The Arizona Cardinals are expected to have the worst record in the NFL this season and likely hold the first overall pick in next year’s draft. A recent mock draft suggests they will pick quarterback Darian Mensah from Miami instead of the widely projected top QB Arch Manning.
Key Facts
The Cardinals have two standout young players: running back Jeremiyah Love and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
The rest of the team is considered weak, leading to expectations they will pick first overall in the draft.
Bleacher Report predicts the Cardinals will choose Miami quarterback Darian Mensah first overall.
Mensah is known as a confident, accurate, and mentally tough quarterback with good mobility.
Other top quarterbacks in the 2027 draft include Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, and C.J. Carr.
The Cardinals currently have Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and Carson Beck as quarterbacks.
The team has not had a strong quarterback since Kyler Murray’s peak years in 2020 and 2021.
The Cardinals face pressure to select a quarterback who can lead the team in the future.
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ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum said he thinks the Oklahoma college football team is overhyped in the preseason top-10 rankings. He believes their very tough schedule will cause them to drop in the rankings during the season.
Key Facts
Paul Finebaum shared his opinion on ESPN "SportsCenter."
He criticized Oklahoma's place in the preseason top-10 college football rankings.
Oklahoma has several challenging games coming up, including against Michigan, Georgia, and Texas.
Oklahoma's schedule includes many games against highly ranked teams.
Last season, Oklahoma had a 10-3 record and made the College Football Playoff.
Finebaum doubts Oklahoma can match last year's success because of their hard schedule.
Oklahoma's first two games are against UTEP and then No. 16 Michigan.
Later games include matches against No. 3 Georgia, No. 5 Texas, and other top SEC teams.
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The Minnesota Vikings placed Jamal Adams on injured reserve due to a right knee injury that will require surgery, ending his season. To replace him, the team signed cornerback Bryce Phillips.
Key Facts
Jamal Adams is a linebacker and safety for the Minnesota Vikings.
He injured his right knee in a preseason game and left the game on a cart.
Adams will have season-ending surgery because of the injury.
He is a three-time Pro Bowl player, which means he has been recognized as one of the best players at his position.
Adams was injured during his first game with the Vikings after signing just before training camp started.
The Vikings signed Bryce Phillips, a cornerback, to take Adams’ place on the team.
Bryce Phillips joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Kansas City after the 2026 draft.
Bryce’s brother, Clark Phillips III, is also a cornerback and plays for Atlanta.
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Tom Pelissero, a former NFL insider for ESPN who was laid off recently, has been hired by Netflix Gameday. He will work as a sideline reporter and NFL insider for Netflix’s live streaming of NFL games starting in the 2026 season.
Key Facts
ESPN laid off several NFL media personalities, including Tom Pelissero.
Tom Pelissero has joined Netflix Gameday as a sideline reporter and NFL insider.
Netflix plans to stream five NFL regular-season games in 2026.
The first Netflix-streamed NFL game in 2026 will be the Rams vs. 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.
Pelissero will also co-host The Ringer NFL Show and appear on The Ringer’s NFL podcasts.
Netflix has 325 million paid subscribers and is expanding into live sports streaming.
Netflix aims to become a major platform for professional sports broadcasts.
The full Netflix NFL game schedule for 2026 includes games on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Day, and the regular-season finale in January.
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Sophie Cunningham, a player for the Indiana Fever, faced a strong online reaction after sharing her views on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Although the WNBA has not formally punished her, she was banned from the WNBA subreddit, where her name and related words are no longer allowed.
Key Facts
Sophie Cunningham made comments about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
Her remarks led to a large reaction on social media and criticism from some fans and sports figures.
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve showed disapproval by wearing a “Trans Kids belong” shirt in a game against Cunningham’s team.
The WNBA subreddit, which is an independent fan forum, banned the use of Cunningham’s name and related terms.
Subreddit moderators said the ban is to prevent trolls and negative posts about Cunningham.
Users questioning the ban were threatened with being banned from the subreddit.
The WNBA league has not taken official action against Cunningham yet.
WNBA team leaders recently met to discuss transgender athlete eligibility after two former NBA players entered the WNBA draft.
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Ausar Thompson is a young player on the Detroit Pistons who is known for his strong defense, energy, and rebounding. The next goal for him is to improve his shooting and passing skills to become a more complete player in the upcoming NBA season.
Key Facts
Ausar Thompson plays for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA.
He is recognized for his defensive skills, hustle, and ability to rebound.
Thompson has a low three-point shooting percentage of about 20.4%.
His assist-to-turnover ratio suggests he can improve as a playmaker.
The Pistons hope he can develop better shooting and passing without needing to become a star scorer immediately.
Improving his offense could reduce the team’s dependence on other players who mainly focus on shooting.
The Pistons view his strong defense as a solid base to build on.
A breakout season for Thompson could mean making noticeable offensive improvements rather than scoring a lot of points.
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The Memphis Grizzlies have high hopes for their rookie player Cam Boozer despite some concerns about his athletic ability. Boozer’s strong basketball skills like good court vision, passing, and shooting could help him succeed and compete for Rookie of the Year. However, there is uncertainty about how his physical limitations will affect his performance in the NBA.
Key Facts
Cam Boozer is a rookie basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Some people worry Boozer’s speed and jumping ability may not be enough for the NBA level.
Boozer has shown good court sense, meaning he understands the game well.
He is good at creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
He has a good shooting ability and quick thinking on the court.
These strengths might help Boozer overcome his physical limits.
If his athletic limits are too big, his rookie season could be challenging.
The Grizzlies expect Boozer to improve over time and hope he performs well.
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LIV Golf will end its 2026 season one week earlier than planned and will not hold the team championship event in Michigan. The league announced plans to continue in 2027 under new ownership with a focus on a more sustainable business model and player ownership.
Key Facts
LIV Golf canceled the Michigan team event and will crown the team champion at the Indianapolis tournament.
The 2026 season has 12 events, the fewest since LIV Golf launched in 2022 with Saudi Arabia’s funding.
Jon Rahm has secured the individual season title for the third year in a row.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund will stop funding LIV Golf after 2026.
LIV Golf reached an agreement with a new lead investor to support a restructured league in 2027.
Future LIV Golf plans include players becoming equity owners, which means they will own a part of the league.
Prize money has decreased this year, with the top winner earning $4 million compared to $18 million in previous years.
Some entertainment events during the Indianapolis tournament were canceled to reduce costs.
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The Buss family has decided to sell their 17.8% minority ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. This sale ends the Buss family's 47-year involvement with the team and likely ends Jeanie Buss’s role as the Lakers’ governor.
Key Facts
The Buss family owns 17.8% of the Los Angeles Lakers, a minority stake.
The six children of late owner Jerry Buss voted to sell this stake to new majority owners Josh Kushner and Bob Iger.
The family’s ownership of the Lakers dates back 47 years.
Jeanie Buss has been the Lakers’ governor since Jerry Buss passed away in 2013.
Jeanie Buss led the sale of a controlling stake in the Lakers to Mark Walter last year at a $10 billion valuation.
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger will now own about 83% of the Lakers, up from Walter’s 65%.
Jeanie Buss is expected to lose her role as team governor because governors must own at least 15% of the team.
Jerry Buss bought the Lakers and related assets in 1979 for $67.5 million, starting the team’s rise to success.
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Cam Skattebo, running back for the New York Giants, played in a preseason game as he recovers from a serious leg injury that ended his 2025 season. Giants coach John Harbaugh said Skattebo is showing good signs but is not fully healed yet.
Key Facts
Cam Skattebo had four carries for 19 yards in the Giants’ preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
In Week 8 of the 2025 season, Skattebo suffered a severe leg injury including an ankle dislocation, broken tibia, and torn deltoid ligament.
Skattebo is currently working on getting back to full strength for the 2026 season.
Coach John Harbaugh said Skattebo is not at 100% but showed good foot quickness, game sense, and explosiveness.
Running backs Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, and Eric Gray are also on the Giants' depth chart behind Skattebo.
The Giants recently held a free-agent workout with veteran running back Najee Harris.
The next Giants preseason game is scheduled against the Miami Dolphins.
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Travis Hunter, a player who can both catch passes and defend, focused only on defense during a recent Jacksonville Jaguars practice. The team is preparing him mainly for defense next season after his rookie year ended early due to an injury.
Key Facts
Travis Hunter plays as both a wide receiver (offense) and cornerback (defense) for the Jaguars.
At a recent practice, he did not play any offensive snaps, only defense and special teams.
The Jaguars want to prepare him mainly for defense for the 2026 NFL season.
Hunter was the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
In his rookie year, he played 7 games before a knee injury (torn LCL) ended his season.
Before his injury, Hunter caught 28 passes for 298 yards and 1 touchdown.
He also had 3 passes defended and 15 tackles on defense in his rookie season.
The Jaguars will play a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers soon.
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The 2026 college football preseason AP Poll ranked the Georgia Bulldogs at No. 3. Sports analyst Paul Finebaum disagrees with this ranking, saying Georgia should not be in the top three and is being ranked too high like Alabama was during Nick Saban's coaching years.
Key Facts
The 2026 preseason AP Poll ranked Georgia Bulldogs at third place.
Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks are ranked ahead of Georgia.
Georgia is ranked above Notre Dame and Texas, two other top-five teams.
Paul Finebaum, an ESPN college football analyst, says Georgia is not one of the three best teams.
Finebaum compared Georgia’s high ranking to the consistent top-three ranking of Alabama during Nick Saban’s era.
He suggested Georgia is getting special treatment in the rankings.
Georgia’s first game of the 2026 season is against Tennessee State on September 5.
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Daniel Jones, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback, is recovering from a torn Achilles injury and is preparing to play in the upcoming NFL season. He feels good and has returned to full practice, though he sat out the Week 1 preseason game.
Key Facts
Daniel Jones tore his Achilles late in the 2025 NFL season.
He is currently practicing with the Colts and feels almost fully recovered.
Jones participated in full 11-on-11 practice drills during training camp.
He did not play in the Colts’ Week 1 preseason game against the New England Patriots, which ended in a 13-13 tie.
Backup quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard played during that preseason game.
Before his injury, Jones threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and had eight interceptions over 13 games.
The Colts had an 8-5 record with Jones before he was injured, but they missed the playoffs after losing the last four games.
The Colts’ expected total wins for the upcoming season is set at 7.5, with hopes for more than eight wins considered a good result.
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The Tampa Bay Rays have brought back pitcher Shane McClanahan from the injured list to start against the Baltimore Orioles. McClanahan missed time due to back tightness but performed well in a rehab game and will help the Rays try to avoid losing all four games in their series.
Key Facts
Shane McClanahan was taken off the 15-day injured list by the Tampa Bay Rays.
He will start the final game of a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Rays have lost three games in a row, giving up 20 runs total.
McClanahan had Tommy John surgery and recently returned to play with a 3.09 ERA (earned run average).
He missed time due to left mid-back tightness and left his July 30 game early.
McClanahan pitched three perfect innings in a minor league rehab game.
Joe Boyle was sent back to Triple-A Durham after allowing two runs in 3.1 innings.
The Rays currently have the best record in the American League at 74-49.
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Tua Tagovailoa started as the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in their preseason game but did not perform well. The team is waiting for Michael Penix Jr. to return from injury, but he is still not ready for full practice yet.
Key Facts
Tua Tagovailoa played the entire first quarter in the Falcons' preseason opener against the Denver Broncos.
Tagovailoa completed 3 out of 5 passes for 22 yards and had a bad fumble on a shotgun snap.
Third-string quarterback Cooper Rush completed 7 of 19 passes for 62 yards and threw two interceptions.
The Falcons lost the game 27-7, with their only touchdown scored by rookie Jack Strand.
Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from a torn ACL and has not resumed full practice with the team.
Penix was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft but missed much of the last season due to injury.
Penix completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in nine games last season.
The Falcons have upcoming preseason games against the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins before deciding their Week 1 starter.
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Rodri, the Spain midfielder and 2026 World Cup best player, has joined Barcelona from Manchester City. Barcelona will pay around £65 million for him, and he signed a four-year contract with the club.
Key Facts
Rodri arrived in Barcelona to complete his transfer from Manchester City.
Barcelona agreed to pay about £65 million for the 30-year-old player.
He signed a four-year contract with Barcelona, the current La Liga champions.
Rodri expressed excitement about playing for Barcelona, calling it a dream.
He aims to win the Champions League and other trophies with Barcelona.
Rodri played seven seasons at Manchester City, making 298 appearances and winning 12 major trophies.
Last season he had injuries but performed well in the 2026 World Cup, leading Spain to victory and winning player of the tournament.
The transfer followed negotiations where Barcelona increased their offer after Manchester City rejected an initial bid of £38.5 million.
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Kevin Lamour has left his role as Chief Operating Officer at FIFA less than three weeks after criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in football competitions to private investors. FIFA confirmed the end of their working relationship on August 17, 2026, but did not comment on reports that Lamour was dismissed.
Key Facts
Kevin Lamour was FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer and left the job on August 17, 2026.
Lamour had criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s abandoned plan called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
Lamour said the FFE plan was "the project of one person" and that FIFA’s administration felt "deceived."
He joined FIFA in November 2024 after working at UEFA.
FIFA’s secretary general informed staff about Lamour’s departure via email.
Lamour said he understood losing his job if it was due to his public criticism.
Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in competitions was not supported by FIFA officials and was dropped.
FIFA thanked Lamour for his two years of service and wished him well for the future.
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Rory McIlroy finished 66th at the FedEx St. Jude Championship and struggled with his golf swing over four rounds. He said he needs more practice and hopes to improve before the next tournament, the BMW Championship.
Key Facts
Rory McIlroy played four rounds at the FedEx St. Jude Championship with scores of 74, 70, 72, and 72.
The tournament was held at TPC Southwind, a par-70 golf course in Memphis.
McIlroy did not break par in any round, meaning he scored higher than the expected number of strokes.
He said he felt "lost" with his golf swing and had not practiced much before the event.
McIlroy plans to work hard before the BMW Championship at Bellerive Golf Course to improve his game.
He described the week as a chance to “shake the rust off” but admitted his execution was not good.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is the first stage of the FedExCup, a series of golf tournaments.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka hurt his toe in practice last week and has not played since. Head coach Todd Bowles said Egbuka's return is uncertain and described his status as "day-to-day, week-to-week."
Key Facts
Emeka Egbuka injured his toe during practice last Wednesday.
He has not returned to practice or games since the injury.
Coach Todd Bowles said Egbuka's recovery timeline is unclear.
Bowles could not confirm if Egbuka will be ready for the first game of the season on September 13.
Earlier reports said the team was optimistic about Egbuka playing in Week 1.
In his rookie year, Egbuka had 63 catches for 938 yards and six touchdowns.
Egbuka is expected to have a bigger role this season after Mike Evans left the team.
The Buccaneers face the Cincinnati Bengals in their opening game on September 13.
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The New York Mets added Christopher Morel to their Major League Baseball team and removed Gabriel Arias from the roster. Morel has recently performed well in the minor leagues and has played multiple positions in his career.
Key Facts
The Mets promoted Christopher Morel before a series against the San Diego Padres.
To make room, the Mets designated Gabriel Arias for assignment.
Morel had 16 home runs and 10 stolen bases in his rookie year with the Chicago Cubs in 2022.
Morel struggled with hitting last season and early this year, playing for Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins.
After signing a minor league deal with the Mets, Morel hit very well at Triple-A Syracuse with 12 home runs in 31 games.
Morel has played every position except catcher and focused on first base in 2024.
Arias was recently claimed from the Cleveland Guardians but played only two games with a low batting performance.
The Mets have won nine of their last 12 games but remain 11 games behind for a playoff spot.
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