1 hr. ago
By Georgina McCartney
HOUSTON, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Oil prices settled up by more than $3 a barrel on Thursday on news an Iranian parliament committee is reviewing a bill that would ban U.S. and Israeli vessels from the Strait of Hormuz and fine violators up to a fifth of the value of their cargo.
Brent crude futures settled up $3.04, or 3.83%, to $82.49 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures settled up $2.07, or 2.75%, to $77.29.
An Iranian lawmaker said a parliament committee is reviewing a preliminary bill to ban U.S., Israeli and other vessels deemed hostile from the Strait of Hormuz, and fine violators of the proposed restrictions up to 20% of cargo value, according to Fars news agency.
"Crude traders remain focused on the U.S./Iran agreements, and the longer the delays, the more prices will fade back to the upside," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.
#settled #parliament #committee
HOUSTON, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Oil prices settled up by more than $3 a barrel on Thursday on news an Iranian parliament committee is reviewing a bill that would ban U.S. and Israeli vessels from the Strait of Hormuz and fine violators up to a fifth of the value of their cargo.
Brent crude futures settled up $3.04, or 3.83%, to $82.49 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures settled up $2.07, or 2.75%, to $77.29.
An Iranian lawmaker said a parliament committee is reviewing a preliminary bill to ban U.S., Israeli and other vessels deemed hostile from the Strait of Hormuz, and fine violators of the proposed restrictions up to 20% of cargo value, according to Fars news agency.
"Crude traders remain focused on the U.S./Iran agreements, and the longer the delays, the more prices will fade back to the upside," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.
#settled #parliament #committee
11 hours ago
Hakan Çalhanoğlu has reiterated his commitment to Inter, brushing aside links to Turkey and setting his sights on reaching another Champions League final.
With quotes via calciomercato.com, the midfielder made clear his happiness in Milan, where he says he and his family have settled fully.
"I'm happy to be here, in Milan, where my wife and I have integrated brilliantly, and at Inter," he said.
"The future doesn't depend on me, but on the club, because there hasn't been any contact over the renewal. I'm a footballer and I think about playing. But in five years I think we've done a lot of good things: eight trophies, two Champions League finals."
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
#Inter #champions #april #think
With quotes via calciomercato.com, the midfielder made clear his happiness in Milan, where he says he and his family have settled fully.
"I'm happy to be here, in Milan, where my wife and I have integrated brilliantly, and at Inter," he said.
"The future doesn't depend on me, but on the club, because there hasn't been any contact over the renewal. I'm a footballer and I think about playing. But in five years I think we've done a lot of good things: eight trophies, two Champions League finals."
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
#Inter #champions #april #think
2 days ago
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs reportedly generated interest from the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders before signing with the Washington Commanders, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Diggs was released by the Patriots in early March, ahead of free agency. He spent the entire spring and most of the summer searching for the right situation to join and continue his NFL career. Ultimately, he settled on returning to play for his hometown NFL team.
"The Chiefs reached out at one point. The Dolphins reached out. The Raiders reached out. He had some conversations with some teams, but I think it was going to be Washington all along," Schefter said on Diggs when appearing on The Pat McAfee Show.
Diggs is coming off a 1,000-yard receiving season with the Patriots, and he could make a big impact on a Commanders team that already has another top-tier receiver in Terry McLaurin.
At the very least, he should serve as a reliable receiving option for third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
#diggs
Diggs was released by the Patriots in early March, ahead of free agency. He spent the entire spring and most of the summer searching for the right situation to join and continue his NFL career. Ultimately, he settled on returning to play for his hometown NFL team.
"The Chiefs reached out at one point. The Dolphins reached out. The Raiders reached out. He had some conversations with some teams, but I think it was going to be Washington all along," Schefter said on Diggs when appearing on The Pat McAfee Show.
Diggs is coming off a 1,000-yard receiving season with the Patriots, and he could make a big impact on a Commanders team that already has another top-tier receiver in Terry McLaurin.
At the very least, he should serve as a reliable receiving option for third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
#diggs
2 days ago
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has picked Sachin Tendulkar as the greatest Indian cricketer of all time, shortly after bringing the curtain down on his playing career.
Rahane, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket during an episode of Stick to Cricket, was asked to name India's greatest-ever cricketer. While acknowledging that the choice was far from straightforward, the former batter eventually settled on Tendulkar.
"I think it's very hard to take one name but… probably Sachin Tendulkar. I think all the eras," Rahane said.
Tendulkar enjoyed a remarkable international career that stretched across 24 years, representing India from November 15, 1989, to November 16, 2013. During that period, he featured in 664 international matches, including 200 Tests, 463 ODIs and one T20I.
The batting icon scored 15,921 runs in Tests, 18,426 in ODIs and 10 in T20Is, finishing as the highest run-scorer in the history of both Test and ODI cricket. He also remains the only player to have appeared in 200 Test matches and holds the record for the most ODI appearances.
Tendulkar was a central figure in India's triumphant 2011 ICC Men's ODI World Cup campaign, adding the coveted trophy to an already glittering career.
As captain, he led India in 25 Tests, registering four wins, nine defeats and 12 draws. In ODIs, Tendulkar captained the side in 73 matches, winning 23, losing 43, with one tie and six no-results.
Rahane made his international debut in a T20I against England at Manchester on August 31, 2011, and went on to represent India across all three formats between 2011 and 2023.
The Mumbai batter had the opportunity to share the dressing room with Tendulkar on multiple occasions. He played one Test alongside the legendary batter for India and had earlier been his teammate at Mumbai Indians during the 2009 IPL season, apart from representing Mumbai together in domestic cricket.
Across a career spanning more than 12 years, Rahane played most of his international cricket under MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. He was a key member of India's historic 2018-19 Test series-winning squad in Australia before captaining the team to another memorable series victory there in 2020-21.
Rahane also joined an exclusive list of Indian cricketers to captain the national side in all three formats. He finished his career with Test centuries in Australia, England and New Zealand, while representing six IPL franchises: Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
#tendulkar #test #international
Rahane, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket during an episode of Stick to Cricket, was asked to name India's greatest-ever cricketer. While acknowledging that the choice was far from straightforward, the former batter eventually settled on Tendulkar.
"I think it's very hard to take one name but… probably Sachin Tendulkar. I think all the eras," Rahane said.
Tendulkar enjoyed a remarkable international career that stretched across 24 years, representing India from November 15, 1989, to November 16, 2013. During that period, he featured in 664 international matches, including 200 Tests, 463 ODIs and one T20I.
The batting icon scored 15,921 runs in Tests, 18,426 in ODIs and 10 in T20Is, finishing as the highest run-scorer in the history of both Test and ODI cricket. He also remains the only player to have appeared in 200 Test matches and holds the record for the most ODI appearances.
Tendulkar was a central figure in India's triumphant 2011 ICC Men's ODI World Cup campaign, adding the coveted trophy to an already glittering career.
As captain, he led India in 25 Tests, registering four wins, nine defeats and 12 draws. In ODIs, Tendulkar captained the side in 73 matches, winning 23, losing 43, with one tie and six no-results.
Rahane made his international debut in a T20I against England at Manchester on August 31, 2011, and went on to represent India across all three formats between 2011 and 2023.
The Mumbai batter had the opportunity to share the dressing room with Tendulkar on multiple occasions. He played one Test alongside the legendary batter for India and had earlier been his teammate at Mumbai Indians during the 2009 IPL season, apart from representing Mumbai together in domestic cricket.
Across a career spanning more than 12 years, Rahane played most of his international cricket under MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. He was a key member of India's historic 2018-19 Test series-winning squad in Australia before captaining the team to another memorable series victory there in 2020-21.
Rahane also joined an exclusive list of Indian cricketers to captain the national side in all three formats. He finished his career with Test centuries in Australia, England and New Zealand, while representing six IPL franchises: Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
#tendulkar #test #international
2 days ago
The Atlanta Falcons have a few big question marks on defense as they prepare for their preseason opener next week. With linebacker Jalon Walker officially out for the season due to a torn ACL, and James Pearce Jr. facing a possible suspension, Atlanta's pass rush may have trouble replicating last year's success.
The team has gone through its first seven training camp practices, but there are a few other starting spots on defense that remain unsettled. Billy Bowman Jr. is on the active PUP list as he works his way back from an Achilles injury, while Zach Harrison is on the active non-football injury list.
The Falcons are still working out their nickel rotation, and considering the severity of Bowman's injury, I could see the team being cautious with their projected starter going into Week 1. Even though I believe rookie Avieon Terrell will ultimately play on the outside, it wouldn't surprise me if he fills in for Bowman to start the season.
Harrison is not dealing with as severe of an injury, and I think he could be cleared by Week 1. At linebacker, Divine Deablo is set to wear the green dot, but there's still some uncertainty at the other starting spot.
Christian Harris appears to be the first in line, but don't sleep on rookies Kendal Daniels or Harold Perkins for this spot. With all of that said, here's a look at our projected Week 1 starting lineup for the Falcons defense.
#injury #starting
The team has gone through its first seven training camp practices, but there are a few other starting spots on defense that remain unsettled. Billy Bowman Jr. is on the active PUP list as he works his way back from an Achilles injury, while Zach Harrison is on the active non-football injury list.
The Falcons are still working out their nickel rotation, and considering the severity of Bowman's injury, I could see the team being cautious with their projected starter going into Week 1. Even though I believe rookie Avieon Terrell will ultimately play on the outside, it wouldn't surprise me if he fills in for Bowman to start the season.
Harrison is not dealing with as severe of an injury, and I think he could be cleared by Week 1. At linebacker, Divine Deablo is set to wear the green dot, but there's still some uncertainty at the other starting spot.
Christian Harris appears to be the first in line, but don't sleep on rookies Kendal Daniels or Harold Perkins for this spot. With all of that said, here's a look at our projected Week 1 starting lineup for the Falcons defense.
#injury #starting
2 days ago
Nottingham Forest appear to be moving with a certain clarity now, the sort that suggests a squad is being shaped to meet the demands of Oliver Glasner rather than merely patched together for another season. According to TeamTalk, Forest are exploring a notable double move, one aimed at the centre of defence and the centre of midfield, with Jhon Lucumi and Tijjani Reijnders both under consideration.
The report states that Forest "have shown clear interest in defender Jhon Lucimi" and that the club "have already sounded out the conditions required to complete a deal for the Bologna star". Whether that develops into a formal push, it reflects a sensible instinct. Lucumi is described as "a solid addition who could bring greater defensive solidity and competition for places at the back", and that profile feels aligned with a side seeking greater certainty without sacrificing aggression.
Photo IMAGO
More eye-catching, perhaps, is the mention of Reijnders. TeamTalk says the Manchester City midfielder "has emerged as a realistic target to replace Elliot Anderson". It is an intriguing description of Forest's ambition. Reijnders offers rhythm and progression, a player whose "vision, energy and ability to dictate play make him an attractive option for Forest's engine room". In a league increasingly settled by who can control transitions, that sort of midfielder carries rare value.
There is, naturally, a complication. "Man City are open to a sale of Reijnders if an offer of around £60million arrives," the report says, though "there is a strong feeling that the player would prefer to remain at a club competing in European competition." That tension is familiar to clubs operating just beneath the established elite. Recruitment becomes part persuasion, part projection.
#sort #club
The report states that Forest "have shown clear interest in defender Jhon Lucimi" and that the club "have already sounded out the conditions required to complete a deal for the Bologna star". Whether that develops into a formal push, it reflects a sensible instinct. Lucumi is described as "a solid addition who could bring greater defensive solidity and competition for places at the back", and that profile feels aligned with a side seeking greater certainty without sacrificing aggression.
Photo IMAGO
More eye-catching, perhaps, is the mention of Reijnders. TeamTalk says the Manchester City midfielder "has emerged as a realistic target to replace Elliot Anderson". It is an intriguing description of Forest's ambition. Reijnders offers rhythm and progression, a player whose "vision, energy and ability to dictate play make him an attractive option for Forest's engine room". In a league increasingly settled by who can control transitions, that sort of midfielder carries rare value.
There is, naturally, a complication. "Man City are open to a sale of Reijnders if an offer of around £60million arrives," the report says, though "there is a strong feeling that the player would prefer to remain at a club competing in European competition." That tension is familiar to clubs operating just beneath the established elite. Recruitment becomes part persuasion, part projection.
#sort #club
2 days ago
Manchester City have reached an agreement with Olympique de Marseille for the transfer of Gerónimo Rulli (34), according to a report from Foot Mercato. City have identified the Argentina international as their preferred option to become Gianluigi Donnarumma's understudy following James Trafford's departure for Leeds United.
The Premier League club had previously submitted an opening offer worth €2m for Rulli, but Marseille rejected the proposal and demanded at least €3.5m for the goalkeeper, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Vélodrome.
Rulli's agent, Kristian Bereit, subsequently travelled to Manchester City's training ground to advance negotiations, with the English club returning with an improved offer. Foot Mercato now reports that an agreement has been reached between the two clubs, although the precise financial details have not been disclosed.
Rulli has also given his approval to the move and is attracted by the opportunity to play in the Premier League. A handful of details must still be settled with the former Montpellier goalkeeper's representatives before the transfer can be formally completed.
The Argentine joined Marseille in the summer of 2024 and has since made 73 appearances for Les Phocéens. His expected departure would see OM lose another senior member of their squad after the exits of Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.GFFN | George Boxall
#foot
The Premier League club had previously submitted an opening offer worth €2m for Rulli, but Marseille rejected the proposal and demanded at least €3.5m for the goalkeeper, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Vélodrome.
Rulli's agent, Kristian Bereit, subsequently travelled to Manchester City's training ground to advance negotiations, with the English club returning with an improved offer. Foot Mercato now reports that an agreement has been reached between the two clubs, although the precise financial details have not been disclosed.
Rulli has also given his approval to the move and is attracted by the opportunity to play in the Premier League. A handful of details must still be settled with the former Montpellier goalkeeper's representatives before the transfer can be formally completed.
The Argentine joined Marseille in the summer of 2024 and has since made 73 appearances for Les Phocéens. His expected departure would see OM lose another senior member of their squad after the exits of Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.GFFN | George Boxall
#foot
2 days ago
KYIV, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Olha Stefanishyna, dismissed as Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S. earlier this week, is suspected of illegal enrichment and failing to declare ****** ets, authorities said on Thursday, the latest high-ranking official targeted in an anti-graft probe.
Prosecutors said Stefanishyna, who served as a deputy prime minister before being appointed ambassador, concealed two apartments and other ****** ets worth about $310,000 in total that could not have been acquired on her official salary alone.
Authorities did not identify Stefanishyna by name, in line with Ukrainian law, but referred to the position she held when the alleged offences took place, from early 2024 to mid-2025.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, she denied wrongdoing and said she has never had anything to hide.
Her dismissal comes amid a recent shake-up of senior officials, including the prime minister and defence minister, that has unsettled Ukraine's political establishment.
#stefanishyna #prime #kyiv
Prosecutors said Stefanishyna, who served as a deputy prime minister before being appointed ambassador, concealed two apartments and other ****** ets worth about $310,000 in total that could not have been acquired on her official salary alone.
Authorities did not identify Stefanishyna by name, in line with Ukrainian law, but referred to the position she held when the alleged offences took place, from early 2024 to mid-2025.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, she denied wrongdoing and said she has never had anything to hide.
Her dismissal comes amid a recent shake-up of senior officials, including the prime minister and defence minister, that has unsettled Ukraine's political establishment.
#stefanishyna #prime #kyiv
2 days ago
Brad Pitt and his ex, Angelina Jolie, have reportedly escalated their legal battle amid a dispute over financial records. The disagreement allegedly centers on income documentation tied to their business dealings and past ******* ets. The former couple settled their divorce after an eight-year battle stemming from their 2016 split, yet litigation over other matters continues.
Brad Pitt is reportedly seeking several years of financial records from Angelina Jolie. Per a July 31 filing obtained by USA TODAY, the "Troy" actor alleged that his ex-wife has not provided details about her earnings since their 2016 separation.
According to Pitt's legal team, Jolie submitted financial documents for 2020 and 2021, but reportedly declined to provide records for 2017 through 2019.
The filing adds to their long-running battle over Château Miraval, the French vineyard they bought together in 2008 and sold out of in 2021. Pitt initiated legal action in February 2022 after the "Maleficent" star offloaded her stake to an investment firm without his sign-off.
In the newest court documents, the "Seven" actor referenced Jolie's earlier argument that she had to sell her share of the estate to achieve "financial independence" from him. Jolie's legal team responded to the 62-year-old's initial demand in June, stating "the entire basis for Pitt compelling these answers is a made-up theory that Jolie did not allege."
#battle
Brad Pitt is reportedly seeking several years of financial records from Angelina Jolie. Per a July 31 filing obtained by USA TODAY, the "Troy" actor alleged that his ex-wife has not provided details about her earnings since their 2016 separation.
According to Pitt's legal team, Jolie submitted financial documents for 2020 and 2021, but reportedly declined to provide records for 2017 through 2019.
The filing adds to their long-running battle over Château Miraval, the French vineyard they bought together in 2008 and sold out of in 2021. Pitt initiated legal action in February 2022 after the "Maleficent" star offloaded her stake to an investment firm without his sign-off.
In the newest court documents, the "Seven" actor referenced Jolie's earlier argument that she had to sell her share of the estate to achieve "financial independence" from him. Jolie's legal team responded to the 62-year-old's initial demand in June, stating "the entire basis for Pitt compelling these answers is a made-up theory that Jolie did not allege."
#battle
2 days ago
Position battles seem to demand immediate answers every NFL training camp.
People want details as quickly as possible. Aaron Glenn sees things differently. A few practices into training camp, the New York Jets' second-year head coach has consistently emphasized a longer view.
The Jets may have something. They're becoming a stable organization, one that values preparation for the regular season over winning the daily headlines that accompany August practices.
Glenn has regularly given veteran players scheduled maintenance days. He has resisted the temptation to overwork key contributors and remained patient with young players as they learn new responsibilities.
We've settled into August, and the reviews remain positive.
#practices
People want details as quickly as possible. Aaron Glenn sees things differently. A few practices into training camp, the New York Jets' second-year head coach has consistently emphasized a longer view.
The Jets may have something. They're becoming a stable organization, one that values preparation for the regular season over winning the daily headlines that accompany August practices.
Glenn has regularly given veteran players scheduled maintenance days. He has resisted the temptation to overwork key contributors and remained patient with young players as they learn new responsibilities.
We've settled into August, and the reviews remain positive.
#practices
3 days ago
Ash Magic (ashmagic) is a mentalist with millions of online followers, which he has built largely by performing mind-bending bits on famous people. His latest was Dwayne Johnson.
The bit was framed around wayfinding, a nod to Johnson's role in Moana. Ash had him tap a random point in the air, pick a set of coordinates, and hold the digits in his head. Then Ash said them out loud: 87127.
Johnson called for tequila.
Next, Ash asked him to picture a character from the Moana world. Johnson settled on Te Kā, the lava demon, and spelled it out mentally. Ash named it.
"Man, I need a drink," Johnson said.
#johnson #next #mentalist #followers
The bit was framed around wayfinding, a nod to Johnson's role in Moana. Ash had him tap a random point in the air, pick a set of coordinates, and hold the digits in his head. Then Ash said them out loud: 87127.
Johnson called for tequila.
Next, Ash asked him to picture a character from the Moana world. Johnson settled on Te Kā, the lava demon, and spelled it out mentally. Ash named it.
"Man, I need a drink," Johnson said.
#johnson #next #mentalist #followers
3 days ago
Soybeans are trading with early weakness on Tuesday, with contracts down 7 to 10 cents. Futures were busy firming into the Monday close, as contracts settled 3 to 7 ½ cents higher, with nearby August down 3 ¼ cents. Open interest was down 6,470 contracts, suggesting some modest short covering. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was up 6 cents at $11.47 1/2. Soymeal futures were up 20 cents to $1.20, with Soy Oil 101 to 157 points higher. There were 123 deliveies issued against August soybeans overnight, with 0 for soy meal, and 572 for bean oil.
Weekly Crop Progress data from NASS showed 88% of the US soybean crop blooming by 8/2, with 62% setting pods and 7 percentage points faster than the 5-year average. Condition ratings were down steady at 63% gd/ex, with the Brugler500 index unchanged at 363.
Arabica Coffee Prices Slump as Dryness in Brazil Aids the Coffee Harvest
Cocoa Prices Surge on Ghana Crop Worries
Wheat, Soybean, and Corn Prices Fall to Start a New Month. What to Watch Next.
#cents #prices
Weekly Crop Progress data from NASS showed 88% of the US soybean crop blooming by 8/2, with 62% setting pods and 7 percentage points faster than the 5-year average. Condition ratings were down steady at 63% gd/ex, with the Brugler500 index unchanged at 363.
Arabica Coffee Prices Slump as Dryness in Brazil Aids the Coffee Harvest
Cocoa Prices Surge on Ghana Crop Worries
Wheat, Soybean, and Corn Prices Fall to Start a New Month. What to Watch Next.
#cents #prices
3 days ago
Ricky Martin's eldest sons are back home. Valentino and Matteo, the fraternal twins the Grammy winner welcomed via surrogate in 2008, were photographed on August 4 spending the afternoon at Plaza Las Américas in San Juan, grabbing a bite at a well-known restaurant before browsing a fast-fashion store with a small group of friends.
Mateo and Valentino at a mall in Puerto Rico (Alfredo Rolon/The Grosby Group)
This week they celebrate their 18th birthday — a milestone Martin is marking on home turf, having spent the summer settled into Puerto Rico with all four of his children.
The outing came days after Martin shared beach photos of his younger kids, Lucía and Renn, from the island. Now it's the twins' turn in the spotlight, even if they weren't seeking it. Valentino — the more media-facing of the two — kept it casual in black jeans, a sand-colored T-shirt, a black cap and sneakers. Matteo, the quieter twin, opted for blue denim, a white short-sleeve tee, a cap and a shoulder bag.
When the afternoon wrapped, the pair drove off in their own SUV, reportedly keeping a respectful, reserved distance from the cameras throughout.
#rico #black
Mateo and Valentino at a mall in Puerto Rico (Alfredo Rolon/The Grosby Group)
This week they celebrate their 18th birthday — a milestone Martin is marking on home turf, having spent the summer settled into Puerto Rico with all four of his children.
The outing came days after Martin shared beach photos of his younger kids, Lucía and Renn, from the island. Now it's the twins' turn in the spotlight, even if they weren't seeking it. Valentino — the more media-facing of the two — kept it casual in black jeans, a sand-colored T-shirt, a black cap and sneakers. Matteo, the quieter twin, opted for blue denim, a white short-sleeve tee, a cap and a shoulder bag.
When the afternoon wrapped, the pair drove off in their own SUV, reportedly keeping a respectful, reserved distance from the cameras throughout.
#rico #black
3 days ago
On Thursday night, for the first time in approximately six months, there will be NFL action as the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals open the preseason when they clash in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. And while there is never too much to take away from this game (or most preseason games), and neither team is expected to be a top Super Bowl contender this season, there are some things to keep an eye on Thursday night.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the game will be the battle between the two "starting" quarterbacks. The term "starting" is in quotation marks because we know that neither announced starter for the game, which will be Kenny Pickett for the Panthers and Carson Beck for the Cardinals, is expected to start this season for their respective teams. But both men have something to prove.
For Pickett, who was a first-round draft pick in 2022 for his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, every preseason is the window for the now-fifth-year signal-caller to prove he belongs in the league. He went 7-5 as a starter during his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, but the statistics were worse than the admittedly average record, and he eventually was benched and traded.
Since then, he has only started three games in the past two seasons and hopes to prove he can compete with Bryce Young for the starting job. If he wants that to happen, it starts on Thursday night in Canton.
Meanwhile, Beck was a third-round draft pick this year after leading Miami (FL) to a national runner-up finish, but he has some obstacles in his way if he hopes to be an NFL starter. But even though one of those players, Jacoby Brissett, finally settled his contract dispute with the Cardinals, he is still relatively unproven and inconsistent as an NFL starter.
#thursday #cardinals #preseason
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the game will be the battle between the two "starting" quarterbacks. The term "starting" is in quotation marks because we know that neither announced starter for the game, which will be Kenny Pickett for the Panthers and Carson Beck for the Cardinals, is expected to start this season for their respective teams. But both men have something to prove.
For Pickett, who was a first-round draft pick in 2022 for his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, every preseason is the window for the now-fifth-year signal-caller to prove he belongs in the league. He went 7-5 as a starter during his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, but the statistics were worse than the admittedly average record, and he eventually was benched and traded.
Since then, he has only started three games in the past two seasons and hopes to prove he can compete with Bryce Young for the starting job. If he wants that to happen, it starts on Thursday night in Canton.
Meanwhile, Beck was a third-round draft pick this year after leading Miami (FL) to a national runner-up finish, but he has some obstacles in his way if he hopes to be an NFL starter. But even though one of those players, Jacoby Brissett, finally settled his contract dispute with the Cardinals, he is still relatively unproven and inconsistent as an NFL starter.
#thursday #cardinals #preseason
3 days ago
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly unhappy with Cricket Ireland for hosting Afghanistan in a five-match ODI series, even though England continue to play Afghanistan in ICC tournaments.
The five-match ODI series between Ireland and Afghanistan began on Wednesday in Bready. According to a report in The Guardian, Ireland's decision to host Afghanistan could affect its future cricket ties with England.
Ireland's move has put its relationship with the ECB under strain. England have refused to play bilateral cricket against Afghanistan because of the Taliban regime's restrictions on women's rights.
The ECB's stance is based on concerns over what its chair, Richard Thompson, has described as the Taliban's "gender apartheid".
However, England continue to face Afghanistan in ICC events, where tournament points and **** les are at stake.
The ECB's policy is supported by the UK government, but Cricket Ireland has taken a different approach. Ireland has built close ties with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and is hosting five ODIs this month.
Under a reciprocal arrangement, Ireland will tour the United Arab Emirates in March next year to play Afghanistan in one Test, three ODIs and three T20Is.
England previously played one-off Tests against Ireland at Lord's before the home Ashes series in 2019 and 2023. Next year, however, England have chosen to play Bangladesh in a warm-up Test instead.
England's men's team also faced Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy in Lahore last year.
While the ECB does not schedule bilateral matches against Afghanistan, it has supported Afghan women cricketers in other ways. This summer, it organised a tour of England for the Afghan Refugee Women's team and invited them to attend the T20 World Cup final at Lord's.
Most members of the Afghanistan women's team fled the country after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and banned women's sport. Many of the players later settled in Australia.
Afghanistan remain the only ICC Full Member without a women's cricket programme, but the ICC has not suspended them.
Australia, South Africa and New Zealand have also refused to play bilateral cricket against Afghanistan. Ireland, however, has joined the West Indies, Zimbabwe and the four Asian ICC Full Members in continuing bilateral cricket with Afghanistan.
The ECB's relationship with Cricket Ireland has already been under pressure. England declined an invitation to take part in the proposed Euro Nations Cup next year, which would also feature Scotland, the Netherlands and Italy, citing a packed international schedule.
England's men's team played a three-match T20I series in Ireland last September, but the ECB sent a second-string squad. No further men's matches between the two teams are currently scheduled.
England's women's team, however, will host Ireland in a three-match ODI series next month.
#afghanistan #next
The five-match ODI series between Ireland and Afghanistan began on Wednesday in Bready. According to a report in The Guardian, Ireland's decision to host Afghanistan could affect its future cricket ties with England.
Ireland's move has put its relationship with the ECB under strain. England have refused to play bilateral cricket against Afghanistan because of the Taliban regime's restrictions on women's rights.
The ECB's stance is based on concerns over what its chair, Richard Thompson, has described as the Taliban's "gender apartheid".
However, England continue to face Afghanistan in ICC events, where tournament points and **** les are at stake.
The ECB's policy is supported by the UK government, but Cricket Ireland has taken a different approach. Ireland has built close ties with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and is hosting five ODIs this month.
Under a reciprocal arrangement, Ireland will tour the United Arab Emirates in March next year to play Afghanistan in one Test, three ODIs and three T20Is.
England previously played one-off Tests against Ireland at Lord's before the home Ashes series in 2019 and 2023. Next year, however, England have chosen to play Bangladesh in a warm-up Test instead.
England's men's team also faced Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy in Lahore last year.
While the ECB does not schedule bilateral matches against Afghanistan, it has supported Afghan women cricketers in other ways. This summer, it organised a tour of England for the Afghan Refugee Women's team and invited them to attend the T20 World Cup final at Lord's.
Most members of the Afghanistan women's team fled the country after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and banned women's sport. Many of the players later settled in Australia.
Afghanistan remain the only ICC Full Member without a women's cricket programme, but the ICC has not suspended them.
Australia, South Africa and New Zealand have also refused to play bilateral cricket against Afghanistan. Ireland, however, has joined the West Indies, Zimbabwe and the four Asian ICC Full Members in continuing bilateral cricket with Afghanistan.
The ECB's relationship with Cricket Ireland has already been under pressure. England declined an invitation to take part in the proposed Euro Nations Cup next year, which would also feature Scotland, the Netherlands and Italy, citing a packed international schedule.
England's men's team played a three-match T20I series in Ireland last September, but the ECB sent a second-string squad. No further men's matches between the two teams are currently scheduled.
England's women's team, however, will host Ireland in a three-match ODI series next month.
#afghanistan #next
3 days ago
The Baltimore Ravens return to the practice field for their seventh session of training camp as Jesse Minter and his coaching staff continue evaluating an unsettled depth chart. Attention will remain on the competition at center, the development of Baltimore's rookie class and the implementation of Declan Doyle's offense around Lamar Jackson. Follow along for live updates, injury news, standout plays, depth-chart developments and observations from throughout Wednesday's practice.
Follow along throughout the morning for live observations, injury updates, standout plays, photos, videos, and comments from coaches and players as Baltimore continues to prepare for the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens training camp report: Live updates from Practice No. 7
#practice #depth
Follow along throughout the morning for live observations, injury updates, standout plays, photos, videos, and comments from coaches and players as Baltimore continues to prepare for the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens training camp report: Live updates from Practice No. 7
#practice #depth
3 days ago
Two of the biggest listings in market history are queued up for the back end of this year, and punters are already pricing the run-in.
Polymarket has opened books on where OpenAI (Unlisted:OPAI) and Anthropic (Unlisted (US):ANTHRO) private valuations land at the end of August, settled on the price reported by Nasdaq Private Market.
The contrast between the two is the interesting bit. OpenAI's market is tightly clustered and reasonably well traded, with 54% on a valuation of $800 billion to $900 billion, and a further 23% on $900 billion to $1 trillion.
That is basically a bet on nothing happening, since OpenAI was last marked at $852 billion in March and has sat there ever since. A related market gives it a 57% chance of touching $900 billion by 31 August.
Anthropic's book, by comparison, is barely trading, with most brackets showing no volume at all and prices that do not add up to a coherent picture.
#unlisted #polymarket
Polymarket has opened books on where OpenAI (Unlisted:OPAI) and Anthropic (Unlisted (US):ANTHRO) private valuations land at the end of August, settled on the price reported by Nasdaq Private Market.
The contrast between the two is the interesting bit. OpenAI's market is tightly clustered and reasonably well traded, with 54% on a valuation of $800 billion to $900 billion, and a further 23% on $900 billion to $1 trillion.
That is basically a bet on nothing happening, since OpenAI was last marked at $852 billion in March and has sat there ever since. A related market gives it a 57% chance of touching $900 billion by 31 August.
Anthropic's book, by comparison, is barely trading, with most brackets showing no volume at all and prices that do not add up to a coherent picture.
#unlisted #polymarket
3 days ago
Mohamed Salah's next move now appears settled, with Trabzonspor effectively confirming the arrival of the former Liverpool forward after days of growing expectation. As first reported and discussed by Liverpool.com, the Turkish side have moved into the open, releasing travel details before any formal unveiling.
For a player of Salah's stature, the process has been unusually public. Yet the message from Trabzonspor leaves very little room for doubt. Addressing supporters directly, the club said: "Professional footballer Mohamed Salah, with whom we have begun transfer negotiations, will be at Istanbul Atatürk Airport General Aviation Terminal at 12:00 on Wednesday, August 5 (tomorrow)." It added: "The player is scheduled to arrive in Trabzon on the same day in the evening hours. The time and other details regarding the welcome program in Trabzon will be shared with the public through our club's official communication channels during the day."
LFC Website
The wording stops short of a final contract announcement, though in practical terms this is as close to confirmation as it gets. Trabzonspor had already posted that discussions were under way and then followed that with a teaser carrying Egyptian imagery, signalling clearly where the story was heading.
Salah has been a free agent since leaving Liverpool earlier this summer after waiving the final year of his deal. Since then, there has been no shortage of interest or noise around the market. Saudi Arabia remained an obvious talking point because of long-running admiration, while Major League Soccer was mentioned in some quarters as another possible route.
#since #player #public
For a player of Salah's stature, the process has been unusually public. Yet the message from Trabzonspor leaves very little room for doubt. Addressing supporters directly, the club said: "Professional footballer Mohamed Salah, with whom we have begun transfer negotiations, will be at Istanbul Atatürk Airport General Aviation Terminal at 12:00 on Wednesday, August 5 (tomorrow)." It added: "The player is scheduled to arrive in Trabzon on the same day in the evening hours. The time and other details regarding the welcome program in Trabzon will be shared with the public through our club's official communication channels during the day."
LFC Website
The wording stops short of a final contract announcement, though in practical terms this is as close to confirmation as it gets. Trabzonspor had already posted that discussions were under way and then followed that with a teaser carrying Egyptian imagery, signalling clearly where the story was heading.
Salah has been a free agent since leaving Liverpool earlier this summer after waiving the final year of his deal. Since then, there has been no shortage of interest or noise around the market. Saudi Arabia remained an obvious talking point because of long-running admiration, while Major League Soccer was mentioned in some quarters as another possible route.
#since #player #public
3 days ago
Soybeans were busy firming into the close, as contracts settled 3 to 7 ½ cents higher, with nearby August down 3 ¼ cents. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was up 6 cents at $11.47 1/2. Soymeal futures were up 20 cents to $1.20, with Soy Oil 101 to 157 points higher.
Weekly Crop Progress data from NASS showed 88% of the US soybean crop blooming by 8/2, with 62% setting pods and 7 percentage points faster than the 5-year average. Condition ratings were down steady at 63% gd/ex, with the Brugler500 index unchanged at 363.
Arabica Coffee Prices Slump as Dryness in Brazil Aids the Coffee Harvest
Cocoa Prices Surge on Ghana Crop Worries
Wheat, Soybean, and Corn Prices Fall to Start a New Month. What to Watch Next.
#cents #soybean #higher #down
Weekly Crop Progress data from NASS showed 88% of the US soybean crop blooming by 8/2, with 62% setting pods and 7 percentage points faster than the 5-year average. Condition ratings were down steady at 63% gd/ex, with the Brugler500 index unchanged at 363.
Arabica Coffee Prices Slump as Dryness in Brazil Aids the Coffee Harvest
Cocoa Prices Surge on Ghana Crop Worries
Wheat, Soybean, and Corn Prices Fall to Start a New Month. What to Watch Next.
#cents #soybean #higher #down
4 days ago
The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Monday closed up +1.48%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +1.32%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +1.78%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) rose +1.49%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) rose +1.77%.
Stock indices settled sharply higher on Monday, with the S&P 500 posting a 2-month high, the Dow Jones Industrials posting a 3.5-week high, and the Nasdaq 100 posting a 1.5-week high. Stocks rallied on Monday as the latest signs of easing tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices sharply lower and allayed fears about faster inflation. The slump in crude oil also knocked bond yields lower and supported stocks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -5 bp to 4.68%.
General Motors vs. Ford: 1 Auto Giant Is Winning the EV Race
1 ******* anese Company Just Waved a Red Flag for Micron Stock. How to Play It Here.
Billionaire Ken Griffin Just Saved Situational Awareness, But Here's What a Rescue Call From Citadel Really Sounds Like — 'I… Heard the Grim Reaper's Scythe'
#NASDAQ #closed #september
Stock indices settled sharply higher on Monday, with the S&P 500 posting a 2-month high, the Dow Jones Industrials posting a 3.5-week high, and the Nasdaq 100 posting a 1.5-week high. Stocks rallied on Monday as the latest signs of easing tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices sharply lower and allayed fears about faster inflation. The slump in crude oil also knocked bond yields lower and supported stocks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -5 bp to 4.68%.
General Motors vs. Ford: 1 Auto Giant Is Winning the EV Race
1 ******* anese Company Just Waved a Red Flag for Micron Stock. How to Play It Here.
Billionaire Ken Griffin Just Saved Situational Awareness, But Here's What a Rescue Call From Citadel Really Sounds Like — 'I… Heard the Grim Reaper's Scythe'
#NASDAQ #closed #september
4 days ago
By Chuck Mikolajczak and Johann M Cherian
NEW YORK, Aug 3 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks kicked off August on a strong note to send the Dow Industrials to a closing record high, as signs of de-escalating U.S.-Iran tensions pulled down oil prices and Treasury yields in a busy week for earnings and economic data.
Crude prices settled down about 5% after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that talks with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would take place on Monday, though Iran disputed that talks were planned.
The drop in oil prices helped push U.S. Treasury yields lower, even as market participants continued to gauge the odds of a rate hike from the Federal Reserve should the Iran war continue for a prolonged period.
Communication services was the best performing of the 11 major S&P sectors, climbing 4.3% on the back of gains from Meta Platforms and Alphabet. Energy dropped 1.2% as the worst performer on the session.
#prices #chuck #cherian
NEW YORK, Aug 3 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks kicked off August on a strong note to send the Dow Industrials to a closing record high, as signs of de-escalating U.S.-Iran tensions pulled down oil prices and Treasury yields in a busy week for earnings and economic data.
Crude prices settled down about 5% after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that talks with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would take place on Monday, though Iran disputed that talks were planned.
The drop in oil prices helped push U.S. Treasury yields lower, even as market participants continued to gauge the odds of a rate hike from the Federal Reserve should the Iran war continue for a prolonged period.
Communication services was the best performing of the 11 major S&P sectors, climbing 4.3% on the back of gains from Meta Platforms and Alphabet. Energy dropped 1.2% as the worst performer on the session.
#prices #chuck #cherian
4 days ago
A scorecard settled it on paper. It did nothing to settle it everywhere else, though. Russian knockout merchant Abdulla "Smash Boy" Dayakaev and Thai megastar "The Kicking Machine" Superlek return at The Inner Circle 25 to end their conversation for good.
The pair are ready to blow the roof off Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium with another epic slugfest in their bantamweight Muay Thai rematch, which streams live in Asia primetime this Friday, August 7, exclusively for members at live.onefc.com.
Both men walked into their first meeting at The Inner Circle 14 this past May desperate for a bounce-back victory.
Dayakaev arrived just four months removed from a shocking knockout loss to now-reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon – a defeat that put an end to his brilliant run of four successive highlight-reel finishes.
Superlek's road to that night was even rockier. The Thai striker had been stripped of his bantamweight Muay Thai gold for missing weight before dropping a three-round battle to Nabil Anane. Then came another stinging loss to former K-1 Champion Yuki Yoza at ONE 173 in Tokyo, **** an.
#champion #live
The pair are ready to blow the roof off Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium with another epic slugfest in their bantamweight Muay Thai rematch, which streams live in Asia primetime this Friday, August 7, exclusively for members at live.onefc.com.
Both men walked into their first meeting at The Inner Circle 14 this past May desperate for a bounce-back victory.
Dayakaev arrived just four months removed from a shocking knockout loss to now-reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon – a defeat that put an end to his brilliant run of four successive highlight-reel finishes.
Superlek's road to that night was even rockier. The Thai striker had been stripped of his bantamweight Muay Thai gold for missing weight before dropping a three-round battle to Nabil Anane. Then came another stinging loss to former K-1 Champion Yuki Yoza at ONE 173 in Tokyo, **** an.
#champion #live
4 days ago
Chelsea are set to finalise an agreement with Rayo Vallecano over the signing of Pep Chavarria following a lengthy negotiation, according to The Athletic.
The Blues have made steady progress in talks with their Spanish counterparts and the deal is now in the final stages. The Spanish defender has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea.
Chelsea are also prepared to schedule a medical for the 28-year-old once the final details are settled.
The West Londoners have been looking to replace Marc Cucurella since the Spaniard joined Real Madrid in a £51.7 million deal earlier this summer.
In his absence, Chelsea had Jorrel Hato as their only recognised senior left-back, although academy prospect Landon Emenalo has featured in the position during pre-season.
#deal #vallecano #chavarria #west
The Blues have made steady progress in talks with their Spanish counterparts and the deal is now in the final stages. The Spanish defender has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea.
Chelsea are also prepared to schedule a medical for the 28-year-old once the final details are settled.
The West Londoners have been looking to replace Marc Cucurella since the Spaniard joined Real Madrid in a £51.7 million deal earlier this summer.
In his absence, Chelsea had Jorrel Hato as their only recognised senior left-back, although academy prospect Landon Emenalo has featured in the position during pre-season.
#deal #vallecano #chavarria #west
4 days ago
Dbacks manager Torey Lovullo started off his postgame interview stating that this game had a 'funky rhythm' to it, and I think that is a great way to summarize it.
Eduardo Rodriguez who went 8 scoreless in his last outing, got jumped in this outing. The Padres came out of the gates with a lot of hard contact scoring 3 runs in the first inning and 2 more in the second inning and before anyone could get settled in, the Dbacks were already chasing 5 runs. ERod certainly didn't have his best stuff tonight, but due to the amount of hard contact he was giving up early in this game, Im sure there are going to be people who are suspecting there was atleast some degree of pitch tipping going on.
The defense behind ERod also let him down multiple times as multiple ****** clanked off of Arenado's mitt at 3rd base, none of them errors, but still not common to see from the perennial gold glove winner. Ketel Marte also missed a critical double play on a bobble that allowed extra runs to score as of the 7 runs scored tonight while ERod was pitching, only 5 of them were earned. Certainly not the crisp defense this team typically relies on to win games. It should be noted however that despite not having his best stuff, ERod was still able to pitch into the 6th inning tonight.
The offense did nothing for 8 of the 9 innings tonight with the exception of the 7th when the Dbacks offense blasted 2 homeruns. Nolan Arenado hit the first, a 2 run shot to get the Dbacks on the board. James McCann hit the second of the inning another 2 run shot, and then all of a sudden its an 8-4 ballgame and the Padres are getting up Mason Miller in the 8th. However the Padres would then tack on another run in the 9th inning to sit Miller back down and solidify the final score of 9-4.
Of particular note in this one, Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll combined to go 0-8 as they continue to slide as they have done the past 6 weeks or so. This team desperately needs them to step up if this team is going to maintain any kind of wild card lead and make a playoff run. Hopefully this is just the calm before the storm.
#team #ketel
Eduardo Rodriguez who went 8 scoreless in his last outing, got jumped in this outing. The Padres came out of the gates with a lot of hard contact scoring 3 runs in the first inning and 2 more in the second inning and before anyone could get settled in, the Dbacks were already chasing 5 runs. ERod certainly didn't have his best stuff tonight, but due to the amount of hard contact he was giving up early in this game, Im sure there are going to be people who are suspecting there was atleast some degree of pitch tipping going on.
The defense behind ERod also let him down multiple times as multiple ****** clanked off of Arenado's mitt at 3rd base, none of them errors, but still not common to see from the perennial gold glove winner. Ketel Marte also missed a critical double play on a bobble that allowed extra runs to score as of the 7 runs scored tonight while ERod was pitching, only 5 of them were earned. Certainly not the crisp defense this team typically relies on to win games. It should be noted however that despite not having his best stuff, ERod was still able to pitch into the 6th inning tonight.
The offense did nothing for 8 of the 9 innings tonight with the exception of the 7th when the Dbacks offense blasted 2 homeruns. Nolan Arenado hit the first, a 2 run shot to get the Dbacks on the board. James McCann hit the second of the inning another 2 run shot, and then all of a sudden its an 8-4 ballgame and the Padres are getting up Mason Miller in the 8th. However the Padres would then tack on another run in the 9th inning to sit Miller back down and solidify the final score of 9-4.
Of particular note in this one, Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll combined to go 0-8 as they continue to slide as they have done the past 6 weeks or so. This team desperately needs them to step up if this team is going to maintain any kind of wild card lead and make a playoff run. Hopefully this is just the calm before the storm.
#team #ketel
4 days ago
2 Saints training camp battles fantasy football managers must have their eye on appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Every fantasy football season is shaped by a handful of training camp battles that quietly determine league-winning value before Week 1 ever kicks off. Savvy fantasy managers know that the biggest draft bargains often emerge from unsettled depth charts. The New Orleans Saints enter the 2026 season with a promising young quarterback under center and an influx of offensive talent. They have a coaching staff intent on creating fierce competition throughout the roster. As such, opportunities abound for players who can seize meaningful snaps. Two position battles, in particular, have the potential to dramatically reshape fantasy draft boards.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Saints spent the offseason restructuring its offensive identity. Their main goal was to accelerate their transition into a new era built around quarterback Tyler Shough.
The front office made one of its boldest moves by signing Travis Etienne Jr to a lucrative four-year contract. That immediately injects explosive speed into the backfield while simultaneously restructuring Alvin Kamara's contract to preserve roster flexibility.
#battles #clutchpoints #season
Every fantasy football season is shaped by a handful of training camp battles that quietly determine league-winning value before Week 1 ever kicks off. Savvy fantasy managers know that the biggest draft bargains often emerge from unsettled depth charts. The New Orleans Saints enter the 2026 season with a promising young quarterback under center and an influx of offensive talent. They have a coaching staff intent on creating fierce competition throughout the roster. As such, opportunities abound for players who can seize meaningful snaps. Two position battles, in particular, have the potential to dramatically reshape fantasy draft boards.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Saints spent the offseason restructuring its offensive identity. Their main goal was to accelerate their transition into a new era built around quarterback Tyler Shough.
The front office made one of its boldest moves by signing Travis Etienne Jr to a lucrative four-year contract. That immediately injects explosive speed into the backfield while simultaneously restructuring Alvin Kamara's contract to preserve roster flexibility.
#battles #clutchpoints #season
4 days ago
PROVO — There's no quarterback derby to speak of, unless one considers the battle to be Bear Bachmeier's backup in 2026 a topic worthy of discussion.
There's no debate over who's going to be RB1, as LJ Martin enters his fourth and final season at BYU with some reachable school records in sight if he maintains the pace he established in 2025 before missing the 25-21 win over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl after shoulder surgery.
Even the five spots on the offensive line are mostly settled, especially if Washington transfer Paki Finau proves capable at the all-important left tackle position.
Putting together a BYU football depth chart a month before the season starts is usually a fool's errand, but not this year. That speaks to just how experienced head coach Kalani Sitake's roster is heading into arguably the most-anticipated season in school history.
Expectations are soaring for Sitake's program, and for good reason. According to a report by CBS Sports, BYU is No. 3 in the country in overall returning players with snaps under their belt, at 63%. On offense, it is 60% and on defense it is 65%. While a lot of programs continue to hit the transfer portal hard, BYU has relied more on roster retainment and player development after the near-disaster that was the 2023 season, in which coaches prepared for their first season in the Big 12 with a massive roster overhaul.
#roster #school #transfer #martin
There's no debate over who's going to be RB1, as LJ Martin enters his fourth and final season at BYU with some reachable school records in sight if he maintains the pace he established in 2025 before missing the 25-21 win over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl after shoulder surgery.
Even the five spots on the offensive line are mostly settled, especially if Washington transfer Paki Finau proves capable at the all-important left tackle position.
Putting together a BYU football depth chart a month before the season starts is usually a fool's errand, but not this year. That speaks to just how experienced head coach Kalani Sitake's roster is heading into arguably the most-anticipated season in school history.
Expectations are soaring for Sitake's program, and for good reason. According to a report by CBS Sports, BYU is No. 3 in the country in overall returning players with snaps under their belt, at 63%. On offense, it is 60% and on defense it is 65%. While a lot of programs continue to hit the transfer portal hard, BYU has relied more on roster retainment and player development after the near-disaster that was the 2023 season, in which coaches prepared for their first season in the Big 12 with a massive roster overhaul.
#roster #school #transfer #martin
4 days ago
Featured in this week's MLB Power Rankings, we'll take a look at where each team sits now that the dust has settled from Monday's trade deadline.
Thanks to recent hot streaks, the Padres and Astros are both on the cusp of the top-10. Most teams still have around 50 games remaining on the schedule, nearly one-third of a season. A lot can still change, especially with trade reinforcements in tow and notable prospects arriving now or in the near future.
As a reminder, this article is a combination of current performance and long-term outlook.
Let's get into it!
Last week: 1
#rankings #last
Thanks to recent hot streaks, the Padres and Astros are both on the cusp of the top-10. Most teams still have around 50 games remaining on the schedule, nearly one-third of a season. A lot can still change, especially with trade reinforcements in tow and notable prospects arriving now or in the near future.
As a reminder, this article is a combination of current performance and long-term outlook.
Let's get into it!
Last week: 1
#rankings #last
4 days ago
Clark Lea would be open to adding a player to the Vanderbilt football roster after a recent court ruling, but there are complications.
A Colorado court ruling granted a fifth year to all players who were part of the high school class of 2022 who were 23 or younger, completed four seasons without using a redshirt and did not sign a professional contract. However, that ruling, for now, did not allow an extra transfer window for those players and said that the players would still count against the roster limits. This means these players can only transfer if they previously went in the portal during the January window, otherwise they can only return to their previous school.
The only fourth-year senior who was on Vanderbilt's 2025 roster who did not redshirt was Langston Patterson, but Patterson was not made eligible by this ruling because he signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys and is currently in their training camp.
"I had conversations with our coordinators about where our needs are, what we'd be looking for," Lea said Aug. 4. "There's still some things that need to be settled, who's covered in the ruling. ... There's a lot of restrictions involved in that so we just have to let that sort, but in the meantime, we can prepare for different approaches depending on what's available to us."
Vanderbilt already has 115 players on its roster, which is over the roster limit of 105. However, the Designated Student Athlete rule allows teams to be over the roster limit with certain players who would have otherwise been cut once the roster limits were implemented. DSAs are players who were on a roster during the 2024-25 season or who were committed as part of the class of 2025 who were cut or would have been cut from a roster due to the roster limits being implemented.
#ruling #only #year
A Colorado court ruling granted a fifth year to all players who were part of the high school class of 2022 who were 23 or younger, completed four seasons without using a redshirt and did not sign a professional contract. However, that ruling, for now, did not allow an extra transfer window for those players and said that the players would still count against the roster limits. This means these players can only transfer if they previously went in the portal during the January window, otherwise they can only return to their previous school.
The only fourth-year senior who was on Vanderbilt's 2025 roster who did not redshirt was Langston Patterson, but Patterson was not made eligible by this ruling because he signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys and is currently in their training camp.
"I had conversations with our coordinators about where our needs are, what we'd be looking for," Lea said Aug. 4. "There's still some things that need to be settled, who's covered in the ruling. ... There's a lot of restrictions involved in that so we just have to let that sort, but in the meantime, we can prepare for different approaches depending on what's available to us."
Vanderbilt already has 115 players on its roster, which is over the roster limit of 105. However, the Designated Student Athlete rule allows teams to be over the roster limit with certain players who would have otherwise been cut once the roster limits were implemented. DSAs are players who were on a roster during the 2024-25 season or who were committed as part of the class of 2025 who were cut or would have been cut from a roster due to the roster limits being implemented.
#ruling #only #year
4 days ago
Friday night felt like the start of something.
A point against Rangers might not sound spectacular on paper, but anyone inside Tannadice knows United deserved to come away with plenty of credit. There was intensity, energy and - most importantly - an identity.
Five league debutants and a new-look side meant plenty of question marks before kick-off. Yet as the game settled, United grew into it.
The opening goal was superb. Josh Rawlins, Jesse Randall, Zac Sapsford and Lachlan Rose, the Thunder from Down Under combination, carving Rangers open with a move that deserved to be finished and thankfully was. Not a 30-yard screamer but they all count.
Rangers responded after the break as you would expect from a side chasing the ****** le and Jack Walton showed exactly why Jim Goodwin was so keen to bring him back.
#plenty #side #josh #rawlins
A point against Rangers might not sound spectacular on paper, but anyone inside Tannadice knows United deserved to come away with plenty of credit. There was intensity, energy and - most importantly - an identity.
Five league debutants and a new-look side meant plenty of question marks before kick-off. Yet as the game settled, United grew into it.
The opening goal was superb. Josh Rawlins, Jesse Randall, Zac Sapsford and Lachlan Rose, the Thunder from Down Under combination, carving Rangers open with a move that deserved to be finished and thankfully was. Not a 30-yard screamer but they all count.
Rangers responded after the break as you would expect from a side chasing the ****** le and Jack Walton showed exactly why Jim Goodwin was so keen to bring him back.
#plenty #side #josh #rawlins
4 days ago
Before the World Cup settled all arguments, rugby's world supremacy was invariably decided between South Africa and New Zealand.
Two former outposts of the British Empire improved the game that England invented, and used rugby to forge their identity and raise their stature on the global stage. The Springboks and All Blacks stopped dancing around each other in 1921 when South Africa arrived in New Zealand by steamship.
For the next 75 years, to the dawn of the professional era, the rugby tours to each other's shores were ******* anic in length and depth, and fervor and controversy.
On the 30th anniversary of the last traditional tour between them, the All Blacks are in South Africa, opening an eight-match, six-week expedition on Friday in Cape Town. They and the Springboks will cross the Atlantic for marketing reasons to play the fourth and final test match in the NFL home of the Baltimore Ravens.
"These are the tours we've only heard of," Boks captain Siya Kolisi said when the tour was announced. "To experience this for the first time ... is unbelievable for us as a group."
#tour #match
Two former outposts of the British Empire improved the game that England invented, and used rugby to forge their identity and raise their stature on the global stage. The Springboks and All Blacks stopped dancing around each other in 1921 when South Africa arrived in New Zealand by steamship.
For the next 75 years, to the dawn of the professional era, the rugby tours to each other's shores were ******* anic in length and depth, and fervor and controversy.
On the 30th anniversary of the last traditional tour between them, the All Blacks are in South Africa, opening an eight-match, six-week expedition on Friday in Cape Town. They and the Springboks will cross the Atlantic for marketing reasons to play the fourth and final test match in the NFL home of the Baltimore Ravens.
"These are the tours we've only heard of," Boks captain Siya Kolisi said when the tour was announced. "To experience this for the first time ... is unbelievable for us as a group."
#tour #match
