15 hours ago
Real Madrid have been trying to sign talented teenage winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for some time now.
The deal has been in the works for a couple of weeks. Fabrizio Romano claimed back then that Real Madrid had reached an agreement with the Bundesliga club.
However, the deal has since not progressed at the expected pace. Now, according to Florian Plettenberg, Los Blancos are making a decisive push to complete the signing of Diomande.
Discussions between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig have intensified, with optimism growing that an agreement can be reached soon.
The journalist claims that Real Madrid's objective is clear: finalise the deal quickly enough for Diomande to undergo his medical before he joins RB Leipzig's pre-season training camp in Austria.
#madrid
The deal has been in the works for a couple of weeks. Fabrizio Romano claimed back then that Real Madrid had reached an agreement with the Bundesliga club.
However, the deal has since not progressed at the expected pace. Now, according to Florian Plettenberg, Los Blancos are making a decisive push to complete the signing of Diomande.
Discussions between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig have intensified, with optimism growing that an agreement can be reached soon.
The journalist claims that Real Madrid's objective is clear: finalise the deal quickly enough for Diomande to undergo his medical before he joins RB Leipzig's pre-season training camp in Austria.
#madrid
1 day ago
Bernardo Silva has officially begun life as a Real Madrid player.
After completing his move from Manchester City earlier this summer, the Portuguese international took part in his first training session under José Mourinho on Monday before sitting down with Real Madrid TV to reflect on joining the Spanish giants, his excitement about working with Mourinho, and the opportunity to represent the club he considers the biggest in world football.
Silva admitted that wearing the Real Madrid crest is something special, describing his arrival as a dream come true.
"It's very special, and I'm very happy to be here. There's no need to talk about this club because its history speaks for itself. I'm very happy to start and try to help this team keep winning, which is what they know how to do: win, win, and win. I'm just one more person here to help and try to continue this winning streak for this spectacular club."
The 31-year-old reported for preseason after an extended break following Portugal's World Cup campaign and immediately experienced Mourinho's demanding training methods.
#real #madrid #silva #here
After completing his move from Manchester City earlier this summer, the Portuguese international took part in his first training session under José Mourinho on Monday before sitting down with Real Madrid TV to reflect on joining the Spanish giants, his excitement about working with Mourinho, and the opportunity to represent the club he considers the biggest in world football.
Silva admitted that wearing the Real Madrid crest is something special, describing his arrival as a dream come true.
"It's very special, and I'm very happy to be here. There's no need to talk about this club because its history speaks for itself. I'm very happy to start and try to help this team keep winning, which is what they know how to do: win, win, and win. I'm just one more person here to help and try to continue this winning streak for this spectacular club."
The 31-year-old reported for preseason after an extended break following Portugal's World Cup campaign and immediately experienced Mourinho's demanding training methods.
#real #madrid #silva #here
2 days ago
When it comes to cornerback play in the NFL, Christian Gonzalez might just be the gold standard right now. The New England Patriots starter is one of the best players the position currently has to offer, and one of the premier defensive backs in the league right now.
For the Patriots, this means that the contract extension Gonzalez is hoping for won't come cheap. For one of their players, meanwhile, it means a prime opportunity to get an up-close look at a Pro Bowl talent.
Fifth-round rookie Karon Prunty is making sure to keep a close eye on Gonzalez in hopes of adding some new elements to his game.
"Most of the time watching his reps, just trying to pick his brain," Prunty said. "Just talking to him during practice, after practice about things that he sees on the field, things like that. Just his technique and how he relaxes, trying to take some of his game and apply it to mine."
Gonzalez and Prunty entered the NFL under different circumstances. The former was a top-tier prospect in 2023, whose fall to the Patriots at No. 17 overall was considered a major surprise and massive steal on the team's part. Prunty, on the other hand, wasn't even invited to the Scouting Combine before getting selected 171st overall earlier this year.
#gonzalez #game
For the Patriots, this means that the contract extension Gonzalez is hoping for won't come cheap. For one of their players, meanwhile, it means a prime opportunity to get an up-close look at a Pro Bowl talent.
Fifth-round rookie Karon Prunty is making sure to keep a close eye on Gonzalez in hopes of adding some new elements to his game.
"Most of the time watching his reps, just trying to pick his brain," Prunty said. "Just talking to him during practice, after practice about things that he sees on the field, things like that. Just his technique and how he relaxes, trying to take some of his game and apply it to mine."
Gonzalez and Prunty entered the NFL under different circumstances. The former was a top-tier prospect in 2023, whose fall to the Patriots at No. 17 overall was considered a major surprise and massive steal on the team's part. Prunty, on the other hand, wasn't even invited to the Scouting Combine before getting selected 171st overall earlier this year.
#gonzalez #game
2 days ago
We have put aside all the 7-on-7s, the big man camps, the team getaways into the mountains. And although the mercury disagrees, we've put aside the summer as a whole.
The eight- to nine-month offseason ended Monday with the official start of the 2026 prep football season.
Footballs will be in the air come Aug. 20, and it's less than three weeks until everyone's openers.
What has transpired since we last convened? Plenty.
There is, naturally, the state's new transfer rule. Look, we've always had transfers — they're just going to exist at a greater speed (and, probably, at a larger volume) in our new reality. They'll be a significant part of the 2026 landscape, and they'll surely be part of the discussion throughout the remainder of the summer and into the fall.
#aside #part #plenty
The eight- to nine-month offseason ended Monday with the official start of the 2026 prep football season.
Footballs will be in the air come Aug. 20, and it's less than three weeks until everyone's openers.
What has transpired since we last convened? Plenty.
There is, naturally, the state's new transfer rule. Look, we've always had transfers — they're just going to exist at a greater speed (and, probably, at a larger volume) in our new reality. They'll be a significant part of the 2026 landscape, and they'll surely be part of the discussion throughout the remainder of the summer and into the fall.
#aside #part #plenty
3 days ago
Dejan Savicevic finds it baffling that the late Franco Baresi was never recognised with a Ballon d'Or trophy and has laid the blame for that at the hands of journalists who did not vote for the iconic former Rossoneri captain in the voting procedure.
Tributes continue to roll in for the legendary Baresi, who recently died at the age of 66.
Milan icons from various generations will congregate in the city on Tuesday for Baresi's funeral. Savicevic will be among the attendees, and he stopped to speak about his former captain in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that was published on Sunday.
"He was a great person, a great man. He was a great teammate and a wonderful player. He had football running through him, he understood everything and had an incredible vision of the game," Savicevic recalled.
"San Siro used to sing: 'One capitano, there's only one capitano'. It was wonderful to listen to those chants, they gave us goosebumps, it gave everyone a boost.
#great
Tributes continue to roll in for the legendary Baresi, who recently died at the age of 66.
Milan icons from various generations will congregate in the city on Tuesday for Baresi's funeral. Savicevic will be among the attendees, and he stopped to speak about his former captain in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that was published on Sunday.
"He was a great person, a great man. He was a great teammate and a wonderful player. He had football running through him, he understood everything and had an incredible vision of the game," Savicevic recalled.
"San Siro used to sing: 'One capitano, there's only one capitano'. It was wonderful to listen to those chants, they gave us goosebumps, it gave everyone a boost.
#great
3 days ago
The Las Vegas Raiders are days into training camp and Friday made their first transactions, including waiving injured RB Chris Collier. They went about trying to find his replacement on Saturday.
The Raiders held tryouts for running backs Kenny McIntosh, Dare Ogunbowale and James Robinson.
#raiders held tryouts for RBs Kenny McIntosh, Dare Ogunbowale and James Robinson, per the league’s transaction wire.
McIntosh was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks after spending all three seasons of his career with the team from 2023-25. He last played in the 2024 season and recorded 172 rushing yards that year.
Ogunbowale has played in nine seasons in the NFL with the Washington Commanders (2017), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-19), Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-21) and Houston Texans (2022-25). He most recently recorded 25 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in 2025 with the Texans.
#rushing #dare
The Raiders held tryouts for running backs Kenny McIntosh, Dare Ogunbowale and James Robinson.
#raiders held tryouts for RBs Kenny McIntosh, Dare Ogunbowale and James Robinson, per the league’s transaction wire.
McIntosh was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks after spending all three seasons of his career with the team from 2023-25. He last played in the 2024 season and recorded 172 rushing yards that year.
Ogunbowale has played in nine seasons in the NFL with the Washington Commanders (2017), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-19), Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-21) and Houston Texans (2022-25). He most recently recorded 25 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in 2025 with the Texans.
#rushing #dare
3 days ago
When Neil Fachie reappeared in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, he said to pilot Aaron Pope: "The story is written here, let's finish it off."
The last chapter of Scotland's record-breaking Para-cyclist was always going to be chronicled here. It just so happens no one drafted up the version that unfolded.
Fachie finished his Commonwealth Games career where he started it, here in Glasgow, with gold medals in the men's tandem B 1,000m and tandem B sprint.
But that doesn't tell half the story.
There were hopes, tears and fears. Thighs burning, knees bleeding and lungs bursting. Nerves jangling, fingers crossing and hearts pounding.
#here #aaron #para
The last chapter of Scotland's record-breaking Para-cyclist was always going to be chronicled here. It just so happens no one drafted up the version that unfolded.
Fachie finished his Commonwealth Games career where he started it, here in Glasgow, with gold medals in the men's tandem B 1,000m and tandem B sprint.
But that doesn't tell half the story.
There were hopes, tears and fears. Thighs burning, knees bleeding and lungs bursting. Nerves jangling, fingers crossing and hearts pounding.
#here #aaron #para
4 days ago
Anfernee Simons understands his new sixth-man role with the refreshed 76ers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For the 2026-27 season, the Philadelphia 76ers will be one of the exciting teams because of LeBron James' arrival. However, they are much more than that because they also have more additions, including All-NBA player Jaylen Brown and explosive scorer Anfernee Simons.
Considering he is not an established star, Simons is not the most popular player for the 76ers. However, people might be surprised because he can be one of the most impactful players due to his skill set as an offensive player, especially as a dynamic scorer.
Dating back to his days with the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons has always been an explosive scorer. He thrives without the ball in his hands, as he loves getting open with smart off-ball movement. His three-point shooting is elite, especially when he serves as a spot-up shooter.
Playing off elite players like James, Brown, and Embiid can open up all kinds of opportunities for him to shine. He already has experience playing with Brown and other top-level players like Damian Lillard, so this won't be a problem for Simons to adjust to this kind of role.
#players #james #playing
For the 2026-27 season, the Philadelphia 76ers will be one of the exciting teams because of LeBron James' arrival. However, they are much more than that because they also have more additions, including All-NBA player Jaylen Brown and explosive scorer Anfernee Simons.
Considering he is not an established star, Simons is not the most popular player for the 76ers. However, people might be surprised because he can be one of the most impactful players due to his skill set as an offensive player, especially as a dynamic scorer.
Dating back to his days with the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons has always been an explosive scorer. He thrives without the ball in his hands, as he loves getting open with smart off-ball movement. His three-point shooting is elite, especially when he serves as a spot-up shooter.
Playing off elite players like James, Brown, and Embiid can open up all kinds of opportunities for him to shine. He already has experience playing with Brown and other top-level players like Damian Lillard, so this won't be a problem for Simons to adjust to this kind of role.
#players #james #playing
4 days ago
Arsoonnoi Sitjasing delivered a composed and punishing performance against fellow Thai firecracker Nongkhailek Dr.Knotmuaythai in the flyweight Muay Thai co-main event of ONE Friday Fights 164 inside Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium on July 31.
Both men went to work right off the bat, testing each other's defense with a variety of strikes from the outside and the inside. Arsoonnoi hammered away with punches in bunches, while his Petchingchai foe responded with similar firepower.
The intensity rose dramatically in the second frame. After touching gloves, Nongkhailek caught a kick and attempted to respond with a punch, but the exchange left his chin exposed. Arsoonnoi immediately capitalized with a massive overhand right that dropped his opponent for an eight-count.
When the action resumed, Arsoonnoi attacked the body with repeated kicks and continued dictating the pace behind his punches. The Sitjasing and ARMY 3 representative stayed firmly in control as the round came to an end.
Nongkhailek, however, refused to wilt, increasing his pressure in the third stanza. Just as he appeared to find his rhythm, the 27-year-old promotional newcomer absorbed another sharp counter right hand from Arsoonnoi that sent him crashing to the canvas once more.
#right
Both men went to work right off the bat, testing each other's defense with a variety of strikes from the outside and the inside. Arsoonnoi hammered away with punches in bunches, while his Petchingchai foe responded with similar firepower.
The intensity rose dramatically in the second frame. After touching gloves, Nongkhailek caught a kick and attempted to respond with a punch, but the exchange left his chin exposed. Arsoonnoi immediately capitalized with a massive overhand right that dropped his opponent for an eight-count.
When the action resumed, Arsoonnoi attacked the body with repeated kicks and continued dictating the pace behind his punches. The Sitjasing and ARMY 3 representative stayed firmly in control as the round came to an end.
Nongkhailek, however, refused to wilt, increasing his pressure in the third stanza. Just as he appeared to find his rhythm, the 27-year-old promotional newcomer absorbed another sharp counter right hand from Arsoonnoi that sent him crashing to the canvas once more.
#right
5 days ago
WEST LONG BRANCH -- Monmouth football had a new coach and almost an entirely new starting offense when they hit the practice field to embark on the 2026 season on Thursday, but the expectations haven't changed for the Hawks.
Despite losing the weapons that accounted for 73% of the production for the top offense in the country at the FCS level, Monmouth was chosen as the second team in the Coastal Athletic ****** ociation preseason rankings behind only the defending conference champion Rhode Island.
Most teams undergoing this level of change are not burdened with expectations, but it's a testament to the growth of the Monmouth program and the respect for the transition from formerly the longest-tenured coach in Division I to a longtime ****** istant that was a mastermind behind the Hawks' gaudy offensive production. Good or bad, the Hawks remain indifferent to outside ****** sments.
"You always want to focus on execution over expectations," first-year head coach Jeff Gallo said. "It'll come down to how well we execute what we do. That is what's important. Expectations are—it's all about how you execute. And we always say, we're performance over perception."
3 big takeaways from Monmouth football coaching change to Jeff Gallo
#hawks #coach #gallo #Football
Despite losing the weapons that accounted for 73% of the production for the top offense in the country at the FCS level, Monmouth was chosen as the second team in the Coastal Athletic ****** ociation preseason rankings behind only the defending conference champion Rhode Island.
Most teams undergoing this level of change are not burdened with expectations, but it's a testament to the growth of the Monmouth program and the respect for the transition from formerly the longest-tenured coach in Division I to a longtime ****** istant that was a mastermind behind the Hawks' gaudy offensive production. Good or bad, the Hawks remain indifferent to outside ****** sments.
"You always want to focus on execution over expectations," first-year head coach Jeff Gallo said. "It'll come down to how well we execute what we do. That is what's important. Expectations are—it's all about how you execute. And we always say, we're performance over perception."
3 big takeaways from Monmouth football coaching change to Jeff Gallo
#hawks #coach #gallo #Football
5 days ago
The NBA's investigation into how the Los Angeles Clippers paid Kawhi Leonard continues to keep his return to the Toronto Raptors in limbo.
The league is looking to see if the Clippers circumvented the salary cap to pay Leonard through a $28 million endorsement deal that he signed in 2022 with the now-bankrupt green banking company, Aspiration.
Toronto is trying to trade Brandon Ingram, Gradey ****** , unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round selections to the Clippers.
Leonard led the Raptors to their one and only NBA championship in 2019.
The investigation could spill over into 2027, according to multiple reports. The Clippers and Raptors agreed to the trade on June 30 that has since been put on hold.
#clippers #leonard #trade
The league is looking to see if the Clippers circumvented the salary cap to pay Leonard through a $28 million endorsement deal that he signed in 2022 with the now-bankrupt green banking company, Aspiration.
Toronto is trying to trade Brandon Ingram, Gradey ****** , unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round selections to the Clippers.
Leonard led the Raptors to their one and only NBA championship in 2019.
The investigation could spill over into 2027, according to multiple reports. The Clippers and Raptors agreed to the trade on June 30 that has since been put on hold.
#clippers #leonard #trade
6 days ago
All that talk of urgency around the Cincinnati Bengals wasn't just talk.
The Bengals showed that well enough on the first day of training camp practice. There weren't even pads on yet, but the usual big-ticket items like big fights and unfortunate injuries happened in quick bursts.
Exiting the first day of camp, here's a quick look at the good and bad highlights.
Fights don't have to be a bad thing.
That's especially the case with this one, which featured Ja'Marr Chase getting into it with cornerbacks DJ Turner and Jalen Davis.
#bengals #camp #exiting
The Bengals showed that well enough on the first day of training camp practice. There weren't even pads on yet, but the usual big-ticket items like big fights and unfortunate injuries happened in quick bursts.
Exiting the first day of camp, here's a quick look at the good and bad highlights.
Fights don't have to be a bad thing.
That's especially the case with this one, which featured Ja'Marr Chase getting into it with cornerbacks DJ Turner and Jalen Davis.
#bengals #camp #exiting
7 days ago
After several years as one of ESPN's most visible personalities, hosting the 6 p.m. SportsCenter and anchoring WNBA Finals coverage, Elle Duncan departed the Worldwide Leader to become the face of Netflix's growing sports venture. She's also been tabbed to lead USA Network's studio coverage for its WNBA broadcasts.
On Monday, Duncan appeared on The Sports Gossip Show podcast and discussed the ever-prevalent and increasingly bizarre coverage surrounding Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. Over the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend, Clark sat down with ESPN's Malika Andrews and discussed how "emotionally exhausting" the constant coverage surrounding her can be.
"I feel like media and journalism have a responsibility to tell the stories," Clark told Andrews, "and a lot of the time you guys are the ones controlling the narratives about what people read and what people talk about. And a lot of that is sometimes so far out of touch with what is reality."
Although Duncan doesn't believe Clark is at fault for how far out of control things have spun, she wants to see the three-time All-Star take more ownership of the situation.
"I would love for it to be very clear to the people who think they are her fans but are using her, if she would say, 'stop that sh*t, I don't want it, I'm tired of it.' As opposed to what we've seen, which is 'the media makes up these narratives, the media makes up this discourse.'
#Media #andrews
On Monday, Duncan appeared on The Sports Gossip Show podcast and discussed the ever-prevalent and increasingly bizarre coverage surrounding Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. Over the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend, Clark sat down with ESPN's Malika Andrews and discussed how "emotionally exhausting" the constant coverage surrounding her can be.
"I feel like media and journalism have a responsibility to tell the stories," Clark told Andrews, "and a lot of the time you guys are the ones controlling the narratives about what people read and what people talk about. And a lot of that is sometimes so far out of touch with what is reality."
Although Duncan doesn't believe Clark is at fault for how far out of control things have spun, she wants to see the three-time All-Star take more ownership of the situation.
"I would love for it to be very clear to the people who think they are her fans but are using her, if she would say, 'stop that sh*t, I don't want it, I'm tired of it.' As opposed to what we've seen, which is 'the media makes up these narratives, the media makes up this discourse.'
#Media #andrews
7 days ago
Detroit — Seven down, one more to go.
This week marks the eighth and final playing of the PGA Tour's Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club.
So, who will join the roster of champions that includes Nate Lashley, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Davis (twice), Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler and Aldrich Potgieter? We'll know soon enough, before the sun sets on Palmer Park on Sunday.
In the meantime, The Detroit News' so-called experts (loose term) provide their predictions:
Predicting the winner of a 147-player PGA Tour tournament is a near-impossible task, unless Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlory or prime Tiger Woods is teeing it up. Usually, I like to lean in heavily on the horses-for-courses theory, so I considered the likes of Jake Knapp (tied for fourth course-record 61 last year), Chris Kirk (lost in a playoff last year) and Taylor Moore (the only player with three top-10s here), but the course has been renovated. So I'm going with The Kid, JACKSON KOIVUN, 21, fresh off his first PGA Tour win at the 3M Open. We'll pick him to go back-to-back at 3M and Rocket, like Tony Finau in 2022. If Koivun wins, he'd be the second player to receive a sponsor's exemption into the Rocket (2024), only to win the tournament two years later (Aldrich Potgieter, 2023 exemption and 2025 ****** le).
#detroit #tony
This week marks the eighth and final playing of the PGA Tour's Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club.
So, who will join the roster of champions that includes Nate Lashley, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Davis (twice), Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler and Aldrich Potgieter? We'll know soon enough, before the sun sets on Palmer Park on Sunday.
In the meantime, The Detroit News' so-called experts (loose term) provide their predictions:
Predicting the winner of a 147-player PGA Tour tournament is a near-impossible task, unless Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlory or prime Tiger Woods is teeing it up. Usually, I like to lean in heavily on the horses-for-courses theory, so I considered the likes of Jake Knapp (tied for fourth course-record 61 last year), Chris Kirk (lost in a playoff last year) and Taylor Moore (the only player with three top-10s here), but the course has been renovated. So I'm going with The Kid, JACKSON KOIVUN, 21, fresh off his first PGA Tour win at the 3M Open. We'll pick him to go back-to-back at 3M and Rocket, like Tony Finau in 2022. If Koivun wins, he'd be the second player to receive a sponsor's exemption into the Rocket (2024), only to win the tournament two years later (Aldrich Potgieter, 2023 exemption and 2025 ****** le).
#detroit #tony
7 days ago
When it comes to Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon, the one word that encapsulates his current injury situation is "frustration."
Gordon, a former second-round pick, was hampered by soft tissue injuries last season, playing in just three regular-season games with two stints on injured reserve. After playing in two postseason games, the arrow was pointed up for Gordon, who's elevated the defense when he's on the field.
But Gordon suffered yet another soft tissue injury -- a calf injury, as confirmed by general manager Ryan Poles -- that held him out of the offseason program and has him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start training camp. There's also no current timetable for his return.
"Obviously, he's frustrated," Poles said Tuesday. "We're frustrated. Everybody here is putting their time and effort into getting him back."
Head coach Ben Johnson hasn't been shy when it comes to voicing his frustration with Gordon, making it clear that his lack of availability has been a problem. On report day, Johnson had a message to Gordon as he starts the summer injured.
#soft #season
Gordon, a former second-round pick, was hampered by soft tissue injuries last season, playing in just three regular-season games with two stints on injured reserve. After playing in two postseason games, the arrow was pointed up for Gordon, who's elevated the defense when he's on the field.
But Gordon suffered yet another soft tissue injury -- a calf injury, as confirmed by general manager Ryan Poles -- that held him out of the offseason program and has him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start training camp. There's also no current timetable for his return.
"Obviously, he's frustrated," Poles said Tuesday. "We're frustrated. Everybody here is putting their time and effort into getting him back."
Head coach Ben Johnson hasn't been shy when it comes to voicing his frustration with Gordon, making it clear that his lack of availability has been a problem. On report day, Johnson had a message to Gordon as he starts the summer injured.
#soft #season
8 days ago
The Cincinnati Bengals have a good problem most teams would take. They have two young corners worthy of re-signing for a second contract.
DJ Turner (a second-round pick in the 2023 draft) and Dax Hill (a first-round selection from the 2022 draft) are both quality starters. Especially Turner, who has received the underrated tag pretty frequently this offseason.
However, it is still a problem when you need to re-sign them. The Bengals have been spending quite a bit, and while they could re-sign both players. The team would be left without the wiggle room it usually would like to have.
We've seen players like Trey Hendrickson, Jessie Bates, and Ja'Marr Chase all skip out on portions of training camp while entering the last years of their respective contracts. The Bengals aren't expecting that this time around.
"When you draft guys like that that come in and find roles and elevate their game and elevate the people around them. Those are guys you want to be around," Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin said of the cornerback duo. "And I'm not going to make any predictions about future contracts. We have everyone signed up right now, which is really good. It's a good feeling. I think everyone is locked in on the season, and we'll see what the future holds. But right now, our focus is winning and winning now."
#draft #problem
DJ Turner (a second-round pick in the 2023 draft) and Dax Hill (a first-round selection from the 2022 draft) are both quality starters. Especially Turner, who has received the underrated tag pretty frequently this offseason.
However, it is still a problem when you need to re-sign them. The Bengals have been spending quite a bit, and while they could re-sign both players. The team would be left without the wiggle room it usually would like to have.
We've seen players like Trey Hendrickson, Jessie Bates, and Ja'Marr Chase all skip out on portions of training camp while entering the last years of their respective contracts. The Bengals aren't expecting that this time around.
"When you draft guys like that that come in and find roles and elevate their game and elevate the people around them. Those are guys you want to be around," Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin said of the cornerback duo. "And I'm not going to make any predictions about future contracts. We have everyone signed up right now, which is really good. It's a good feeling. I think everyone is locked in on the season, and we'll see what the future holds. But right now, our focus is winning and winning now."
#draft #problem
11 days ago
Madeleine McCann’s younger brother Sean has earned a spot in the finals of the Commonwealth Games 400-metre freestyle.
McCann, 21, was cheered on by his parents Gerry and Kate and his twin sister Amelie as he finished fourth in the third of four qualifying heats in Glasgow.
His time of 3:52.64 was just fast enough to make the final on Saturday evening, in eighth position overall.
McCann and Amelie were just two years old when Madeleine, aged three, disappeared during a family holiday in Portugal in 2007.
Despite extensive searches and countless media appeals, she has never been found.
#amelie #sean
McCann, 21, was cheered on by his parents Gerry and Kate and his twin sister Amelie as he finished fourth in the third of four qualifying heats in Glasgow.
His time of 3:52.64 was just fast enough to make the final on Saturday evening, in eighth position overall.
McCann and Amelie were just two years old when Madeleine, aged three, disappeared during a family holiday in Portugal in 2007.
Despite extensive searches and countless media appeals, she has never been found.
#amelie #sean
11 days ago
Greetings, Panthers fans. Welcome to the weekend.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it's allowed by the site's ToS, it's fair game here.
You know the drill.
This is now an open thread
#panthers #welcome
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it's allowed by the site's ToS, it's fair game here.
You know the drill.
This is now an open thread
#panthers #welcome
12 days ago
WNBA All-Star Weekend is upon us, and the forecast calls for raining 3s.
Friday night begins with the new Shooting Stars event, which zips through the past, present and future of women’s basketball. Its call sheet includes Hall of Famers Elena Delle Donne and Lauren Jackson. Up next is the always entertaining 3-point contest, which includes an All-Star introduction for rookie Azzi Fudd and another showcase for bucket-getter Marina Mabrey.
Prepare accordingly with this Friday night TV primer.
Venue: Wintrust Arena — Chicago
Date: Friday, July 24
#star #famers
Friday night begins with the new Shooting Stars event, which zips through the past, present and future of women’s basketball. Its call sheet includes Hall of Famers Elena Delle Donne and Lauren Jackson. Up next is the always entertaining 3-point contest, which includes an All-Star introduction for rookie Azzi Fudd and another showcase for bucket-getter Marina Mabrey.
Prepare accordingly with this Friday night TV primer.
Venue: Wintrust Arena — Chicago
Date: Friday, July 24
#star #famers
12 days ago
At the UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-ins, all 26 fighters on Saturday's fight card step on the scale Friday in Azerbaijan. Watch ceremonial weigh-ins above, set to kick off at 10 a.m. ET.
In the main event, former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev fights fast-rising contender Bogdan Guskov. Both fighters can weigh no more than the 206 pound limit for their non-title fight.
Ankalaev is currently No. 3 at light heavyweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Guskov stands at No. 12. Coming off of his first loss since 2018, a ***** le fight defeat to Alex Pereira, Ankalaev also holds a spot in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings at No. 17.
In the co-main event, one-time UFC ***** le challenger Steve Erceg squares off with Ramazan Temirov in a flyweight contest. Neither man may weigh more than 126 pounds.
Check out the UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-in results below.
#weigh #pound
In the main event, former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev fights fast-rising contender Bogdan Guskov. Both fighters can weigh no more than the 206 pound limit for their non-title fight.
Ankalaev is currently No. 3 at light heavyweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Guskov stands at No. 12. Coming off of his first loss since 2018, a ***** le fight defeat to Alex Pereira, Ankalaev also holds a spot in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings at No. 17.
In the co-main event, one-time UFC ***** le challenger Steve Erceg squares off with Ramazan Temirov in a flyweight contest. Neither man may weigh more than 126 pounds.
Check out the UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-in results below.
#weigh #pound
12 days ago
BRISTOL, Conn. - Toms River is known for success at the Little League World Series on the baseball side. Now the town's softball program is getting its chance.
Sophia Tolentino scored the tiebeaking run on a throwing error and Gia Gatto followed with an RBI single, powering a four-run final inning rally that lifted Toms River to a 5-3 victory over Team Pennsylvania for the region championship - and a berth in the Little League Softball World Series.
This is a breaking story. Check back for more reporting and photos.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Toms River is Little League Softball World Series-bound
#river #little
Sophia Tolentino scored the tiebeaking run on a throwing error and Gia Gatto followed with an RBI single, powering a four-run final inning rally that lifted Toms River to a 5-3 victory over Team Pennsylvania for the region championship - and a berth in the Little League Softball World Series.
This is a breaking story. Check back for more reporting and photos.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Toms River is Little League Softball World Series-bound
#river #little
13 days ago
BasketNews' Donatas Urbonas reported that Hezonja's next team is expected to be in the NBA despite recent speculation in Europe regarding his future. According to BasketNews sources, there is confidence that the Croatian forward fulfilled all the necessary conditions to activate the NBA exit clause in his long-term Real Madrid contract before Monday's deadline, clearing the way for his departure.
BasketNews
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: There is confidence that the Croatian forward …
#confidence #forward #real
BasketNews
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: There is confidence that the Croatian forward …
#confidence #forward #real
13 days ago
Canelo vs. “The Mexican Monster” is never happening.
Former WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring Super Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez returns to action later this year for the first time since losing all of his ***** les to Terence Crawford.
Alvarez will face Christian Mbilli for the WBC Super Middleweight ***** le on Oct. 31, 2026 — not Sept. 12 — in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
But while in New York doing press for his upcoming boxing match, Alvarez was once again asked about the one fight that just will not go away:
David Benavidez.
#middleweight #monster #former #terence
Former WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring Super Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez returns to action later this year for the first time since losing all of his ***** les to Terence Crawford.
Alvarez will face Christian Mbilli for the WBC Super Middleweight ***** le on Oct. 31, 2026 — not Sept. 12 — in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
But while in New York doing press for his upcoming boxing match, Alvarez was once again asked about the one fight that just will not go away:
David Benavidez.
#middleweight #monster #former #terence
13 days ago
Why NBA fans think Heat fired director of YouTube strategy after LeBron James press conference mistake originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On Tuesday night, the NBA world was sent into a frenzy over a hypothetical YouTube livestream. The following morning, it was LinkedIn's turn to be the instigator.
LeBron James' free agency has gone on for quite a while now, and basketball fans are grasping at any sort of straw for a destination lead. After the Miami Heat mistakenly scheduled a James press conference livestream to go live on July 27, fans in the job-hunting sphere noticed the team had a posting open for its director of YouTube strategy position.
Eagle-eyed fans with their own LinkedIn accounts may have noticed something on the posting that suggested the director position was open for a reason other than the YouTube mistake.
Here's the rundown on whether Miami let its director of YouTube strategy go.
#director
On Tuesday night, the NBA world was sent into a frenzy over a hypothetical YouTube livestream. The following morning, it was LinkedIn's turn to be the instigator.
LeBron James' free agency has gone on for quite a while now, and basketball fans are grasping at any sort of straw for a destination lead. After the Miami Heat mistakenly scheduled a James press conference livestream to go live on July 27, fans in the job-hunting sphere noticed the team had a posting open for its director of YouTube strategy position.
Eagle-eyed fans with their own LinkedIn accounts may have noticed something on the posting that suggested the director position was open for a reason other than the YouTube mistake.
Here's the rundown on whether Miami let its director of YouTube strategy go.
#director
14 days ago
Leeds United enter a race they are probably already losing. They are monitoring Royal Union Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. Sky Sports journalist Ben Heckner first broke the story. But the 26-year-old Dutchman has already made his preference clear, and it is not Elland Road.
Voetbal International journalist Joost Blaauwhof stated flatly that there is little chance of Leeds United signing him. Blaauwhof added that Scherpen is not even aware of their interest. He has his heart set on Ipswich Town. Brighton hold a 40% sell-on clause from his departure. His asking price sits at around €10m, which is roughly £8.5m. Ipswich already have personal terms in place.
The pressure at Elland Road is real. Karl Darlow left for Manchester United on a free transfer, Illan Meslier signed for ******* nal, and Daniel Farke has lost faith in Lucas Perri. Scherpen is just the latest name on what has become a long goalkeeping list. No real concrete progress has been made on actually signing anyone between the sticks.
Let us be straight here. Scherpen's 2025/26 season at Union Saint-Gilloise was genuinely solid. He made 40 appearances across all competitions and kept eight clean sheets in the Belgian Pro League. He also played a central role in the club winning the Belgian Cup.
It is an impressive output for a side that now enters Champions League football. His average FotMob rating across the Belgian Pro League campaign sat at 7.16. For a goalkeeper, that is quietly excellent. At 6ft 9in, he is the kind of physical presence that demands attention. Crosses get claimed. Near-post shots become non-events. That part is not in question.
#league #leeds #saint
Voetbal International journalist Joost Blaauwhof stated flatly that there is little chance of Leeds United signing him. Blaauwhof added that Scherpen is not even aware of their interest. He has his heart set on Ipswich Town. Brighton hold a 40% sell-on clause from his departure. His asking price sits at around €10m, which is roughly £8.5m. Ipswich already have personal terms in place.
The pressure at Elland Road is real. Karl Darlow left for Manchester United on a free transfer, Illan Meslier signed for ******* nal, and Daniel Farke has lost faith in Lucas Perri. Scherpen is just the latest name on what has become a long goalkeeping list. No real concrete progress has been made on actually signing anyone between the sticks.
Let us be straight here. Scherpen's 2025/26 season at Union Saint-Gilloise was genuinely solid. He made 40 appearances across all competitions and kept eight clean sheets in the Belgian Pro League. He also played a central role in the club winning the Belgian Cup.
It is an impressive output for a side that now enters Champions League football. His average FotMob rating across the Belgian Pro League campaign sat at 7.16. For a goalkeeper, that is quietly excellent. At 6ft 9in, he is the kind of physical presence that demands attention. Crosses get claimed. Near-post shots become non-events. That part is not in question.
#league #leeds #saint
21 days ago
Sunderland have signed Belgium defender Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal following his departure from French side Lille.
The 34-year-old has made more than 550 senior club appearances and previously had spells with Club Brugge, Paris St-Germain, where he won three league ****** les, Borussia Dortmund and Turkish side Trabzonspor.
He also has 83 international caps and played for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
Meunier is the Black Cats' first signing of the season after the departures of forward Eliezer Mayenda and midfielder Dan Neil.
"We are delighted to welcome Thomas to Sunderland," said director of football Florent Ghisolfi.
The 34-year-old has made more than 550 senior club appearances and previously had spells with Club Brugge, Paris St-Germain, where he won three league ****** les, Borussia Dortmund and Turkish side Trabzonspor.
He also has 83 international caps and played for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
Meunier is the Black Cats' first signing of the season after the departures of forward Eliezer Mayenda and midfielder Dan Neil.
"We are delighted to welcome Thomas to Sunderland," said director of football Florent Ghisolfi.
21 days ago
Lamine Yamal and Spain are through to the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a highly anticipated semifinal matchup between Spain and France, it was Lamine Yamal’s side who ended up victorious.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro netted two goals to give the Spaniards a memorable 2-0 win over the World Cup favorites as the French were unable to find a way to beat Spain’s defense.
The 2-0 win over France marked Spain’s 37th consecutive game where the team either won or drew the game in all competitions.
According to OptaJoe on X, this win has helped the 2010 World Cup champs equal Italy’s unbeaten record from 2018 to 2021.
In a highly anticipated semifinal matchup between Spain and France, it was Lamine Yamal’s side who ended up victorious.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro netted two goals to give the Spaniards a memorable 2-0 win over the World Cup favorites as the French were unable to find a way to beat Spain’s defense.
The 2-0 win over France marked Spain’s 37th consecutive game where the team either won or drew the game in all competitions.
According to OptaJoe on X, this win has helped the 2010 World Cup champs equal Italy’s unbeaten record from 2018 to 2021.
21 days ago
As the college football world turns, University of Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang remains grounded in his goals.
“I think college football has changed,” said Chang, who enters his fifth season as the Rainbow Warriors’ leader. “You have to be flexible to build a roster and compete. We’re doing that. We’re a different type of program. We’re in a different location. And that poses different factors and opportunities and challenges that we have to be able to adapt.”
Fifty-four months after inheriting a disheartened program that was in emotional turmoil, Chang is navigating an evolving landscape. The transfer portal has eased the way for players to change schools without interruption. Student-athletes may now profit from use of their name, image and likeness. The House vs. NCAA settlement requires profit sharing up to $20.5 million annually per school. (UH has budgeted $5 million for NILs and profit sharing this coming academic year, with $2.5 million earmarked for football.)
The Rainbow Warriors have been impacted living in a material whirl.
“Jackson Harris is an example,” Chang said of the wideout who received a lucrative NIL deal after transferring to LSU following the 2025 regular season. “I think he loved our program, but he left for the money.”
“I think college football has changed,” said Chang, who enters his fifth season as the Rainbow Warriors’ leader. “You have to be flexible to build a roster and compete. We’re doing that. We’re a different type of program. We’re in a different location. And that poses different factors and opportunities and challenges that we have to be able to adapt.”
Fifty-four months after inheriting a disheartened program that was in emotional turmoil, Chang is navigating an evolving landscape. The transfer portal has eased the way for players to change schools without interruption. Student-athletes may now profit from use of their name, image and likeness. The House vs. NCAA settlement requires profit sharing up to $20.5 million annually per school. (UH has budgeted $5 million for NILs and profit sharing this coming academic year, with $2.5 million earmarked for football.)
The Rainbow Warriors have been impacted living in a material whirl.
“Jackson Harris is an example,” Chang said of the wideout who received a lucrative NIL deal after transferring to LSU following the 2025 regular season. “I think he loved our program, but he left for the money.”
22 days ago
Brighton have completed the signing of Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham for an initial club record £46 million.
The 19-year-old, who played against England at this summer’s World Cup, has agreed a five-year contract with the Seagulls, with an option for a further 12 months. Spurs could receive an additional £4m in add-on fees, taking the overall fee to £50 million, and the deal includes a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
Vuskovic joined Tottenham from Hajduk Split in 2025 and spent last season on loan at German club Hamburg. The centre-back, who made no competitive appearances for Spurs, was eager for first-team football and favoured a permanent move over another loan.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler told his club’s website: "Luka has enjoyed a fantastic start to his career – it’s one we’ve followed closely. Last season he demonstrated he can play at a very high level and we want to help him build on that within our environment.
“There’s been a lot of external noise about Luka joining us, but he is still a young guy who will need time to adjust to the demands of playing for Brighton and the Premier League. We are confident that he will take this in his stride though."
The 19-year-old, who played against England at this summer’s World Cup, has agreed a five-year contract with the Seagulls, with an option for a further 12 months. Spurs could receive an additional £4m in add-on fees, taking the overall fee to £50 million, and the deal includes a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
Vuskovic joined Tottenham from Hajduk Split in 2025 and spent last season on loan at German club Hamburg. The centre-back, who made no competitive appearances for Spurs, was eager for first-team football and favoured a permanent move over another loan.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler told his club’s website: "Luka has enjoyed a fantastic start to his career – it’s one we’ve followed closely. Last season he demonstrated he can play at a very high level and we want to help him build on that within our environment.
“There’s been a lot of external noise about Luka joining us, but he is still a young guy who will need time to adjust to the demands of playing for Brighton and the Premier League. We are confident that he will take this in his stride though."
22 days ago
Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson isn't facing facing criminal charges after being arrested on suspicion of domestic violence last month, according to multiple reports in the past week that have cited the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office.
"Charges are not filed against the respondent at this time; however, the case stays open throughout the length of the statute of limitations. It can be re-evaluated if there are further developments," said Ivor Pine, a spokesperson for the city attorney's office, in a statement, per the Los Angeles Times and ESPN.
Jackson's case has been ***** igned for a pre-filing diversion, an alternative to misdemeanor prosecution, Pine told those outlets. City officials, according to NBC4 Los Angeles, are planning to give Jackson options that include attending a class, paying restitution or completing community service.
Jackson, who's turning 28 on Tuesday, can still face discipline from the NFL if the league deems that he's violated its personal conduct policy. His violation of that policy in 2024 resulted in a two-game suspension. A second violation could land Jackson a six-game suspension or a ban from the league for at least one year.
Jackson was arrested on June 8, when police responded to a call at his home in San Fernando Valley, where Jackson and a woman had engaged in an argument, per NBC4. Police learned that the woman involved recorded the interaction, according to the Times. They also reportedly identified scratch marks on her arms.
"Charges are not filed against the respondent at this time; however, the case stays open throughout the length of the statute of limitations. It can be re-evaluated if there are further developments," said Ivor Pine, a spokesperson for the city attorney's office, in a statement, per the Los Angeles Times and ESPN.
Jackson's case has been ***** igned for a pre-filing diversion, an alternative to misdemeanor prosecution, Pine told those outlets. City officials, according to NBC4 Los Angeles, are planning to give Jackson options that include attending a class, paying restitution or completing community service.
Jackson, who's turning 28 on Tuesday, can still face discipline from the NFL if the league deems that he's violated its personal conduct policy. His violation of that policy in 2024 resulted in a two-game suspension. A second violation could land Jackson a six-game suspension or a ban from the league for at least one year.
Jackson was arrested on June 8, when police responded to a call at his home in San Fernando Valley, where Jackson and a woman had engaged in an argument, per NBC4. Police learned that the woman involved recorded the interaction, according to the Times. They also reportedly identified scratch marks on her arms.
