into Euro 2028.

A 2-1 defeat by Argentina on Wednesday meant England's men missed out on a first World Cup final appearance since 1966.

Tuchel was criticised for his substitutions as England squandered a 1-0 lead late on, but he has the full backing of FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.

The German signed a two-year contract extension in February having been appointed in January 2025 on an 18-month mission to win the World Cup.

The 2028 European Championship finals are being hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, and it was said that Tuchel viewed leading the side into a home Euros as a rare opportunity.

England will face France in the bronze-medal match on Saturday (22:00 BST) - and victory will mean this is their best performance in a men's World Cup since 1966.

"It is heartbreaking to be so close," said Bullingham.

"The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.

"I would like to thank them all - and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home."

Despite the disappointment of losing in the semi-final, England's progress will be viewed internally as a relative success.

Tuchel said at his post-match news conference in Atlanta: "We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros.

"I'm looking forward to that even though right now it's difficult to look that far ahead.

"Of course, it's a semi-final; a lot of big football nations are eliminated before the semi-final, so it is an achievement.

"No-one wants to hear that at the moment; me neither because we demand the most of ourselves. That's just the nature of being competitive."

• 'Passive' and 'crumbled' - did Tuchel's defensive tactics cost England?
• Defeat will 'haunt' England as history repeats itself
• 'That's why he's the king' - Messi sets up third World Cup final
• When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sport

Many a starting pitcher has been resistant to the idea of moving to the bullpen. Ben Davis is not one of those pitchers.

He was a starter at Booneville High School. At Itawamba Community College, he both started and relieved. Then at Mississippi State, Davis found his niche as a versatile relief pitcher, able to put out fires at any point in a game. He came to love that role.

“It’s always fun to be able to come out of the pen, big game on the line, and really being able to put an end to whatever was happening, like if it was a big inning or something like that,” Davis said. “… I’m kind of an adrenaline junkie. I’m not really big on emotion, but being on the mound kind of brings it out. That was my thing, coming out of the pen and doing my own thing.”

He’ll get to keep doing his thing at the professional level. Davis was taken by the Colorado Rockies with the first pick of the fourth round in last weekend’s Major League Baseball draft. When he got the call – while surrounded by family – Davis experienced a feeling similar to when he takes the mound.

“My agent called me, and I really wasn’t expecting a whole lot on Day 1,” he said. “But when they called me, I had a big adrenaline dump. Pretty cool. Plus everybody’s sitting there; it was really cool with everybody there.”

Davis leaves Friday for the team’s spring training facility in Phoenix. The Rockies will then decide whether to send him off to play somewhere or keep him there for some hands-on work. Either way, it’s a dream fulfilled.

Davis was a standout at Booneville as both a pitcher and a catcher. He led the Blue Devils to a state championship in 2021. In his two years at ICC, Davis won 10 games and struck out 104 batters over 104 1/3 innings.

Then MSU came calling.

“It’s surreal. You grow up, small town, you always dream of getting to play at Mississippi State. Moving on is always the next goal, but just being able to play there and moving on is awesome,” Davis said.

He became a dependable arm at State. Over two seasons, he was 4-4 with a 3.71 ERA, 118 strikeouts and six saves in 104 1/3 innings. Davis made four starts as a junior and then became a full-time reliever this past season, making 26 appearances.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder has a fastball that can touch the upper-90s, and he’s also effective with a slider and sweeper.

“He’s a big horse,” Rockies assistant general manager Tommy Tanous told the team’s website. “You watch him and you don’t want to be in the batter’s box against him.”

Davis’ specific role in the professional ranks is yet to be determined, but he’s just fine with continuing his career as a reliever.

“I feel like I’m kind of the guy that can be called on every day if needed,” he said, “and if I’m not needed, that’s whenever I can kind of rest for a couple days and do it again.”

Tupelo Christian is heading into the season with some work to do when it comes to replacing talent, but the Eagles believe they’ve reloaded.

The Eagles have hopes of going on a deep playoff run. TCPS went 23-7 last season but was bounced in the second round after making deeper playoff runs the previous two years, including a trip to the North half title match in 2024.

“Definitely a tough class to replace, though we had seven juniors on the court, too,” TCPS head coach Eric Laskowski said. “That puts us with seven seniors this year, so I feel pretty good.”

TCPS lost a lot from last year, including setter Corinne Pace, libero Maggie Oxford and outside hitter Addison Eaves, who was second on the team in kills. But returning senior Ana-Miller Coker, who had a team-high 267 kills last year, is a good starting point for this year’s team.

“We’ve added to her vertical, and her range is great from the defensive side,” Laskowski said. “Obviously, when you have somebody who’s led the team offensively and they’re back, that’s always a good sign.”

Pace had over 400 assists in each of the last two seasons, and she’ll be succeeded at setter by Addison Dixon. Dixon had 298 assists last season, so the Eagles’ offense should be in good hands.

“She’s a very strong, very solid setter,” Laskowski said. “Smart, great court vision. She can take the ball herself if she has to. She scores a lot taking the ball herself. Great hands, moves well, we’re super excited, the girls are super excited to have her back. She’s going to be huge for us, no doubt.”

Kylan Johns will be taking over at libero after Oxford registered a team-high 383 digs last year. TCPS has its work cut out for itself this season, but the Eagles have consistently been competitive in recent years. They’re in a good spot to be so again.

“It’s a very experienced squad,” Laskowski said. “This is TCPS’ first four-year class. This is my fourth season, this is the first time the kids have been with it for all four years. I’ve had them for four years, so we’re excited. We feel like our biggest limitation is ourselves.”

TCPS opens the season Aug. 1 at the Pontotoc Tournament.

This is the fourth in a series of pieces breaking down each position group for the Bengals. Next up: Defensive line.

The Cincinnati Bengals still ranked among the worst offensive lines last year, but by the end of the season, quarterback Joe Burrow was calling it the best he’s played behind.

A slow start, while finding the best combination and chemistry, impacted the numbers behind what Cincinnati’s offensive line was doing. However, in the second half of the season, the Bengals found consistency and better protection.

Now the Bengals are running it back with the same group, as all five starters return, thanks to right guard Dalton Risner re-signing, but there is still room to improve. Orlando Brown Jr. has the most to prove, especially after signing an extension this offseason, and that’s the spot where Cincinnati should be looking for more.

Let’s take a look at the past performances of the Bengals’ offensive linemen, and how they are expected to stack up in 2026 with help from some analysis and data from Pro Football Focus.

Offensive linemen on the roster

* Projected starters: LT Orlando Brown Jr., LG Dylan Fairchild, C Ted Karras, RG Dalton Risner, RT Amarius Mims

* Reserves: Cody Ford, Connor Lew, Brian Parker II, Jalen Rivers

* Others in the mix: Liam Brown, Andrew Coker, Javon Foster, Jacob Bayer, Christian Jones, Corey Robinson

Brown Jr. by the numbers

* 2025 stats: Started all 17 games after missing six games in 2024 due to injuries; played the fifth-most snaps for an offensive tackle but allowed nine sacks, 46 pressures and 10 hits and had 10 penalties.

* PFF grades for 2025: Brown ranked 66th of 89 qualifying tackles with an offense grade of 60.3 last year. He was 64th in pass blocking grade (62.0) and 61st in run blocking grade (59.8).

* PFF ranking for 2026: PFF has not yet released individual rankings for offensive linemen.

Fairchild by the numbers

* 2025 stats: Played 15 games, all starts and allowed just two sacks, 31 pressures and five hits as a rookie.

* PFF grades for 2025: Fairchild ranked 46th of 81 qualifying guards with an offense grade of 59.1 last year. He was 25th in pass blocking grade (67.5) and 61st in run blocking grade (54.3).

* PFF ranking for 2026: PFF has not yet released individual rankings for offensive linemen.

Karras by the numbers

Risner by the numbers

* 2025 stats: Played 14 games with 11 starts after signing at the end of preseason; allowed just two sacks, four hits and 17 pressures; had four penalties.

* PFF grades for 2025: Risner ranked 26th of 81 qualifying guards with an offense grade of 69.4 last year. He was 17th in pass blocking grade (71.5) and 23rd in run blocking grade (69.0).

* PFF ranking for 2026: PFF has not yet released individual rankings for offensive linemen.

Mims by the numbers

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Brandon Peterson has been hired as the boys basketball coach at Northwestern.

A familiar face in Clark County, Peterson has made previous stops as a head coach at Catholic Central and Emmanuel Christian, and most recently was an assistant coach at Springfield.

“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Northwestern basketball program as well as the trust AD [Steve] Tincher has in me,” Peterson said. “Northwestern has a storied tradition, a loyal fan base, and after hearing the vision from the AD, seeing the facilities and talking with some of the student athletes, I knew this is where God wanted me.”

Peterson replaces outgoing coach Ron Long, who led the program for the past three seasons and compiled a 20-50 overall record while increasing Northwestern’s win totals each campaign.

“I’m excited to build relationships with our players, families and community,” Peterson said. “We will work every day to build a program defined by discipline, toughness, unselfishness, and character.

“Our goal is to represent Northwestern with pride while pursuing excellence on and off the court. I’m excited to get started.”

The Warriors went 10-14 in the 2025-26 season, its first 10-win season since 2016-17, and finished fourth in the Central Buckeye Conference’s Mad River division. Northwestern lost to Northridge in its Division IV district tournament second round game.

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The San Francisco 49ers are set to enter training camp with arguably the best situation at quarterback of any team in the league, as they have a strong starter in Brock Purdy, a more-than-capable backup in Mac Jones, a veteran third-string option in Adrian Martinez and a developmental piece in Kurtis Rourke.

We saw how important quarterback depth was last year in San Francisco, as Purdy missed eight games, Jones played through injuries and Rourke spent the season on NFI while recovering from a torn ACL.

With that, it's been frequently suggested that the 49ers should trade Jones this offseason, but general manager John Lynch has yet to pull the trigger, with reports that their asking price was too high.

Now, with less than two months before the start of the season, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton has urged the 49ers to trade Jones, but only if they can get a second-round pick in return.

San Francisco could possibly get up to a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NFL draft if Jones leaves in free agency next offseason, so securing a second-round pick, possibly in the 2027 NFL draft, would be better compensation.

However, it's unclear if any team is willing to offer that at the moment. The 49ers may have to wait until a team loses their starter to a long-term injury before someone is willing to part with a second-round pick.

There's also a chance that the 49ers want to keep Jones around for the insurance in case Purdy gets hurt again. We've seen what he looks like in this offense, and he seems to be a great teammate, so there's really no downside to keeping him.

More 49ers: ESPN analyst has idea for how the 49ers can best utilize Mike Evans

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers urged to explore trade market for major offensive piece

The Golden State Warriors have put together their teams through a variety of ways over the years, yet few approaches have proven as successful as the NBA draft. More than anything else, the most talented players to represent the Warriors have arrived in Golden State either by being selected directly in the annual draft or through trades executed on that same night.

The Golden State Warriors have taken many of their top stars through the draft, but have also landed a number of notable players over the years as well. From tiny colleges to blue blood programs, these alumni have contributed significantly to the team's roster over the years. So, we chose to take a closer look at which Dubs came from which schools over the years.

So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Warriors out of Oklahoma City University.

Gary Hill - guard

Draft year and position: 2nd round (3rd pick, 12th overall), 1963 NBA Draft

Seasons at Oklahoma City University: 3

Seasons played with Warriors: 2

Bud Koper - guard

Draft year and position: 2nd round (7th pick, 16th overall), 1964 NBA Draft

Seasons at Oklahoma City University: 3

Seasons played with Warriors: 1

Eddie Jackson - center

Draft year and position: 5th round (1st pick, 39th overall), 1965 NBA Draft

Seasons at Oklahoma City University: 3

Seasons played with Warriors: did not make the team

All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Every Oklahoma City University player drafted by the Golden State Warriors

The Brooklyn Nets have developed their teams through a number of strategies over the decades, and their front office has put together considerable success through the NBA draft. Many of the franchise's best players have joined the Nets either by being selected directly in the annual draft or through trades made on that day.

Moreover, it is not only the star players who have been acquired by the Nets through the draft. Several prominent alumni have been selected by the team each offseason during this annual event, with certain colleges being more prominently represented than others. An analysis of the players from different schools reveals that both prestigious programs and smaller institutions have contributed top talent to the Nets' roster over the years.

So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Nets out of Virginia Tech.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker - guard

Draft year and position: 1st round (17th pick, 17th overall), 2019 NBA Draft

Seasons at Virginia Tech: 2

Seasons played with Nets: did not make the team

All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Every Virginia Tech player drafted by the Brooklyn Nets

The Dallas Cowboys remained true to their word, and now the window is officially closed until January. Dallas made it very clear this past spring that they would not be engaging in long-term contract negotiations with George Pickens this offseason, and on Wednesday the deadline passed on the option. The NFL has a self-imposed July 15 deadline, after which teams who have a player under the franchise tag can no longer negotiate long-term deals. As of 4 pm Eastern time, the option is now off the table.

As there's zero chance the Cowboys are going to give Pickens a raise at this point, the fifth-year wideout is set to earn $27.3 million in salary; a mountain in comparison to what he earned across the four seasons of his second-round rookie contract signed with his original team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. And with that, Phase No. 3 of the Cowboys acquisition of Pickens is now complete. On to Phase No. 4.

First was the initial acquisition, sending a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick to acquire the former University of Georgia star. Next was getting him an opportunity to perform with a top-tier quarterback like Dak Prescott, unleashing a 1,400-yard, nine-score seasons. The third phase was slapping the franchise tag on Pickens, effectively using the same tool as a fifth-year option that is often placed on first-round draft picks.

On a recent appearance on Crown Global Media's Doing Alright podcast, NFL beat writer Jane Slater stated multiple times, the thing that gave the Cowboys pause in hitching their wagons was the breaking of team rules during their trip to face the Las Vegas Raiders, and the fact that he roped in the player whom they already paid the big contract to, CeeDee Lamb.

The pause had the Cowboys do a smart thing, placing the non-exclusive tag on Pickens and having the rest of the league prove to the player and his agent that his reputation was still in play. His performance on its own would've validated a team agreeing to a deal with Pickens and offering the Cowboys high-pedigree trade compensation, but no offers came.

Certainly, there were teams that would've paid the money by itself, but the trade kicker was too much, giving the Cowboys the upper hand for these next few phases.

The Cowboys have as much contractual control over Pickens they could want and can keep Pickens on the roster for several years at less than market value.

Combined with his $3.6 million price tag last season, the Cowboys got two years of All-Pro receiver play (projecting a similar output in 2026) for a third-round pick and $15.5 million a season.

That Average Annual Value (AAV) would rank 29th among NFL wideouts if it were a two-year deal. Even adding in a second tag in 2027, which would be for 120% or $32.8 million, Pickens would still be far below the current going rate. $63.7 million across three years is still just a $21.2 million AAV.

That's still outside the Top 20 of current wideout averages.

And get this, if the Cowboys did the normally unthinkable and use the rarified third franchise tag on Pickens, the one year amount would be an outrageous 144% of the prior salary, or $47.2 million. In 2028 that would likely qualify as the most expensive per-year number in the league. Jaxon Smith-Njigba just became the highest-paid WR ever at $42.15 million on average.

Puka Nacua may take that top slot, but he checked himself into rehab this spring. Is Chris Olave that guy? Likely not going to move the needle that much ahead. $47.2 million for Pickens would be outrageous in that light. But from the perspective of how much Dallas would have paid across four years since the trade?

$111 million. That's still just a $27.7 million average across four seasons.

Even if one were to look at new money from this point forward, excluding the rookie-deal 2025 salary, three franchise tags still comes up to $107.3 million across three years, or a $35.8 million average. That's steep, and clearly higher than Dallas may want to venture, but it's a year-by-year deal where there's never a commitment to future years.

Two tags? No brainer at $60 million total, $30 million per season. Would they love to spread out the cap hit across future seasons? Of course, but of all the teams who know how to manage the single-year big tag hit, it's the Cowboys.

The Cowboys can get off of the ride at anytime. They can allow Pickens to reach free agency next year, knowing his next contract would guarantee a shot at a top-100 pick in compensatory return. They can tag Pickens again next spring, have him return for 2027 or work out a trade for anything better than that comp pick; and the exchange would almost certainly be much, much better. They can even tag him a third time and keep him for 2028 if they are willing to carry that much cap hit for one player.

That isn't likely to be in the cards, but it does exist in the hand the Cowboys are holding.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Phase No. 3 complete, Cowboys now move forward with true Pickens eval

Does a viral image prove that Argentina-England referee Ismail Elfath "asked for a photo" with Argentina's captain Lionel Messi? No, that's not true: The photo was cropped to remove the captain of the opposing team, who was posing with Messi and the referees for a standard pre-match shot. The image was produced in 2022, before a different match played by Argentina and France.

The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on X where it was published by @TheFootyFeed on July 14, 2026. It opened:

So only one referee at this World Cup has asked for a photo with Lionel Messi at the end of a game, And that referee is the one that the FIFA chose to appoint for a World Cup semifinal... You could not make this shit up 🤦‍♂️

This is what the image attached to the post looked like on X at the time of writing:

Paired with the caption, the image could be misread as evidence that Argentina-England referee Ismail Elfath -- standing to Messi's left -- was actually "asking for a photo" with him during a Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup game.

In 2026, when the post reviewed in this fact check was published, Elfath was selected to officiate (archived here) the FIFA World Cup Argentina-England match (archived here) on July 15, 2026. However, the image did not show what the viral post claimed it did. The photo predated the game by roughly four years and was digitally cropped to remove additional context.

The full-size photo (archived here) could be found on Getty Images where it was published under the title:

Argentina v France: Final - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The description of the image continued:

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: referees and team captains from L-R: Tomasz Listkiewicz, Lionel Messi, Ismail Elfath, Szymon Marciniak, Hugo Lloris, Pawe Sokolnicki [sic] before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

(Image source: Screenshot of Getty Images website.)

A search across the same stock image database for similar pictures featuring captains of two competing teams with soccer officials showed that such pre-game photos are a standard part of documenting matches, as seen, for example, here (archived here) and here (archived here).

A Big Ten Network analyst believes Michigan State is the team to beat in the league this year.

National college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein posted his Big Ten preseason power rankings on Wednesday, which of course had the Spartans near the top. He had Michigan State at No. 2 in the league behind only Illinois. But a notable Big Ten Network analyst disagreed with that statement.

Rapheal Davis of the Big Ten Network responded to Rothstein's rankings with his own version of the top six teams, which was quite different. Notably for us Spartans, he had Michigan State at the top of the list, one spot ahead of rival Michigan.

You can see the complete post from Davis embedded below:

Michigan State
Michigan
Purdue
Illinois
Maryland
USC https://t.co/edveOz73cF

— Rapheal Davis (@RaphealDavis3) July 15, 2026

Michigan State has been ranked near the top of the nation in most polls I've came across this offseason. But most of those same polls have either Illinois or Michigan (or both) ahead of the Spartans among Big Ten teams. So seeing Davis place Michigan State as his top team in the league is definitely noteworthy.

At this point in the offseason, it's hard to truly know who will pan out and be the best in the league. But it definitely doesn't hurt to see Michigan State near the top of these lists. And in this case with Davis, as his preseason favorite to win the league.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: BTN analyst lists MSU hoops as favorite in Big Ten preseason rankings

We are entering one of the best times on the football calendar: training camps. But this also means that you are likely preparing for your home league's fantasy football draft, which is almost as beloved as the start of camp. We spend all this time researching, looking at rankings, and trying to decide the roster we want to target for week one. While Justin Jefferson is always a target, are there any late-round fliers worth taking?

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report went over ideal late-round quarterbacks to target in fantasy football drafts for 2026 and listed Kyler Murray at the top of the list. Murray currently sits as QB17 with an ADP of 112. Here is part of what Kay had to say:

At his best, Murray is a dynamic dual-threat weapon who can dissect defenses with his arm and rack up yardage and scores with his legs. He boasts a career 67.1 percent completion rate with 20,460 yards and 121 touchdowns through the air in 87 contests. Murray's scrambling ability is what truly separates him in fantasy football, as he's picked up 400-plus rushing yards and scored at least five touchdowns on the ground in each of the four seasons he missed three or fewer games during.

Although he's only being drafted as a backup in most leagues, Murray will have a legitimate shot at putting together his best season yet. He'll be working under a renowned quarterback whisperer in Kevin O'Connell while playing alongside some of the league's top pass-catching weapons such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings.

Yes, Murray is likely not going to be anyone's first quarterback taken. However, if you are in a 2QB league or playing with SuperFlex, Murray is a very good flier to take. He is surrounded by the most talented he has had, with the best offensive line and coaching staff to support him. If there was a time to find the old Murray, it's this year with the Minnesota Vikings.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings QB named among those who could be a value in fantasy

As we are now in the month of July, that means training camps are set to begin, and movement is about to begin in the NFL. Depth charts will shuffle, waivers will be used, and it all will lead to some new visions for teams developing.

Until then, we get to look at some final power rankings before all that shuffling begins. The latest we are looking at is from Bleacher Report's NFL department. They ranked the Bucs 16th after an offseason that was confusing, yet predictable, at times.

Their Brent Sobleski writes, "One way or another, 2026 is going to be a pivotal season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They looked like one of the top teams in the NFC early last season before a rash of significant injuries led to a late-season slide. . .Tampa will have to stay healthy, adequately replace its departed stars, and get the good version of Mayfield to reclaim its spot atop the NFC South. If those things don't happen, we could see significant changes next offseason."

The rest of the NFC South shaped up, with the Carolina Panthers being ranked 20th after their moves. The rest of the division has the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons being ranked 23rd and 26th, respectively.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Where does Bleacher Report rank the Bucs in their July Power Rankings?

Hall of Fame Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett is hosting the Las Vegas Summer League Film Festival this week. Starting on Thursday, July 16 and running until Saturday, July 18 at the Thomas and Mack center in the Strip View Pavilion in the thick of the annual NBA exhibition series action taking place in the great state of Nevada.

"This festival showcases projects from all aspects of life and the impact sports has on our society," notes the film festival's web page. "The Summer League Film Festival is not limited to basketball." KG is hyped about the event, sharing how it touches a personal aspect for him reaching all the way back to his youth in South Carolina.

To hear from the Big Ticket on why this event is such a big deal from the man himself, take a look at the clip embedded below.

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Boston Celtics icon Kevin Garnett is hosting the Las Vegas Summer League Film Festival

A former Spartans star had himself an impressive outing in the NBA Summer League on Wednesday.

Former Michigan State basketball guard Jase Richardson put up a stellar performance in his NBA Summer League matchup on Wednesday. Richardson scored 25 points on 10 of 15 from the field in the Orlando Magic's 97-92 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Richardson also finished the game with four assists, two rebounds and three steals.

Richardson is entering his second season in the NBA after being a first round pick by the Magic in the 2025 NBA Draft. He appeared in 54 games for the Magic this past season, averaging 4.4 points, 1.1 assists and 1.2 rebounds across 10.9 minutes per game.

Richardson played only one season with the Spartans, starring as a true freshman during the 2024-25 campaign. His stellar play helped lead Michigan State to a Big Ten championship and the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Jase Richardson today:

25 PTS
4 AST
2 REB
3 STLS
10/15 FG
3/5 3FG pic.twitter.com/1LNxAo1V4V

— Michigan State Hoops (@michsthoops) July 15, 2026

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Former MSU basketball guard stars in NBA Summer League action

The youngest sons of the late Dr. Jerry Buss could soon be branching out into sports ownership of their own.

According to a report from The Athletic, Joey and Jesse Buss are pursuing ownership of a team in NBA Europe through Buss Sports Capital, their business venture launched a year ago after they were both fired from their positions in the Los Angeles Lakers front office following the $10 billion purchase of the team by Mark Walter.

Per the report, the group has submitted multiple ownership bids in Manchester, England, and Lyon, France, while also keeping open the possibility of joining Luka Doncic and former Dallas Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson's bid for a team in Rome, Italy.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced plans for the NBA's European league in 2025 and reportedly hopes to begin play in 2027 with London, Manchester, Rome, Milan, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, Athens and Istanbul identified as potential cities for licensed teams. In addition to 12 permanent cities, the league also would have four annual qualifiers to put the number of teams competing in the league at 16.

Some markets have reportedly received bids of more than $1 billion.

“We’ve had tremendous interest from multiple cities in Europe, including cities that we didn’t even ask for bids from,” Silver told reporters on July 14 at the Board of Governors meetings in Las Vegas. “We discussed with our board that we’re in the process of finalizing those bids for an initial group of cities. Many of the people who are involved in those bids, the European bidders, are actually going to be in New York for the World Cup final on Sunday.

“Given their presence in New York, I would say we’re hoping to wrap up some of those deals over the next several weeks, and then announcements will be forthcoming.”

The Buss brothers also are reportedly considering a minority stake in the San Diego Padres under their new owners, José Feliciano and Kwanza Jones.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joey, Jesse Buss looking into NBA Europe ownership, per report

After defeating England in Wednesday's World Cup semifinal match, some of Argentina's players on the field dove into political discourse by unfurling a banner asserting that the "Malvinas are Argentine," when translated. It is a reference to the Falklands War from 1982 and a long-standing conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

It is this exact statement that may put Argentina in hot water with FIFA, the organization behind the World Cup.

According to The Athletic's Dan Sheldon, displaying this banner breaks a rule about political flags, slogans, and symbols being showcased for FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB), soccer's lawmakers. While any punishment would be pending review following official match reports, the door is open for a potential sanction on Argentina.

More from The Athletic:

At the time of this writing, it is unclear precisely what Argentina's punishment would be, if any. A safe assumption is that it likely wouldn't affect Sunday's World Cup Final against Spain, given the short turnaround, but we will have to see about a timeline as this situation unfolds.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: FIFA may punish Argentina for Falkland Islands banner ahead of Sunday's World Cup Final

The Golden State Valkyries have quietly become one of the best teams in the WNBA, putting the league on notice with a franchise-best, seven-game winning streak.

It's Year 2. The cat's out of the bag. This isn't just a new expansion team excited to take the court in front of thousands of fans. The Valkyries are a force to reckon with. A potential contender for the WNBA title.

In USA TODAY Sports' latest WNBA power rankings, the Valkyries lead the list, claiming the No. 1 spot, moving up from their previous second-place rank a week ago. While teams like the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces dominate the mainstream news cycle in the W, Golden State is tiptoeing around the conversation over who's the league's best.

"I think we're growing in terms of playing all four quarters. Number one, I think we're executing the game plan on both ends," Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase told reporters just before their game against the Indiana Fever on July 15. "So, attention to detail has been better. I wouldn't say it's at, like, a high level yet, and then our communication is solid, but it does drop sometimes. And so V (Veronica Burton) and Gabby (Williams), I would say even Kaitlyn (Chen) and (Tiffany Hayes), they're doing a great job."

The Valkyries improved their overall record to 17-7 after a 79-64 win against the Connecticut Sun on July 10. Golden State is 1.5 games back of the Minnesota Lynx for best record in the league (19-6). The Valkyries are tied at second with the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces.

They've been able to put together a nucleus that plays for each other, on both ends of the floor. The Valkyries make, and take, the most 3-point shots in the league, averaging 10.6 makes on 30.6 attempts. They rank fifth in 3-point shooting percentage at 34.6%, tied with the Portland Fire.

Defensively, they have the second-best defensive rating behind the Lynx (100.4). Golden State has the second-best plus/minus rating in the league with a +5.8 average margin. Golden State forced a season-best 20 turnovers in an 83-75 win over the Toronto Tempo on July 8. The Valkyries then bested that mark against the Connecticut Sun by forcing 22 turnovers in a 79-64 win on July 10.

"No, I think we do have an identity of toughness, grittiness, connectivity. I mean, those words kind of come to mind. I would say ultra-competitive, too," Nakase said to reporters after a June 9 win against the Phoenix Mercury.

Golden State is led by Gabby Williams, who leads the team averaging 15 points and 1.6 steals per game. Second-year forward Janelle Salaun is second on the team in points per game, averaging 13 per outing. She also ranks third in the W in most 3-point shots made with 62 total.

Veronica Burton averages 13.2 per game and leads the Valkyries in assists with 5.3 per game.

Kayla Thornton is the team's leading rebounder with 5 per game. Kiah Stokes is second in the WNBA with 1.8 blocks per game, behind Aces' All-Star center A'ja Wilson.

"I think, you know, we win these games because we have a strong depth," Thornton told reporters after their July 8 win against the Tempo. "Our bench players, I don't like calling them bench players, but you know, our other group, they do a tremendous job. ... It just flows. So I think they do a great job of coming in and doing what they have to do."

The Valkyries are a collective group of talent. There isn't one star player who's ahead of the rest. The Valkyries are made up of individuals who are selfless, and determine succuss based on the team's outcome. Depth is their superpower.

"We just got to continue to build. We still have a lot of growth that we need to learn from," Thornton said. "I think we're learning how to play through adversity. I think we're learning how to find our own energy. I think we're learning that it's gonna take each and every one of us each night to bring something."

The Valkyries will look to extend their winning streak to eight but to do so they have to take down the Indiana Fever. The Fever have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 14-9, led by Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark. Mitchell averages a team-high 22.7 points, while Clark puts up nightly numbers of 20.1 points and 7.8 assists.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Are the Golden State Valkyries for real? Inside success of second-year WNBA team

NEED TO KNOW

• Suni Lee revealed her gymnastics comeback was inspired by the feeling that she hadn’t reached her full potential in past Olympic games
• The gymnast kept her return to the sport a secret for two years while managing an incurable kidney disease
• Lee describes her journey as a “redemption tour” after winning gold and two bronze medals in Paris in 2024

Suni Lee is revealing the inspiration behind her incredible gymnastics comeback.

“Honestly, I just felt like I had so much more in the tank,” Lee tells PEOPLE on the red carpet at the 2026 EPSYS in New York City on Wednesday, July 15.

After she helped Team USA win gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lee — who was diagnosed with an incurable kidney disease in 2023 — took a step back from the sport. 

In reference to her diagnosis, Lee tells PEOPLE she feels that she wasn’t able to compete to her full potential during her last Olympics.

“I think this time around I want to give myself that chance,” she says. “I’m really excited to have my crew, and everybody following the journey.”

The remarks come after the 23-year-old Olympic gold medalist announced on Tuesday, July 14, that she’s returning to gymnastics in a video on Instagram captioned, “I’m back 🎬.”

In the video, Lee walked around a gym and declared, “I know what I’m capable of,” as a montage played of clips from her career over the years. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there,” Lee added. 

“This is more than a comeback, stay tuned,” the final screen read.

In regards to the Paris games, Lee described the event as a “redemption tour” when speaking with PEOPLE shortly after snagging another gold medal and two bronze. 

“This has been my redemption tour from the last Olympics, and I’ve been trying to give myself grace for not being, I guess fully back to normal Suni,” she said at the time. “But ever since I got sick, I feel like normal Suni is — she’s just a different girl now.”

Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!

As for a comeback? Lee now confirms the rumors that she’s kept it a secret for two years. 

“It’s definitely been difficult. I’ve been so excited about it. Obviously I want to get back in the gym and train and just be able to talk about it freely,” she tells PEOPLE at the ESPYS of keeping her comeback under wraps.

She adds, “I’m really happy that it’s out now and I can just talk about it.”

Read the original article on People

When the brackets for the upcoming Junior American Legion State Tournament were revealed on Wednesday, Greenbrier Post 69 was not there.

That may or may not have been expected, depending on perspective. Most programs find it a challenge to gain tangible success in their first year, particularly with a roster as young as the one Post 69 was putting on the field.

But, as the adage goes, success wasn’t necessarily measured by wins and losses. In regard to the main objective, the sentiment seems to be that the mission has been accomplished.

“We're really excited to have this opportunity, especially in Greenbrier County, to get something started up,” said coach Tanner McCallister. “The importance of it all is being able to transition from (high school) season, keep these guys together, help them grow, help them to develop; we’ve got a lot of young guys on this team. And just being able to work with them throughout the summer and set expectations for the upcoming season.”

Greenbrier East coach Cory Mann got the ball rolling on the team’s creation as a way to establish continuity after the high school season is complete.

“He approached a few of us about it,” McCallister said. “He's really excited about getting it going, just to continue keeping his guys together. He's got a really good attitude towards the community, and it's really bringing our community together. And that was pretty much his main focus on kind of getting things going.”

There is certainly talent all over the field for Post 69, but youth is obvious. Many of the players are coming off success at the Little League and middle school levels but have yet to log a high school inning.

Junior Legion teams are on the young end of the American Legion spectrum, but most players are veterans compared to Post 69.

“At least half of our team is rising freshmen, so they just got done playing their eighth grade season,” McCallister said. “We have a few returners from (Greenbrier East’s) season in the spring, so these guys are just really, really trying to piece it together and understand what high school baseball looks like.”

Just a few of the rising freshmen are Michael Boothe, who has shown big bat potential, Carter Huffman, a talented outfielder and left-handed pitching option, and Colton Dehaven, who led the team in runs scored and was a top base stealer with 13 in 15 attempts.

Post 69’s season finished with a 4-13 record after both scheduled doubleheaders this week were canceled. Not desirable results, but a foundation has been set.

“Of course, we'd like to win more and the boys would like to win more, but with it being the first year, I think we're just kind of rolling with the punches, just trying to keep things together,” McCallister said. “The main focus is just for us as coaches and as a community to develop good young men, get this thing going to where we can keep them together, have them focus on something that's important to them, and develop good, God-fearing, just good men.”

Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins is going to have a new look ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Dawkins told USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa at the 2026 ESPYs he was feeling "good" ahead of the upcoming season. The 32-year-old tackle acknowledged that was because of a key change he made for the campaign.

"I've told [everyone] in the world that this will be the lightest season that I ever play," Dawkins said.

Dawkins was listed as weighing 320 pounds by the Bills during the 2025 NFL season. The 6-5 tackle acknowledged he had dropped 45 pounds since his peak, though it wasn't clear whether his peak was his listed weight.

What was Dawkins' goal in dropping that weight?

"To play a little faster, play a little better because something is not getting us over that hump," Dawkins said. "So I want to be at the best that I could possibly be. So I said, (expletive) it, let's lose some weight."

Dawkins noted he was still confident in his athleticism playing at a heavier weight. Still, he thought changing things up could benefit the Bills as they seek the right combination to get the team to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.

"I am fast heavy," Dawkins explained, "but I might be just a little bit faster, lighter. And that might be what Josh [Allen] needs to get us over that hump."

Of course, Dawkins also detailed that Allen hadn't yet seen him at the lighter weight.

"He'll probably see me and be like, 'All right, Dion, it's time to eat a little bit,'" Dawkins said. "But I would rather have that than all right Dion's time to lose a little bit. So I'd rather start super light and see how it goes."

The good news for the veteran tackle? First-year Bills coach Joe Brady is on board with his plan to drop weight.

"If I come in lighter, I get a couple of the touchdown passes," Dawkins joked when asked about Brady. "So we'll see."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bills O-Lineman lost 45 pounds with one goal in mind, support Josh Allen

San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Jayden Quaintance underwent successful surgery on his right knee, the team announced on Wednesday.

Quaintance was limited to just four games last season at Kentucky after dealing with the effects of a torn ACL and meniscus suffered in February 2025 at Arizona State. He said after the draft that he was still managing some pain and would require another procedure.

The Spurs did their due diligence on the injury during the predraft process and were comfortable with his rehabilitation progress. They worked with his representation to determine the next step for him and will provide an update on his return as appropriate.

Before his injury setback, Quaintance averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals as a freshman in 24 games with the Sun Devils. He set freshman program records for blocked shots (63) and rebounds per game.

The 6-foot-10 forward was highly touted entering the draft because of his defensive skill set and size at 255 pounds. He also showcased a growing offensive game, but it was his rim protection, physicality and upside that stood out to the Spurs perhaps the most.

Quaintance will now begin recovery from surgery with the hope of putting the injury behind him for good. He is highly thought of by the team and has the potential to be an impact player.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Spurs rookie Jayden Quaintance undergoes surgery on right knee

In a vacuum, England manager Thomas Tuchel is right.

Despite a devastating collapse at the hands of Argentina in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday, England does, in fact, have a lot to be proud of. In case anyone wasn't aware, it is rather difficult to make it this far in the biggest tournament in professional sports! England's men's soccer team has only ever reached the final four of the World Cup on four occasions. Getting to this stage, even if you ultimately fall short of winning the World Cup, is extremely commendable because it seldom happens.

But rest assured: Taking the "moral victory" path after one of the most painful defeats in English soccer history will not be received well back in England.

In a post-match interview, Tuchel maintained that even in the heat of a tough loss, he was proud of what England achieved at the 2026 World Cup. As he should be. But as criticism about his questionable decision to sit back on defense against the reigning World Cup champions heats up, Tuchel also said he has "no regrets" and that England simply lost a big game to a great opponent. Uh, OK?

That's probably not what I would've said if I were in Tuchel's shoes:

"No regrets, the team gave everything and we were very, very close." 💔

England boss Thomas Tuchel reflects on their semi-final defeat to Argentina. pic.twitter.com/kWPFWe5eDF

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

It's a good thing the English media is notorious for taking it easy on public figures who screw up in spectacular fashion, and is likely not at all frothing at the mouth to take Tuchel to task for England's failure with the entire sporting world watching. (Holds hand to earpiece.)

Oh. Oh, no!

Keep Tuchel in your thoughts in the coming weeks. He's likely going to need all the support he can get.

Will England fire Thomas Tuchel after World Cup loss to Argentina?

Barring another historic collapse over the next couple of years, England is expected to, at the very least, hold on to Tuchel through the 2028 European Championships, when his current contract will expire. This was Tuchel's first World Cup as England's manager. Taking England to the World Cup semifinals on his first go-around earned him a lot of brownie points and goodwill, even if it didn't end in a trophy.

Who will England play for third place at the World Cup?

England is scheduled to play France for third place in the tournament at 5:00 p.m. Eastern this Saturday, July 18th. The match will take place in Miami.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Thomas Tuchel saying he doesn't have any regrets won't do him any favors with England

James Franklin’s Penn State tenure was defined by consistent regular-season success but disappointment in the biggest games. The team went just 4-17 against Michigan and Ohio State during Franklin’s 12 years with the team, but arguably his biggest win in that period came against the Buckeyes nearly a decade ago.

On Oct. 22, 2016, more than 100,000 fans packed Beaver Stadium and witnessed a classic game, where the Nittany Lions blocked a kick that would have put them down seven points and returned it for a touchdown to take the lead. This game is ingrained into the minds of all Penn State fans and supporters, but former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer doesn’t see it in the same light.

He revealed on his podcast that he believes a missed penalty was the real reason that Penn State won the game, along with his time mismanagement to bring the field goal unit on late.

Urban Meyer thinks the Block Six vs Penn State came from a missed penalty.@danWorthington@TheScriptOSUpic.twitter.com/LlzU9zt8Yv

— The Triple Option (@3xOptionShow) July 14, 2026

Meyer has given the Nittany Lions a lot of time and attention as of late, using his platform to discuss new coach Matt Campbell and what the next chapter of the team looks like. While his views have been mostly optimistic, this comment is sure to boil some blood in Penn State fans.

That win is the only time the team has taken down the Buckeyes in the last 15 years, and it was arguably the brightest moment of the Franklin era. Meyer’s team gave up 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and committed a memorable special teams mistake that let Penn State back into the game. Maybe there were some questionable aspects of the blocked field goal, but the Nittany Lions played well enough to win the game, and they did.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Urban Meyer offers excuse for Penn State’s 2016 win over Ohio State

The New England Patriots would probably love to have Kayshon Boutte on their roster for the 2026 season, but at the same time, they want to do right by the player.

Doing right by Boutte might mean shipping him to a different team entirely.

NFL insider Albert Breer has mentioned multiple times that Boutte could have been had for a fifth-round draft pick during the 2026 NFL Draft, but an offer never materialized for the team. Boutte sticking around after the Patriots acquired Romeo Doubs in free agency and A.J. Brown in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles would give the team one of the best receiver rooms in the NFL.

However, it would also put a cap on Boutte's opportunities in an offense where he'd probably be the No. 3 option, at best. That's a bad situation for a player hoping to run up the stat sheet and maximize his value after fulfilling the final year of his rookie contract.

"I think the plan all along has been to do right by Kayshon Boutte, and I think there was a realization when they went and traded for A.J. Brown," Breer said, via NBC Sports Boston. "That's not only bringing another receiver into the room. That's bringing an X-receiver in, and that's what Kayshon Boutte was. This, again, comes back to the climate within the building. It was so good last year, and it was such a good thing.

"Do you want a guy who now is about to play the most important season of his life, because this is where he gets the life-changing money, and you are basically screwing up his value? They've tried to do their best to find a new home for him. I've said it before, if somebody called them with a fifth-round pick over draft weekend, he's gone. Those offers just weren't there. I do think, eventually, he's going to be somewhere else."

All eyes will be on Boutte's status ahead of training camp.

Will a trade be on the horizon, or will he still be on the roster when the team returns to the practice field? More importantly, will he be willing to participate in practices if he's on the team?

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Latest update reveals likely plan for Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte

Joe Flacco and T.J. Watt have squared off just seven times during their respective careers. And in those games, the Pittsburgh Steelers star edge defender has only sacked Flacco one time. But Watt did get one of Flacco's biggest hits of his career last season while Flacco was the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Flacco is one of the quarterbacks on this season of Netflix's Quarterback and in the most recent episode, he recalled the huge hit Watt laid on him last season and didn't mince words about the play, even hinting that Watt might have laid a dirty hit on him.

Joe Flacco after a hit by TJ Watt:

"Man he fucked me up. He knew what he was doing too. Oh I think so, but he fucked me up. It was on my left side, but man the way he bent me up this area right here.”#steelerspic.twitter.com/1s2OzmKtKf

— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) July 15, 2026

The Steelers beat the Bengals in this game, 34-12. It was the battle of the backup quarterbacks as Mason Rudolph outdueled Flacco.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: QB Joe Flacco recalls huge hit from Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt

After losing 14 players to the transfer portal and having 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Texas A&M placed a major emphasis on hauling in some of the top talent in the nation to replace the production they lost.

Third-year head coach Mike Elko did just that by signing the No. 4 portal class in college football, which includes electric playmakers, physical linemen and powerful game-wrecking athletes who will look to make a splash in their first campaign donning the Maroon and White uniform.

In 2025, transfer standouts like KC Concepcion and Mario Craver helped lead the Aggies to their first 11-0 mark since 1992 and first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Here are three 2026 transfers who could make the biggest impact for Texas A&M this season:

1. Isaiah Horton (Alabama)

While Texas A&M's 2025 wide receiving corps featured no shortage of speed and elusiveness, the one aspect the Aggies lacked was a big-bodied wideout who could beat man coverage and be a massive vertical threat. At 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton could be exactly what the Aggies' offense needs in 2026.

Horton hauled in 42 receptions for 511 yards and eight touchdowns for the Crimson Tide last season, after spending his first three collegiate seasons with the Miami Hurricanes. The Nashville, Tennessee, native has the physical attributes and experience to be a breakout star for Texas A&M, alongside fellow Aggie wide receivers Mario Craver, Terry Bussey and Ashton Bethel-Roman.

If the 2025 Texas A&M WR group had one weakness, it was their lack of a big-bodied WRs who can be an outside man beater and grab 50-50 balls. New A&M WR Isaiah Horton can be that guy and led Alabama with eight receiving TDs in 2025. pic.twitter.com/Ui86ViPjcQ

— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) January 11, 2026

2. Anto Saka (Northwestern)

Northwestern transfer edge rusher Anto Saka could be one of the most underrated players in the conference entering the 2026 season. At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, he is a freakish athlete with elite speed and acceleration. Saka racked up 13 total tackles, three sacks and led the Wildcats with two forced fumbles during his junior campaign. Through three seasons with Northwestern, the powerful Baltimore, Maryland, native has recorded 41 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles.

It is difficult to replace such an elite talent like Cashius Howell, who had historic success last year with the Aggies, but Saka has all the tools to step up and be the anchor for Texas A&M's defensive unit this season.

Texas A&M’s new DE Anto Saka might be one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC this year and this is why ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ufWwGTxTry

— LandonTengwall (@LandonTengwall) March 6, 2026

3. Tyree Adams (LSU)

Texas A&M lost five of its six starting offensive linemen to the NFL Draft this offseason, putting the position as a top priority for Elko and company entering 2026. To replace that production, the Aggies dipped into the portal and signed former LSU left tackle Tyree Adams. Despite an ankle injury that sidelined him for some time in 2025, Adams has the versatility and physicality that Elko is looking to build his offense around. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed no sacks in 276 blocking snaps in his final season in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

His health is a factor to watch as he plays for the Maroon and White, but his athleticism and elite run-blocking could be a huge bright spot for the Aggies' offensive line this season.

Tyree Adams (#71) Texas A&M

✅ Has shown versatility by logging snaps at every spot except for center
✅ Arm length
✅ Fires off the ball as run blocker
✅ Good athleticism pic.twitter.com/b0AT5R4xVH

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) June 8, 2026

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M football's three most impactful transfers to watch in 2026

The Philadelphia 76ers have had a busy offseason with the additions of Jaylen Brown, Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons, and Ariel Hukporti while also selecting rookie Labaron Philon Jr. Now, they have their eyes on an even bigger name: LeBron James.

James, who is set to enter his 24th season in the league, averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 51.5% from the floor and 31.7% from deep. The future Hall of Famer would bring such a huge dynamic to the Sixers as an elite playmaker, scorer, and a larger-than-life personality.

VJ Edgecombe told reporters, per The Philadelphia Inquirer, on James:

“I like it,” Edgecombe said with a grin while visiting the Sixers’ Summer League practice in Las Vegas. “It’s LeBron James. At the end of the day, despite how old he is, he’s still, to me, the greatest player of all time. If I get to play alongside LeBron, that would be amazing.

“Obviously, we know the goal — if we get LeBron or not — is a championship. So if we do get him, I’m happy. If we don’t, I’m still happy."

If James and the Sixers can come to an agreement, then it would be a huge lift for Philadelphia. He is one of the best players still in the game and he has a great relationship with Tyrese Maxey, President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey, and Edgecombe.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers' VJ Edgecombe gives thoughts on possibly adding LeBron James

The raucous energy quieted for about 20 minutes at the Parkville Market in Hartford after Anthony Gordon scored the opening goal for England in Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina.

But the Argentina fans, hundreds gathered to form the overwhelming majority in the food hall, would soon return to banging their drums and blowing their horns, singing and jumping around.

“This feels like home!” one Buenos Aires native, who moved to Glastonbury in 2019, yelled out after the full-time whistle secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory and sent the reigning World Cup champions back to the final.

The equalizer came in the 85th minute, off the boot of Enzo Fernandez from outside of the box. Lautaro Martínez netted the winner off of a deflection in the second minute of stoppage time and the scene in Hartford couldn’t have gotten louder.

Argentina will look to become the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups when it meets Spain at Metlife Stadium on Sunday.

And a large group of supporters will be back at the Parkville Market, where food from around the world and drinks are readily available. The food hall has hosted watch parties for every game of the World Cup, garnering its largest crowds for the U.S. national team and the several South American nations that make up a large part of Hartford’s demographic.

“It’s been great, it’s fantastic. We are a place that has food from all different cultures, what better place to watch the World Cup?” said Ashley McHugh, Parkville Market’s director of events and programming.

On Wednesday, it was impossible to look in any direction without seeing multiple Lionel Messi jerseys. And, until England scored the first goal, it was just as hard to find anyone representing the Three Lions.

“Anyone but Argentina,” said Emily Baldino, a Hartford-area native who wore a New York Red Bulls jersey as she watched the opening goal from the second level, which overlooked the Argentinian crowd, with friends Alice Bidoae (representing Arsenal) and Simone Locasto. “I was cheering for the U.S. … Then we were rooting for France to win before they got knocked out. But as long as it’s not Argentina, I don’t care who it is.”

But England “parked the bus.” And its defensive strategy failed to stifle Argentina’s championship form forcing Baldino to go home unhappy.

Downstairs, the sea of blue and white cheered with every defensive stand and got even louder on the counter attack. Heads dropped in hands with every English save, and then the faithful stood on chairs whenever momentum turned.

“There was never a doubt,” said German Gebhard, another Buenos Aires native who came to the U.S. just a few days ago with his wife and young son, Tomas, to visit his mother-in-law in Connecticut. He heard about the watch party after asking ChatGPT – the first result was a dud, but the backup plan was a hit.

“We’re from Ecuador, but we love Argentina. We love Messi,” said Albert Sanchez, a Naugatuck native who brought his wife, brother and two older kids to the watch party, all of them representing the game’s greatest player. “He’s a genius as a soccer player.”

Messi didn’t add to his World Cup goal record – which stands at 21 for his career, eight in this tournament alone – but he assisted on both of the Argentinian goals Wednesday, including a world-class cross to set up Martinez’ game-winning header at the back post.

Spain, which advanced after beating France, 2-0, on Tuesday, is a slight favorite heading into the final.

“I think that we have a better team than the one that we had the last World Cup, so finger’s crossed,” Gebhard said.

The FHSAA revealed the set-up for its new Independent Football League on Wednesday and at first glance, it appears that Windermere and Mount Dora Christian are likely favorites in the two-tiered lineup.

The new league, which consists of teams that declared their intention to compete separate from that of the FHSAA district competition, will compete for postseason play from within two “Pools.” Pool A (teams with more than 900 enrollment) and Pool B (teams with less than 859) are divided into North and South divisions in each.

The teams will vie for 16 playoff spots, eight in each division, and the postseason qualifiers will be determined by the MaxPreps power rankings. The seasons will culminate with championship games at The Villages on Dec. 4. Schools are not limited to regular-season competition within the new Independent League, although some independent teams are limited in scheduling, like some teams within Orange County Public Schools. Independent OCPS schools must face at least seven OCPS Independent foes. Windermere is excluded, and will only face one independent team — Orlando Freedom — this season.

FHSAA’s revised football classification adds new-look independent league

The other OCPS Independent teams are Colonial, Cypress Creek, Innovation, Lake Buena Vista, Oak Ridge and University.

Windermere, led by fifth-year coach Riki Smith, will be putting its 20-game winning streak on the line as it heads into a season full of much more difficult competition, with the likes of 2025 playoff teams Edgewater, Dr. Phillips, St. Cloud and Winter Park on the schedule. Based on rankings from the end of last season, Windermere enters as the highest-ranked team in the Independent Pool A.

The Wolverines, coming off back-to-back 10-0 seasons, were ranked 111 at the end of last season, and were the highest-ranked team among all of the 78 Independent League teams.

Smith is quick to point out, however, that those are last year’s numbers and with the ramped-up schedule this season, things could be a lot different for the Wolverines.

“I think it’s part of the growth process, maturation process here at Windermere High. We’re playing a really tough schedule,” Smith said. “I told the players this week that true growth comes from adversity,” Smith said. “Adversity is coming. Hard is coming. So, just embrace the moment and we’re gonna attack it one day at a time and the goal is to qualify for the postseason.”

He does know, however, that the upgraded schedule will give Windermere an added boost in the rankings due to its schedule strength.

“I think it’s part of the growth process or maturation process for Windermere football,” Smith said. “If you look back to my first year, we were 2-8. We’re just building and you can’t skip steps. This is the next step.

“I’m excited now that it’s official. I’ve always wanted the players to have an opportunity to play in the postseason, and we’re thankful for that,” said. Smith, who’s back-to-back 10-0 teams did not have postseason options the past two years. “I’m thankful for that.”

Smith said the team’s hashtag for this season is #TheOcean.

“I told the kids we were in the Butler Chain (of Lakes) and we ate all the fish in the Butler Chain,” Smith said. “Now, they’re taking the shark out of the Butler Chain and dropping it in the ocean. The difference between the lake and the ocean is that there’s carnivores in there, there’s high tides, the temperature of the water changes, you can’t see the land, you don’t know what’s beneath you, so for us moving forward, it’s a challenge.

“I just told the kids to think of it as an opportunity to (face) these elite teams and become battle-tested and then qualify for the Independent playoffs.”

Mount Dora Christian finished last season 12-2 and with the second-highest ranking of all Independent teams at 143 and is the highest-ranked team among those in Pool B.

The Bulldogs moved back into FHSAA play after three seasons in the Sunshine State Athletic Association, in which they played for the 11-man championship a year ago. MDCA lost to Jupiter Christian in the final 41-19.

Fifth-year coach Kolby Tackett likes the new league, which was a big reason why the Bulldogs opted to return to FHSAA play, although he still said he thinks the separation by enrollment is an antiquated philosophy.

“I think throwing out enrollment as a measuring stick and just using MaxPreps rankings, in my opinion, that probably would have provided a little bit better competitive balance,” Tackett said. “I don’t think your enrollment dictates how good you are. Like First Academy is a 2A school by enrollment, but they can beat anybody in the state any given day.

“Enrollment is not what it used to be. In the transfer world, it’s a lot different.”

He did, however, say he thought the association did a good job dividing the teams based on its criteria.

“They did decide to go with (enrollment) and, yeah, I thought it was good. I think they did a good job listening to the needs,” Tackett said. “We’re really excited about it because we’re back under the FHSAA umbrella, which ultimately, is what we wanted to be. That was the easy motivator for us.”

Tackett welcomes the target on the Bulldogs backs, although he said it doesn’t really change things for his team.

“We definitely noticed that and I also know there are a lot of teams who might have a lower ranking, but I know what they’ve done this offseason and I know the kids they’ve brought back and developed, so I expect a few more teams to be cranked up and ready to go,” Tackett said. “I don’t put a lot of stock into (the rankings). You gotta play the games to figure out where you are.

“It’s been a change of pace here. We’ve always embraced the hunt and now I guess we’re more of the hunted. It’s been a shift in thinking but we don’t change up what we do. We’re kind of boring.”

Like Windermere, MDCA has also had a good run. Tackett is 49-20 at MDCA heading into his seventh season.

“Mount Dora Christian presented a really good picture here of what I felt was like Tennessee and Georgia, to where we have alignment. My president wants football to be good, and our head of school wants football to be good,” Tackett said of one of the smaller schools in the FHSAA, with about 270 enrollment 9-through-12. “It’s a team effort to be able to continue to have success. We take pride in that we’ve got 55 guys out for varsity football right now and 45 out for JV. Our numbers have never been better.

“Our goal is to have every boy at our school playing football and we’re dang near close to it.”

Tackett also takes pride in his ability to keep kids around, which is a huge task in this transfer era.

“In the last four years here at Mount Dora Christian, we have not lost a kid to a transfer,” Tackett said of his 17 fourth-year seniors. “We’ve added some kids, but we have not lost a single kid to a transfer.”

Chris Hays can be found on X.com@OS_ChrisHays.

Does LeBron James migrating back to the Eastern Conference have any implications on the reigning champion Knicks? The answer hinges largely on The Decision 2.0, where LeBron chooses what could be the final destination in one of the greatest careers in NBA history.

James’ timeline is unclear, but the rest of the 2026 NBA free agency process is in a holding pattern as the now ex-Los Angeles Laker sorts through the options available for the fourth — and possibly final — stop of his Hall of Fame career.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors are among the Western Conference teams listed on his agent Rich Paul’s infamous whiteboard — the canvas of choice used to list all of LeBron’s free agency options in a recent episode of Paul’s Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman.

That whiteboard, however, also featured three Eastern Conference teams angling to dethrone the Knicks and win the East for a chance to secure the 2027 NBA title. There’s a real chance James, in Year 24 at age 42, chooses one of those three team — and tips the balance of power in a conference expected to be even more competitive next season.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

The Knicks just ended a 53-year NBA championship drought. There are five more teams who haven’t won in 40 or more years. The 76ers are one of them.

And since LeBron can’t end New York’s championship drought, the Sixers offer an opportunity to restore a starved basketball market in one of the country’s biggest sports cities.

LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers would feed families — because he’d be joining a star-studded cast of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown — who was stunningly acquired for Paul George and picks in a deal with the Boston Celtics — and V.J. Edgecombe.

The Knicks have a stacked starting five. If the Sixers were to add LeBron — a four-time champion, four-time MVP, three-time Olympic gold medalist and 22-time All-Star — they could easily have one of the best five-man lineups in NBA history, even with James in the twilight of his storied career.

But Embiid’s health is perpetually in question. Edgecombe is only in his sophomore season. Brown, even with a Finals MVP in his name, has much to prove after an embarrassing trade out of Boston. Maxey is a problem, but James may need to shoulder a load far greater than his 42-year-old frame can handle to life Philadelphia into the euphoria New York City experienced this summer.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

The fairytale ending is always going back where it all started, the kid from Akron, Ohio delivering one last title before sailing off into the sunset.

The Cavaliers made the Eastern Conference Finals. They were swept, however, by the Knicks — and a 42-year-old LeBron doesn’t solve the problems sure to plague Cleveland in their ensuing playoff runs. The Cavaliers do have an in: Brandon Weems, Cleveland’s assistant general manager and a longtime friend of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. The Cavaliers could also explore trade possibilities with James Harden, who is an unrestricted free agent also in a holding pattern while LeBron makes his decision. Paul said on his Game Over podcast his superstar client was a big fan of Darius Garland, who the Cavs traded away to the Los Angeles Clippers for Harden in the first place.

But home is where the heart is. Sometimes. LeBron has another home to choose from — a team capable of presenting far greater problems than a cast led by Harden and Donovan Mitchell.

MIAMI HEAT

This is where things get dicey in New York. Because the Heat present a unique opportunity for LeBron to sit in the passenger’s seat. In Miami, The King would be the third option to a two-time MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo and a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate who just set a new record for second-most points in a single game (83) in Bam Adebayo.

The Heat also have Andrew Wiggins, who can still play at a high level on both ends of the floor. Their size and spacing — and Giannis, of course — would pose instant problems for the Knicks, who lost Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti and will be leaning largely on Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Andre Drummond as their paint presence this season.

The Heat also have Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr. Nikola Jovic and Simone Fontecchio provide quality depth. Plus Pelle Larsson had his breakout season averaging 11 points in his sophomore NBA season.

And unlike the 76ers, who worry nightly about Embiid’s playing status, the Heat tend to be healthy at the right time.

The Cavaliers have the hometown edge. The 76ers might have the most promise. But if LeBron returns to South Beach, it’s the Heat who’d have the best chance of the three to make a run at the Knicks’ throne.

It’s why no one’s moving a muscle until James makes his decision. Almost a quarter-century into his playing career, The King still has moves on the chessboard. And his move has direct implications at Madison Square Garden.

The American League All-Stars dominated the National League yet again on Tuesday, July 14, winning 4-0 and earning their 11th victory of the last 13 Midsummer Classics.

With that out of the way, attention turns to the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 3. With less than a month away, the time has come for teams to decide whether they will buyers or sellers.

Some teams have obviously already fallen into one of those categories. The Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels are too far out of contention to be buying at this point, but each of those teams have great players that contenders would love to have for the remainder of the season.

Superstars such as Byron Buxton, back-to-back Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and All-Star closer Mason Miller have all emerged as likely trade candidates. And of each them would instantly elevate any team they joined.

Here are our rankings of the top 10 MLB trade deadline targets:

Power ranking the ten best MLB trade deadline targets

Honorable mentions: 2B Luis Arraez, 3B Matt Chapman, RHP Casey Mize, SS CJ Abrams, RHP Sonny Gray, 1B Willson Contreras, LHP Josh Hader, RHP Jose Soriano, RHP Michael Wacha, LHP Robbie Ray, RHP Freddy Peralta

10. UTIL Casey Schmitt, Giants

Schmitt has burst onto the scene in 2026, offering solid offense and capable defense at a variety of positions. In just 2026 alone, the 27-year-old has played in the outfield and at every position on the infield. Couple that versatility in the field with 19 home runs and an OPS over .800 and that's a very solid player that any team would love to have.

Schmitt will enter his first year of arbitration in 2027, meaning he could be under team control for the next three years, albeit at likely increasing cost.

2026 stats: .280/.308/.497, 19 HR, 50 RBI, 1.6 bWAR, 126 OPS+

9. LHP Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox

Even at 38 years old, Aroldis Chapman is showing that he can still be an incredibly valuable arm. Chapman is in the midst of his second consecutive All-Star season and has recorded a 2.20 ERA with 19 saves through the first half.

While Chapman's price tag is hefty, this is an arm that could be worth it for the postseason. Not only has Chapman won two World Series in his career, but he's boasted an outstanding 2.30 ERA in the playoffs since 2016.

2026 stats: 2.20 ERA, 19 saves, 2.40 FIP, 11.3 K/9

8. LHP Reid Detmers, Angels

Detmers' 4.38 ERA is not indicative of what he brings to the table. He is a great strikeout pitcher with a remarkable offspeed arsenal. His 3.35 FIP and 3.38 xERA point that he has been rather unlucky this year.

The biggest issue with a potential Detmers trade is the likely cost. Reports indicate that the Angels will be looking for a package similar to what the Tigers would get for Tarik Skubal, the reigning back-to-back American League Cy Young winner. That price could drive several teams away.

That said, Detmers still has two years of arbitration left, meaning he could be a top of the rotation arm that costs a fraction of what Skubal does.

2026 stats: 3-6, 4.39 ERA, 3.35 FIP, 10.2 K/9

7. OF Jung Hoo Lee, Giants

A classic top-of-the-lineup bat, Lee offers remarkable contact skills, serviceable outfield defense, and low but enough pop to the gaps to be worth his price tag of $21 million/year over the next three seasons. He's currently experiencing his best season in the bigs and is entering his prime at 27 years old.

His high batting average and low strikeout rate make for a combination that any team could use to produce runs, and moving him out of Oracle Park could see his offensive numbers improve.

2026 stats: .302/.333/.429, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 116 OPS+

6. RHP Joe Ryan, Twins

An underrated arm in the big leagues for years now, Ryan is on a rather team-friendly contract with potentially another year under team control. The draw is obvious. Only six qualified pitchers have a better strikeout-to-walk ratio. His 2.85 ERA is far and away the best of his career, and he's still just 30 years old.

Ryan is a front-line starter on a team known for having enormous fire sales at the deadline. Ryan isn't just a likely candidate to be traded, he's a candidate that will draw numerous suitors and a hefty haul.

2026 stats: 6-5, 2.85 ERA, 2.77 FIP, 10.4 K/9

5. SS Jeremy Peña, Astros

Although Peña can be inconsistent when it comes to pitch selection, his plus defense and solid power/speed combo makes him an enticing option for any team struggling to find offensive production at shortstop. That said, there is a chance that the Astros hold onto Peña.

The Astros are still holding onto hope that they can contend for a World Series title despite lacking the roster to do so. Their farm system is also atrocious, meaning a trade of this magnitude could do their future good. Will they actually pull the trigger though? That's yet to be seen.

2026 stats: .287/.347/.426, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 116 OPS+

4. C Ryan Jeffers, Twins

Any time a team can find value behind the plate, it provides them with a massive advantage over their opponent. The New York Yankees are the first team that comes to mind when considering who could be interested in grabbing Jeffers' services. After all, their catchers have combined for -1.1 Wins Above Average, per Baseball Reference, good for 27th in MLB.

Jeffers' .538 slugging from behind home plate would give the Yankees' offense a massive boost almost immediately. Well, it would give any offense a huge boost immediately.

2026 stats: .292/.404/.538, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 160 OPS+

3. OF Byron Buxton, Twins

When healthy, Byron Buxton is one of the best center fielders in baseball, providing an immaculate power-speed combo and incredible defense at one of the sport's toughest positions. The three-time All-Star may be 32 years old and carry a history of injury problems, but he has played in atleast 100 games in two straight years and is on pace to do so again in 2026.

At just over $15 million a year and with team control through the 2028 season, Buxton would be an absolute steal if he can remain healthy through the rest of his contract.

2026 stats: .271/.328/.575, 25 HR, 45 RBI, 146 OPS+

2. RHP Mason Miller, Padres

It's hard to determine a definitive best player at any position, but Mason Miller might be as close to a unanimous selection as anyone. Undeniably one of the premier closers in baseball, Miller boasts electric stuff. His Baseball Savant page is littered with deep red. He's in the upper echelon of pitchers in every single countable stat with a fastball averaging more than 101 mph.

Of course, the question is whether or not the Padres are going to be willing to sell Miller. The Padres have said that they are unlikely to ship their All-Star closer elsewhere, but they have admitted to being open to the idea. That alone will be enough to get a myriad of calls as the deadline approaches.

2026 stats: 0.91 ERA, 25 saves, 0.53 FIP, 16.3 K/9

1. LHP Tarik Skubal, Tigers

What needs to be said about someone who has won back-to-back Cy Young Awards? While Skubal will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, he's done more than enough to prove how valuable he could be to a franchise looking to make a final push into the postseason. He's a pitcher that gives your team an indescribable advantage every time he steps onto the field.

While 2026 has seen Skubal deal with some injuries, he still boasts a remarkable 3.09 ERA and 3.06 FIP. He's also boasting the best strikeout-to-walk ratio of his career.

2026 stats: 5-5, 3.09 ERA, 3.06 FIP, 10.6 K/9

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: MLB trade deadline: Ranking the best trade targets for contenders

Argentina face the prospect of disciplinary action from Fifa after their players celebrated the World Cup semi-final win against England with a banner in support of their country's claims to the Falkland Islands.

The defending world champions produced a dramatic late comeback in Atlanta, scoring twice to defeat Thomas Tuchel's side 2-1 and book a showdown with Spain in Sunday's final.

After the final whistle, Argentina players celebrated while holding a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which translates as "The Falklands are Argentine".

The Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, remain the subject of a sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina.

The two nations went to war over the group of islands, situated 300 miles off Argentina's east coast, from April to June 1982.

The 74-day conflict led to the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen. Three people from the islands also died.

In 2014, Fifa fined the Argentine Football Association £20,000 after its players held up a banner with the same message before a friendly against Slovenia.

World football's governing body said the gesture had breached rules on political action and team misconduct.

• 'That's why he's the king' - Messi sets up third World Cup final

After Wednesday's victory, Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel posted on X, writing "it wasn't just another match" alongside a video of what appeared to be Argentine soldiers.

"The Falklands are Argentine," Villarruel posted. "They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts."

In the build-up to the game, Villarruel had said the semi-final was "about putting the invaders in their place".

Argentina players also sang chants which referenced the Falklands and Argentina greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi following their dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16.

However, before the semi-final, manager Lionel Scaloni had said he was "not going to mix" football and politics.

"The reality is that this is a football match. I can't mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago," Scaloni had said.

"It was a very sad period in our history, and there isn't much we can do about it, that's the reality.

"Things are happening elsewhere in the world, and we criticise the existence of war. We certainly remember those people, of course. But it is a football match - we shouldn't confuse the two."

The semi-final, which England lost to late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, was held under increased security measures because of the historical tensions between the two nations.

• 'Passive' and 'crumbled' - did Tuchel's defensive tactics cost England?
• 'The change didn't work' - England player ratings
• When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sport

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray said she hopes "people will think twice now" before spreading hate after a Hilton Grand Vacations employee was terminated for directing a racial slur towards Gray online.

"Enough is kind of enough," Gray said on Wednesday, July 15, in her first media availability since coming forward about the racial abuse she received on social media. "These messages are not the first of its kind. There was other stuff too ... It was just time. I got fed up with it and I just decided to share it."

Gray said she's experienced a wave of emotions since "putting myself out there" to shed light on the harassment some Black WNBA players regularly face. She hoped making the slur public would give a realistic look at what she and others experience, "so people can see it and can't ignore it," she said

"The hate directed at me and so many other Black athletes is one of the many ways systemic racism shows up in our lives," Gray wrote in a social media post shared on Wednesday afternoon. "But as athletes, there is real power in calling it out and naming it, and we have a real opportunity to create change collectively when we do so."

More: Las Vegas Aces issue statement in support of Chelsea Gray decrying hate

More: Mercury's Alyssa Thomas calls for WNBA to protect all players after death threats

View this post on Instagram

On Monday, Gray shared a screenshot of an Instagram message she received following the Aces' 109-75 loss to the Indiana Fever on Sunday. She captioned the Instagram Story, "People act like we just make this (stuff) up. And the audacity to tell us as athletes to 'shut up and dribble.'"

The man responsible for the racial slur was quickly identified by fans, prompting Hilton Grand Vacations to open an investigation. By Tuesday evening, the hotel chain announced the man had been fired for violating company policies.

On Wednesday, Gray said it was "really cool" to see everyone rally her around her in a positive way. She added "moments like this remind me of how much strength there is in people coming together."

"The overwhelming messages and everything that I got from people and their support and them sending emails, them messaging me and actually trying to find the person that actually said it. I was just like, it was really cool to see a bunch of athletes, a bunch of people and just human decency to see people coming together," Gray said.

Gray isn't the first WNBA player to come forward about racial abuse this season.

After Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received a one-game suspension for "recklessly" making contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during the Phoenix Mercury's 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever on June 24, Thomas said she was on the receiving end of death threats, racial slurs and online abuse.

"I think the biggest thing is it's just about our safety. We're so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we're having people threatening our lives," Thomas said on June 30. "At some point the league needs to (take) a stand on it. … I'm sick and tired of it and it's time for (the league) to step up and have our backs.

Following Thomas' comments, Engelbert issued a statement that says the league "vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate."

“The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority," Engelbert said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”

The league issued another statement on Wednesday in light of the incident with Gray.

"The WNBA fully supports the Las Vegas Aces' statement and stands with Chelsea (Gray) and every member of our league. We unequivocally condemn racism and all forms of hate. There is no place for this behavior in sports or anywhere, and we remain committed to protecting the players and fostering an environment built on respect and inclusion."

Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news —  Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aces' Chelsea Gray hopes people 'think twice' after man who sent slur was fired

Spurs rookie forward Jayden Quaintance underwent surgery to repair meniscus damage in his right knee, the team announced Wednesday. The 19-year-old Quaintance, whom the Spurs selected with the 20th overall pick in last month's NBA draft, came to the club with a history of knee issues.

San Antonio Express-News

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Spurs first-rounder Jayden Quaintance undergoes meniscus surgery

The Spurs were aware of the looming meniscus procedure when they drafted the 6-foot-9, 253-pound big man. "We do our homework and we've got a great medical team that's very thorough in their analysis and process," general manager Brian Wright said. "We spent time with his representatives going through where he is in his rehabilitation process and what the options are. We got comfortable about what that looks like today and then the long-term prognosis as well." The Spurs provided no specific timetable for Quaintance's recovery.

San Antonio Express-News

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The Spurs were aware of the looming meniscus procedure …

During an appearance on ESPN Radio on Wednesday, Jalen Brunson revealed he began feeling discomfort in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Cavaliers. “There wasn’t a play I remember it happening,” Brunson said. “I just remember being at the free-throw line in the third or fourth quarter of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. My wrist was starting to feel weak. I was like, ‘Where is this coming from?’ From that point on, I was trying to figure out what was going on, and how I can push through, because I wasn’t going to get anything done during that time.”

New York Post

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jalen Brunson revealed he began feeling discomfort in …

Brunson recently underwent surgery to repair a tendon issue in his left hand and wrist, The Post reported July 7. The timeline then was six to eight weeks. “I’m good,” Brunson said. “It’s obviously going to take a little bit of time.”

New York Post

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “I’m good,” Brunson said. “It’s obviously going to …

The Arizona Cardinals have 14 opponents in 2026. Their Week 17 opponents are the Las Vegas Raiders, whom they face at State Farm Stadium. The Raiders, like the Cardinals, went 3-14 in 2025. They fired their coaching staff, traded their starting quarterback, acquired a veteran and selected a quarterback first overall in the 2026 NFL draft.

In a new episode of the podcast, as part of the opponent preview series, Raiders Wire lead writer Levi Damien joined me to preview the Raiders.

We spoke about their 2025 season, the coaching change, their moves in free agency, their selections in the draft and expectations for the 2026 season. We also find out what Raiders fans view that Week 17 matching with the Cardinals.

• (1:00) The Raiders' 2025 season - what went well and not so well
• (14:40) Hiring Klint Kubiak, moves in free agency and 2026 NFL draft picks
• (27:09) Expectations for the Raiders in 2026

Enjoy the show!

Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 2026 Arizona Cardinals opponent preview: Las Vegas Raiders offseason

ROGGEN, Colo. – What’s it like to play an event with The Forecaddie Collective? For 44 members of the collective at Rodeo Dunes this week, it meant great golf on one of the best new courses to open in years, then even more great golf for a dozen hardy players who went back out for a bonus 18. 

Rodeo Dunes was designed by the dream team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and it hasn’t officially opened yet. No worries for The Forecaddie Collective, which had exclusive access for the day. Even on a summer day when temperatures broke 100 near Denver, a rustic course this strong keeps players swinging among the amazing sand dunes.

Want to join The Forecaddie Collective for the next event? We’ll tee it up at Streamsong’s new Bone Valley course, designed by David McLay Kidd, on Sept. 19 in Florida. And just like Rodeo Dunes, Bone Valley isn’t even fully open yet. The Forecaddie Collective members also will have the opportunity to play more rounds at Streamsong before or after Bone Valley. 

View this post on Instagram

Join The Forecaddie Collective for free this year, then just pay for the events you want to play. Registration is open to all. We hope to see you at Streamsong (register here). Until then, enjoy these photos of The Forecaddie Collective’s day at Rodeo Dunes. 

Jason Lusk is Golfweek's travel and golf course architecture editor, as well as the magazine's creative director. He has written for and designed Golfweek for more than two decades.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: What's it like to play Rodeo Dunes with the Forecaddie Collective?

Jan Blachowicz can't believe the shape fellow former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill is in.

Hill (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) has decided to move up to heavyweight after three straight losses, most recently a unanimous decision to Khalil Rountree at UFC on ABC 8 last June.

A couple of weeks ago, videos emerged of a visibly out-of-shape Hill, who underwent knee surgery in the last quarter of 2025.

"Did you see how fat he is right now? So I'm not impressed," Blachowicz told Home of Fight of Hill. "We're going to see how he's going to move. I've had a lot of injuries and surgeries, and I've never looked so bad like him. So, he just eat a lot of sh*t, I think."

😭😳 Jan Blachowicz calls Jamahal Hill ‘fat’ and says he ‘eats a lot of shit’

“Did you see how fat he is right now? So I’m not impressed

I’ve had a lot of injuries and surgeries and I’ve never looked so bad like him, so he just eat a lot of shit I think.”

(via @Home_of_Fight… pic.twitter.com/F54u1rdlpy

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 14, 2026

Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA, 12-8-2 UFC) was scheduled to rematch Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 283 on Aug. 1 in Serbia after they battled to a majority draw in December at UFC 323. However, Guskov was pulled to replace Khalil Rountree against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Fight Night 282 on July 25 in Abu Dhabi, as Blachowicz awaits a new opponent.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jan Blachowicz on Jamahal Hill's physique: 'Did you see how fat he is?'

USMNT forward Folarin Balogun has revealed that he knew the decision to suspend his World Cup red card punishment would spark controversy.

The dismissal came during his team’s Round of 32 match against Bosnia, with the striker still insisting that the decision was incorrect.

The controversy surrounding the red card has largely centered on U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he intervened to have the suspension lifted. His claim has since prompted a complaint from human rights group FairSquare, which alleges that FIFA may have breached its rules on political neutrality.

Folarin Balogun Saw Controversy Coming After Trump’s Claim

Speaking with “CBS Mornings” recently, Folarin Balogun shared his feelings about seeing his Round of 32 red card suspension lifted after Trump allegedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to intervene.

He told host Gayle King that his initial reaction was happiness at being back in the team. However, that changed when he began reflecting on Trump’s claim and its possible implications.

“When I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy,” the soccer star said. “And I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves, because it’s something that is so unique.”

Donald Trump Admitted Calling FIFA Over Balogun’s Red Card

Balogun received the red card during the match against Bosnia, but his one-match suspension was suspended for one year, allowing him to feature in the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

Trump was later questioned about the decision during an interview at the White House, where he launched into a rant that began with criticism of the refereeing decision.

“I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports and who was a good athlete. I understand sports really well. And that wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction,” Trump said, adding that the on-field incident was merely “two guys running with speed who happened to crash into each other.”

He then admitted that he had called Infantino and shared details of their conversation.

“All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, ‘you have to do this.’ This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino,” Trump continued.

FIFA Former President Sepp Blatter Slammed Trump’s Intervention

The suspension of Balogun’s red card following Trump’s alleged intervention sparked criticism from sporting bodies, fans, and respected officials.

Sepp Blatter, the predecessor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was among those who weighed in, delivering a scathing assessment on his X account.

“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote on July 6. “They are overturned by rules, evidence, and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President, and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match, the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?”

“Football must never become a playground for political power,” he further remarked.

UEFA Labeled FIFA’s Folarin Balogun Decision ‘Unjustifiable’

UEFA, one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, also released a statement online calling the decision “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”

“Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option,” UEFA remarked.

The organization also argued that the decision put the integrity of the competition at risk, as similar cases would now be required to receive equal treatment.

“When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake, and the credibility of a competition is undermined,” the statement read.

Folarin Balogun Maintains His Red Card Was Undeserved

Despite the controversy caused by the decision to suspend his punishment, Balogun remains adamant that he was wrongly penalized.

“I was in shock. It wasn’t even a tackle,” the Arsenal academy product said, referencing his challenge on Bosnia player Tarik Muharemovic. “I was totally in shock; I think you could see my reaction, but I just had to accept the decision and just try to be there for my team.”

“When something’s not intentional, it should never be a red card, so it was just an unfortunate situation, and I think it put a lot more pressure on us than we needed,” he added.

For now, scrutiny over the red card continues, as human rights group FairSquare recently submitted a complaint to the International Olympic Committee accusing Infantino of repeatedly breaching the governing body’s rules on political neutrality.

The Folarin Balogun Breaks Silence On Trump Red Card Row: ‘I Was In Shock’ first appeared on The Blast

Fit-again wing Robert Baloucoune returns to the Ireland line-up for Saturday's much-anticipated Nations Championship game against New Zealand in Auckland.

The 28-year-old, who won the Six Nations Rising Player award after starring in his side's Triple Crown campaign earlier this year, missed the wins over Australia and Japan with a hamstring issue.

Head coach Andy Farrell has recalled a host of key players after fielding a heavily rotated team in last week's 36-20 victory over Japan, with captain Dan Sheehan, prop Tadhg Furlong and fly-half Sam Prendergast among nine changes.

Tom O'Toole, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Stuart McCloskey and Jimmy O'Brien are the six players retained in the line-up.

Having beaten the Wallabies and Brave Blossoms, Ireland aim to round out the southern hemisphere leg of their Nations Championship campaign with a statement win at Eden Park (08:10 BST).

The All Blacks, who beat France and Italy in their first two games, have not lost at the Auckland venue since 1994, a run of 52 Tests.

• Ireland seek 1% margins to topple fortress Eden Park
• Ireland genuinely believe they can beat us - Rennie

O'Brien gets the nod at left wing

Having selected four debutants in an experimental squad against Japan last week, Farrell has picked a side loaded with experience - with the starting XV boasting a combined 711 caps - for the trip to Eden Park.

Hugo Keenan, outstanding against Australia, returns at full-back with O'Brien shifting wings to the left to accommodate Baloucoune's return.

Jamie Osborne and Jacob Stockdale, who started on the left wing against Australia and Japan, are not included in the matchday squad.

Garry Ringrose partners McCloskey in midfield as Robbie Henshaw drops out, while Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park renew their half-back pairing.

In the pack, O'Toole makes his fifth successive Test start at loose-head prop stretching back to the Six Nations, with three-time British and Irish Lion tight-head Furlong and hooker Sheehan restored to the front row.

Joe McCarthy is reinstalled in the second row alongside Ryan, meaning Beirne - who captained Ireland for the first time last week - moves to blind-side flanker. Open-side Josh van der Flier and number eight Conan complete the back row.

Thirteen of the 15 selected started against Australia, with Baloucoune and Beirne the only changes as Osborne and Cian Prendergast miss out.

Jeremy Loughman is picked as the loose-head cover on the bench after recovering from the head injury that ruled him out of the Japan game.

Ronan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson provide further front-row cover, while Nick Timoney and New Zealand-born Sean Jansen - who impressed on debut against Japan - round out the five forwards on the bench.

Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley - who was handed a first Test start at fly-half last week - and Bundee Aki are named as the replacement backs.

Ireland have won six matches in a row but have lost the past three meetings with the All Blacks, including an epic 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final and November encounters in Dublin and Chicago.

Farrell's side lost 42-19 when they last visited Eden Park in 2022, but bounced back to win in Dunedin and Wellington and clinch a historic 2-1 Test series victory over the three-time world champions.

Line-up

Ireland: Keenan; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, J O'Brien; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; O'Toole, Sheehan (capt), Furlong, McCarthy, Ryan, Beirne, Van der Flier, Conan.

Replacements: Kelleher, Loughman, Clarkson, Timoney, Jansen, Casey, Frawley, Aki.

First, Argentina soccer ripped away the hopes and dreams of a nation and prevented England from securing its first World Cup in nearly seven decades. Then, they waded into geopolitical discourse.

Wednesday's World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England saw the Three Lions carry a 1-0 lead deep into the second half. But coach Thomas Tuchel's prevent defense worked out pretty much exactly the way it does in American football. Lionel Messi and company kept the Brits on their heels for 40 minutes, eventually breaking through for the equalizer in the 85th minute and eventual game-winner two minutes into stoppage time. Messi, playing in potentially his final World Cup, assisted on each goal.

It wasn't enough just to beat a longtime rival on the pitch. Argentina then made the case to bring the Islas Malvinas -- better known as the Falkland Islands, a self-governed archipelago off the southern coast of Argentina under British control -- back to the local nation that claims sovereignty over it.

The players lay down a banner on the pitch after the match that says “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas,” meaning “The Falklands Are Argentine.” pic.twitter.com/znBsPr8zm9

— Margaret Fleming (@mgfleming12) July 15, 2026

Players on the field placed a banner on the pitch that said "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" -- "The Malvinas are Argentine." It was a statement that left no doubt about how the history of the two nations played a role in Wednesday's game.

Argentine forces invaded the islands in 1982, leading to an undeclared war that lasted a little more than two months and ended with the United Kingdom retaining control of the archipelago. In 2013, residents voted 1,513 to three to remain an overseas territory rather than pursue sovereignty. Tensions have died down between the two nations since. Even so, the past clearly has not been forgotten -- as shown Wednesday in Atlanta.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Argentina wants the Falkland Islands after shattering England's World Cup dream

Nearly two decades ago, photographers captured a young Lionel Messi bathing a Spanish baby as part of a charity calendar photo shoot. As fate would have it, Argentina's Messi and that baby, who became Spain's young soccer phenom, Lamine Yamal, will now face off in the 2026 men's World Cup Final. What a delightful and mind-blowing plot twist.

If prophecies were real, which they aren't, this might be the closest possible thing we'd see to one.

It is, quite frankly, mind-blowing that this photo wound up featuring the two central figures of the biggest sporting event in modern human civilization:

19 years later, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will meet in the World Cup final 🤯 pic.twitter.com/BytWRCWXkU

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 15, 2026

What is particularly special about this purely coincidental photo is the constant comparisons between Yamal and Messi.

Messi is at the tail end of his illustrious, decorated career, trying to win one more World Cup title for his country. It is the only thing he has left to accomplish. Meanwhile, with a 2024 European championship already in his back pocket, the 19-year-old Yamal is likely only just getting started when it comes to stacking trophies for Spain. Now, the present and future are meeting up in an epic matchup with everything on the line.

Honestly, who am I to say prophecies aren't real? Maybe they are!

When and where is the 2026 World Cup Final?

Argentina and Spain will play at 3:00 p.m Eastern on Sunday, July 19th, 2026. The match will take place at the New York Giants'/New York Jets' stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: The 2026 World Cup Final fulfills prophecy of Lionel Messi-Lamine Yamal bathtub photo

NEW YORK – Top athletes, musicians and Hollywood stars will gather to recognize the best from the past year in sports on Wednesday, July 15 for ESPN's 2026 ESPYs.

Hosted by comedian Marcello Hernandez, ESPN's annual sports awards show brings together people from across the sports landscape to celebrate the top athletes, plays and moments from the last year. Traditionally held in Los Angeles, the awards show was moved to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York this year.

People who have made significant contributions to their sport and community are also honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, the Pat Tillman Award for Service and the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.

This year, as previously announced, former NBA player Jason Collins will be posthumously awarded the Arthur Ashe Award, while former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott will receive the Jimmy V Award. Scott Ruskan will be honored with the Pat Tillman award.

Rain delays pre-ESPYs festivities in New York

A torrential downpour on New York's Upper West Side has already slightly delayed festivities. Arrivals were supposed to begin at 5:30 but with the red carpet outdoors, media members are currently in a holding area. The telecast begins at 8 p.m. and as with any awards show, seat fillers will take the place of guests of honor who aren’t in the venue by the show’s start.

– Ralphie Aversa

Best NFL player: Myles Garrett

Garrett was bestowed the honor of Best NFL player, which was announced on NFL Live ahead of the ESPYs broadcast. Garrett generated an NFL-record 23 sacks for the Cleveland Browns last season and was traded to the Los Angeles Rams during the 2026 offseason for a package involving Jared Verse and multiple draft assets.

– Jacob Camenker

Best NBA player: Jalen Brunson

ESPN allowed its NBA Today crew to announce the winner of its Best NBA player award. That went to Brunson, who helped lead the New York Knicks to their first championship in 53 years while averaging 26 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game during and being named an All-Star during the regular season.

– Jacob Camenker

Where to watch the 2026 ESPYs: TV channel, streaming

The ESPYS will air at 8 p.m. ET (also 8 p.m. PT), Wednesday, July 15, on ABC, and will stream on the ESPN App. It will be available to stream June 15 on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App and ABC Video on Demand

USA TODAY Sports had the top moments and winners from the 2026 ESPY Awards:

What time are the 2026 ESPY Awards?

Attendees will hit the red carpet at 5:30 p.m. ET and the show begins at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Wednesday, July 15.

Who will be featured at the 2026 ESPYs?

In addition to host Marcello Hernandez, award presenters will include athletes Simone Biles, Allyson Felix, Eileen Gu, Jayson Tatum and Lindsey Vonn.

Performances by De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick and the Savannah Bananas will also be featured.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ESPYs 2026 live updates on award winners, highlights and top moments

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second installment in a series breaking down each position ahead of the opening of Buffalo Bills training camp July 29.

ORCHARD PARK — Quarterbacks tend to make bad decisions when they have been hit enough times. There’s one decision to make on the way to the turf for a sack: don’t let go of the ball.

Seems simple enough, right?

But putting quarterbacks on the ground before the ball was thrown wasn’t a high priority during the Sean McDermott era. Instead, his defense focused on confusing quarterbacks, making them think longer than preferred and banking on them making a bad decision.

The Bills ranked in the top-10 in takeaways eight times in nine seasons under McDermott, including five in the top-five. They ranked in the top-10 in sacks once during that span.

It worked for the Bills during the regular season, ranking in the top-five five times in pass defense. But in the playoffs, it’s much harder to fool good quarterbacks and it showed in their inability to create pressure and make quarterbacks uncomfortable.

In the AFC divisional round, Denver quarterback Bo Nix was the only playoff quarterback in the last 25 years to attempt 45 passes, complete fewer than 60% of them and not get sacked. In McDermott’s playoff wins, the Bills had a 42.8% pressure rate, compared to 25.8% in losses, with average for last year’s playoff winners being 36.8%.

Enter defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, whose blitz-happy scheme is as hyper-aggressive as McDermott’s was when he first arrived in Buffalo. And the man charged with flipping Buffalo’s edge rushers from watchmen to predators is his former co-defensive coordinator at Wisconsin, Bobby April III.

The last time April coached for the Bills, the expectations were through the roof. He was the outside linebackers coach for Rex Ryan in 2015 and 2016, but the pass rush fell flat.

After getting fired with the rest of Ryan’s staff, April spent a year out of football and has since spent his time in college, most recently as Stanford’s defensive coordinator.

April has coached big-time college edge rushers like Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Pittsburgh’s Nate Herbig and the Jets’ No. 2 overall pick David Bailey. But now he must apply it to the NFL.

“I took everything I was teaching the NFL player to the college level,” April told GNN Sports. “I felt like I was using the tools that I was using with grown men initially. … Luckily we had success. We had good kids too that bought in. … And that’s really the NFL, just having guys buying and believing what you do.”

April is tasked with elevating 2021 first-round pick Greg Rousseau, who was good enough to net a four-year, $80 million extension, but still hasn’t logged more than eight sacks in a season. April has already said the Bills intend to unleash Rousseau rather than forcing him to set the edge all the time.

Alongside Rousseau is veteran Bradley Chubb, who inked a three-year, $43.5 million contract in March. And second-round pick T.J. Parker. April says it’s like having three first-round picks and an ideal scenario.

At 30, Chubb is the veteran with two Pro Bowls on his resume. Rousseau is only 26, but he’s played 78 career games. And Parker is the hungry young upstart looking to carve a niche in the NFL.

“It’s kind of like being a foster dad a little bit,” said April, whose father was Buffalo’s special teams coach from 2004-2009. “You’ve got three big brothers and they’re all trying to compete for the same, whatever it may be. … I think there’s a fine line of turning it into a competitive I-want-to-beat-you battle to an I-want-to-get-you-better battle. And that’s where we’re at right now.”

Rousseau is playing a position similar to the one he played at the University of Miami. Chubb played for Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph when he was Denver’s head coach and Leonhard spent the last two seasons working for Joseph.

In Chubb’s experience, the Bills won’t be deploying a passive rush when the game is on the line.

“Just playing fast, playing physical, getting off the ball, putting fear in the tackle’s feet,” Chubb said. “If you’ve got guys who have been in this defense in the past like (Denver’s) Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, they do the same things. They just get off the ball and ask questions later.”

Training camp battles

Rostered outside linebackers (8): Bradley Chubb, Mike Danna, Cade Denhoff, Michael Hoecht, Andre Jones Jr., T.J. Parker, Greg Rousseau, Javon Solomon.

Chubb, Rousseau and Parker are going to get the bulk of the snaps. Hoecht, who expects to be ready to start training camp coming off a torn Achilles, may not have a big role early in the season as he continues to heal, but should eventually find a spot as an early-down edge defender and an inside rusher on passing downs.

That makes Danna’s situation intriguing. Danna isn’t a big pass-rush threat with 21 ½ sacks in 87 career games with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he can set the edge against the run. Whether Danna can play 3-4 defensive end at 261 may determine his roster fate.

Solomon is also interesting because general manager Brandon Beane mentioned him multiple times during the offseason as possibly being a better fit in the 3-4 than McDermott’s 4-3.

Solomon never found a consistent role defensively under McDermott during his first two seasons, but he was a core special teams player. That likely puts him ahead of Danna in the pecking order.

We are closing in on fall camp and it’s time to talk about the worst part of football: injuries. Relatively, Texas has benefitted from injury luck during the Sarkisian era, not losing any irreplaceable player for the season. That being said, there have been preseason injuries the past two seasons(Andre Cojoe, CJ Baxter). Considering that, I figured it’s time to highlight the six players I believe Texas can’t afford to lose if they want to realize their ultimate goal. 

Arch Manning - QB 

This goes without saying. If Arch Manning is not on the field throughout this season, Texas is not winning a National Championship. Now, that doesn’t mean KJ Lacey can’t perform in a game or two if called upon, but it can’t be in major moments. Manning fought through an injury last season and performed well down the stretch, but Texas needs him fully healthy if they want to finish the season on top.

Trevor Goosby - LT 

If Arch Manning is on this list, the man protecting his blindside should be as well. Goosby is one of the best OTs in the country and Texas needs him healthy and on the field all season. He’s dealt with a shoulder injury this offseason but seems to be healthy heading into fall camp. Again, there are players that can fill in sparingly, but noone that can match Goosby over a full season. 

Rasheem Biles - LB 

Many have circled linebacker as the position of concern for Texas this season. One of the sole reasons it’s not a major issue is Rasheem Biles. The Pitt transfer is coming off an 100-tackle, 4.5 sack season and figures to repeat this season. If Biles goes down, not only are freshmen LB to step up but the versatility of the defense drops drastically. Biles is a chess piece for Muschamp and losing him would lower the ceiling considerably.

Jelani McDonald - S 

The other position where depth is a concern is safety. McDonald and Derek Williams Jr. are the favorites to earn the starting jobs. Jordon Johnson-Rubel, Kobe Black and Xavier Filsaime will factor into the rotation as well. Like Biles, McDonald has elite versatility and without him, the secondary loses its leader and main communicator. Poor communication can lead to  consistent busted coverages, a championship killer.  

Cam Coleman - WR 

There are many reasons Cam Coleman was regarded as one of the biggest portal pickups this offseason. The underrated one is his gravity. Every time No. 8 steps on the field, the defense will have thier eyes on him. It’s likely many defenses will commit a cornerback and a safety to him throughout the game. That gravity is as important as anything for this Texas offense and without it, the offense could fall back into stop-and-start drives. 

Colin Simmons - EDGE 

Finally, the most obvious statement ever: the best player on the team cannot miss major time. Simmons is the Jeremiah Smith of defense. He’s the player teams commit extra resources to stop, which opens up opportunities for other players. Losing him would make the job of opposing offensive coordinators much easier. No. 11 has been a dominant force since he stepped onto campus and Texas needs that to win a title this season. 

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Manning, Simmons leads players Texas can't lose to injury this season

Telemundo announcer Andrés Cantor has been the Spanish-language voice of soccer in the U.S. for decades. On Wednesday, he nearly lost that voice.

And for good reason.

The Argentina-born Cantor was on the call for Telemundo in Atlanta as Lionel Messi and Co., looked to make a second straight trip to the World Cup final. And though England took a goal lead in the second half, it was the relentless Argentina pressure that made an equalizer feel inevitable.

But just as Cantor was trying to collect himself following Enzo Fernandez's tying goal in the 85th minute, Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in stoppage time. He practically broke Cantor in the process.

This was his call of the moment.

¡¡¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL DE ARGENTINAAAAAAA!!! ¡¡¡GOOOOOOL EN LOS ÚLTIMOS MINUTOS!!!

Lautaro Martínez remata de cabeza dentro del área tras una asistencia de Lionel Messi.

El campeón defenderá su corona… ¡Remontada de Argentina! ¡1-2 sobre Inglaterra! pic.twitter.com/G5kXs8cWsj

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 15, 2026

Amazing.

He'll need to rest his voice for Sunday because Argentina isn't quite done yet.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Telemundo's Andrés Cantor nearly lost his voice on Argentina's winning goal vs. England

England missed out on a first men's World Cup final since 1966 as holders Argentina came from behind to reach back-to-back finals.

BBC Sport England reporter Alex Howell assesses how the players performed in Atlanta on Wednesday - and you can see how BBC Sport readers rated them at the bottom of the page too.

Starting XI

Jordan Pickford: The England number one was a lot more assured than in the previous match with Norway. As Argentina sat deep, Pickford had the ball at his feet a lot and could threaten in behind the defence with his kicking. One poor pass which could have ended in an Argentina attack. One excellent save from a close range header to keep England in front but then beaten by a Fernandez strike late on before England lost. 7

Reece James: It was a big call for Tuchel to bring James back in from the start but it was a decision that nearly paid off. The right-back produced a quality performance going forward and defending too but the whole defence tired before Martinez scored a stoppage-time winner. 7

John Stones: A game which highlighted why Tuchel has always been so keen to have him in the side as the England back four had a lot of possession of the ball. A calming presence in a game with extremely high levels of tension. Unfortunately for Stones he missed his header as Martinez scored the winner. 6

Marc Guehi: It was another dependable performance from Guehi who went under the radar for how solid he was throughout the match. 7

Djed Spence: Continued where he left off from his impressive substitute performance against Norway. A great one-v-one defender and his pace offered England a threat in behind when Anthony Gordon went central. Got caught out once but Pickford produced the save. A memorable last-ditch tackle to stop Simeone. 8

Elliot Anderson: Got on the ball often and kept it ticking over in the England midfield. Best in-possession game of the World Cup. Anderson took the ball in difficult areas and broke up the play too. Managed himself excellently after picking up a yellow card in the first half but it wasn't enough to get England over the line. 8

Declan Rice: Rice looked back to himself after shaking off illness. Covered a lot of ground as usual and linked up with James and Morgan Rogers on the right. His powerful run was a big reason why England took the lead. However, he could not help his side get over the line. 7

Jude Bellingham: Dealt well with the dark arts in the middle of the pitch very well. Great run to win a free-kick in a dangerous position in the first half. Bellingham looked to carry the ball up the pitch as much as possible and provided a continuous threat. An immense work-rate. 7

Morgan Rogers: Brought in on the right-hand side and pressed with real intensity alongside Gordon. His ability to run with the ball gave England an outlet when Argentina grew into the match. Provided the assist for Gordon's goal. 7

Anthony Gordon: Scored the goal which almost got England to the World Cup final. Gordon produced another performance which highlighted his incredible energy. Pressed really well from the left and provided an outlet alongside Rogers. 8

Harry Kane: Not as involved as he would like in the first half, and had the fewest touches of anyone on the pitch in the first 45, as the stop-start match halted the flow of the game. Dropped deep to find space and it was his searching ball behind the Argentinian defence that started the move for England's opener. 7

Substitutes

Ezri Konsa (72 mins): Brought on as England moved to a back five to see out the win but was part of a defence that conceded two late goals. 6

Nico O'Reilly (82 mins): Tuchel brought O'Reilly on in midfield as he looked to use the Manchester City player's height and ability to look after the ball. The change didn't work and England could not keep possession. 6

Dan Burn (82 mins): When Burn comes on it usually means England are about to secure a win but Tuchel's go-to option didn't have the desired effect today. 6

Ivan Toney (96 mins): Part of the double-substitution made as England chased the game but no chance to impact the game. 5

Marcus Rashford (96 mins): Thrown on as England chased a late equaliser after going behind. 5

• Final two World Cup matches to be shown live on BBC
• When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sport

Oh baby! The next photo Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi take together is going to be epic.

No way it's as adorable as their first photo together, however.

See, Spain's teen superstar was born in the Barcelona area. In the fall of 2007, when he was 5 months old, FC Barcelona raffled off the chance for local families to have a photoshoot with one of the team's players. The photos were going to be part of a calendar that would raise funds for UNICEF, the humanitarian organization that once graced the front of Barcelona's jerseys.

A 20-year-old Messi holding a baby Lamine Yamal during a 2007 charity photoshoot is an unbelievable twist of fate pic.twitter.com/5D4A4nM4ts

— culture jpeg (@culturejpg) June 25, 2026

Yamal's family was one of those chosen in the raffle, and Barça paired its then-up and coming star Messi with the baby for their photoshoot. But Messi, then 20, didn't just hold baby Yamal. No, he took photos with Yamal in a bathtub, as if he was bathing him.

“Messi is a pretty introverted guy, he’s shy,” Joan Monfort, the photographer who took the photos, told the Associated Press in 2024. “He was coming out of the locker room and suddenly he finds himself in another locker room with a plastic tub full of water and a baby in it. It was complicated. He didn’t even know how to hold him at first.”

🚨🚨🎙️| LAMINE YAMAL, reacting to his iconic baby photo with Messi in a bathtub: "I hope to 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥" 🌟🤩pic.twitter.com/c1bseFGVdZ

— Goals Side (@goalsside) July 14, 2026

In what might be the ultimate parent-embarrassing-their-kid-by-breaking-out-baby-photos, Yamal's father posted one of the photos during the European championship two years ago.

"The beginning of two legends," Yamal's father, Mounir Nasraoui wrote.

Though Yamal had made his Barcelona debut before his 16th birthday, that tournament was Yamal's breakout. He became the youngest goal scorer in European championship history as Spain won the title.

Sure enough, the rest of the photos were soon circulating.

"It’s something incredible,” Monfort told The Athletic in a July 2024 interview. “Back then, nobody could imagine that this baby would be who he is now — and you could not have known that Messi would become who he became, either.

“We are talking about 2007. Messi was only beginning at Barca then. Destiny plays an important role in these things.”

Now the duo will come full circle, meeting in the Sunday, July 19, World Cup final. When he was shown a photo of their now-world famous photo shoot after Spain's victory over France in the semifinals, Yamal grinned.

"I hope to face him in a final," Yamal said.

What a photo this will be.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Messi once bathed baby Lamine Yamal. Now they're meeting in a World Cup final

After enjoying a summer filled with achievements and accolades, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken a step back. That's what happens when you're no longer sitting on the NBA throne. He fell short of bringing home another trophy.

Gilgeous-Alexander didn't win the ESPY 2026 NBA Player of the Year award. Instead, Jalen Brunson was named the winner. The other nominees were Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.

The ESPY's are ESPN's annual sports award show. They're handed out every July — when most of the leagues are in the offseason. Gilgeous-Alexander won the 2025-26 MVP award — making him a rare back-to-back recipient. He also led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a league-best 64-18 regular-season record. Alas, that resume wasn't strong enough to bring home another ESPY trophy.

Instead, it goes to Brunson. He led the New York Knicks to an NBA championship. They caught fire at the right time with a historic 16-3 playoff record. They beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win the 2026 NBA Finals. Of course, Brunson won the 2026 NBA Finals MVP.

Well, this shouldn't be a shocker. The ESPY's have turned into awarding whoever had the best postseason performance. And while Gilgeous-Alexander was awesome through two rounds, he played below his ridiculous standards in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, which eventually led to OKC's playoff exit.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points on 55.3% shooting, 6.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 68 regular-season games this past season. The 28-year-old remains one of the NBA's best players and is frequently in the conversation for the face of the league.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander falls short of winning this 2026 ESPY award

Yahoo Sports today is introducing College Football Fantasy this season. The yearly NFL staple is coming to college, giving fans and players a chance to build a roster filled with Longhorns (or other players). Is Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning a good pick?

Why wouldn't Manning be a good pick? One possible reason would be a more balanced Texas offense. The Longhorns were historically bad in the running game in 2025, causing Manning to threw more than desired. That shouldn't be a problem this year with the transfer portal additions of Hollywood Smothers from NC State and Raleek Brown from Arizona State.

But that is a pretty minor concern, considering Texas also added star receiver Cam Coleman from Auburn to compliment Ryan Wingo. We should also see Manning run more in 2026, which are like bonus points in fantasy football. Most experts believe Manning will be a great fantasy pick, maybe the best.

The Top 10 COLLEGE fantasy QBs 💯

(via @CFFroton) pic.twitter.com/fepmSETkA3

— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) July 9, 2026

Yahoo Sports’ Lead College Fantasy Football Analyst Eric Froton has ranked the top-10 fantasy quarterbacks. Arch Manning sits atop his list. In 2025, Manning had 3,163 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, just seven interceptions. He also tacked on 399 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.

Manning passed for 300-plus yards three times and scored a rushing touchdown in four games. His final game may have been his best rushing the ball. The New Orleans native rushed for 155 yards and two scores.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Is Texas QB Arch Manning a good college fantasy football pick?

Las Vegas Raiders star Brock Bowers was considered arguably the best tight end in the NFL as a rookie in 2024. The injury bug took its toll on him last season, but Bowers is perched atop power rankings for NFL tight ends, but also in the fantasy football sphere.

According to the FantasyPros Staff, Bowers is considered the top overall tight end for dynasty leagues this year by experts Scott Bogman and Pat Fitzmaurice.

Pat Fitzmaurice argued that Bowers has a ceiling unlike any other tight end in fantasy football. Even after an injury-marred second season that never quite found its rhythm, he believes Bowers remains capable of producing like an elite wide receiver rather than simply the top tight end.

Bowers has the youth at 23 years old, the prowess as a proven 1,000-yard receiver, and a favorable situation in Las Vegas as the team’s primary weapon in the receiving game to be the first tight end taken off the board in dynasty leagues, for team managers looking to set their teams up for potentially the next decade.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Fantasy experts bullish on Raiders star Brock Bowers as TE1 in dynasty

World No. 1 Nelly Korda is nominated for two awards at Wednesday night's ESPY Awards, including best athlete in women's sports. Korda is nominated alongside hockey player Hilary Knight, skier Mikaela Shiffrin and the WNBA's A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces.

Korda, who won the first two majors of the season, including the U.S. Women's Open at Riviera, is also nominated for "Best Golfer." She's joined in that category by No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 2 Rory McIlroy.

The 2026 ESPYs will air on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC from the David H. Koch Theater at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

The last time an LPGA player won an ESPY was in 2022, when Korda won for Best Female Golfer. While no LPGA players will be in attendance tonight, a number of LPGA stars have made appearances in the past.

Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Donald Trump and an aspiring LPGA player who will compete at the University of Miami this fall, will be in New York for the show.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Nelly Korda nominated for 2 ESPYs, including best female athlete

There's a massive mural covering one side of the Southport & Birkdale Sports Club, depicting Tommy Fleetwood in his Ryder Cup uniform striking a celebratory pose.

Fleetwood would like to visit but has yet to get the chance to see the mural in person, given the busy schedule this week. The English star is back in his hometown of Southport to compete for his first major title as the Open Championship tees off Thursday at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

"I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport, it's such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area," Fleetwood said.

He's not only trying to shake the label of one of the best active golfers without a major, he's vying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992. But Fleetwood shrugs off any concerns about pressure.

"It's an absolute dream to play here in my hometown in front of people that are all here to support me. There are only positives, really," he said.

"I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I'm no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it."

The top 74 players in the world rankings are all on the scene as part of the 156-man field as the brisk men's major season comes to a close. To recap the previous three months: Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, England's Aaron Rai and Wyndham Clark captured the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open, respectively. McIlroy will try to win two majors in the same season for the first time since 2014, the same year he lifted his only Claret Jug.

How they'll find Royal Birkdale is another story. Unseasonably hot weather in the United Kingdom has led to baked-out fairways and potentially a firm test of golf more akin to a U.S. Open.

"I think it's a double-edged sword," McIlroy said. "I think all this dry weather and sun and a little bit of wind is obviously great for the course in one way, but when I was here a couple weeks ago, the rough was a lot more penal than it's going to be this week. It's definitely burnt out a lot."

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion, having capped off a two-major year with a four-shot victory at Royal Portrush. Yet not only is Scheffler on the brink of going 0-for-4 at the majors this year, he also arrives in rare form — and not in a good way.

When Scheffler missed the cut at the Scottish Open last week, it was his first time not playing the weekend since August 2022, ending a 78-event streak.

He used the time off to his advantage.

"I played 18 (holes at Birkdale) on Sunday," Scheffler said. "Played nine holes (Monday and Tuesday), so getting used to the golf course. Yeah, you never want to have a weekend off, but going into a tournament when you're defending, there's always a bit more stuff to do. So it wasn't the worst thing in the world, albeit it was quite frustrating."

Scheffler had yet to turn pro when the par-70, 7,223-yard Birkdale last hosted The Open in 2017. Jordan Spieth collected his third major championship that week, joining a star-studded list of Open winners at Birkdale that includes Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson and Irishman Padraig Harrington.

"It's going to play quite different than the last time we were here," Spieth said. "We've had an opposite wind, too, the last couple days. … Holes that are close to being drivable become mid to long irons, and just with the wind switch, the difference into and down are so dramatic over here that picking a strategy is going to be key, and it's going to be quite different than the last time I was here."

Fifteen members of LIV Golf qualified for The Open, led by the league's biggest remaining stars, Jon Rahm of Spain and Bryson DeChambeau. While Rahm hunts for his first major win since 2023 after tying for second at the PGA Championship, just making the cut would be a great start for DeChambeau.

The two-time U.S Open winner missed the cut at the first three majors this year. DeChambeau, once nicknamed "The Scientist," is going for broke at Birkdale by debuting a full set of irons he built with a 3D printer.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Local favorite Tommy Fleetwood among top contenders at British Open

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn't all that worried about being ranked as the second-best quarterback in the NFL by an ESPN poll of various NFL executive and coaches shared this week.

Mahomes got ranked second in the annual poll behind Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, which is understandable as the former is coming off an ACL injury and a down season (by his standards) with the Chiefs.

While talking with Yahoo Sports Daily about the ranking, Mahomes understood why he was where he was... which is, you know, still pretty dang good if you ask anyone else.

"You understand it, I mean, coming off injury," Mahomes told Yahoo Sports Daily about the poll. "We didn't play as well as we wanted to the last few years. You're going to drop in the rankings of some sort... at the same time, there's a lot of good quarterbacks on that list. I'm just happy to be a part of it."

"You understand it." 🤷

.@PatrickMahomes isn't bothered by being ranked as the NFL's No. 2 quarterback.

(via Yahoo Sports Daily) pic.twitter.com/HRqrrzWb9J

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 15, 2026

The three-time Super Bowl winner is obviously still one of the best quarterbacks of all time, so a second-place ranking on one poll doesn't really mean anything. He's still a lethal talent on the field who can change any game he's in just by making those plays that only he can. Allen is the best quarterback right now, but Mahomes can regain that.

Will Mahomes be ready for Week 1?

He says that that's the goal.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Even Patrick Mahomes understands why he's not top-ranked QB in NFL poll

Editor's note: Follow England vs. Argentina in the World Cup live here.

With England and Argentina engaged in an epic battle for a spot in the World Cup final, fans are curious which soccer superstar will emerge victorious.

Will it be Lionel Messi, leading Argentina to their second consecutive World Cup final appearance? Will it be Harry Kane, helping guide England to a chance at their first World Cup title in 60 years?

There are a lot of storylines to be interested in, including English manager Thomas Tuchel. At 56 years old, Tuchel, the German-born manager and former player is helping lead England to their former glory. Here's what to know about him.

Where is Thomas Tuchel from?

Tuchel was born on Aug. 29, 1973 in Krumbach, Germany.

Thomas Tuchel playing career

Tuchel's playing career did not last long. He was forced into retirement at just 25 years old due to a knee cartilage injury.

Tuchel spent his youth at the FC Augsburg Academy and began his professional career with the Stuttgarter Kickers in 1992 in the second tier of Bundesliga. In 1994, he dropped down to Bundesliga's third tier as a sweeper and center back with SSV Ulm. He made 68 league appearances before the knee injury forced him into retirement in 1998.

When did Thomas Tuchel become England's national team manager?

Tuchel was named the head coach of England's national team on Oct. 16, 2024.

Tuchel enjoyed immense coaching success before then, helping lead Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga title in 2023, Chelsea to a Champions League title in 2021, and Paris Saint-Germain to a Ligue 1 title in 2019.

He has enjoyed incredible success everywhere he has gone, and based on how the World Cup has gone so far, he could be in for yet another title.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Where is Thomas Tuchel from? What to know about England manager

ATLANTA — England is on the board!

Anthony Gordon scored for the Three Lions in the 55th minute of their World Cup semifinal match against Argentina on Wednesday, July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The goal makes the score 1-0.

Gordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle prior to the World Cup on a deal worth a reported €80 million, about $91.7 million.

GOOOOAAL! ANTHONY GORDON GIVES ENGLAND THE LEAD OVER ARGENTINA IN THE SEMIFINALS 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

What a moment to score his first career FIFA World Cup goal! pic.twitter.com/3jNy5sKC18

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2026

This is the first time Lionel Messi has played England in his career. The two sides have a storied history. Argentina won the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals match that became known for Diego Maradona's Hand of God play. In the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham got a red card and was ejected before Argentina won in a penalty shootout.

This summer, Argentina won Group J and Messi became the all-time World Cup leading scorer. England won Group L and then defeated Mexico at Estadio Azteca before ousting Erling Haaland and Norway.

Argentina is the defending World Cup champions and has three titles. England won the 1966 World Cup on home soil.

The winner of this match will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.

When is World Cup final?

• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Date: Sunday, July 19
• Where: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who scored for England? See Anthony Gordon goal vs. Argentina in World Cup

West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville is a target for Manchester United, Arsenal are preparing an offer for Norway winger Antonio Nusa, while Everton consider moving for Manchester City's Rico Lewis.

Manchester United will target West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, 24, if Marcus Rashford leaves this summer, with the Netherlands attacker costing about £30m. (Guardian - subscription required)

Arsenal are preparing an offer of about £34m for RB Leipzig's 21-year-old Norway winger Antonio Nusa. (Caughtoffside)

Manchester City have informed Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi they want to bring the 18-year-old Morocco midfielder straight into the first team rather than loan him back to the French club. (Teamtalk)

Manchester City are looking at Paris St-Germain's Senegal forward Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, after interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham.(FootMercato)

Sunderland are lining up a move to sign 19-year-old French defender Dayann Methalie from Toulouse.(Football Insider)

Everton are considering a move for Manchester City right-back Rico Lewis, with Nottingham Forest,Bournemouth and Fulham also interested in the 21-year-old Englishman. (Teamtalk)

Hull City are expected to finalise a move this week for Swedish winger Elliot Stroud, 24, from Mjallby in a deal worth £3m - and also hopeful of completing the signing of Olympiacos and Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, 23. (Sky Sports)

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T.J. Dillashaw was upset to see Cody Garbrandt go out the way he did at UFC 329.

Garbrandt (15-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC) was finished by Adrian Yanez (18-6-1 MMA, 7-3-1 UFC) in Round 1 of their bantamweight bout this past Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Five of Garbrandt's eight professional losses have come by knockout.

Dillashaw was the first to defeat Garbrandt, knocking him out in back-to-back bantamweight title fights. Having trained with Garbrandt for years at Team Alpha Male, Dillashaw knows how talented "No Love" is but points out one major flaw he needs to work on.

"For me, it's just depressing because I know how good he could be," Dillashaw said of Garbrandt on the JAXXON Podcast. "He's super fast. He hits like a truck. Even before the fight started, they talked about him working on his defense – he does not need to work on his defense when someone is throwing at him. What he needs to work on is his head motion while he's throwing.

"He throws great combos, but his head stays super tall and always in the same exact position. It never gets off the line. Like if he's throwing a right hook, his head's here (straight); left, his head's here, rather than dipping his head out of the way while he's throwing. He's getting caught in the counter. He's getting caught when he's throwing."

Garbrandt, 35, now has lost three of his past four fights, with his lone win in that stretch coming over Xiao Long at UFC 326.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: T.J. Dillashaw calls Cody Garbrandt's UFC 329 knockout loss 'depressing'

The meme that took over the internet almost didn't happen. Weeks after her now-famous stare-down with Phoenix Mercury veteran DeWanna Bonner became the defining image of the WNBA season, Sophie Cunningham finally explained exactly what was going through her mind.

And as it turns out, it wasn't some carefully planned act of gamesmanship. "Honestly, I just am a little sassy sometimes," Cunningham joked during an appearance on James Corden's Fox Sports World Cup show. "I've mastered getting in people's heads. It's kind of like a game within the game."

That "game within the game" produced one of the most recognizable sports memes of 2026.

COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.

Cunningham's now-iconic point came during Indiana's heated showdown with the Phoenix Mercury, a game that was already boiling over after teammate Caitlin Clark and Bonner exchanged words late in the fourth quarter. Clark was hit with a technical foul, but Cunningham believed Bonner deserved one as well.

She initially pointed to Bonner to make her case to the officials. Then Bonner fired back.

According to Cunningham, Bonner told her not to point at her. Cunningham's response was simple: she kept pointing. And pointing. And pointing.

For roughly 22 seconds, Cunningham never broke eye contact, holding the pose until a Fever staff member finally nudged her toward the bench. Both players were assessed technical fouls, but by then the damage—or, depending on your perspective, the comedy—was done.

Since that night, the image has taken on a life of its own. WWE legend John Cena has referenced it. Major brands have recreated it in social media posts. Even the White House joined the trend on social media. During Cunningham's interview, comedian Ian Karmel jokingly suggested the pose should replace the WNBA's league logo, drawing laughter from everyone on set.

The moment has become bigger than the play that created it. Earlier this season, Cunningham explained the confrontation started because she was defending Clark after the Fever star's heated exchange with Bonner.

That game also sparked weeks of debate surrounding Clark, including questions about officiating, physical play, and player safety, after later incidents involving Alyssa Thomas and other opponents dominated the headlines.

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Editor's note: Followfor Argentina vs. England live updates

England soccer fans probably went into this World Cup expecting a certain level of performance from star Harry Kane, but I don't know that they expected it from Jude Bellingham.

At just 23 years old, Bellingham has scored six goals heading into the semifinal match against Argentina, including a career moment against Mexico when he scored two goals in less than two minutes. Bellingham's six goals puts him just two goals behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the golden boot race.

If you're looking to rep Jude Bellingham's England jersey, your options are fairly limited. But, it's not impossible. The USA TODAY Shopping team scoured the internet for Bellingham jerseys, here's what we found:

Shop Jude Bellingham England jerseys

Jude Bellingham England Nike replica World Cup jersey

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid jersey

Jude Bellingham kids training tee from adidas

England 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule, results

• June 17 - England vs. Croatia - WIN 4-2
• June 23 - England vs. Ghana - DRAW 0-0
• June 27 - England vs. Panama - WIN 2-0
• July 1 - England vs. Congo (round of 32) - WIN 2-1
• July 5 - England vs. Mexico (round of 16) - WIN 3-2
• July 11 - England vs. Norway (quarterfinals) - WIN 2-1
• July 15 (semifinals) - England vs. Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta - Watch LIVE

When are the semifinals for the FIFA World Cup?

The semifinals will take place on Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15. The two games will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

• Tuesday, July 14 - France vs. Spain in Arlington, Texas (Spain WIN 2-0)
• Wednesday, July 15 - England vs. Argentina at 3 p.m. ET in Atlanta - Watch LIVE

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final?

The final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium just outside of New York City.

As of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final start at $8,062. If you want to get closer to the action, lower-level (category 1) tickets are starting at $16,365.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: England star Jude Bellingham is dominating the World Cup — how to buy his jersey

Alvin Kamara isn't going anywhere. The longtime Saints running back will remain in New Orleans for the 2026 season on a reworked contract, ending months of uncertainty surrounding the veteran's future, sources tell Saints Wire. Former Saints left tackle Terron Armstead officially announced the news on his podcast and YouTube show The Set with NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill.

Kamara is entering the final year of his contract, and while the Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year deal earlier this offseason, the tandem has drawn comparisons to the one Kamara formed with Mark Ingram II several years ago. The addition fueled speculation that the Saints could release or trade Kamara, or that he could retire before playing another season in New Orleans.

Instead, Kamara will return for his 10th season with the franchise that selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. He has repeatedly expressed that he doesn't want to play anywhere else, and he'll now get another opportunity to play in black and gold.

Kamara's return gives head coach Kellen Moore two proven playmakers in the backfield. Etienne can handle a significant portion of the rushing workload, while Kamara continues contributing as one of the league's most versatile receiving backs.

The tandem should allow the Saints to manage Kamara's workload after injuries limited him to 11 games last season. The 30-year-old averaged 3.6 yards per carry in 2025.

This story is developing. It will be updated with more details when they become available.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: BREAKING: Alvin Kamara will remain with Saints on reworked deal in 2026

England and Argentina hadn't even taken the field yet for their World Cup semifinal clash in Atlanta, and we already had a chance to witness the first competitive moment between the two rivals.

It was on the bus ride to the stadium.

Though FIFA and the host cities coordinate everything about a team's hotel departure and arrival route down to the minute, the two team busses — police escort and all — awkwardly converged on the way to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Fox pregame broadcast was following the moment, and the Argentina team bus had to wait on the freeway for the England bus to overtake it.

England's team bus really had to overtake Argentina's team bus en route to Atlanta Stadium 😅 pic.twitter.com/yUt32FRq79

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2026

That had to be an interesting moment for the Argentina players as they watched England's bus zoom by them.

FIFA managed to create drama on the drive to the stadium. There's no beating the World Cup.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Argentina's team bus had to wait on Atlanta freeway for England's bus to pass it

We're down to the last few games of the 2026 men's World Cup. On Wednesday, we should be in for an instant classic semifinal between Argentina and England in Atlanta. However, legendary English play-by-play announcer Ian Darke unfortunately won't be calling the game. In fact, he's done announcing games altogether at this tournament.

The reason is simple.

Fox has elected to ride with its lead announcing team of John Strong and Stu Holden through the final stage of the tournament. Darke is not the lead World Cup announcer for the network. The 72-year-old actually called his last game of this World Cup between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City during the quarterfinals, where Argentina prevailed 3-1 in extra time. That's a huge bummer to hear about Darke, to say the least.

Will Ian Darke call another World Cup in the future?

Barring an official retirement announcement, it sure seems like Darke, who will be in his mid-70s by then, will likely be back for the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Depending on who gets the broadcast rights for that tournament, he very well might be the lead announcer for it, too. Hearing more of Darke's voice throughout would surely be a very welcome gift for English-speaking soccer fans.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why isn't Ian Darke announcing England vs. Argentina at the World Cup?

Expectations continue to rise for Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Rueben Bain Jr. before he's even played his first NFL snap.

In a recent article highlighting the projected roles for every first-round rookie, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox listed Bain's initial role as the Buccaneers' starting edge rusher. Knox noted that Bain entered the 2026 NFL Draft as the top-ranked edge defender and the fifth-ranked overall prospect on Bleacher Report's draft board before unexpectedly sliding to Tampa Bay with the 15th overall pick.

Knox pointed to Tampa Bay's current edge rotation, which includes Yaya Diaby, Anthony Nelson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Chris Braswell, but believes Bain has already separated himself enough to earn a starting job. He also cited the early praise Bain has received from head coach Todd Bowles during offseason workouts.

That projection aligns with how the Buccaneers' current depth chart is shaping up. Bain is listed as the starting left outside linebacker opposite Diaby, giving Tampa Bay a pair of young pass rushers to build around. Veteran Anthony Nelson provides experienced depth behind Bain, while Braswell and Al-Quadin Muhammad round out one of the deeper edge groups the Buccaneers have assembled in recent years.

Knox also noted that Bain recorded 9.5 sacks during his final collegiate season and believes he has the talent to quickly become the centerpiece of Tampa Bay's pass rush. If his strong offseason continues into training camp, the rookie appears well on his way to opening Week 1 exactly where many expected him to be when the Buccaneers drafted him in the first round.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: What role will Rueben Bain Jr. have with the Bucs in 2026?

When Sherrone Moore was fired for conducting a relationship with executive assistant Paige Shiver, at Michigan, the university commissioned Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block to find out what athletic department officials knew about the affair before Shiver admitted to it—and when.

The university has not yet released any public findings. But certain details first reported by The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic and confirmed by Front Office Sports suggest there was widespread speculation within the department about the relationship for more than a year, and that athletic department leadership, including AD Warde Manuel, was aware of this speculation.

Ultimately, however, the university’s board has no plans to discuss the future of athletics personnel issues at its meeting Thursday, the source said. A university spokesperson echoed these comments.

The spokesperson also referred to a statement provided to FOS Tuesday saying: “Because this matter is the subject of pending litigation, the university will not comment further on issues related to that relationship.” As for the report itself, the spokesperson said the documents were private because they were “protected by attorney-client privilege.” 

Shiver’s attorney, Andrew M. Stroth, told FOS that Michigan “should immediately release the findings and recommendations from the $12 million Jenner & Block investigative report. We have been unable to get information regarding this investigation, which is why we filed several FOIAs, and why last week, Ms. Shiver filed a FOIA lawsuit against the University of Michigan. We’re just demanding transparency and accountability.”

Jenner & Block did not immediately provide comment. 

Jenner & Block conducted two separate, but related, investigations into Moore’s conduct and the athletic department’s handling of the situation. The findings raise questions about whether athletic department leadership failed to take proper action on the concerns reported to them.

The investigation found that multiple members of the athletic department, including players and staffers, voiced concerns to athletic department officials about the conduct of Moore and Shiver, the source told FOS. The details were first reported by The Athletic.

The investigation also turned up a letter that Manuel had written in a note in August 2024 that he had told Moore he could not travel with Shiver, the source confirmed. The detail was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

During an interview with Good Morning Americain April, Shiver suggested that the Michigan athletics leadership knew about the affair. “He controlled everything that was going on in my life and they didn’t do anything about it,” she said. 

Another source told FOS in December that the school had received a tip about the relationship and opened an investigation in November., but that there was no actionable evidence until Shiver herself admitted to the affair in December. 

Over the past week, multiple reports surfaced suggesting Michigan would consider whether to part ways with Manuel. The university’s board of regents will convene for a previously scheduled meeting Thursday; there are no plans to have conversations about athletics personnel, according to the source. The university spokesperson had previously said the same to FOS; public meeting minutes also don’t show any conversations scheduled regarding Manuel’s future with the Wolverines.

Manuel said Tuesday during a local radio show that he expects to continue to be Michigan’s athletic director—though he has had conversations about his future. 

The post Michigan Leaders Received Reports of Moore’s Affair, Investigation Finds appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Conor Benn's fight with WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 12 September.

Britain's Benn, 29, was made the WBC's number one challenger in December despite not fighting at welterweight since February 2024.

It will be Benn's first shot at a world title as Garcia, who beat Mario Barrios to win the belt in February, makes his first defence.

Benn is now promoted by Zuffa Boxing, which is backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital.

"These guys have been going back and forth on social media and this fight is going to be awesome," said White.

Garcia is American with Mexican heritage and the fight will take place on the weekend before Mexican Independence Day.

The 27-year-old has won 25 of his 28 professional fights, losing two with one no-contest, and was suspended from boxing for a year between 2024 and 2025 after failing a drugs test.

Benn, who has lost just once in 26 fights, was also sidelined for a year amid a doping scandal.

In May, Garcia appeared on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show to announce he would be facing Benn, but Oscar de la Hoya, who promotes the American, said the following month that no talks had taken place.

Garcia and Benn were on stage last week when fighters weighed in before UFC 329.

Benn's last fight at welterweight was more than two years ago when he beat Peter Dobson by decision in Las Vegas.

He moved up two divisions in 2025 for two fights against Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight, before beating Regis Prograis in April at a catchweight - 3lb above the welterweight limit.

Benn left promoters Matchroom to sign a one-bout deal with Zuffa Boxing in February and has since penned a multi-fight deal with them.

In April, Benn told BBC Sport that Garcia was "good for boxing" but believes he is a "liability".

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The Pittsburgh Steelers made a major change over the offseason, with veteran head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down after nearly two decades at the helm of the franchise and being replaced by former Super Bowl champion Mike McCarthy. And after a long stretch of the team's peak seemingly being narrowly advancing to the postseason followed by an early exit, fans are hoping things might get back on track.

One piece of last year's team who is returning is veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will be back for his second season in Pittsburgh and the final of his NFL career. He will reunite with McCarthy for one final time after the pair won a Super Bowl earlier in their careers in Green Bay, and many are picturing a final grandiose run back to that stage for the duo. But one former Steelers star doesn't see it happening.

Ryan Clark, who played in Pittsburgh from 2006-2013, is now an NFL analyst with ESPN, and he recently was asked during an appearance on the network what the expectations should be for the Steelers this year. And for those fans who wanted to see Tomlin gone due to the recent string of early postseason exits, they will not be happy if the assessment comes to fruition.

"This team can be slightly above average. Aaron Rodgers can get this team to nine wins or 10 wins, and you maybe sneak into the playoffs."

—@Realrclark25 on the expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season 🏈 pic.twitter.com/5C5rc7TYZ8

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 14, 2026

"This team can be slightly above average," Clark said. "Aaron Rodgers can get this team to nine wins or 10 wins, and you maybe sneak into the playoffs."

After so many years of lackluster performances that saw the Steelers barely advance to the postseason and lose early, many fans felt a change in leadership was necessary this offseason, and they got it. So a return to the same level of play in the first year, particularly with a legendary quarterback already familiar with his head coach, would certainly be underwhelming and a disappointment for fans.

Whether they can do better than that or not will be one of the biggest storylines entering the 2026 season.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Former Steelers star predicts unsatisfactory 2026 season for the team

Isaac TeSlaa had a solid rookie season, reeling in 16 catches for 239 yards with six touchdown grabs. The Arkansas product came on late in the season and demonstrated the ability to come up with some tough, contested catches throughout the 2025 season.

But, the Lions are looking for more from TeSlaa in 2026 to pair with its two star receivers, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

Lions associate head coach and wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery is excited about TeSlaa's added athleticism heading into the 2026 season.

"He's done a good job of going and getting the football since he's been here and then now at the top of his breaks, they're so much cleaner. He's so much stronger. What I like to do is I like to watch where we were, especially from an athleticism standpoint, to where he is now. It's not even close," Montgomery said.

A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, TeSlaa finished last season by registering eight catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the season's final three weeks.

Montgomery and the Lions think that TeSlaa's added athleticism will help him get off the line more fluidly and help him become a more available target for quarterback Jared Goff.

"That gives him the ability in those one-on-one situations and not just win with length, but to win with quickness and length," Montgomery said. "That gives, of course, (Goff) just an even bigger window to throw the football."

Per Pro Football Focus, TeSlaa recorded 438 offensive snaps.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: 'It's not even close': Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa makes athleticism jump

Third one-day international, Bready

Ireland 193 all out (43.1 overs): Lewis 50, Paul 32; Ramharack 3-33

West Indies 257 all out (50 overs): Taylor 105, Alleyne 33; Prendergast 2-37

West Indies won by 64 runs to claim a 3-0 series win

Scorecard

West Indies beat Ireland by 64-runs to complete a comfortable 3-0 one-day international series win in Bready.

Ireland won the toss and put the tourists, who eased to victory in the first two games of the series, into bat.

Stafanie Taylor contributed 105 off 113 deliveries for her second century of the series as West Indies ended their innings on 257 all out.

Orla Prendergast, Georgina Dempsey and Jane Maguire all claimed two wickets each for Ireland.

Captain Gaby Lewis led Ireland's chase as she hit 50 off 59 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.

Lloyd Tennant's side were eventually dismissed for 193 after 43.1 overs as Karishma Ramharack claimed her third wicket by trapping Aimee Maguire leg before wicket.

NEED TO KNOW

• Livingstone College announced the death of 19-year-old softball player Gabriella Muñoz
• Muñoz, who played 27 games for the Blue Bears last season, reportedly died while in Texas, the school said
• A cause of death has not been made known and the school asked “that inaccurate information and speculation cease”

Livingstone College is mourning the loss of 19-year-old softball player Gabriella Muñoz.

The North Carolina school announced her death in a statement on Friday, July 10, with her coach calling the loss “completely heartbreaking.”

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that Livingstone College shares the passing of our beloved student-athlete, Gabriella Muñoz, a rising junior from Katy, Texas, and a cherished member of the Blue Bear softball family,” Livingstone College said in a statement.

“Gabriella represented the very best of Livingstone College. As No. 55 on the Blue Bear softball team, she embraced her role as a versatile utility player with determination, resilience, and an unwavering team-first mentality. While her athletic abilities made her a valuable competitor, it was her bubbly personality, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness that truly distinguished her” the school added.

Muñoz reportedly died while she was in Texas, the college said, while calling out “false” reports that claimed she died while at the school.

“Reports claiming that Livingstone College student-athlete Gabriella Muñoz passed away on campus are false. Gabriella passed away while in Texas, away from campus. Out of respect for her family and our campus community, we ask that inaccurate information and speculation cease,” the school said.

A cause of death has not been made known. An obituary for Muñoz said she “left this world on July 9, 2026, just shy of her 20th birthday.”

“Gabi was born on July 26, 2006, in Katy, Texas to loving parents Brandon and Jennifer Muñoz. Her bright spirit and infectious smile touched the lives of everyone she met,” the obituary said.

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Muñoz competed in 27 games and started one for the Blue Bears last season, according to Syracuse.com.

Livingstone College’s head softball coach Steve Wallace said in a statement: “I am completely heartbroken by the passing of Gabriella. She was a complete joy to have as a part of the program. A great athlete and an even better student. The program will miss her immensely and her absence will be felt.”

Livingstone will make “support resources” available to students, faculty and staff, the school said.

“Although Gabriella’s time with us was far too short, her impact will endure. She leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence, athletic determination, unwavering kindness, and Blue Bear pride that will continue to inspire our community for years to come,” the school’s statement continued, adding, “On behalf of Livingstone College and the entire Blue Bear family, we honor Gabriella’s life with gratitude and love. She will forever remain a cherished member of our Livingstone family.”

Read the original article on People

The WNBA is denying a report that Adam Silver influenced the suspension of Alyssa Thomas following an on-court incident with Caitlin Clark.

In a statement to Front Office Sports, a WNBA spokesperson said the report that NBA commissioner Adam Silver pushed WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to suspend Alyssa Thomas is “absolutely false.” 

On Wednesday morning, Sports Business Journal reported that Silver “persuaded” Engelbert to suspend Thomas for an incident on June 24 in which the Mercury star struck Clark’s throat. Thomas was not thrown out of the game.

A day later, the league handed Thomas a Flagrant 2—which comes with a $1,000 fine—and one-game suspension for what it deemed to be a “non-basketball act.”

The level of influence the NBA has on the WNBA’s decision making is a longstanding question. The NBA holds a 42% equity stake in the WNBA, while multiple NBA owners have separate ownership stakes in the WNBA. The NBA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Silver was asked about the future of Engelbert as WNBA commissioner on Tuesday night during a press conference at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He did not give a definitive answer, but was complimentary about Engelbert’s performance.

“I’m very pleased with where the WNBA is. We’ve made tremendous progress under her leadership over the last several years … Cathy continues doing a strong job building that league. And we’ll have ongoing discussions about what the future looks like.” Silver said.

In March, Silver said there have been “no discussions yet” about Engelbert’s future. A month later, Engelbert aggressively deflected when asked about her future ahead of the 2026 WNBA season.

“I do crack up how everybody’s focused on me, and you should be focused on the hundreds of amazing women, and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself,” Engelbert said.

The post WNBA Denies Report That Adam Silver Influenced Alyssa Thomas Suspension appeared first on Front Office Sports.

The 2026 college football season is nearly here, and the ACC is holding its annual ACC Kickoff this week in Charlotte, North Carolina. The FSU Seminoles spoke on Wednesday, the first day of the event.

Head coach Mike Norvell was joined by wide receiver Duce Robinson, quarterback Ashton Daniels, and cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls to preview the season. All four of them took to the main stage on Wednesday to answer questions.

Norvell, who is on the hottest seat in the country, is looking to get the Seminoles back on track after consecutive losing seasons. They will be relying on a core of returning players that they have supplemented through the transfer portal. That has been a specialty of Norvell, but they have struggled with their additions over the past two seasons.

He talked about his excitement about this team, their mentality, why fans should be excited, what Daniels brings to the team, and more. Here is everything Norvell had to say on Wednesday.

Opening statement

Appreciate everybody being here. Definitely excited for the season that's ahead, the opportunity that's in front of our football team. Grateful for the work our players have been putting in this off-season.

Coming off disappointing results from a year ago, but excited about the core of this football team, the guys that have returned, some of the young players that have continued to emerge, decisions from guys to return that had other opportunities.

The choice that they made to come be difference makers and leaders within this program.

Definitely excited about the newcomers that have joined our football team, the way they've really come in and embraced the culture. Really having a mindset to leave their mark, to be able to pour everything they have in representing this incredible football program, institution, our wonderful fan base.

Honored to be here today with three great young men that will speak on behalf of our football team, guys that have truly been through the journey. Ja'Bril Rawls, a guy that I think is going to be one of the best corners in all of college football, a guy that has been at Florida State coming out of high school. Has had his ups and downs dealing with injuries, but truly has emerged as a great player, and just a wonderful representative of what it is to be a Seminole.

Duce Robinson, I think one of the best receivers in all of college football. His choice to forego going to the NFL, to come back and leave his mark here, truly just to go and help lead this football team, be the best player that he can be.

Ashton Daniels, coming in, joining the program in January, tremendous leader, somebody that is truly all about the work, great skill set, ability. Has done a wonderful job in his short time here in Tallahassee representing this football program.

We got an exciting team, a team that I think is a very talented roster. As I mentioned earlier, it's a great combination of guys that have been here, last year we had 19 true freshmen that played 4-0 or more games. Young team, guys that got throne into the fire and had to learn on their road as we went through the highs and the lows. A year ago you lose five games by one score, there's a lot of lessons to be learned. It's about taking the lessons, the application of that moving forward to go be the best that we can be.

We understand the expectation. There's no person or place that has higher expectations than we have being part of this program, making sure we're doing things the right way, the Florida State way, competing for championships, in all things that we do.

That is our expectation as we go into this season with a very talented roster and a great coaching staff that we've been able to assemble.

You've seen the continuity within the staff when you look at Coach White coming into his second year as the defensive coordinator. Really excited about the personnel; excited about the staff under his leadership on that side of the ball. Really taking another step in our performance to what we're going to do defensively.

Offensively Coach Harris going into his second year within the program, and as our offensive coordinator has done an outstanding job putting his mark within the program as well as continuing to help develop the young men we have.

Obviously, the addition of Adam Scheier as our special teams coordinator, somebody that is extremely innovative, somebody that is going to put our guys in great positions to win in that third of the game.

It's an exciting team, one that understands all that's in front of us. We have a great opportunity, a great platform. Obviously these guys are excited to get out on the field here in this next month and prepare for it here in fall camp; ready to kick off in week zero of this college football season.

You called this an exciting team. How do you capitalize on the conflation of talent in what feels like a strike-now season?

When you look at our roster, I think in all phases, starting in the trenches of the guys up front, four of our top six defensive linemen have returned. Some guys that have great talent and ability. Be able to bring in a couple of newcomers that I think are going to be very dynamic.

You know, great leadership at the linebacker position, you know, guys that have been through it. Whether it's the transfers that have come in that have joined very productive, talented players, as well as you look in the defensive backfield. I think we have got some great play-makers in that position, and guys with versatile skill sets that will allow us to do a lot of different things.

And then offensively starting up front, we were able to bring in a good group of transfers that have joined that bring experience, coupled with the guys that we have that have continued to grow and develop as well as just an outstanding group of skill players with the receiver position, led by Duce, guys like Micahi Danzy, Jayvan Boggs, and some really impressive newcomers that have joined the program. I really love our running back room, running back and tight end room and the versatility, what we're going to be able to do. That is surrounded with the quarterback that can truly make it happen.

We want to be versatile, attack. We understand with the talent that we have, I'm not going to put any limits to what this football team can accomplish and what we can do.

The time is now; the time is today. The willingness to show up, be the best that we can be. If that's what we'll continue to do, I got a lot of confidence in the results showing up.

FSU fans aren't just asking for wins, they're asking for consistency and championships. You've obviously won one. What makes this team different and why should FSU fans be excited about this upcoming season?

I love the mentality of this group. Obviously you see throughout the journey just the margin between victory and defeat, it's a very thin line. But it's about the mentality, about the response. It's about the work that you're willing to put in, not getting caught up in all the other things that can surround you on the journey that we find ourselves on.

But this football team, yes, they are talented. What I love is their work, their camaraderie, the sacrifices that they're willing to make, the way that they challenge themselves on a daily basis.

We have won, as you mentioned. We went through a stretch where we won 19 straight games. There were still a lot of close games, one-score games. The ebb and flow of what shows up. It's the way that that team came together, the mentality they brought, how they responded throughout that journey that really set them apart.

I've seen that within this team. This is a group from the players that returned to the guys that came in, we were looking for the right type of guys, guys that were going to represent our program and perform and execute at a level that is going to make our fan base proud in all things that we're doing.

This is a team that I do believe will rise to the occasion from the coaching staff to the players, everybody involved in the program, to go make sure we're doing things to the level of our expectation and that Florida State standard.

You often talk about you know the expectation, you know what it looks like, you've seen it done, but four out of the last six years at Florida State have been losing seasons. What can you say to this fan base to make them believe that you can bring Florida State back to its traditional winning ways?

In reality, the words don't matter, it's about the action. That's our focus. I could stand up here, you could say a lot of things, but it's still about what's going to show up. That's what I believe in.

As we came into the program six years ago, there were some challenges that we faced. Those first two years, for all the different circumstances that showed up, we stayed focused on our path and the growth, the improvement, making sure we were ready for the moment. We had players that bought into that.

As you get into '22, '23 season, a couple of the best stretches that Florida State has had, 19-straight wins, being able to put ourselves in that position was something that had to be worked for. It wasn't just because we talked about it; it was about what was done.

Yes, the last two years as college football has changed, continuing to evolve, we have to be better. This past season we showed glimpses of playing at a very high level. Big wins, some great moments, but also had some disappointing results in some close games and opportunities we did not capitalize on.

It's not about me giving a great speech, trying to say things. It's about showing up and being willing to do. That's the focus of this coaching, this football team, that's my focus, is pouring everything I have into them, into this staff, into the opportunity we have in the '26 season.

As I said, I know what it looks like because we've done it. I know the steps. I know what we need to do to get back to that level. I'm very confident what's it's going to be.

A couple days ago you made a pretty good hire in Tom Herman. How important was it to you to land a guy like him as you go out there and prepare for the season knowing he has head coaching experience, a proven winner?

Being able to have the opportunity for Tom to come and join the program is something I'm excited about. He came in the spring, was able to come out to practice, visit with staff. Obviously had to compete against him years ago when he was at Houston, I was at Memphis; we have a long relationship.

For how things all transpired, we were able to visit a little bit this summer. We found a role and opportunity that I think he can make a great impact in helping support this staff, being able to add a new perspective to things that he's done, to be able to help assist the guys within our football team just to go and achieve at a very high level.

Last year you stepped back into the CEO role by nature with Gus as the play-caller. Now you're back as the primary play-caller. What did you learn last year being able to observe from the high-level view that you can apply to this year?

Yeah, I mean, I've been fortunate, going into my 11th year I guess of being a head coach. For me, most those years were as a play-caller. As college football emerged, the different aspects of personnel, being able to step back, kind of focus and address needs that I felt within the team, having a guy I trusted, was great.

And to be able to see -- you know, it wasn't unfamiliar. I had a long-lasting relationship with Gus. Was grateful for the work he did. But for me, every year's a learning process. Every year you're continuing to grow and mold, develop things for the guys that you have, putting them in the best position.

I've been fortunate throughout my career to be able to do that as a high level, being a play-caller, coach, growing up on the offensive side of the ball.

I'm excited about the group of players I get to work with every single day, the play making ability they have and the positions we're going to be able to put them in.

Transfer portal, obviously you've gone there for the quarterback these last few seasons. What did you see in Ashton Daniels and why it's important to reach into the portal?

I think Ashton is a guy that can really do it all. As we talk about experiences, Ashton has a great deal of experience throughout his college career. He's been put in a lot of different situations that he's had to work through. You see somebody that's just continued to grow.

As I did my research getting to know him, the coaches I worked with, the people around him, so many incredible qualities of the young man, the talent, the ability.

When he joined the program in January, the words then become secondary because you see it in his actions, just the passion that he has for who he gets to work with. You know, he's not somebody that comes in having to wave the towel and give a speech, but when he talks, people listen just because of all the things they see from him.

As I even watched him through 15 practices in spring ball, his continued growth. He's progressed and I think has an incredible ceiling in front of him; a guy that's a natural play-maker, can extend plays, live in the pocket, make all the different throws; a guy that has a wonderful understanding of offensive football being in a bunch of different systems. Incredible smart and an incredible worker, as well.

Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Everything FSU head coach Mike Norvell said at ACC Media Days

There are a number of compelling and fresh matchups available at the top of the UFC lightweight division, and it will likely all hinge on Justin Gaethje's retirement decision.

After upsetting Ilia Topuria (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) to claim 155-pound gold at UFC Freedom 250 in June, Gaethje (28-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) has flip-flopped on the idea of walking away from the sport on a high. After initially stating retirement didn't feel right, Gaethje more recently stated his future is still in limbo.

Gaethje made it clear that he would be interested in facing Conor McGregor had he won at UFC 329, but with the Irishman suffering an early injury and TKO defeat to Max Holloway (28-9 MMA, 24-9 UFC), that option is now off the table.

Where does that leave things? Holloway, Charles Oliveira (37-11 MMA, 25-11 UFC) and Arman Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) are all in position to be granted a title shot if Gaethje stays. If he goes, though, then longtime UFC analyst Chael Sonnen believes that opens up the entire deck for UFC to play with and Paddy Pimblett in the mix.

And in his mind, there's a most desirable pairing.

"If Justin Gaethje retires and we get two guys to fight for a title, I do think Max is likely – and has a very strong case – to be one of those guys," Sonnen told MMA Junkie. "Max vs. Ilia would be great. Paddy vs. Ilia happens to work out right now. Max vs. Arman Tsarukyan would be great. Paddy vs. Tsarukyan would work out right now. But when you start to do the math, there is this outside idea nobody has brought up yet: Paddy vs. Max.

"What are they fighting for? Is that the one to do a for (a vacant) title? It's going to be very hard to carve out Arman Tsarukyan right now. But Arman will let you know he just wants to fight. He would like a belt, but there doesn't have to be. Just get him an opponent. There is actually a pretty realistic way to get Max vs. Paddy and to get it next."

Just prior to Holloway getting his hand raised in anticlimactic fashion, the co-main event of UFC 329 saw Pimblett (24-4 MMA, 8-1 UFC) steal the show with an incredible 52-second technical submission of Benoit Saint Denis. It was a huge bounce-back moment for "The Baddy," who fell short of interim gold in a thrilling bout vs. Gaethje in January.

The performance against Saint Denis was further validation that Pimblett is a legit contender at 155 pounds, and Sonnen would have no objection if he was a key part of the process in pushing the weight class to its next stage.

"Paddy is a very dangerous guy," Sonnen said. "I remember the days Paddy was just a young kid with good mic skills and a weird haircut. … Paddy really is special. There's nothing that says to me he can't be a world champion at the toughest weight class in the sport."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Max Holloway vs. Paddy Pimblett 'realistic' after UFC 329 wins, says analyst

The Carolina Panthers have improved on defense so much that they're starting to get some actual buzz from the national media.

This offseason, it's become a common refrain for some analysts—including The Athletic's Ted Nguyen and ESPN's Mina Kimes—to predict that the Panthers will even have a top-10 scoring defense in 2026. One person, though, is going even further.

In a recent episode of NFL Live, ESPN commentator and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky forecasted that the Panthers could even have a top-five defense. Take a listen . . .

Top five defense? 👀 pic.twitter.com/mErYxQ6iSR

— Michael Bell (@avl_mike) July 14, 2026

That would be quite an improvement from 2025, when they finished 16th en route to the franchise's first division title in a decade. And that'd be a near-miracle when looking back to 2024, when Carolina ranked 32nd and allowed the most points in league history.

As good as they look on paper—thanks to the free-agent additions of Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd and pass rusher Jaelan Phillips—the Panthers still have a few holes to fill on this side of the ball. If they could find upgrades over Trevin Wallace at linebacker and Nick Scott at safety, then we definitely wouldn't rule out a top-five finish.

But those are two big ifs—and for now, the organization doesn't seem to be in a hurry to replace either one.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Former NFL QB lays out a wild forecast for Panthers defense in 2026

The Boston Celtics have signed a pair of prospects to Exhibit 10 contracts, according to recent reporting from Spotrac senior contributor Keith Smith. Per Smith, the "Celtics have signed Tucker DeVries and Milos Uzan to Exhibit 10 contracts". Smith also notes that such contracts are non-guaranteed training camp deals.

"After camp the vast majority of (Exhibit 10) signings will end up joining the franchise’s G League affiliate," adds Smith. In this case, that would be the Maine Celtics in Portland. And at least one of Uzan and DeVries has a shot at making a two way spot with Boston after their play with the Sin City Celtics in the NBA's 2026 Las Vegas Summer League.

And, at least for us, that would be Uzan, despite having considerably worse shooting numbers (32 percent from the field overall and 30.8 percent from beyond the arc) than DeVries (41.2 percent and 40 percent, respectively).

Even though his efficiency is a legitimate concern at the G League level, he was a good game settler and connector who rebounds well for his position, as evidenced by the 8.0 points, 4.3 boards, and 5.0 assists per game he logged with the Summer Celtics over three contests.

DeVries, for his part, might also merit a closer look with the 11.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game he put up, but likely needs to add some depth to his game to have a real shot at the NBA even as a two way player. Both will have a shot to fight for a two way roll with Boston under these deals, however, so keep your eyes peeled.

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Boston Celtics reportedly sign two Las Vegas Summer League prospects to Exhibit 10 deals

Soren Waerenskjold caught the big guns by surprise with a long-range sprint to win the fastest-ever stage of the Tour de France.

Racing in his fourth Tour, the 26-year-old Norwegian claimed his first stage win and just the second for his team, Uno-X Mobility.

Overall race leader Tadej Pogacar remains three minutes and 36 seconds ahead of Jonas Vingegaard in the general classification standings.

The peloton completed stage 11 at an average speed of 50.9km per hour, beating the previous record of 50.3kph from 1999.

A sprint finish was expected on Wednesday, a flat 161.3km route from Vichy to Nevers, and Cees Bol made the first move as the peloton rolled into the final 500m after catching the day's breakaway.

But team-mate Olav Kooij did not follow and as the riders hesitated, Waerenskjold sneaked through a gap beside the barriers to launch a counter-attack with 400m remaining.

He charged past Bol, before Kooij and Jasper Philipsen set off in pursuit, but they had left themselves too much to do as Waerenskjold won by almost a bike's length from Kooij.

Philipsen crossed the line third but was relegated for moving in the sprint, with Milan Fretin promoted to the podium.

Waerenskjold, who was second to Tim Merlier on stage seven, said: "I thought I was too far back and then it opened up on the right side, like it usually doesn't do.

"I saw Cees Bol had a gap and I tried to sprint up to him and hold a little bit back to go from his wheel.

"Then I saw there were 250 to go. I was just waiting for the same thing to happen when Merlier passed me, but it didn't happen this time.

"It's surreal, it's unbelievable," he added. "It means everything, it's my biggest win so far.

"I just have to let it sink in and then I will probably be more happy than I look now, but it's a big surprise for myself."

Big guns still looking to find target

Waerenskjold was the last rider to cross the line on Tuesday's mountain stage having suffered a nasty crash on Bastille Day.

But he managed to regroup on an almost pan-flat route through central France, with favourable winds making the record pace possible, to upset the likes of previous green jersey winners Philipsen and Biniam Girmay.

"There are two or three guys here who are faster, but if I'm lucky and have a good sprint, like today, then it's possible," Waerenskjold added.

"Sometimes I have really good confidence, and I believe in myself, but there is many, many times where I feel super tired and like it's impossible to win here.

"It's crazy that it happened today, also after the crash. I felt really [not good] in the start, but then my body got going, and I felt better in the final with the adrenaline and everything."

Waerenskjold's stage win adds to an impressive Tour so far for Uno-X, with team-mate Torstein Traeen having worn the yellow jersey for two days in the opening week.

But the sprint stars are yet to shine. Philipsen and Girmay have 13 Tour stage wins between them but have so far failed to add to that tally this year, with Merlier (two) and Kooij winning the other sprint-friendly finishes.

With Thursday's stage also flat and looking likely to be a sprint finish, the big guns have another chance to break their drought tomorrow.

Stage 11 results

1. Soren Waerenskjold (Nor/Uno-X Mobility) 3hrs 10mins 6secs
2. Olav Kooij (Ned/Decathlon CMA CGM) Same time
3. Milan Fretin (Bel/Cofidis)
4. Huub Artz (Ned/Lotto Intermarche)
5. Biniam Girmay (Eri/NSN Cycling)
6. Anthony Turgis (Fra/TotalEnergies)
7. Clement Russo (Fra/Groupama-FDJ United)
8. Fernando Gaviria (Col/Caja Rural-Seguros RGA)
9. Pascal Ackermann (Ger/Jayco AlUla)
10. Mads Pedersen (Den/Lidl-Trek)

General classification after stage 11

1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 39hrs 25mins 8secs
2. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) +3mins 36secs
3. Remco Evenepoel (Bel/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +4:06
4. Juan Ayuso (Spa/Lidl-Trek) +4:22
5. Paul Seixas (Fra/Decathlon-CMA CGM) +4:35
6. Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +4:44
7. Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +5:08
8. Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) +5:45
9. Lenny Martinez (Fra/Bahrain-Victorious) +6:34
10. Tom Pidcock (GB/Pinarello-Q36.5) 11:49

The Major League Baseball draft hurt the Auburn Tigers as two of their infield stars and a high school signee were selected. Auburn baseball is working to rebuild its infield by adding a player from the transfer portal late in the cycle.

Former UNLV infielder Cooper Sheff announced his commitment to Auburn via Instagram this week. Sheff is Auburn's third fielder signee in a haul that is headlined by pitchers.

Sheff, a native of Las Vegas, hit .295 for the Rebels last season with nine home runs, 38 RBI, and five stolen bases. He recorded multiple hits in 14 games last season. He reached a season-high four hits against Washington State on April 19, one day after recording three hits against the Cougars. Sheff also smashed two of his nine home runs in a road game at Northwestern on March 8.

Auburn second baseman Chris Rembert and third baseman Eric Guevara were both selected during the 2026 MLB Draft that took place last weekend, as was high school signee Jace Matacynski. The Tigers return shortstop Brandon McCraine and first baseman Ethin Bingaman for 2027, and will look to fit Sheff and Iowa transfer Ben Swails into the mix.

Keep up with all of Auburn's offseason roster moves with Auburn Wire's Auburn baseball transfer portal tracker.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn baseball adds experienced infielder from transfer portal

There is no denying the Alabama Crimson Tide have a number of question marks surrounding the roster entering the 2026 season. Even in spite of that, the program could still be good enough to compete for a national title this fall.

Entering Year 3 of the Kalen DeBoer era, Alabama is in an interesting spot roster-wise as it approaches fall camp. The Crimson Tide boast a team that features a number of experienced veterans, as well as some newer faces who have yet to break out at the collegiate level.

Alabama is also tasked with replacing a number of prominent starters on both sides of the ball, including at quarterback, the offensive line, and others.

There are some unknowns regarding just how good Alabama can be in 2026, though. Yes, the Crimson Tide could struggle at times, particular early in the season, but they could also be one of college football's best this fall, finding themselves making a deep run toward a title in the College Football Playoff.

Taking a look at the Crimson Tide's roster in particular, here are three reasons why Alabama could make a deep CFP run toward a national title in 2026, as well as three reasons why they might not.

Why: Alabama secondary might be college football's best

Alabama boasted one of college football's top secondaries a year ago, and with all five starters from the end of last season returning in 2026, there is certainly reason to believe the Crimson Tide's defensive back room could be the best in the country. Among that position group, Bray Hubbard, Zabien Brown, and Keon Sabb are all marquee names in college football, and the same will likely happen for both Dijon Lee Jr. and Red Morgan in 2026, if they aren't already there.

Why Not: Alabama offensive line too big of an unknown

While there is no denying the amount of talent the unit has, the Crimson Tide's offensive line is still a huge unknown entering the fall due to lack of starting experience. Time will only tell the impact that could have in 2026. A group that returns only one starter in Michael Carroll, Alabama's offensive line will have to improve in 2026 if the Crimson Tide wish to contend for a title.

Why: Quarterback can be difference-maker for Tide

In today's college football, elite play at the quarterback position is required to win a national title more times than not, and there is potential for Alabama to receive just that this fall. There is a bit of an unknown surrounding both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell due to lack of starting experience, but both have ample talent and will have a deep wide receiver room to work with. That should put the Crimson Tide in a good spot no matter who wins the starting job.

Why Not: Tide counting on huge bounce back from run game

Alabama's running game last season was one of the program's worst, ranking next to last in the SEC at an average of 104.1 yards per game. The Crimson Tide have made some additions to the group like top freshman EJ Crowell, and there is certainly reason to believe the unit could have a bounce-back 2026 campaign, but they will also be doing so behind a brand new offensive line. That makes it a huge unknown.

Why: Alabama's pass rush should be elite

Similar to strong quarterback play, an impactful pass rush can go a long way in making a team a contender, as we've seen with past Alabama title-winning teams. The Crimson Tide's unit this fall should be elite. Leading the way will be one of college football's best pass rushers in Yhonzae Pierre, while Justin Hill and South Carolina transfer Desmond Umeozulu are also featured in a group that should be very impactful.

Why Not: Inexperience at inside linebacker for Tide

Lastly, there's another position where starting experience is a question mark for the Crimson Tide, and it comes at one of the most important on defense: inside linebacker. Caleb Woodson, a transfer from Virginia Tech, could be a key player in 2026, but the Crimson Tide will need someone to emerge like QB Reese, Cayden Jones or Luke Metz, among others.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 reasons why Alabama could make deep CFP run in 2026, 3 why not

Even elite NFL players, starters and award-winners at their positions- and therefore among the premier athletes on the planet- get starstruck, just like the rest of us. Sometimes it's by guys who do the exact same job.

A perfect example played out this week at the OL Masterminds Summit held in Frisco and hosted by offensive line guru Duke Manyweather. The annual event, now in its ninth year, brings together the game's current top offensive linemen and adds some of the best to ever do it for an intensive, hands-on clinic meant to raise the level of play across the board for guards, tackles, and centers of every team.

And everyone in attendance, it seemed, had someone else they were hoping to meet. Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele, for example, explained that he was looking forward to spending some time with the Eagles' Lane Johnson.

For Quinn Meinerz, it was Cowboys legend Zack Martin.

Meinerz, of course, isn't just some random fanboy. The sixth-year Broncos guard is himself a two-time first-team All-Pro, one of the 10 highest-earning guards in the league, and was a finalist for the NFL Protector of the Year award last season.

But when he learned Martin, the nine-time Pro Bowler who retired after the 2024 season, would be leading some of the content at this year's summit, Meinerz came prepared. A video shared on social media shows Meinerz autographing one of his jerseys and presenting it to Martin in what was a very cool moment for both players.

"I wanted to give you one of my jerseys," he tells Martin. "We never got to do a proper jersey swap."

#QuinnMeinerz (@Broncos) never got to swap with Zack Martin @thegob70 before he retired from the @dallascowboys . So they made it happen at OL Masterminds. This is what it's all about!

9x All-Pro meets 2x First-Team All-Pro. One generation honoring another. Who would you swap… pic.twitter.com/ZZ7iMfx983

— OL Masterminds (@OLMasterminds) July 14, 2026

Martin was clearly touched by the gesture, commenting on Meinerz's selection of the Broncos' "Orange Crush" throwback jersey and promising to return the favor with a signed Cowboys No. 70 from his own closet.

That brotherhood and camaraderie shared by offensive linemen is unique in the NFL, and a big part of why events like the OL Masterminds Summit have become so successful.

Speaking with D Magazine's Mike Piellucci and Mike Marshall at this year's gathering, Martin explained how simply being around established, top-notch offensive linemen after he joined the Cowboys as a first-round draft pick in 2014 accelerated his own growth and raised the standard for the entire group.

"I tell people all the time: what we had in our room, we had a ton of competition. Inter-room competition," Martin said on the StrongSide podcast. "When you're in there and you're watching Tyron Smith and Travis [Frederick] and Ron Leary and Doug [Free], all these guys, it's like, 'Man, I've got to do my job. I've got to pick it up a little bit; these guys are killing people.' I think the inter-competition we had in our room really brought the best out of everyone."

That's what the Masterminds Summit is doing now for linemen from all 32 locker rooms.

Not to mention giving some of them, like Quinn Meinerz, a chance to meet their heroes.

Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys legend Zack Martin shares cool jersey swap moment with current Broncos OL star

Heading into the 2026 season, few players will face more attention than Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer. The Sooners' quarterback arrived in Norman with massive expectations after a breakout season for the Washington State Cougars.

Mateer threw for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while rushing for 431 yards and eight scores. However, those overall numbers don't tell the full story of Mateer's first season in Norman. The first four games, he threw for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 190 yards and five scores. In the eight games following that, he threw for 1,670 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, while rushing for 241 yards and three scores.

The big factor behind the split was the thumb injury he suffered on his throwing hand during the fourth game of the season. The biggest question entering 2026 is whether the injury was the primary reason for his struggles or if the increased level of competition also played a role. On3's J.D. PicKell believes a healthy Mateer will be the key to unlocking Oklahoma's offense this season.

"Y'all know how I feel about John Mateer," PIcKell said. "There are so many takes out there about what he wasn't when he had the thumb injury. Hey, if he's playing like he was in September a year ago, if the vibes from the Manning Passing Academy carry over to this year, Oklahoma is going to be good on offense."

The national narrative on Oklahoma is out to lunch pic.twitter.com/sanWc1ePgC

— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) July 14, 2026

Mateer's 2026 season will likely determine how high Oklahoma's ceiling can be. The Sooners have one of the best defenses in college football, but to compete for championships in the SEC, they will need consistent production from their quarterback. If the version of Mateer from the beginning of last season returns, Oklahoma could have the offensive weapon it needs to complement its elite defense.

The questions surrounding his injury and late-season struggles will remain until he proves otherwise, but a healthy Mateer has the talent to change the entire outlook of the Sooners' season.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Why John Mateer could transform Oklahoma's offense

The ‘V’ in Victor Wembanyama stands for villain in New York City after the Knicks’ NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

But on Saturday at Manhattan’s Javits Center, ‘Wemby’ will be back in the belly of the beast, face to face with thousands of fans at Fanatics Fest, participating in games against the general public and appearing on a live podcast.

This is the most unique element of the biggest sports convention in the world, hosted annually here in the Big Apple: Humanizing, interactive access between the biggest stars in sports and entertainment and the general public — regardless of what’s happening on the field or court.

“Wemby had a great time last year,” Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, said in a phone interview Tuesday. “He got to play chess with 100 fans last year. Each fan did a chess move. We think carefully about engaging in a thoughtful way. And he is a thoughtful guy.”

“To some of these fans he’ll be a villain,” Fensterman acknowledged with a laugh, “but he recognizes everything he’s doing is about having a long impactful career. And investing in fans is never a bad idea.”

Fanatics founder Michael Rubin has built his mega-company by doing exactly that: Investing in the passion of fans. So access to this kind of event obviously comes at a price.

It’s $70 per adult ticket on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and $80 on Saturday. It’s $30 per child per day all weekend. And autographs or photos with star entertainers and athletes cost more inside.

But the access to fan activations, live shows and podcasts and exclusive experiences across a million square feet of space and 12 stages basically creates a mini city of unforgettable moments.

That’s why there was fan demand to add a fourth day this year to the convention, which ran for three days in 2025. And that’s why Fensterman, who oversaw Comic-Con for years, is proud that every daily ticket to Fanatics Fest is more than just a gateway to more vendors.

“There’s more to do,” Fensterman said, “than just to buy.”

The confluence of a Knicks NBA Championship and Sunday’s World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium across the river is creating a perfect storm.

“The World Cup is coming to a head, and the Final is happening here, so we’re bringing the final teams to the show for Friday,” Fensterman said. “That’s huge.”

So look for Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Fanatics Fest will even host a massive watch party for the Final on Sunday, with the Men in Blazers podcast and other guest analysts on hand.

“Four of the Knicks’ starting five will be in the building signing and parading through the show floor with the trophy,” Fensterman said.

Jalen Brunson will appear on a King of New York panel. His autograph signing is already sold out. And the Fanatics Games, which were a huge hit in last year’s maiden voyage, are back.

That pits 50 athletes and 50 fans against each other for more than $2 million in prizes in games like the NFL clutch kick, the NBA game-winning shot, the WWE superstar entrance and more.

First place gets $1 million cash. Second place receives a Ferrari. Third place receives a rare Lionel Messi trading card. John Cena, Cam Skattebo and Novak Djokovic are among those competing this year.

Before it all kicks off, Fanatics added an exclusive window for its business partners, investors and VIPs to experience all the show has to offer before it opens to the general public. There will be 250-plus hobby shops on site, offering a haven for the booming card and collectible industry.

Then when the doors open, LeBron James is scheduled to appear Thursday afternoon on a ‘Mind the Game Live’ panel on the center stage, smack in the middle of his free agent decision, with Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Might James drop some hints on his eventual next NBA team? There just is no shortage of possibilities for the world’s biggest sports convention that keeps getting bigger.

“Fans love the different moments with athletes and influencers, and we wanted to give them more,” Fensterman said. “It nets out to more opportunities for more people fans and industry to interact with the athletes and celebrities.”

Jon Gruden has coached Hall of Famers, developed elite offenses, and spent decades around some of the NFL's biggest stars. Even so, one unrealized opportunity still stands out.

Speaking with Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Cameron Heyward on his "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward" podcast, Gruden admitted that his failed attempt to coach former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown remains "one of my biggest regrets."

The Raiders acquired Brown from Pittsburgh in 2019, believing the four-time All-Pro could transform Gruden's offense. Instead, Brown never appeared in a regular-season game for the then-Oakland Raiders after a turbulent offseason filled with off-field distractions.

Looking back, Gruden said he remains convinced the move could have paid off.

"The two or three OTAs that we had him on the field, Cam, and he was running our routes, running my stuff," Gruden said. "I went home one night, opened a bottle of Asti Spumante and drank it all. I thought we were going to complete every pass."

Gruden was blown away by Brown's precision as a route runner.

"Holy s**t, I mean, this guy's running my routes better than they've ever been run before," he said.

Despite the issues that ultimately derailed the partnership, Gruden said his belief in Brown never wavered.

"I just knew he could be spectacular in our offense," Gruden said. "But what a disappointment for me."

The veteran coach acknowledged there were warning signs, saying Brown "was I think distracted by other things," but that didn't diminish his desire to make the partnership work.

Reflecting on the experience, Gruden reiterated how much the missed opportunity still lingers.

"It's one of my biggest regrets, honestly, in my career that that didn't work out," he said before later adding, "It's one of my biggest regrets, of never getting to coach him."

For Steelers fans, Brown's career will always be remembered for both extraordinary production and an abrupt ending in Pittsburgh. Gruden's comments offer another perspective, revealing just how highly one veteran coach regarded Brown's talent, and how deeply he still regrets never getting the chance to see it on Sundays.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Jon Gruden names Antonio Brown among biggest coaching regrets