VANDENBERG ***** E FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) — Five news reporters and two members of the military who were invited to an event at Vandenberg ***** e Force Base in California were briefly detained at gunpoint by security officers who thought they were gate crashers, according to local news reports.
The incident happened Monday ahead of an invitation-only groundbreaking for a new training facility for missile operators at the federal airfield near Santa Barbara, California. Reporters from Noozhawk and KEYT were among those detained, and both outlets published articles detailing the detainment.
In a statement Wednesday, a ***** e Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs spokesperson said base protocols will be reviewed.
"Vandenberg takes both installation security and our responsibility to invited media seriously. The journalists involved were accessing the installation at our invitation, and the installation commander has ordered a full review of the media coordination processes," the statement said.
The reporters and military members were part of a convoy being escorted onto the base by uniformed public affairs staff in a government minivan when they were suddenly ordered out of their vehicles with their hands up, according to news reports.

#base #reporters #force #affairs

Liverpool have 'pulled the plug' on one player's proposed exit from Anfield despite a deal having been agreed with the club he was set to join.
The Reds are preparing to say goodbye to homegrown midfielder Curtis Jones after a 16-year **** ociation with his boyhood side, with the England international on the verge of completing a £30m transfer to Inter Milan.
Another LFC academy graduate in James McConnell had also been set to depart, albeit on loan for Championship outfit Preston, but those plans have now changed.
In a transfer Q&A for the Daily Mail, Lewis Steele explained that Liverpool have 'pulled the plug' on the 21-year-old's planned move to Deepdale, even though the Lilywhites had a 'deal agreed' for him to join and had promised him regular game-time.
The journalist wrote: 'The young midfielder, who spent time at Ajax last season, knocked on the door of boss Andoni Iraola last Friday and was told he is part of his plans after impressing in training and there will be minutes for him in the first team this year.

#year #pulled #deal #transfer

BBC Sussex journalist Johnny Cantor has said Brighton will "probably be looking for £70m" for midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is set to join Manchester United..
"There's certainly no surprise in terms of everybody on the south coast has known of the interest in Carlos Baleba from Manchester United and I think people know that the player himself is quite determined to get to Old Trafford as quickly as possible," Cantor told BBC Radio Manchester.
"Probably an indication of that is the fact that he seems to have agreed personal terms a long time ago. It's more a case of coming up with the right fee. It did feel like his form dropped a little bit when the interest came in and maybe his head was distracted, he is still quite a young man so that may have been inevitable.
"It's all about whether the price is right when it comes to Brighton and selling their best **** ets.
"£70m would probably be where they are looking for. Brighton never actually name a figure at all. They will have a figure in mind but they will not divulge it. Until that figure is met, they will not sell. That price may have dropped over the last year or so depending on his form but I think they will be looking for something around the £70m mark."

#manchester #figure #baleba #terms

Journalist Roberto Morales believes Jose Mourinho has already given a strong indication of how he wants his new-look midfield to operate.
After a busy summer that has brought six new signings and several departures, Mourinho is still working towards his ideal starting XI.
There are questions in several positions, particularly in midfield and attack, although the Portuguese coach's use of a 4-2-3-1 system during pre-season has provided some early clues.
According to Roberto Morales, as relayed in Defensa Central, Mourinho's preferred double pivot could consist of Aurelien Tchouameni and new signing Bernardo Silva.
The pairing would place two very different profiles at the base of Real Madrid's midfield, with Tchouameni providing defensive protection and Bernardo offering control and quality in possession.

#roberto #morales #bernardo #journalist

Barcelona have turned their attention to Lautaro Martinez and Gabriel Jesus as the Spanish champions look to strengthen at centre-forward.
Barca are on the hunt for forward options after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer.
Hansi Flick's side have been frustrated in a pursuit of Julian Alvarez, with Atletico Madridinsistent that the Argentine is not for sale. Atletico have said even bids of €200m (£171m) will be rejected, despite Alvarez's admission that he wants to leave.
As a result, Barcelona have now made Lautaro Martinez their top target. JournalistGerard Romero has reported that the Inter Milan captain is now the 'number one priority'.
"It will be a very difficult deal to pull off, but Lautaro is Barça's number-one priority, and the club will do everything possible in the final days of the transfer window," he told said in theJijantesFC live stream.

#lautaro #Barcelona #forward

One trusted French journalist has hinted that Liverpool could be close to striking an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for the transfer of Bradley Barcola.
Personal terms have already been agreed with the 23-year-old, who's been frozen out of the PSG squad along with fellow Reds-linked winger Ibrahim Mbaye until their respective futures are resolved.
The two clubs have yet to agree on a price for the France international, with some outlets claiming that the European champions are holding out for as much as £145m, but one respected source believes that the Merseysiders could strike a deal for significantly less than that.
Fabrice Hawkins has indicated that Liverpool's 'next written offer' for Barcola could be accepted by PSG, with the reporter expecting the eventual price to be in the range of £111m to £128m.
He told RMC Sport's After Foot podcast (via Anfield Sector): "Bradley Barcola wants to join Liverpool. PSG were informed earlier of his desire and it was accepted. There's no intention to keep Bradley Barcola. The sticking point has been the valuation, where they started at €170m.

#accepted

U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officials are reportedly investigating Hayden Panettiere's death.
On Sunday, the Heroes actress was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina and was ******* ounced dead at the scene. She was 36.
At present, officers at the Greenville City Police Department are leading the investigation into Panettiere's sudden passing, but on Wednesday, journalists at ABC News reported that agents at the DEA are "assisting".
Representatives for the DEA and the Panettiere family have not yet commented on the update.
Previously, editors at TMZ claimed Naloxone - a drug that can be used to reverse an opioid overdose - was found at the apartment where the Nashville star died.
In a police report, the officer stated that Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zack Hickerson, were at the residence when emergency services arrived at the scene.

#apartment #scene #agency

Lazio are making an effort to sign Mauro Icardi, but the latter remains reluctant to tie himself to the project.
The 33-year-old was one of the most prolific centre-forwards in Serie A during his time at Sampdoria (2011-2013) and Inter Milan (2013-2019). The former Nerazzurri captain then had a three-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain, followed by four years at Galatasaray, but he's been a free agent since the start of the summer.
In recent weeks, Icardi has been widely considered Lazio's top target for the striker role alongside Sassuolo's Andrea Pinamonti. However, finding an agreement with the Argentine remains a tall order for Angelo Fabiani and Co.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Icardi and his entourage had initially expressed their openness to negotiate with Lazio officials, but they have now decided to put all talks on ice. While previous reports had mentioned a significant gap between the club's offer and the player's salary request, the Sky Sport Italia correspondent insists the striker's priority is the sporting aspect.
In other words, the former PSG man is keen to find the right project, as he believes he cannot afford to make the wrong choice at this relatively late stage of his career. Therefore, the striker is expected to bide his time and await other proposals before picking his next destination. It should be noted that free agents are allowed to join a new club even after the transfer deadline.

#icardi #project #year #time

Galatasaray have opened talks with AC Milan over a possible move for Christopher Nkunku, joining an increasingly crowded field of suitors for the forward as he edges towards the Rossoneri exit door.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Turkish club began discussions with Milan's hierarchy on Monday, having already been tracking Rafael Leao for some time.
Nkunku was left out of Ruben Amorim's plans earlier this month, one of four players told they could leave San Siro before the season begins.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Christopher Nkuku of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
RB Leipzig, the club Nkunku left for Chelsea in 2023, are also pushing hard to bring him back to Germany, though the France international is said to be holding off on any decision in the hope other options materialise before the window shuts.

#nkunku #rossoneri

Baseball pitching great Tommy John died at his Florida home on Saturday night. He was 83.
Unfortunately for many, remembering his game takes a backseat to the fact that his name is commonly ***** ociated with one of the sport's most common surgeries.
The four-time MLB All-Star with a career ERA of just 3.34 was 31 in 1974 when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Frank Jobe replaced the ligament with a tendon from the forearm in his non-pitching arm.
Long story short, he pitched for 14 more years and his name — is ***** ociated with the procedure — Tommy John surgery — now so widely ***** ociated with baseball that it churned up numbers like the ones Albuquerque Isotopes broadcaster and baseball journalist/historian Josh Suchon shared on his Substack page on Monday.
In the essay Suchon wrote — "When did people start calling it Tommy John surgery?" — he noted a rather interesting, albeit unplanned, tribute of sorts to John by the Isotopes in their game Sunday, the day his passing was announced.

#game

After the National ******* ociation of Black Journalists accused Stephen A. Smith of disparaging Black women, Stephen A. Smith is accusing the NABJ of conducting a personal hit job.
Smith received the "Thumbs Down" award at the NABJ's Saturday night gala in Atlanta, an dishonor given to individuals or institutions conducting "especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting, commentary, photography or cartooning about the Black community or for engaging in practices at odds with the goals of NABJ."
With the "Thumbs Down" award typically being reserved for institutions, Smith, who brought First Take to the NABJ convention in 2024, is just the fourth individual to win the organization's biggest dishonor.
"Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media," the organization explained Saturday. "Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ's longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities."
Despite the pointed insult, the ESPN star and newfound political pundit still credited the NABJ for helping his career, calling it the "preeminent Black journalism organization existing." But Smith was blindsided by winning the award, and if the NABJ and its president Errin Haines sought to catch his attention, they succeeded. Smith responded Monday afternoon with a 45-minute retort on his YouTube channel.

#black #smith

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A female journalist who previously worked under CBS News' chief correspondent Matt Gutman is accusing him of making things uncomfortable at work with his "sexualized" remarks, according to a lawsuit filed against ABC News and obtained by People and Variety.
Samira Said, who worked as a field producer at ABC News' Los Angeles bureau from 2021 to 2025, filed the complaint in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday. In the suit, she alleges wrongful termination by ABC after being denied medical leave and accommodations for her medical conditions on several occasions.
News: 'Eat Beaver' Bit Sends Local Fox News Anchor Spectacularly Over The Edge
The suit lists ABC and its parent company Disney as defendants, as well as ABC News bureau chief David Herndon and Gutman — the latter of whom was Said's supervisor at the time of her employment with ABC News.

#chief

Gayle King is sharing her favorite moments from Jordyn Woods' wedding to Karl-Anthony Towns
The reality star and the New York Knicks player married in Malibu, Calif., on Aug. 15
King was among the many celebrity guests, who also included Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Morgan, Teyana Taylor and Jada Pinkett Smith
Gayle King is sharing her favorite highlights from Jordyn Woods and Karl-Anthony Towns' wedding.
The journalist, 71, was among the many celebrity guests who witnessed the reality star and the New York Knicks player tie the knot in an outdoor ceremony overlooking the ocean in Malibu, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 15. Reminiscing about the special occasion on CBS Mornings on Monday, Aug. 17, King shared what she felt were "the best moments" of the day.

#anthony

Liverpool's pursuit of Bradley Barcola appears to be moving towards a decisive stage, according to David Lynch, with the journalist expressing strong confidence over the PSG winger's prospects of ending up at Anfield.
Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index's Media Matters podcast, Lynch was asked about developments after Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye were named in PSG's initial squad, then watched from the stands rather than featuring in the playing squad. Davis also referenced Luis Enrique's comments before the game: "When a player doesn't have a smile when coming here, it's better to look for another solution."
Lynch's ***** sment of Bradley Barcola was strikingly confident.
"The talks are ongoing. I wonder whether the next thing that we'll hear about this is a kind of done deal, to be honest, because the talks have been going on for a while. Everybody knows what's going on."
He then reduced the situation to its essential parts: "PSG are willing sellers. Liverpool are willing buyers."

#barcola #anfield #talks #willing

Bayern Munich is not perfect when it comes to financial decision-making. The club has made expensive transfers, handed out massive contract extensions and, at times, allowed its fixed-term deposit reserves to shrink considerably per Tz journalists Philipp Kessler and Mano Bonk (as captured by iMiaSanMia_GER).
What might separate Bayern Munich from many of its European competitors, however, is what happens when the club recognizes that its spending trajectory could become a problem. Simply put, Bayern Munich does not double-down — it changes course.
According to Tz, that is exactly what happened after several expensive transfers and contract extensions significantly reduced Bayern Munich's fixed-term deposit account. Rather than continuing to spend at the same pace, the club's decision-makers embarked on a strict austerity course.
It is debatable on just how much the reserves were hurting (also, do not forget that Bayern Munich is rumored to have another reserve it can call upon as well), but certainly it is possible that some deals strained the club financially.
That is an important part to all of this, though, is understanding how Bayern Munich operates financially. The club is willing to spend when it believes an investment makes sense, but it is also willing to alter plans when the numbers start pointing in the wrong direction. That discipline is particularly important now because Bayern Munich is entering a period of significant investment.

#extensions

After tense negotiations, FC Barcelona finally made a breakthrough in their efforts to sign Rodri from Manchester City over the weekend.
The two clubs reached an agreement in principle over a deal for the 30-year-old midfielder, worth €76.5 million, of which €60 million is a fixed component and the rest of it is add-ons.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup winner has been given the green light by Manchester City to travel to the Catalan capital and complete the remaining formalities before an official announcement is made.
However, there has been a slight change of plans with regard to Rodri's plans for his medical before the transfer to Barcelona is completed.
Indeed, according to journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, the Spain captain will now undergo his medicals in Catalonia tomorrow morning, i.e., Tuesday (18 August).

#manchester #city #fifa

The Belgian forward arrived from Royal Antwerp for £4.5million last summer after being pursued by Celtic for more than a year, but has managed just 398 minutes of football despite being fit throughout the campaign.
Signed during Brendan Rodgers' final transfer window, Balikwisha struggled for opportunities under the former Hoops boss and Wilfried Nancy before again finding himself on the fringes under Martin O'Neill.
After some involvement during pre-season, the 24-year-old appears to have slipped back down the pecking order and interest is now emerging from across Europe.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the race for Balikwisha remains "wide open", with Bundesliga side SV Elversberg, Italian outfit Monza and Swiss giants Basel among the clubs interested.
The report describes Balikwisha as "a casualty of Martin O'Neill's tactical approach", although his lack of football predates O'Neill's return.

#balikwisha #martin #Football #celtic

Lazio are struggling to meet Mauro Icardi's salary demands, so they continue to work on Andrea Pinamonti, who represents a more affordable alternative.
The Aquile's shocking Coppa Italia elimination at the hands of Mantova confirmed, beyond any reasonable doubt, the squad's desperate need for a new striker. Boulaye Dia was once again wasteful in front of goal, while Petar Ratkov has failed to earn Gennaro Gattuso's trust despite a promising pre-season.
The Italian capital side has already missed out on several profiles, including Carlos Espi, who signed for Real Madrid, and Franjo Ivanovic, who preferred RC Lens. In recent days, it has been reported that the club's shortlist has been reduced to two names: Sassuolo's Pinamonti and free agent Icardi.
According to Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina, Lazio are only willing to offer Icardi a yearly net salary of €2.5 million, while the Argentine hitman is holding out for €5 million. Therefore, the gap could be too wide to be bridged through negotiations.
The club realises that Pinamonti is the more plausible option. The 27-year-old is open to joining the Biancocelesti, but as Er Faina reports, Sassuolo must first find themselves a replacement. Lazio are hoping to sign the Italian striker on loan with an option to buy, but this temporary formula is only applicable should the player extend his contract, which is set to expire in June 2027.

#italian

Stephen A. Smith has spent decades making a living by delivering criticism at maximum volume. Former NFL running back Marcus "Doc" Holliday thinks receiving it can be less comfortable.
Holliday reacted Sunday after the National **** ociation of Black Journalists gave Smith its 2026 "Thumbs Down" award. The organization criticized what it called a recurring pattern of disparaging commentary about prominent Black women, prompting Smith to promise a response.
"I see a lot of people have been talking about the National **** ociation of Black Journalists giving a thumbs down to Stephen A. Smith," Holliday said in a video heposted Sunday.
Holliday said the criticism matched concerns he has voiced about Smith for years, arguing that Smith treats Black public figures more harshly than others.
"That's the route he chose to take," Holliday said. "That's the hill he chooses to stand on."

#sunday #thumbs

CNN's potential new parent company and its network chief have separately both floated the same idea to ******* uage viewers jittery about future meddling in the iconic cable news network's journalism.
Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Paramount leadership had discussed forming an independent editorial board to oversee CNN as it hopes to complete its merger with CNN parent company Warner Brothers Discovery. The report came days after Endeavor chief Ari Emanuel, a major proponent of the merger, pitched the idea on CNBC.
CNN has not weighed in on the idea publicly, as the network awaits the resolution of Democratic-led states' lawsuits to block the deal. But in recent months, CNN President Mark Thompson has pondered a similar setup.
Last year, during an off-the-record gathering with media executives, two people familiar with the conversations told Semafor that Thompson was questioned about how he would preserve the network's journalistic independence amid broader speculation that CNN would likely come under new ownership. The gathering included senior figures in media and media-focused nonprofits, many of whom were increasingly concerned about preserving news media amid a period of radical change.
Thompson suggested that the network could establish an independent board, similar to British models like the Guardian's Scott Trust, which shields the UK media outlet from business-side meddling.

#parent #chief #independent

Lazio full-back Nuno Tavares stirred some controversy with his latest social media move, while Porto are obeserving his situation closely.
The 26-year-old has been playing his football in Rome since making the move from ****** nal in the summer of 2024. The Portuguese international enjoyed a stellar start to his Lazio stint, before being hampered by injuries. Last season, he was omitted from Maurizio Sarri's starting lineup after making costly blunders, only to be restored later in the campaign.
This summer, the Biancocelesti acquired the services of Alfonso Pedraza on a free transfer. The 30-year-old Spaniard has done enough in pre-season to convince Gennaro Gattuso to grant him a starting role, especially with Tavares struggling with another muscle injury. Therefore, many feel this is the right time for the club to cash in on the Lisbon native.
As noted by several sources, including La Lazio Siamo Noi, Tavares has deleted every post related to Lazio on his Instagram account. Many observers believe this could be a sign of dissatisfaction with his status at the club, or a come-and-get-me plea to his suitors.
As it happens, Italian football journalist Matteo Moretto is reporting Porto's interest in the wantaway full-back. The Portuguese giants have already been linked with the player on a few occasions earlier in the summer. Moreover, recent rumours claimed Lazio could swap him with AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, but the two clubs have yet to embark on serious talks.

#tavares #portuguese #many

In a recent post on X, journalist Sebastien Vidal claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Chelsea defender Malo Gusto this summer. It has been mentioned that Spurs are eyeing a move to acquire the services of the French full-back this off-season.
Gusto had a solid campaign in the Premier League recently as he put in a run of influential displays on the right side of Chelsea's backline. The 23-year-old scored three times and picked up five ******* ists in 49 matches for the Blues in the previous campaign across all fronts.
The France international is currently one of the most talented full-backs in the Premier League. Hence, it is no surprise that Spurs are hoping to land him in this transfer window.
His current contract at the West London club will expire in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for Tottenham to sign him on a cut-price deal this month.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Malo Gusto of Chelsea passes the ball under pressure from Alex Marchal and Jon Martin of Real Sociedad during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

#london

If a recent transfer update from journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon account (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Balazs Toth ahead of a potential summer move. They are **** sing the goalkeeper market to provide competition for Viljami Sinisalo and have now identified Blackburn Rovers custodian, who would cost in the region of £4m, according to reports.
The 28-year-old Hungarian international progressed through Kazincbarcika, Puskás Akadémia and Fehérvár's academy ranks before returning to Puskás Akadémia in 2013. After impressing for the reserves, along with a productive loan spell at Csákvár in the second division, he was promoted to PAFC's first-team squad. Fehérvár snapped him up for €500k in the summer of 2024 but sanctioned a €1.20m transfer to Blackburn a year later.
Despite being the understudy to Aynsley Pears in his first season, Toth eventually succeeded the Englishman following the latter's ankle strain. He retained the 'number 1' spot until a knee injury ruled him out for a couple of months. Soon, the custodian regained his starting status upon returning to action, featuring 35 times last campaign across competitions.
Meanwhile, the keeper is unwilling to extend his stay at Ewood Park beyond next summer. The Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray has also admitted that they are destined to lose their 2025-26 Players' Player of the Year.
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – APRIL 17: Jack Rudoni of Coventry City controls the ball past Balazs Toth of Blackburn Rovers during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City at Ewood Park on April 17, 2026 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

#blackburn #year #balazs #ewood

One of the most polarizing figures in sports media is none other than ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. Depending on who you ask, there are plenty of reasons to either love or dislike Smith.
From his over-the-top television personality and controversial takes to, at times, uninformed ****** ysis, and political commentary, Smith draws viewers while also opening the door for controversy.
This week, Smith was voted for an award by the National ****** ociation of Black Journalists (NABJ). However, it was not a flattering award. According to multiple reports, Smith received the organization's "Thumbs Down" award.
MORE: NFL puts restrictions on Troy Aikman after accepting Dolphins consulting role
"Stephen A. Smith. Sports ****** yst and political commentator. Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media. Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ's longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities." the NABJ said in a statement.

#Media

Just when it seemed we wouldn't have to spend our Sunday dredging up ghosts of past transfers, the Italian media has breathed new life into the seemingly moribund Rodrigo Mora saga. The 19-year-old Porto midfielder popped up on Roma's radar earlier this month, whipping fans into a frenzy with visions of a Portuguese Messi dancing through our heads.
Although prohibitively expensive by Roma's customary standards, the Giallorossi were poised to smash their transfer record, handing over €50 million to acquire the talented teenager, albeit in a convoluted fashion. Unwilling or unable to pay the full freight for Mora, Sporting Director Tony D'Amico spent the better part of a week blazing creative paths toward the fifty-million mark.
With the two sides reportedly agreeing to a 50/50 split that would see Roma pay €25 million this summer and €25 million next summer—the latter essentially serving to remove the rumored 40% to 50% sell-on fee—it seemed the deal was as good as done. There were also reports that the deal was structured as a loan with an obligation to buy—either way, the final cost would be in the €50 million neighborhood.
But then Porto President André Villas-Boas began moving the goalposts, demanding easier benchmarks to make the deal permanent. With the negotiations halted, Mora and his representatives voiced their displeasure, reportedly attempting to persuade the Porto brass to accept the Roma deal.
To date, Villas-Boas and Porto haven't budged, but there may be hope on the horizon. According to nearly any Italian transfer journalist or agent mouthpiece you can think of, the deal is back on. In fact, Gianluca Di Marzio contends that the deal is making progress and that the two clubs are close to a €25 million transfer with a 50% sell-on clause.

#roma #boas

Stephen A. Smith has built a career around strong opinions on American sports and politics, often putting himself at the center of heated debates.
Now, those opinions have earned him an award, but certainly not one he would want on his resume. And soon after the news broke, the sports world had plenty to say.
The National **** ociation of Black Journalists (NABJ) officially presented the ESPN commentator with its 2026 "Thumbs Down" award during the Salute to Excellence Awards Gala.
The organization reserves the designation for people or media outlets whose coverage, reporting, or public commentary it considers insensitive, stereotypical, or out of step with the mission of Black media professionals.
"Stephen A. Smith, sports **** yst and political commentator," NABJ said during the event. "Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media."

#smith #sports #Politics #award

After seven years of much-publicized sobriety, Brad Pitt earlier this month told Esquire that he is "back off the wagon." Given that Pitt has spent the last few years publicly volunteering information about his alcohol use and subsequent sobriety, his casual revelation that he now drinks "in a more restrained manner" raised more than a few eyebrows and spurred a wave of headlines.
Initially, I was wary of commenting on the news. Brad Pitt's sobriety is none of my business. But I'm also a sober journalist who writes a newsletter about addiction recovery; whether or not a person with a history of alcohol addiction can moderate their alcohol use after a period of sobriety is among the most frequent questions I receive.
Whether or not a person with a history of alcohol addiction can moderate their alcohol use after a period of sobriety is among the most frequent questions I receive.
Given that Pitt has repeatedly spoken publicly about his struggles with alcohol and subsequent sobriety, discussing the latest development feels like fair game.
The story also raises a second issue worth exploring: the redemptive recovery narrative as public image rehabilitation.

#sobriety #given #subsequent

Jose Mourinho wants Alessandro Bastoni at Real Madrid, but convincing the club to make another major investment in defence could prove more difficult than convincing the Inter Milan defender himself.
According to journalist Ruben Martin, Mourinho has personally spoken with Bastoni and views the Italian international as an ideal addition to his squad.
It is said that the Real Madrid manager reportedly sees the need for another centre-back as more urgent than strengthening the midfield.
That stance is largely driven by the uncertainty surrounding Eder Militao's recovery and concerns over Antonio Rudiger's current level.
This is why Mourinho wants another high-quality defender he can rely on immediately, and Bastoni's name has moved to the top of his thinking.

#bastoni #wants #convincing #jose

The National ***** ociation of Black Journalists announced on Saturday night at the convention in Atlanta that ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith is a recipient of the 2026 "Thumbs Down" award.
"Stephen A. Smith. Sports ***** yst and political commentator. Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media.
"Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ's longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities."
Philip Lewis of The Huffington Post adds that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, DuJuan McCoy (owner and CEO of Circle City Broadcasting/WISH-TV), and The Washington Post also received the "Thumbs Down" award from the NABJ.
Disney has a partnership with the NABJ, and Smith has been to the convention multiple times in the past with ESPN.

#black #thumbs #convention

Matchday 23 of the 2026 Brasileirão kicked off this Saturday (15).
In the first match of the day, Fluminense came from behind to beat Palmeiras 3-2 at the Maracanã.
The match featured refereeing controversy, Hulk entering the "grandpas' ranking", and coach Abel Ferreira arguing with journalists.
Next, Athletico-PR and RB Bragantino drew 1-1 at Arena da Baixada.
The standout performer was goalkeeper Tiago Volpi, who stood on his head and shut down most of Furacão's attacking moves.

#matchday #brasileir #fluminense #maracan