1 day ago
Caleb Williams has quickly emerged as a clutch quarterback after one special season with the Chicago Bears. That trait has carried him into elite NFL quarterback territory. Yet there is still much more room for him to grow.
In a recent article, Mike Pendleton takes a look at Caleb Williams' game following his special 2025 season. Here is what he had to say:
"One of the biggest impressions that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made during his standout sophomore campaign was his clutch performance, earning himself the nickname of "The Iceman" as he captivated the NFL audience and ***** ysts alike.
Williams, who orchestrated an NFL record seven comebacks for the Bears last season, still has shown there are areas in which he needs to progress his development and going into his second year under Ben Johnson. If he can make those leaps, he'll continue to turn heads."
Caleb Williams will be feared in games late by opponents because of the rare clutch gene he has. If he takes another step in improving his all-around game as a quarterback, the Bears will have something truly special on their hands. Caleb Williams' clutch ability saves all of his weaknesses, and that was evident in many games last season. As not attainable as 6 game-winning drives seems, Caleb Williams will need to improve so another trait of his can be the reason the Bears win games. If Caleb can do that, the Bears will be able to withstand anything with Williams at the helm, and Williams will be viewed in a totally different regard.
#bears #quarterback
In a recent article, Mike Pendleton takes a look at Caleb Williams' game following his special 2025 season. Here is what he had to say:
"One of the biggest impressions that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made during his standout sophomore campaign was his clutch performance, earning himself the nickname of "The Iceman" as he captivated the NFL audience and ***** ysts alike.
Williams, who orchestrated an NFL record seven comebacks for the Bears last season, still has shown there are areas in which he needs to progress his development and going into his second year under Ben Johnson. If he can make those leaps, he'll continue to turn heads."
Caleb Williams will be feared in games late by opponents because of the rare clutch gene he has. If he takes another step in improving his all-around game as a quarterback, the Bears will have something truly special on their hands. Caleb Williams' clutch ability saves all of his weaknesses, and that was evident in many games last season. As not attainable as 6 game-winning drives seems, Caleb Williams will need to improve so another trait of his can be the reason the Bears win games. If Caleb can do that, the Bears will be able to withstand anything with Williams at the helm, and Williams will be viewed in a totally different regard.
#bears #quarterback
5 days ago
One of the biggest impressions that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made during his standout sophomore campaign was his clutch performance, earning himself the nickname of "The Iceman" as he captivated the NFL audience and **** ysts alike.
Williams, who orchestrated an NFL record seven comebacks for the Bears last season, still has shown there are areas in which he needs to progress his development and going into his second year under Ben Johnson. If he can make those leaps, he'll continue to turn heads.
The clutch gene that Williams displayed last year has helped bring in praise from former quarterbacks and current **** ysts, including Matt Hasselbeck. During a recent appearance on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd, Hasselbeck discussed Williams' clutch ability, calling it a trait that is hard to find among even the most elite players in the NFL.
"The best thing I could say about Caleb Williams is he has a clutch gene that is really hard to find," Hasselbeck said. "You can do all the great practicing and all the great, you know, 7-on-7 and all the whatever, but the elite quarterbacks, the elite playmakers, they have that clutch gene, and he absolutely showed that he has that."
Williams' biggest criticism has been his low completion percentage, and the Bears coaching staff, along with the quarterback himself, have made it clear that it's a focus this season. While the heroics and comebacks have been a thrilling watch, the Bears and their star young quarterback will undoubtedly benefit from more consistency and starting out on a more productive note in the beginning of games, not needing a Superman cape to will them to victories this upcoming season.
#williams #clutch #season #biggest
Williams, who orchestrated an NFL record seven comebacks for the Bears last season, still has shown there are areas in which he needs to progress his development and going into his second year under Ben Johnson. If he can make those leaps, he'll continue to turn heads.
The clutch gene that Williams displayed last year has helped bring in praise from former quarterbacks and current **** ysts, including Matt Hasselbeck. During a recent appearance on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd, Hasselbeck discussed Williams' clutch ability, calling it a trait that is hard to find among even the most elite players in the NFL.
"The best thing I could say about Caleb Williams is he has a clutch gene that is really hard to find," Hasselbeck said. "You can do all the great practicing and all the great, you know, 7-on-7 and all the whatever, but the elite quarterbacks, the elite playmakers, they have that clutch gene, and he absolutely showed that he has that."
Williams' biggest criticism has been his low completion percentage, and the Bears coaching staff, along with the quarterback himself, have made it clear that it's a focus this season. While the heroics and comebacks have been a thrilling watch, the Bears and their star young quarterback will undoubtedly benefit from more consistency and starting out on a more productive note in the beginning of games, not needing a Superman cape to will them to victories this upcoming season.
#williams #clutch #season #biggest
6 days ago
Johnny Depp had a series of memorable interactions with a clutch of Johnny Depp character cosplayers at Comic-Con 2026.
The controversial actor appeared on the streets of San Diego dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge to promote his new film, Ebenezer.
"How do you go to the WC? The toilet!" he asked an Edward Scissorhands cosplayer, before taunting a Jack Sparrow cosplayer with candy from the staff of a Willy Wonka cosplayer.
Do you want to know more about Johnny Depp's bathroom habits? Johnny Depp does.
The controversial actor surprised Comic-Con 2026 attendees as they roamed the streets of downtown San Diego on Thursday, en route to all the buzzy panels, screenings, Q&As, and activations. To promote his forthcoming film Ebenezer, a fresh take on Charles ***** ens' beloved A Christmas Carol character, Ebenezer Scrooge, Depp stepped out in full Victorian regalia beneath a shower of fake snow for some impromptu fan interactions.
#scrooge #interactions #character
The controversial actor appeared on the streets of San Diego dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge to promote his new film, Ebenezer.
"How do you go to the WC? The toilet!" he asked an Edward Scissorhands cosplayer, before taunting a Jack Sparrow cosplayer with candy from the staff of a Willy Wonka cosplayer.
Do you want to know more about Johnny Depp's bathroom habits? Johnny Depp does.
The controversial actor surprised Comic-Con 2026 attendees as they roamed the streets of downtown San Diego on Thursday, en route to all the buzzy panels, screenings, Q&As, and activations. To promote his forthcoming film Ebenezer, a fresh take on Charles ***** ens' beloved A Christmas Carol character, Ebenezer Scrooge, Depp stepped out in full Victorian regalia beneath a shower of fake snow for some impromptu fan interactions.
#scrooge #interactions #character
6 days ago
Team Wisco and general manager Gord Ash didn't go with perhaps the obvious choice in making the first pick of the Milwaukee Brewers Alumni Legends Game, a selection made at the Saint Kate hotel in downtown Milwaukee on July 23.
A fleet of former Brewers players will be on hand at American Family Field for a three-inning alumni showcase July 24, following the Brewers' regularly scheduled game against the Colorado Rockies, which starts at 3:10 p.m. CT. Former Brewers general manager Doug Melvin (Team Milwaukee) and his top **** istant, Ash (Team Wisco), selected the teams a day in advance, with former coaches Garth Iorg (Team Wisco) and Ed Sedar (Team Milwaukee) serving as managers.
Ryan Braun was on the board, but Ash went with a player he called "the former Ohtani" in selecting Yovani Gallardo, the ex-Brewers standout pitcher who could also hit a little bit during his tenure with the Brewers from 2007-2014, with 12 career home runs.
With the chance to draft six position players, two catchers and seven pitchers, there's a boatload of value in a pitcher who can do a little work in the field. A later-round pick for Brooks Kieschnick demonstrated further how much Ash had this in mind.
Melvin and Sedar quickly snapped Braun up with their first-round pick. "I'm going to have to tell him the game's only three innings," Melvin said. "He didn't start hitting in the clutch until the seventh, eighth and ninth inning, so I'm a little worried."
#melvin
A fleet of former Brewers players will be on hand at American Family Field for a three-inning alumni showcase July 24, following the Brewers' regularly scheduled game against the Colorado Rockies, which starts at 3:10 p.m. CT. Former Brewers general manager Doug Melvin (Team Milwaukee) and his top **** istant, Ash (Team Wisco), selected the teams a day in advance, with former coaches Garth Iorg (Team Wisco) and Ed Sedar (Team Milwaukee) serving as managers.
Ryan Braun was on the board, but Ash went with a player he called "the former Ohtani" in selecting Yovani Gallardo, the ex-Brewers standout pitcher who could also hit a little bit during his tenure with the Brewers from 2007-2014, with 12 career home runs.
With the chance to draft six position players, two catchers and seven pitchers, there's a boatload of value in a pitcher who can do a little work in the field. A later-round pick for Brooks Kieschnick demonstrated further how much Ash had this in mind.
Melvin and Sedar quickly snapped Braun up with their first-round pick. "I'm going to have to tell him the game's only three innings," Melvin said. "He didn't start hitting in the clutch until the seventh, eighth and ninth inning, so I'm a little worried."
#melvin
9 days ago
More than half a century has elapsed since the last big exhibition of work by Richard Dadd, the Victorian one-off who murdered his father while in his 20s and spent the rest of his life painting in psychiatric institutions. The most famous of his seemingly psychedelic compositions is The Fairy-Feller's Master-Stroke (1855-64), an airless, intricate and profoundly eccentric picture swarming with supernatural creatures, each apparently no bigger than a blade of grass. Surely it's the product of a fevered brain?
Richard Dadd: Beyond Bedlam, at the Royal Academy of Arts, invites us to consider its subject afresh, not as a lunatic who happened to paint but as a first-rate artist who lived with mental illness (probably schizophrenia), a little like Vincent van Gogh. Although, on this evidence, his folkloric paintings can appear obscure, as well as multitudinous and hallucinatory, the originality of his vision reinforces the show's premise. This exhibition may be weird, but it's certainly compelling.
Despite Dadd's medical history, it would be wrong to categorise him as an "outsider" artist. He was born in Kent in 1817, his mother died when he was a child, then, at the age of 19, he entered the Royal Academy Schools, a move emphasised (unsurprisingly, given its setting) by this exhibition's dull opening room. If Dadd's mature art appears technically accomplished and steeped in art history – I have a hunch that an odd watercolour of 1852 depicting Robin Hood craftily alludes to The Archers (1769-70) by Sir Joshua Reynolds now in Tate Britain – that's because he was trained, as well as talented.
After winning acclaim for some early Shakespearean fairy pictures, including one of a corpulent, malevolent-looking Puck sitting cross-legged on a fungus beneath a foxglove like a dripping shower head, Dadd was invited, in 1842, to accompany Thomas Phillips, a Welsh lawyer and politician, on a trip around the eastern Mediterranean. Over-stimulated by this grand tour, Dadd began suffering delusions. On his return to London, he became convinced that his father was a devil and killed him with a knife. A year later, he was admitted to Bethlem and remained there for two decades before being transferred to Broadmoor Hospital, where he would eventually die from tuberculosis, in 1886.
During his time as a patient, medical attitudes to mental illness started to shift. In 1854, Dadd produced Agony – Raving Madness, a watercolour of a manacled, half-naked, evidently tormented patient clutching at his head. Yet, Dadd's doctors wanted physical coercion to become a thing of the past. They allowed him to draw and paint as he wished, and even commissioned him to do so; exceptionally, at Broadmoor, they also provided him with carpentry tools, so that he could build his own idiosyncratic wooden picture frames (two of which appear at the Royal Academy).
Richard Dadd: Beyond Bedlam, at the Royal Academy of Arts, invites us to consider its subject afresh, not as a lunatic who happened to paint but as a first-rate artist who lived with mental illness (probably schizophrenia), a little like Vincent van Gogh. Although, on this evidence, his folkloric paintings can appear obscure, as well as multitudinous and hallucinatory, the originality of his vision reinforces the show's premise. This exhibition may be weird, but it's certainly compelling.
Despite Dadd's medical history, it would be wrong to categorise him as an "outsider" artist. He was born in Kent in 1817, his mother died when he was a child, then, at the age of 19, he entered the Royal Academy Schools, a move emphasised (unsurprisingly, given its setting) by this exhibition's dull opening room. If Dadd's mature art appears technically accomplished and steeped in art history – I have a hunch that an odd watercolour of 1852 depicting Robin Hood craftily alludes to The Archers (1769-70) by Sir Joshua Reynolds now in Tate Britain – that's because he was trained, as well as talented.
After winning acclaim for some early Shakespearean fairy pictures, including one of a corpulent, malevolent-looking Puck sitting cross-legged on a fungus beneath a foxglove like a dripping shower head, Dadd was invited, in 1842, to accompany Thomas Phillips, a Welsh lawyer and politician, on a trip around the eastern Mediterranean. Over-stimulated by this grand tour, Dadd began suffering delusions. On his return to London, he became convinced that his father was a devil and killed him with a knife. A year later, he was admitted to Bethlem and remained there for two decades before being transferred to Broadmoor Hospital, where he would eventually die from tuberculosis, in 1886.
During his time as a patient, medical attitudes to mental illness started to shift. In 1854, Dadd produced Agony – Raving Madness, a watercolour of a manacled, half-naked, evidently tormented patient clutching at his head. Yet, Dadd's doctors wanted physical coercion to become a thing of the past. They allowed him to draw and paint as he wished, and even commissioned him to do so; exceptionally, at Broadmoor, they also provided him with carpentry tools, so that he could build his own idiosyncratic wooden picture frames (two of which appear at the Royal Academy).
15 days ago
LAS VEGAS -- Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell is heading into his second NBA season and after an uneven rookie season, he is looking to show how much he has improved since the 2025-26 campaign. Brooklyn has already seen Powell be an impactful defender, but the team is hoping that he can come along as an offensive threat, something that Powell is trying to prove amidst shooting struggles.
"I've been working a lot with my coaches on my shot. Obviously, they're not going in right now. I'm gonna continue to put them up and just have full confidence that they're gonna go in," Powell said to the media following Monday's practice in Las Vegas, as posted on X by Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. The Nets play their next game on Tuesday against Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings and Powell is hoping that his shots start falling.
"Some nights are obviously hard when I'm by myself in a hotel room, but just constant conversations with my circle, just continue to trust them and then my coaches as well," Powell continued. As of this writing, Powell has played four games between the California Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League and he is averaging just 2.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting just 1-of-28 from the field (3.6%) and 0-for-14 from behind the three-point line.
"Just that we have full confidence in him taking the right shots. I think Drake did take the right shots. He had a great drive, but the ball just didn't go in," Nets summer league coach Dutch Gaitley last week when asked about Powell's shooting struggles. "Defensively, he's been outstanding. He's done everything. It's not easy for a young player to struggle offensively and still give great effort defensively, and he's done that."
To say that Powell has been tough to watch on the offensive end of the floor during the summer circuit is an understatement, but he seems to be in a good headspace to deal with his current struggles. Gaitley and the rest of the coaching staff continue to have confidence in him bouncing back in that area so the hope is that Powell can have a good shooting game before summer league is over.
"I've been working a lot with my coaches on my shot. Obviously, they're not going in right now. I'm gonna continue to put them up and just have full confidence that they're gonna go in," Powell said to the media following Monday's practice in Las Vegas, as posted on X by Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. The Nets play their next game on Tuesday against Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings and Powell is hoping that his shots start falling.
"Some nights are obviously hard when I'm by myself in a hotel room, but just constant conversations with my circle, just continue to trust them and then my coaches as well," Powell continued. As of this writing, Powell has played four games between the California Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League and he is averaging just 2.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting just 1-of-28 from the field (3.6%) and 0-for-14 from behind the three-point line.
"Just that we have full confidence in him taking the right shots. I think Drake did take the right shots. He had a great drive, but the ball just didn't go in," Nets summer league coach Dutch Gaitley last week when asked about Powell's shooting struggles. "Defensively, he's been outstanding. He's done everything. It's not easy for a young player to struggle offensively and still give great effort defensively, and he's done that."
To say that Powell has been tough to watch on the offensive end of the floor during the summer circuit is an understatement, but he seems to be in a good headspace to deal with his current struggles. Gaitley and the rest of the coaching staff continue to have confidence in him bouncing back in that area so the hope is that Powell can have a good shooting game before summer league is over.
16 days ago
ATTICA—Pendleton Heights junior Zach Zoeller continued his recent hot streak with a victory Monday on the Indiana Golf ****** ociation's Junior tour.
Zoeller defeated Zach Kinzer from Fishers on the second playoff hole to earn a victory at Harrison Hills after the pair had finished 36 holes deadlocked at 146 (+2).
The 2026 Madison County medalist, who had built on his strong showing at the IHSAA State finals last month with runner-up and fourth-place finishes in his last two outings, was tied with Jack Lantz from Fort Wayne after a one-under par 71 in the first round.
Kinzer was at even par after the first round.
Zoeller recorded four birdies in the first round and three more during an up-and-down second round. A clutch birdie on the par-three 17th hole drew him even with Kinzer, setting up the playoff.
Zoeller defeated Zach Kinzer from Fishers on the second playoff hole to earn a victory at Harrison Hills after the pair had finished 36 holes deadlocked at 146 (+2).
The 2026 Madison County medalist, who had built on his strong showing at the IHSAA State finals last month with runner-up and fourth-place finishes in his last two outings, was tied with Jack Lantz from Fort Wayne after a one-under par 71 in the first round.
Kinzer was at even par after the first round.
Zoeller recorded four birdies in the first round and three more during an up-and-down second round. A clutch birdie on the par-three 17th hole drew him even with Kinzer, setting up the playoff.
16 days ago
The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl last season with a talented roster on both offense and defense, but as they look to repeat as champions in 2026, a trade many be necessary to strengthen their team prior to the NFL trade deadline next autumn.
According to ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett, Zach Charbonnet is among three prime trade candidates for the Seahawks this year, also including Tory Horton and Ernest Jones IV.
"The Seahawks backfield changes led to them selecting Jadarian Price in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, which only further clouds Charbonnet's future. …" Bassett said. "…The fact that Charbonnet may not be of help during a ***** le defense only increases the likelihood that he could be traded."
Charbonnet was highly effective as the 1B to Kenneth Walker's 1A in Seattle's offensive backfield last season. He rushed for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, but with his health in question for the start of the upcoming season after tearing his ACL in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs last season, moving him may be beneficial for the team in a favorable deal.
Horton has much talent at the wide receiver position, but there's not enough room for him to shine in the way that he may be capable of doing alongside AP Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp. Another favorable return will be sensible for the Seahawks to sign off on in a deal for Horton in the event that one presents itself.
According to ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett, Zach Charbonnet is among three prime trade candidates for the Seahawks this year, also including Tory Horton and Ernest Jones IV.
"The Seahawks backfield changes led to them selecting Jadarian Price in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, which only further clouds Charbonnet's future. …" Bassett said. "…The fact that Charbonnet may not be of help during a ***** le defense only increases the likelihood that he could be traded."
Charbonnet was highly effective as the 1B to Kenneth Walker's 1A in Seattle's offensive backfield last season. He rushed for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, but with his health in question for the start of the upcoming season after tearing his ACL in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs last season, moving him may be beneficial for the team in a favorable deal.
Horton has much talent at the wide receiver position, but there's not enough room for him to shine in the way that he may be capable of doing alongside AP Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp. Another favorable return will be sensible for the Seahawks to sign off on in a deal for Horton in the event that one presents itself.
16 days ago
Esmerlyn Valdez Makes MLB History with Clutch Hits, Fueling Pirates' Sweep of Brewers originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Over the weekend, Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez created a unique slice of MLB doubleheader history at PNC Park.
After clubbing clinching home runs in Games 1 and 2 of Saturday's doubleheader sweep of the Brewers, Valdez became the league's first player to compile four go-ahead hits, including three go-ahead homers, during a twin bill.
In the opener, Valdez launched two homers and drove in a career-best six runs, powering the 7-6 win. The cleanup hitter for much of July, Valdez started the scoring with an RBI single, driving in Jake Mangum, who was hit by Brandon Sproat's 97-mph four-seam fastball.
Breaking a 2-2 tie in the third, the 22-year-old slugger connected on a 421-foot solo homer, and Sproat exited the game after just three innings of work.
Over the weekend, Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez created a unique slice of MLB doubleheader history at PNC Park.
After clubbing clinching home runs in Games 1 and 2 of Saturday's doubleheader sweep of the Brewers, Valdez became the league's first player to compile four go-ahead hits, including three go-ahead homers, during a twin bill.
In the opener, Valdez launched two homers and drove in a career-best six runs, powering the 7-6 win. The cleanup hitter for much of July, Valdez started the scoring with an RBI single, driving in Jake Mangum, who was hit by Brandon Sproat's 97-mph four-seam fastball.
Breaking a 2-2 tie in the third, the 22-year-old slugger connected on a 421-foot solo homer, and Sproat exited the game after just three innings of work.
17 days ago
ONE Championship returns to Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, July 17, with another exclusive card for members of The Inner Circle, streaming live at live.onefc.com.
A ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World ****** le rematch four years in the making tops a card that also features the world's top-ranked women's no-gi grappler and one of ****** an's most dangerous kickboxers hunting a path back to another shot at gold.
In the main event, Jonathan Di Bella makes the first defense of his ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World ****** le against Zhang Peimian in a rematch of the fight that started it all.
Di Bella, the son of Kickboxing Champion Angelo Di Bella, grew up on the mats of his family's Montreal gym, and turned pro at 20 after going 20-0 as a junior and amateur. He has since become a four-time World Champion with one of the highest significant strike outputs in ONE kickboxing history, setting records for the most strikes landed in a single fight during his unification win over Prajanchai PongSuphan PK last October — a performance that left no doubt about who the best strawweight in the world is.
Zhang was 60 seconds away from derailing all of that at ONE 162 in 2022. The young Chinese fighter from rural Guangxi — who grew up chopping sugar cane and cutting rice on his family farm before his headteacher introduced him to martial arts — had led on all three scorecards heading into the final minute of the final round, only for Di Bella to produce a clutch head kick knockdown that ****** ed the ****** le.
A ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World ****** le rematch four years in the making tops a card that also features the world's top-ranked women's no-gi grappler and one of ****** an's most dangerous kickboxers hunting a path back to another shot at gold.
In the main event, Jonathan Di Bella makes the first defense of his ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World ****** le against Zhang Peimian in a rematch of the fight that started it all.
Di Bella, the son of Kickboxing Champion Angelo Di Bella, grew up on the mats of his family's Montreal gym, and turned pro at 20 after going 20-0 as a junior and amateur. He has since become a four-time World Champion with one of the highest significant strike outputs in ONE kickboxing history, setting records for the most strikes landed in a single fight during his unification win over Prajanchai PongSuphan PK last October — a performance that left no doubt about who the best strawweight in the world is.
Zhang was 60 seconds away from derailing all of that at ONE 162 in 2022. The young Chinese fighter from rural Guangxi — who grew up chopping sugar cane and cutting rice on his family farm before his headteacher introduced him to martial arts — had led on all three scorecards heading into the final minute of the final round, only for Di Bella to produce a clutch head kick knockdown that ****** ed the ****** le.
17 days ago
The rising sun bathes the rolling Herefordshire hillsides in a warm glow as birds gently chirp and sheep graze in the fields.
But this rural idyll is shattered by the sound of explosions, followed by plumes of smoke and ear-splitting screams.
Six camouflaged men rush to the scene to find a soldier howling for help as he clutches his bloodied leg, half of which appears to have been blown off.
Thankfully, the blood is fake and this is an actor - albeit a former soldier and amputee - and the first responders are a group of football coaches studying for their Uefa Pro Licence, the sport's highest coaching qualification.
Former **** nal midfielder and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey applies a tourniquet, while ex-Chelsea and Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero comforts the casualty.
But this rural idyll is shattered by the sound of explosions, followed by plumes of smoke and ear-splitting screams.
Six camouflaged men rush to the scene to find a soldier howling for help as he clutches his bloodied leg, half of which appears to have been blown off.
Thankfully, the blood is fake and this is an actor - albeit a former soldier and amputee - and the first responders are a group of football coaches studying for their Uefa Pro Licence, the sport's highest coaching qualification.
Former **** nal midfielder and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey applies a tourniquet, while ex-Chelsea and Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero comforts the casualty.
17 days ago
76ers rookie Labaron Philon making early statement in Summer League originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Labaron Philon continued his impressive start to NBA Summer League, delivering another standout performance Saturday night to lead the Sixers to a 100-93 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Philon took control when the game mattered most, scoring timely baskets in overtime and making several clutch plays down the stretch. The former Alabama star finished with a game-high 24 points, six ***** ists, three rebounds and one steal, further strengthening his case as one of the breakout performers of Summer League.
The 6-foot-3 point guard showcased an advanced offensive ***** nal throughout the contest. His mid-range pull-up jumper repeatedly proved nearly impossible to defend, while his explosive first step and polished footwork consistently allowed him to create ***** e against Indiana's defenders.
Philon displayed the poise of a seasoned floor general, controlling the tempo while making smart decisions with the basketball. His ability to score from multiple levels and create opportunities for teammates has quickly become one of Philadelphia's biggest storylines in Las Vegas.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Labaron Philon continued his impressive start to NBA Summer League, delivering another standout performance Saturday night to lead the Sixers to a 100-93 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Philon took control when the game mattered most, scoring timely baskets in overtime and making several clutch plays down the stretch. The former Alabama star finished with a game-high 24 points, six ***** ists, three rebounds and one steal, further strengthening his case as one of the breakout performers of Summer League.
The 6-foot-3 point guard showcased an advanced offensive ***** nal throughout the contest. His mid-range pull-up jumper repeatedly proved nearly impossible to defend, while his explosive first step and polished footwork consistently allowed him to create ***** e against Indiana's defenders.
Philon displayed the poise of a seasoned floor general, controlling the tempo while making smart decisions with the basketball. His ability to score from multiple levels and create opportunities for teammates has quickly become one of Philadelphia's biggest storylines in Las Vegas.
18 days ago
In this electric, late-night episode of The Cooligans After Dark, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros fire up the microphones live from Miami to unpack a chaotic day of World Cup quarterfinal action. The guys kick off with Argentina’s high-stakes 3-1 victory over Switzerland, a match far tighter than the final scoreline suggests. They dive headfirst into the massive refereeing controversy surrounding Breel Embolo's game-altering second yellow card for simulation. Spurred by the new "mistaken identity" VAR protocol, the hosts engage in a fierce debate over whether video review belongs anywhere near yellow cards, while praising a clutch, world-class brace from Julián Álvarez that saved an exhausted, human-looking Lionel Messi against a disciplined Swiss squad anchored by a legendary Granit Xhaka.
The theater only intensifies as the guys shift focus to the watch party tour's very first extra-time thriller: England's dramatic 2-1 triumph over Norway. Alexis and Christian tackle a double dose of tournament controversy, starting with Erling Haaland’s disallowed go-ahead goal that was nullified by a highly questionable, soft defensive flop. They then dissect Jude Bellingham’s crucial equalizer, which was clouded by allegations that a Norwegian goal kick struck an overhead skycam cable—a claim the players explicitly pointed out but FIFA's advanced ball sensors conveniently denied.
To close out the night, the hosts look down the bracket to preview the ***** anic semifinal matchups ahead. Christian and Alexis trade tactical blueprints and drop official score predictions for the highly anticipated Spain vs. France heavyweight bout. Finally, they map out the psychological warfare and massive historical narratives set to collide when the Three Lions meet Argentina with a spot in the World Cup Final on the line.
Timestamps:
(00:00) — Cooligans After Dark: Live from Miami & Tense Argentina vs. Switzerland Reactions
The theater only intensifies as the guys shift focus to the watch party tour's very first extra-time thriller: England's dramatic 2-1 triumph over Norway. Alexis and Christian tackle a double dose of tournament controversy, starting with Erling Haaland’s disallowed go-ahead goal that was nullified by a highly questionable, soft defensive flop. They then dissect Jude Bellingham’s crucial equalizer, which was clouded by allegations that a Norwegian goal kick struck an overhead skycam cable—a claim the players explicitly pointed out but FIFA's advanced ball sensors conveniently denied.
To close out the night, the hosts look down the bracket to preview the ***** anic semifinal matchups ahead. Christian and Alexis trade tactical blueprints and drop official score predictions for the highly anticipated Spain vs. France heavyweight bout. Finally, they map out the psychological warfare and massive historical narratives set to collide when the Three Lions meet Argentina with a spot in the World Cup Final on the line.
Timestamps:
(00:00) — Cooligans After Dark: Live from Miami & Tense Argentina vs. Switzerland Reactions
18 days ago
The News' Andrew Graham gives his quick takes on the Tigers' 4-2 loss to the Phillies on Saturday:
After writing about his moment more generally Friday, I’m writing about Eduardo Valencia again because he’s now hit two home runs amidst a fantastic start to his time in the big leagues.
Valencia, with a solo home run in the middle of Detroit’s loss on Saturday, now has a hit, run and RBI in each of his first three games in MLB.
On Thursday, Valencia had a glorious debut, mashing a home run in his first MLB at-bat and then giving an emotional interview. On Friday, he came through with a clutch RBI single to start a rally that propelled Detroit to a lopsided win. And while his homer on Saturday didn’t do much in the grand scheme for Detroit, it raises a bigger question about the offensive boost Valencia can provide.
The problem is he plays catcher primarily, where All-Star Dillon Dingler has the everyday job locked down. But significant DH reps could be in order if Valencia keeps hitting like this.
After writing about his moment more generally Friday, I’m writing about Eduardo Valencia again because he’s now hit two home runs amidst a fantastic start to his time in the big leagues.
Valencia, with a solo home run in the middle of Detroit’s loss on Saturday, now has a hit, run and RBI in each of his first three games in MLB.
On Thursday, Valencia had a glorious debut, mashing a home run in his first MLB at-bat and then giving an emotional interview. On Friday, he came through with a clutch RBI single to start a rally that propelled Detroit to a lopsided win. And while his homer on Saturday didn’t do much in the grand scheme for Detroit, it raises a bigger question about the offensive boost Valencia can provide.
The problem is he plays catcher primarily, where All-Star Dillon Dingler has the everyday job locked down. But significant DH reps could be in order if Valencia keeps hitting like this.
18 days ago
Jude Bellingham clutch goal history: England star scores 8th major international tournament goal in game vs. Norway originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A star for club and country, Jude Bellingham has rapidly announced himself as one of the world's finest talents in recent years.
The Real Madrid and England standout is as reliable as they come in the heart of midfield, pairing defensive solidity with attacking flourish. Few of Bellingham's qualities have proven as eye-catching as his flair for the dramatic — the 22-year-old is not only a scorer of goals, but a scorer of clutch goals.
During Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal matchup against Norway, he added another to his tally. Trailing 1-0 toward the end of the first half, Bellingham danced into the box. The spindly midfielder latched onto a pass before depositing the ball into the bottom-right corner.
With his goal, Bellingham leveled the score at one goal apiece. He also collected the latest in a string of clutch strikes.
A star for club and country, Jude Bellingham has rapidly announced himself as one of the world's finest talents in recent years.
The Real Madrid and England standout is as reliable as they come in the heart of midfield, pairing defensive solidity with attacking flourish. Few of Bellingham's qualities have proven as eye-catching as his flair for the dramatic — the 22-year-old is not only a scorer of goals, but a scorer of clutch goals.
During Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal matchup against Norway, he added another to his tally. Trailing 1-0 toward the end of the first half, Bellingham danced into the box. The spindly midfielder latched onto a pass before depositing the ball into the bottom-right corner.
With his goal, Bellingham leveled the score at one goal apiece. He also collected the latest in a string of clutch strikes.
18 days ago
Where to watch Norway vs. England live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup quarterfinal match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
England and Norway face off in a captivating quarterfinal matchup that pits one of the World Cup's most storied programs against a surging underdog fresh off a monumental upset.
The Three Lions narrowly advanced after a chaotic, short-handed 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca, surviving a second-half red card thanks to a brilliant first-half brace from Jude Bellingham and a clutch 60th-minute penalty from Harry Kane.
Norway punched their ticket to this stage by stunning Brazil behind a spectacular second-half brace from Erling Haaland, who remains locked in a fiery Golden Boot race alongside Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
While England is highly accustomed to this high-stakes environment—having reached the quarterfinals in 2022 and the semifinals in 2018 as they chase their first ***** le since 1966—Norway is venturing into entirely uncharted territory. They're deeper into the tournament than ever before in just their fourth World Cup appearance.
England and Norway face off in a captivating quarterfinal matchup that pits one of the World Cup's most storied programs against a surging underdog fresh off a monumental upset.
The Three Lions narrowly advanced after a chaotic, short-handed 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca, surviving a second-half red card thanks to a brilliant first-half brace from Jude Bellingham and a clutch 60th-minute penalty from Harry Kane.
Norway punched their ticket to this stage by stunning Brazil behind a spectacular second-half brace from Erling Haaland, who remains locked in a fiery Golden Boot race alongside Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
While England is highly accustomed to this high-stakes environment—having reached the quarterfinals in 2022 and the semifinals in 2018 as they chase their first ***** le since 1966—Norway is venturing into entirely uncharted territory. They're deeper into the tournament than ever before in just their fourth World Cup appearance.
19 days ago
ClutchFans: Rockets GM Rafael Stone NBA Summer League interview: - Really likes rookie Bruce Thornton - the unique build, physicality, shotmaking and ability to take care of the ball. Test will be if he can translate that to the next level. - Very excited about Marcus Smart's versatility. "Feels like a Rocket so I'm glad we could finally make it happen." He says he's happy with him defending any position, including at center. - Loves the defensive switchability options the Rockets now have with Smart, Jabari, Tari and Amen. - Wants to take the minutes load off of Kevin Durant this season. - Says Reed Sheppard has "put on a ton of good weight, a bunch of muscle."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Wants to take the minutes load off of Kevin Durant …
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Wants to take the minutes load off of Kevin Durant …
19 days ago
INGLEWOOD, CA — Need a goal? Better call Mikel Merino.
Lightning struck twice for Spain in the World Cup knockout round, with the forward coming on as a late substitute for the second straight game and again scoring the game-winning goal not long afterwards to keep La Roja alive.
The latest heroics topped the previous ones, with Merino finding the net in the 88th minute of the quarterfinal matchup to beat Belgium on Friday, July 10, advancing Spain to the semifinals. That after scoring late against Portugal in the round of 16.
He became the first substitute in World Cup history to score the winning goal in two different knockout stage matches.
Even after doing it again, Merino still can't fathom how clutch he's come up for his squad.
Lightning struck twice for Spain in the World Cup knockout round, with the forward coming on as a late substitute for the second straight game and again scoring the game-winning goal not long afterwards to keep La Roja alive.
The latest heroics topped the previous ones, with Merino finding the net in the 88th minute of the quarterfinal matchup to beat Belgium on Friday, July 10, advancing Spain to the semifinals. That after scoring late against Portugal in the round of 16.
He became the first substitute in World Cup history to score the winning goal in two different knockout stage matches.
Even after doing it again, Merino still can't fathom how clutch he's come up for his squad.
19 days ago
The Indiana Fever bounced back in a big way from Wednesday night's disappointing 106-92 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks with a 92-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. In a night when star point guard Caitlin Clark was out to manage a lingering back issue, her All-Star running mate in the frontcourt, Kelsey Mitchell, stepped up in a big way.
Mitchell ended the night with eight **** ists and 29 points, including a clutch go-ahead lay-up with just over 10 seconds remaining in regulation. After the game, Fever head coach Stephanie White sang her veteran guard's praises.
"You know, she's one of one. She's the fastest player in the league with the ball in her hand," White said of Mitchell. "You know, her ability to get downhill is always great, but her ability to stop and change direction on a dime. You know, now her ability to gear down and then explode again as opposed to just being all one speed, to playing on balance, to be able to find— I thought the kick-out that she made to (Ty Harris) when Ty knocked down that 3. Big shot.
"When she could have, you know, tried to go one-on-one was huge. I mean, I think the game's— it's fast, but it also slowed down for her in a way that, you know, she's become even more deadly of a playmaker, if that's possible.
"I'm just— she puts us on her back. She really does. And she scores while people are hanging on her all the time. She's able to get open while people are hanging on her all the time. I mean, her endurance is incredible. You know, we rely heavily on her, and I'm thankful she's on our team."
Mitchell ended the night with eight **** ists and 29 points, including a clutch go-ahead lay-up with just over 10 seconds remaining in regulation. After the game, Fever head coach Stephanie White sang her veteran guard's praises.
"You know, she's one of one. She's the fastest player in the league with the ball in her hand," White said of Mitchell. "You know, her ability to get downhill is always great, but her ability to stop and change direction on a dime. You know, now her ability to gear down and then explode again as opposed to just being all one speed, to playing on balance, to be able to find— I thought the kick-out that she made to (Ty Harris) when Ty knocked down that 3. Big shot.
"When she could have, you know, tried to go one-on-one was huge. I mean, I think the game's— it's fast, but it also slowed down for her in a way that, you know, she's become even more deadly of a playmaker, if that's possible.
"I'm just— she puts us on her back. She really does. And she scores while people are hanging on her all the time. She's able to get open while people are hanging on her all the time. I mean, her endurance is incredible. You know, we rely heavily on her, and I'm thankful she's on our team."
20 days ago
The Colorado Avalanche weren't the only club in the organization to make a playoff run this season; the Colorado Eagles also made their own push to the conference finals, and T.J. Hughes' clutch gene and scoring ability shone throughout their success.
Hughes' success with the Eagles has already excited pundits about how camp will go and whether he can sneak onto an Avalanche roster that seems poised to rely on more youth than in years past.
I am excited about this player, but not just because of his success at the historic University of Michigan or the Colorado Eagles. The intangibles he seems to harness are what have me looking at him to make a statement at camp.
Hughes is no stranger to leadership roles, as he wore the C in Michigan, and he speaks and carries himself in a way that projects the personality required to thrive in high-stakes and top-level hockey.
When asked by Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff what he preferred, team success or individual statistics to validate performance, he was quick with, "I'd say overall team success."
Hughes' success with the Eagles has already excited pundits about how camp will go and whether he can sneak onto an Avalanche roster that seems poised to rely on more youth than in years past.
I am excited about this player, but not just because of his success at the historic University of Michigan or the Colorado Eagles. The intangibles he seems to harness are what have me looking at him to make a statement at camp.
Hughes is no stranger to leadership roles, as he wore the C in Michigan, and he speaks and carries himself in a way that projects the personality required to thrive in high-stakes and top-level hockey.
When asked by Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff what he preferred, team success or individual statistics to validate performance, he was quick with, "I'd say overall team success."
21 days ago
My father often told me in my abbreviated athletic career that mistakes were inevitable. Even the best athletes make mistakes, but it's the type of mistake that matters. Physical mistakes are truly unavoidable, but mental mistakes are the real killers as they more likely indicate a lack of preparation or concentration. Tonight, the D-Backs featured plenty of both as they rumbled and ******* bled their way to another series loss. Ironically, the first two innings were actually somewhat positive. The offense quickly struck in the first inning as Ildemaro Vargas worked a one-out walk, stole second base, and then scored on a Gabriel Moreno double for an early one-run lead. And on the other side, Jose Cabrera, in his fourth career start faced just one over the minimum through the first two innings. But that's where the positive vibes ended. The Padres would score in five out of the next six innings while the D-Backs showed little fight outside of the last couple innings.
I've been very impressed by a lot in Cabrera's first few big league starts. Torey Lovullo often gushes about his "mound presence" during games and he's been remarkably good at finding ways to navigate traffic on the base paths through his first three starts at the big league level. But tonight was the first time that it looked like the moment was a little too big for him in my opinion and the game sped up for him. The first two runs he allowed were both walks that advanced into scoring position and then scored on clutch hits in the third and fourth, but the fifth was when the game really got away from him. After a quick first out, he uncorked a sweeper right into the "backside" of Fernando Tatis Jr, allowed him to steal second, and then misplayed a weak comebacker from Jackson Merrill. He was able to field the ball cleanly and looked Tatis back to second, but then inexplicably threw to the covering Vargas at second who immediately tried to salvage an out at first, but the throw was too late. Instead of two outs and a runner on second, Cabrera faced two runners on and just one out. Then, to make matters worse, he attempted a pickoff move towards Tatis, but was instead called for a balk to move both runners into scoring position for Xander Bogaerts who promptly plated them both and chased Cabrera out of the game. I won't try to pretend to understand why Cabrera was called for a balk. I've watched a lot of baseball in my life and I've never fully understood the balk rule. I get that it's designed to prevent the pitcher from deceiving the runner, but it is one of the few holdovers from an earlier era that confuses nearly everyone – including Lovullo who was tossed from the game when he asked for an explanation on the call.
The bullpen unfortunately had no answer to a subpar San Diego offense. Taylor Clarke was the second man to pass the bullpen gate, but he looked overmatched as the Padres ambushed him for four runs – including three straight run-scoring singles from Sung-Mun Song, Tati
I've been very impressed by a lot in Cabrera's first few big league starts. Torey Lovullo often gushes about his "mound presence" during games and he's been remarkably good at finding ways to navigate traffic on the base paths through his first three starts at the big league level. But tonight was the first time that it looked like the moment was a little too big for him in my opinion and the game sped up for him. The first two runs he allowed were both walks that advanced into scoring position and then scored on clutch hits in the third and fourth, but the fifth was when the game really got away from him. After a quick first out, he uncorked a sweeper right into the "backside" of Fernando Tatis Jr, allowed him to steal second, and then misplayed a weak comebacker from Jackson Merrill. He was able to field the ball cleanly and looked Tatis back to second, but then inexplicably threw to the covering Vargas at second who immediately tried to salvage an out at first, but the throw was too late. Instead of two outs and a runner on second, Cabrera faced two runners on and just one out. Then, to make matters worse, he attempted a pickoff move towards Tatis, but was instead called for a balk to move both runners into scoring position for Xander Bogaerts who promptly plated them both and chased Cabrera out of the game. I won't try to pretend to understand why Cabrera was called for a balk. I've watched a lot of baseball in my life and I've never fully understood the balk rule. I get that it's designed to prevent the pitcher from deceiving the runner, but it is one of the few holdovers from an earlier era that confuses nearly everyone – including Lovullo who was tossed from the game when he asked for an explanation on the call.
The bullpen unfortunately had no answer to a subpar San Diego offense. Taylor Clarke was the second man to pass the bullpen gate, but he looked overmatched as the Padres ambushed him for four runs – including three straight run-scoring singles from Sung-Mun Song, Tati
21 days ago
NEW YORK — A day after a complete slugfest with 28 total runs scored, it was a much quieter evening at Citi Field on Wednesday. And it was a much more favorable outcome for the home team.
Christian Scott's strong performance and some clutch hitting by Brett Baty led the Mets to an 6-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.
After Jared Young got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in a 1-1 game, Brett Baty lined a two-out, two-RBI single into right-center field, securing a safe lead for Xzavion Curry to record the final three outs in the ninth.
Jose Cuas' wild pitch in the eighth later allowed Young to score before Francisco Alvarez's single scored Baty to make it 6-1. Curry gave up an RBI double to Carter Jensen in the ninth for the final tally.
Scott delivered a much-needed solid outing a day after the Mets' pitchers were smacked all around the yard. The right-hander tossed five shutout innings, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out five. Scott lowered his season ERA to 3.17 in 12 starts.
Christian Scott's strong performance and some clutch hitting by Brett Baty led the Mets to an 6-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.
After Jared Young got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in a 1-1 game, Brett Baty lined a two-out, two-RBI single into right-center field, securing a safe lead for Xzavion Curry to record the final three outs in the ninth.
Jose Cuas' wild pitch in the eighth later allowed Young to score before Francisco Alvarez's single scored Baty to make it 6-1. Curry gave up an RBI double to Carter Jensen in the ninth for the final tally.
Scott delivered a much-needed solid outing a day after the Mets' pitchers were smacked all around the yard. The right-hander tossed five shutout innings, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out five. Scott lowered his season ERA to 3.17 in 12 starts.
21 days ago
Connor Bedard's fourth NHL season will start later than usual due to an unfortunate injury sustained during offseason training that required surgery.
On Wednesday, the Blackhawks announced that Bedard had successful surgery to repair his left shoulder earlier in the morning. The team also announced that his recovery timeline is expected to take approximately four months, putting him back on the ice for Chicago around early-to-mid November.
It's a rough blow for Bedard, who dealt with a right shoulder injury back in December 2025 that caused him to miss four weeks of the season. Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft, has had just one fully healthy season back in 2024-25 after dealing with a fractured jaw in his rookie year. Despite last season's injury, Bedard posted career highs in goals (30) and points (75) for the Blackhawks as they continue to build around the star center.
Even with his mid-season return, this is definitely not the summer news the Blackhawks and Bedard were hoping for, that's for sure.
On July 2, during a Blackhawks offseason practice, Bedard fell into the boards on his left shoulder after tripping on the ice. Bedard immediately left the ice after the injury, clutching his left shoulder in extreme pain.
On Wednesday, the Blackhawks announced that Bedard had successful surgery to repair his left shoulder earlier in the morning. The team also announced that his recovery timeline is expected to take approximately four months, putting him back on the ice for Chicago around early-to-mid November.
It's a rough blow for Bedard, who dealt with a right shoulder injury back in December 2025 that caused him to miss four weeks of the season. Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft, has had just one fully healthy season back in 2024-25 after dealing with a fractured jaw in his rookie year. Despite last season's injury, Bedard posted career highs in goals (30) and points (75) for the Blackhawks as they continue to build around the star center.
Even with his mid-season return, this is definitely not the summer news the Blackhawks and Bedard were hoping for, that's for sure.
On July 2, during a Blackhawks offseason practice, Bedard fell into the boards on his left shoulder after tripping on the ice. Bedard immediately left the ice after the injury, clutching his left shoulder in extreme pain.
21 days ago
Chicago Bears training camp is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest this month.
Rookies and quarterbacks are set to report to Halas Hall on July 25 with veterans following on July 28. But before that, we're unveiling our Bears 2026 training camp position previews, where we're breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group.
It starts at the most important position: Quarterback, where Caleb Williams is fresh off a breakout sophomore campaign after his first season with head coach Ben Johnson. Expectations are higher than ever for Williams, who has become of the biggest faces of the NFL, and he has a chance to ink a long-term extension with a strong Year 3. Meanwhile, Tyson Bagent remains one of the league's top backups, Case Keenum is back to serve as a sounding board and a new undrafted rookie joins the fold. Let’s take a look at the Bears' quarterbacks heading into training camp:
Caleb Williams had a breakout season in his first year with head coach Ben Johnson, who maximized his potential in just one season. While Williams still has plenty of improvement to make, he made huge strides as a passer leading a top-five offense in the league. The stats won't tell the whole story, most notably his 58.1 completion percentage, but Williams showcased incredible potential and established himself as one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the NFL with his record seven fourth-quarter comebacks. Williams also set a franchise record for most passing yards in a single season, surpassing Erik Kramer's record from 1995, and he fell just short of becoming the franchise's first 4,000-yard passer. After being sacked a league-high 68 times during his rookie season, Williams was sacked just 25 times (an NFL best) in Year 2, and he played a big role in those sacks coming down with his Houdini-esque escapability. Williams still needs to improve in the short passing game, but there's no denying he has the potential to be one of the NFL's best.
The Bears know the importance of a good backup quarterback, which is why they signed Tyson Bagent to a two-year, $10 million extension last summer. Bagent didn't see the field much last season, which is exactly what Chicago wants, playing just 14 snaps in relief of Williams. But Bagent has shined during the preseason every summer, and he's garnered some interest from quarterback-needy teams around the league. While general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have made it clear that they don't want to trade Bagent -- given his talent and importance to the team -- they also made it known that they don't want to hold him back. Given the nature of the NFL, and the teams still with quarterback questions, all eyes will be on the Bears and whether a team makes a deal that Poles can't refuse for their QB2.
Rookies and quarterbacks are set to report to Halas Hall on July 25 with veterans following on July 28. But before that, we're unveiling our Bears 2026 training camp position previews, where we're breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group.
It starts at the most important position: Quarterback, where Caleb Williams is fresh off a breakout sophomore campaign after his first season with head coach Ben Johnson. Expectations are higher than ever for Williams, who has become of the biggest faces of the NFL, and he has a chance to ink a long-term extension with a strong Year 3. Meanwhile, Tyson Bagent remains one of the league's top backups, Case Keenum is back to serve as a sounding board and a new undrafted rookie joins the fold. Let’s take a look at the Bears' quarterbacks heading into training camp:
Caleb Williams had a breakout season in his first year with head coach Ben Johnson, who maximized his potential in just one season. While Williams still has plenty of improvement to make, he made huge strides as a passer leading a top-five offense in the league. The stats won't tell the whole story, most notably his 58.1 completion percentage, but Williams showcased incredible potential and established himself as one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the NFL with his record seven fourth-quarter comebacks. Williams also set a franchise record for most passing yards in a single season, surpassing Erik Kramer's record from 1995, and he fell just short of becoming the franchise's first 4,000-yard passer. After being sacked a league-high 68 times during his rookie season, Williams was sacked just 25 times (an NFL best) in Year 2, and he played a big role in those sacks coming down with his Houdini-esque escapability. Williams still needs to improve in the short passing game, but there's no denying he has the potential to be one of the NFL's best.
The Bears know the importance of a good backup quarterback, which is why they signed Tyson Bagent to a two-year, $10 million extension last summer. Bagent didn't see the field much last season, which is exactly what Chicago wants, playing just 14 snaps in relief of Williams. But Bagent has shined during the preseason every summer, and he's garnered some interest from quarterback-needy teams around the league. While general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have made it clear that they don't want to trade Bagent -- given his talent and importance to the team -- they also made it known that they don't want to hold him back. Given the nature of the NFL, and the teams still with quarterback questions, all eyes will be on the Bears and whether a team makes a deal that Poles can't refuse for their QB2.
21 days ago
There are 180 players in the WNBA. That’s not a lot. I often say it’s one of the toughest jobs to land (and keep) in the country. In any given year, about 400,000 girls play high school basketball. Only 1.2% of them will go on to play Division I basketball, and of those, only 0.8% of the top players are expected to make a professional team, according to the NCAA.
I talked about parity a few weeks back, and how there is so much movement in the league standings this season because the teams are evenly matched and the talent pool is vast. Well, it’s time to shine a light on the players you don’t always see in the headlines. Here are some names who deserve a little more recognition:
The Liberty won the Commissioner’s Cup ******* le over the Las Vegas Aces last week, the first team to repeat as champions. Breanna Stewart won MVP and Sabrina Ionescu made some clutch three-pointers down the stretch. But Gardner stepped up huge in her minutes for New York. She tallied seven points in 12 minutes and shot 60% from the field.
The UCLA product was a 31-year-old undrafted rookie in 2022, after balling out overseas in Turkey, Romania and Spain. She burst on to the scene with the Chicago Sky, earning a spot on the All-Rookie team. Now, she’s playing a significant role off the bench for a deep Liberty squad; she takes on the toughest defensive ******* ignment, is efficient with her shot selection (50.7% on the season), and has stayed healthy – something the Liberty desperately needs.
After Smith was traded to the Aces from the Dallas Wings midway through last season, she says she “fell in love with the game again”. This season, she’s playing like a champion, starting alongside four-time MVP A’ja Wilson and showcasing some of the best basketball of her career. Through 21 games, Smith has the highest field-goal percentage in the league at nearly 66%. In the overtime win against the Sky last Friday, she posted a season-high 29 points on 11-for-14 shooting – without Wilson, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. “She’s truly our glue,” Wilson said of her teammate. “She does all the little things.” Smith has been tasked to step up in the superstar’s absence, and she’s more than proved she can answer the call.
I talked about parity a few weeks back, and how there is so much movement in the league standings this season because the teams are evenly matched and the talent pool is vast. Well, it’s time to shine a light on the players you don’t always see in the headlines. Here are some names who deserve a little more recognition:
The Liberty won the Commissioner’s Cup ******* le over the Las Vegas Aces last week, the first team to repeat as champions. Breanna Stewart won MVP and Sabrina Ionescu made some clutch three-pointers down the stretch. But Gardner stepped up huge in her minutes for New York. She tallied seven points in 12 minutes and shot 60% from the field.
The UCLA product was a 31-year-old undrafted rookie in 2022, after balling out overseas in Turkey, Romania and Spain. She burst on to the scene with the Chicago Sky, earning a spot on the All-Rookie team. Now, she’s playing a significant role off the bench for a deep Liberty squad; she takes on the toughest defensive ******* ignment, is efficient with her shot selection (50.7% on the season), and has stayed healthy – something the Liberty desperately needs.
After Smith was traded to the Aces from the Dallas Wings midway through last season, she says she “fell in love with the game again”. This season, she’s playing like a champion, starting alongside four-time MVP A’ja Wilson and showcasing some of the best basketball of her career. Through 21 games, Smith has the highest field-goal percentage in the league at nearly 66%. In the overtime win against the Sky last Friday, she posted a season-high 29 points on 11-for-14 shooting – without Wilson, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. “She’s truly our glue,” Wilson said of her teammate. “She does all the little things.” Smith has been tasked to step up in the superstar’s absence, and she’s more than proved she can answer the call.
22 days ago
Bruce Thornton has officially signed his first NBA contract.
Drafted with the top selection of the 2026 second round, the Houston Rockets made the deal official Tuesday, and HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reports that the contract runs for up to four seasons and $9.3 million.
Only the first season (2026-27) is fully guaranteed.
That first season is for the NBA’s minimum rookie salary of $1.4 million, while subsequent years are non-guaranteed team options, per David Weiner of ClutchFans.
“It’s just a blessing, all of this,” Thornton told Rockets Wire at Tuesday’s summer-league practice in Houston. “My job is to play basketball now. I’ve got the best job in the world. There’s no complaining.”
Drafted with the top selection of the 2026 second round, the Houston Rockets made the deal official Tuesday, and HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reports that the contract runs for up to four seasons and $9.3 million.
Only the first season (2026-27) is fully guaranteed.
That first season is for the NBA’s minimum rookie salary of $1.4 million, while subsequent years are non-guaranteed team options, per David Weiner of ClutchFans.
“It’s just a blessing, all of this,” Thornton told Rockets Wire at Tuesday’s summer-league practice in Houston. “My job is to play basketball now. I’ve got the best job in the world. There’s no complaining.”
22 days ago
Switzerland vs. Colombia free live stream: How to watch World Cup game online without cable originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Switzerland and Colombia are set for a thrilling Round of 16 clash after both sides put on impressive performances to advance through the Round of 32.
The Swiss comfortably blanked Algeria 2-0 behind first-half goals from Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo, while Colombia rode a clutch 14th-minute strike from Jhon Arias to edge past Ghana 1-0.
Anchored by world-class veterans like Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji, Switzerland is fighting to break a decades-long barrier and reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.
Meanwhile, a star-studded Colombian side featuring Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez is eager to replicate their historic 2014 quarterfinal run after bouncing back from missing the tournament entirely in 2022.
Switzerland and Colombia are set for a thrilling Round of 16 clash after both sides put on impressive performances to advance through the Round of 32.
The Swiss comfortably blanked Algeria 2-0 behind first-half goals from Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo, while Colombia rode a clutch 14th-minute strike from Jhon Arias to edge past Ghana 1-0.
Anchored by world-class veterans like Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji, Switzerland is fighting to break a decades-long barrier and reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.
Meanwhile, a star-studded Colombian side featuring Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez is eager to replicate their historic 2014 quarterfinal run after bouncing back from missing the tournament entirely in 2022.
22 days ago
Spurs reportedly had interest in $28M Lakers wing, but made $31M decision instead originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Reports had indicated that the San Antonio Spurs were interested in making a move for Rui Hachimura, the Los Angeles Lakers free agent. Hachimura, who has been a very decent player throughout his career, can hit open shots at a high level, is an average defender, and frankly, would be a really good fit in San Antonio.
However, the Lakers free agent decided to stay in Los Angeles, taking a two-year, $28 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The decision came as a bit of a surprise, though new reports indicate that while the Spurs had some interest, he was never viewed as a realistic option for the organization.
"Although the San Antonio Spurs were brought up as a potential suitor for Hachimura earlier this offseason, he wasn't viewed as a realistic option for the franchise," reported ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel. “While the organization did speak with Hachimura's representation, the Spurs were targeting experience and veteran leadership on a short-term contract rather than a long-term commitment. That is why Tobias Harris was the Spurs' top target, and they didn't have much interest in Hachimura."
It's interesting that San Antonio went in this direction, but it ultimately decided to bring in Tobias Harris.
Reports had indicated that the San Antonio Spurs were interested in making a move for Rui Hachimura, the Los Angeles Lakers free agent. Hachimura, who has been a very decent player throughout his career, can hit open shots at a high level, is an average defender, and frankly, would be a really good fit in San Antonio.
However, the Lakers free agent decided to stay in Los Angeles, taking a two-year, $28 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The decision came as a bit of a surprise, though new reports indicate that while the Spurs had some interest, he was never viewed as a realistic option for the organization.
"Although the San Antonio Spurs were brought up as a potential suitor for Hachimura earlier this offseason, he wasn't viewed as a realistic option for the franchise," reported ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel. “While the organization did speak with Hachimura's representation, the Spurs were targeting experience and veteran leadership on a short-term contract rather than a long-term commitment. That is why Tobias Harris was the Spurs' top target, and they didn't have much interest in Hachimura."
It's interesting that San Antonio went in this direction, but it ultimately decided to bring in Tobias Harris.
22 days ago
It started like any other Sunday in a quiet South Florida neighborhood. Early risers were making coffee, neighbors waved as they picked up the paper, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. But then, the calm was shattered. What sounded like fireworks erupted in the pre-dawn hours — quickly followed by the unmistakable roar (and then crash) of a high-end SUV slamming into a house just up the street.
The scene that greeted police and residents was nothing short of shocking. A Lamborghini, battered and smoking, sat wedged against the front of someone's home. Neighbors emerged in robes, clutching cell phones, their faces lit by flashing patrol lights and the blue glow of police tape being strung across the street. But it was more than just an expensive wreck. The police say the SUV's occupants had been caught in a hail of gunfire before the vehicle ever left the road. The morning's peace was gone, replaced by questions and chaos.
According to the Miramar Police Department and local reporting from WSVN 7News, three people inside the luxury SUV had been shot before the vehicle slammed into a home along Southwest 27th Street. One of the victims, 21-year-old Brianna Johnson, later died from her injuries.
Investigators now believe the shooting happened moments before the crash, and they're working to identify the people responsible.
Investigators say the violence began around 5:30 a.m. Sunday along Sunshine Boulevard.
The scene that greeted police and residents was nothing short of shocking. A Lamborghini, battered and smoking, sat wedged against the front of someone's home. Neighbors emerged in robes, clutching cell phones, their faces lit by flashing patrol lights and the blue glow of police tape being strung across the street. But it was more than just an expensive wreck. The police say the SUV's occupants had been caught in a hail of gunfire before the vehicle ever left the road. The morning's peace was gone, replaced by questions and chaos.
According to the Miramar Police Department and local reporting from WSVN 7News, three people inside the luxury SUV had been shot before the vehicle slammed into a home along Southwest 27th Street. One of the victims, 21-year-old Brianna Johnson, later died from her injuries.
Investigators now believe the shooting happened moments before the crash, and they're working to identify the people responsible.
Investigators say the violence began around 5:30 a.m. Sunday along Sunshine Boulevard.
23 days ago
The "Rockies never say die!" attitude was alive and well on Monday night.
Despite being down 6-1 after four innings, they chipped away at the lead to set up an exhilarating ninth inning where the Rockies scored three runs to send the game to extra innings — a first for the Dodgers in 2026. The Rockies briefly led 7-6 in the 10th inning, but failed to score in the 11th, which allowed Dalton Rushing to hit the walk-off single in the bottom of the frame for a Dodger win.
The young players came up clutch again with Kyle Karros hitting a huge RBI double and Cole Carrigg, who went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored, hitting a two-run double to send the game to extra innings.
After the game, Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer had nothing but praise for Carrigg.
"He's proven over and over again that the moment is not too big for him," Schaeffer said. "That's probably the biggest stage you can get in a regular season game — Dodger Stadium. He wants it. Two outs in the ninth, game on the line, he delivers a game-tying triple." (The hit was officially ruled a double, but Carrigg advanced to third on the throw home.)
Despite being down 6-1 after four innings, they chipped away at the lead to set up an exhilarating ninth inning where the Rockies scored three runs to send the game to extra innings — a first for the Dodgers in 2026. The Rockies briefly led 7-6 in the 10th inning, but failed to score in the 11th, which allowed Dalton Rushing to hit the walk-off single in the bottom of the frame for a Dodger win.
The young players came up clutch again with Kyle Karros hitting a huge RBI double and Cole Carrigg, who went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored, hitting a two-run double to send the game to extra innings.
After the game, Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer had nothing but praise for Carrigg.
"He's proven over and over again that the moment is not too big for him," Schaeffer said. "That's probably the biggest stage you can get in a regular season game — Dodger Stadium. He wants it. Two outs in the ninth, game on the line, he delivers a game-tying triple." (The hit was officially ruled a double, but Carrigg advanced to third on the throw home.)
