Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins was kept out of practice after a fight with teammate Maxx Crosby but returned after a day. Cousins is expected to mentor rookie first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza, who will gradually take over the starting quarterback role.
Key Facts
Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby had a physical altercation during Raiders practice on Friday.
Both players were disciplined by missing Saturday's practice.
Head coach Klint Kubiak described the fight as competitive fire between top players.
Cousins returned to practice on Monday and resumed working with the first-team offense.
Cousins signed a one-year, $20 million fully guaranteed deal with a two-year, $80 million team option.
The Raiders picked Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza is expected to gradually become the starting quarterback during the season.
The Raiders will play their preseason games against the Cardinals, Texans, and 49ers ahead of the regular season.
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Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed faced tough challenges during the 2024 college football season. After leading his team to an undefeated start, he struggled in key games against Texas and Miami, where defenses limited his running and passing abilities.
Key Facts
Marcel Reed became Texas A&M’s starting quarterback in 2024, replacing Conner Weigman, who transferred to Houston.
Reed led Texas A&M to a big win over Notre Dame early in the season and kept the team undefeated until the final regular season game.
In the game against Texas, Reed threw two interceptions and passed for 180 yards, also running for 71 yards, but Texas A&M lost 27-17.
The loss against Texas stopped Texas A&M from reaching the SEC championship and gaining a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
Texas A&M lost again to Miami 10-3 in the first playoff round, with Reed throwing two interceptions and 237 passing yards.
Coaches noted that Reed has difficulty when teams use zone defense and focus on stopping his running.
Reed ran for 493 yards and scored six touchdowns in the previous season, showing his ability to contribute with his legs.
For Reed to succeed, experts suggest he may need to use his running skills more to improve his passing opportunities in future games.
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The Baltimore Ravens picked Ja'Kobi Lane in the 2026 NFL Draft as their 80th overall choice. In his first weeks of training camp, Lane has impressed coaches and reporters, showing signs he could quickly help the Ravens in the upcoming season.
Key Facts
Ja'Kobi Lane is a rookie wide receiver selected by the Ravens in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Lane was chosen with the 80th overall draft pick.
A veteran Ravens reporter said he has rarely seen a rookie perform as well in training camp as Lane has.
Lane says he learns from both veteran and younger players to improve every day.
He emphasizes staying confident and focused during the season, regardless of outside opinions.
The Ravens start their 2026 regular season on September 13 against the Indianapolis Colts.
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USC men's basketball signed Onyeka Joe Agu, a 6-foot-10 center from Belgium, for the upcoming season. He is the 11th new player joining the team and will add size and skill to USC’s frontcourt.
Key Facts
Onyeka Joe Agu is a 6-foot-10 freshman center from Belgium.
He previously played two seasons with Brussels Basketball in the BNXT League.
Agu averaged 7.3 points and 5.7 rebounds over 18 games last season.
He was named BNXT Young Player of the Month in November for his strong performance.
USC head coach Eric Musselman praised Agu’s energy, athleticism, and defensive skills.
Agu is the third international player on USC’s roster this season, along with players from Australia and Germany.
USC has seven new transfers and a highly ranked recruiting class.
The team hopes to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time under Coach Musselman next season.
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The New England Patriots released offensive tackle Caedan Wallace after two seasons, despite him being a recent third-round draft pick. They re-signed veteran long snapper Niko Lalos and added new offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, creating more competition on the team’s offensive line.
Key Facts
Caedan Wallace was a third-round pick (68th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft from Penn State.
Wallace played 10 games over two seasons with the Patriots but was released before the 2026 season.
Wallace was still under contract through 2027 when the team let him go.
The Patriots re-signed Niko Lalos, a long snapper who previously played for the team and other NFL and XFL teams.
New offensive tackle Caleb Lomu was added in the 2026 draft, crowding the team’s offensive line.
The Patriots also have veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses under a three-year contract signed in 2025.
Head coach Mike Vrabel made the decision to release Wallace as preseason began.
The Patriots’ first preseason game is scheduled against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium.
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The FBI and the NCAA have started a program to help college athletes avoid sexual exploitation online. The program focuses on protecting athletes from hackers who steal and misuse their private images, especially as athletes gain more followers through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Key Facts
The FBI and NCAA launched this program to fight sexual exploitation of college athletes.
Hackers target athletes using phishing, password hacks, and fake social media support accounts.
Stolen private images can be posted or sold by criminals, leading to harassment and sextortion.
Athletes’ social media presence grows with NIL activities, increasing their risk.
The partnership aims to educate athletes about online safety.
No exact number of athletes affected by these crimes was given by the FBI or NCAA.
Both organizations want to prevent these crimes and support victims when they occur.
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Sam Leavitt, a quarterback who led Arizona State to a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff appearance, is transferring to LSU under new head coach Lane Kiffin. An SEC defensive coordinator criticized Leavitt’s talent compared to typical LSU quarterbacks but noted he can be dangerous in games.
Key Facts
Sam Leavitt played at Arizona State until the end of the 2025 season.
He threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2024.
Leavitt rushed for 443 yards and five touchdowns in the same season.
He played through a foot injury that ended his last season early.
LSU’s new head coach is Lane Kiffin.
An SEC defensive coordinator said Leavitt is not the usual talent LSU quarterbacks have but can still be dangerous.
Leavitt faced SEC competition once, passing for 222 yards and one interception in a playoff game against Texas.
Leavitt will have stronger team support at LSU but will face tougher SEC defenses.
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Dontayvion Wicks joined the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason and has impressed teammates and coaches. He is focused on doing his best and fitting in with the team’s strong group of players.
Key Facts
Dontayvion Wicks was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles before this season.
He is joining a team with other notable players like DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown.
Wicks aims to make plays by catching the ball and running with it.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley, and coach Nick Sirianni have expressed excitement about Wicks joining.
Wicks feels the team has a strong bond similar to what he experienced in Green Bay.
He tries to stay balanced and focused without worrying about the hype or his role.
Wicks says he works hard every day and lets results come naturally.
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Tim Anderson, a two-time Major League Baseball All-Star and former American League batting champion, announced his retirement at age 33. He ended his 10-year career after last playing in May 2025 for the Los Angeles Angels.
Key Facts
Tim Anderson announced his retirement via a Zoom call with reporters.
He last played in an MLB game in May 2025 before being released by the Los Angeles Angels.
Anderson started his major-league career in 2016 with the Chicago White Sox.
He won the American League batting title in 2019 with a .335 average.
Anderson was selected for the All-Star team in 2021 and 2022.
His career batting average is .276, with 98 home runs and 350 RBIs over 10 seasons.
He struggled in his final seasons, hitting .214 in 2024 with the Miami Marlins.
Anderson said that despite loving the game, the pain and dark moments he experienced led him to retire.
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Jorge Posada, a former New York Yankees player, has thought about becoming a baseball manager but says it would be difficult and he still has a lot to learn. He gained some coaching experience with Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which went well, but managing a full season would be much harder.
Key Facts
Jorge Posada is a former catcher for the New York Yankees.
He recently coached as an assistant hitting coach for Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Italy performed well offensively in the tournament but was eliminated in the semifinals.
Posada is open to managing but acknowledges there would be a steep learning curve.
He notes that baseball has changed a lot since his playing days.
Managing involves handling different player personalities over a long 162-game season.
Posada admits his past catching experience might not fully apply to today’s game.
His realistic attitude shows he understands his limitations and is willing to learn.
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Ronald Araujo has joined Liverpool on a one-year loan from Barcelona, with Liverpool having an option to buy him for 55 million euros. Liverpool signed him to strengthen their defense because they have several injured defenders and lost one to Real Madrid. At Barcelona, Araujo was a key player and captain but had some difficult moments that affected his confidence.
Key Facts
Araujo joined Liverpool on a season-long loan with a purchase option of 55 million euros (£47.1m).
Liverpool’s new coach Andoni Iraola approved the move and spoke with Araujo before the transfer.
Liverpool faces defensive problems with three injured players and one defender sold to Real Madrid.
Araujo can play as a centre-back and right-back, offering versatility to the Liverpool defense.
He has played over 200 matches for Barcelona and was the team captain last season.
Araujo experienced some challenges at Barcelona, including red cards in important Champions League games.
He took time off last season to focus on his mental health and returned to play later that year.
Araujo will wear the number 33 shirt for Liverpool and accepted to take a pay cut during his loan.
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Evangelos Marinakis, owner of Nottingham Forest football club, is suing Crystal Palace over a banner shown by their fans during a match. The banner depicted Marinakis holding a gun to a player’s head and made accusations that Marinakis denies. Marinakis’ lawyers filed a defamation claim against Crystal Palace in the High Court.
Key Facts
Evangelos Marinakis bought Nottingham Forest in 2017.
Crystal Palace fans displayed a banner during a Premier League match showing Marinakis holding a gun to player Morgan Gibbs-White’s head.
The banner included accusations against Marinakis related to blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking, and corruption, which he denies.
Marinakis’ lawyers filed a defamation lawsuit against Crystal Palace and CPFC Limited recently.
The Football Association charged Crystal Palace in 2025 for failing to stop fans from inappropriate and offensive behavior, though the banner was not specifically named.
Morgan Gibbs-White nearly transferred to Tottenham last summer but signed a new contract at Forest.
Nottingham Forest participated in the Europa League last season after Crystal Palace was relegated due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
BBC Sport has asked both clubs for comment on the lawsuit.
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Youth sports participation in the United States is growing and now represents a nearly $40 billion industry. While competitive goals like scholarships get attention, many leaders emphasize that the main benefits of youth sports are building character, confidence, teamwork, and lifelong habits.
Key Facts
Organized youth sports participation has recovered and is continuing to grow in the U.S.
The youth sports market is estimated to be worth around $40 billion.
The industry now includes year-round tournaments, private coaching, specialized facilities, and intensive training.
Families invest significant time and money into youth sports, partly hoping for college or professional opportunities.
Experts caution that focusing only on competition and rankings can overlook broader benefits of sports.
Coaches and youth sports leaders stress the importance of character, teamwork, resilience, and confidence.
Programs like flag football help children of diverse backgrounds join and enjoy team sports.
Life skills gained through sports often last well beyond the playing years.
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Liverpool football club has signed Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona for one season, with an option to buy. Araujo, a 27-year-old centre-back who can also play right-back, has won three La Liga titles with Barcelona but had limited playing time last season.
Key Facts
Ronald Araujo joined Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
Araujo is 27 years old and joined Barcelona in 2018 from Boston River in Uruguay.
He has won three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona.
Araujo played over 200 games for Barcelona and was made captain last January.
He played less frequently last season due to competition and injuries under Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick.
Araujo took a break for mental health reasons in late 2024 but returned to play in early 2025.
Liverpool signed Araujo partly to strengthen their defense after Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid.
Liverpool’s other defenders Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet, and Giovanni Leoni are recovering from injuries.
Liverpool’s new head coach is Andoni Iraola, and the team will start their season on 23 August against Newcastle United.
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The Philadelphia Eagles are starting the 2026 NFL season with a new offensive coach, Sean Mannion. Head coach Nick Sirianni says quarterback Jalen Hurts is adjusting well to the new offense and showing steady improvement.
Key Facts
Sean Mannion is the Eagles' new offensive coordinator for the 2026 season.
The Eagles had a poor offensive performance last year under the former coordinator, Kevin Patullo.
Coach Sirianni praised Jalen Hurts for quickly learning the new offense and showing good footwork and accuracy.
Hurts is improving daily and becoming more comfortable with the new system.
The Eagles averaged 311.2 yards and 22.3 points per game in 2025, which was worse than their Super Bowl year.
The team aims to improve their offense under Mannion in 2026.
The Eagles will play the Washington Commanders in their first game of the 2026 season on September 13.
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The Washington Commanders will likely begin their 2026 season without their top left tackle, Laremy Tunsil, who needs surgery for a torn triceps. Tunsil is expected to miss a significant part, possibly the entire season, and third-year player Brandon Coleman will replace him at left tackle.
Key Facts
Jayden Daniels was a strong quarterback for the Commanders in 2024 but missed over half the 2025 season due to injury.
Laremy Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowl left tackle, will have surgery for a torn triceps.
There is no exact timeline for Tunsil’s return; he could miss most or all of the 2026 season.
Tunsil signed a two-year, $60.2 million contract extension in March 2026, making him the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL.
Tunsil is known as one of the best blindside blockers in the league and had a strong performance last season.
Tunsil got injured during 1-on-1 pass rush drills in practice.
Brandon Coleman, the team’s third-round pick in 2024, will fill in at left tackle while Tunsil recovers.
The Commanders’ preseason opener is against the Miami Dolphins on Friday in Washington.
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The Indiana Fever signed Mercedes Russell, a 6-foot-6 center and two-time WNBA champion, to strengthen their team as they aim for the playoffs. Russell has experience with multiple WNBA teams and recently won a championship in Australia, bringing strong defensive skills to the Fever.
Key Facts
The Indiana Fever added Mercedes Russell to their roster on a contract.
Russell was drafted in 2018 by the New York Liberty but started her career with the Seattle Storm.
She won two WNBA championships with the Storm in 2018 and 2020.
Russell recently played in the Australian WNBL, winning a championship and being named finals MVP in 2024.
In the 2025 WNBA season with the Los Angeles Sparks, Russell averaged 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in limited minutes.
The Fever currently hold a 20-12 record, placed fourth in the WNBA standings.
The team has faced injuries at center, including season-ending surgery for Damiris Dantas.
Russell is expected to provide backup support behind star center Aliyah Boston and improve Indiana’s defense.
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Aidan Hutchinson, a defensive player for the Detroit Lions, was ranked 30th on the NFL Top 100 list for 2026, as voted by players in the league. Hutchinson had a strong 2025 season after recovering from a leg injury in 2024, achieving career-high stats and earning his second Pro Bowl selection.
Key Facts
Aidan Hutchinson is a pass rusher for the Detroit Lions.
He ranked 30th on the NFL Top 100 players list for 2026.
The ranking is voted on by active NFL players.
Hutchinson missed much of 2024 due to a serious leg injury.
In 2025, he played 17 games, with 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
He earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2025.
Hutchinson was the Lions’ second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Lions will start the 2026 season against the New Orleans Saints on September 13.
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Maxx Crosby, a star player for the Las Vegas Raiders, encouraged his team to draft Jalen Carter in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carter was picked 9th by the Philadelphia Eagles and has since become a top NFL defensive player.
Key Facts
Jalen Carter was selected 9th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Las Vegas Raiders picked Tyree Wilson at number 7, just before Carter was chosen.
Carter finished second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in his first season.
He has been selected twice for the Pro Bowl, an all-star game for NFL players.
Carter signed a four-year contract extension worth $152 million with the Eagles.
Maxx Crosby said he was "begging and pleading" the Raiders to draft Carter.
Former Raiders coach Rod Marinelli also pushed the team daily to pick Carter.
Crosby praised Carter’s strength and aggressive playing style, calling him very disruptive.
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Trinidad Chambliss played very well as a quarterback for Ole Miss last season, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and helping his team reach the College Football Playoff semifinals. Lane Kiffin, the former Ole Miss coach now at LSU, helped recruit and develop Chambliss, but some people in the SEC think Kiffin gets too much credit for Chambliss' success.
Key Facts
Trinidad Chambliss was a backup quarterback before starting against Arkansas in September 2025.
In his first start, Chambliss threw for 353 yards and one touchdown and helped win the game.
Chambliss finished the season with 3,937 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
He also ran for 527 yards and eight touchdowns.
Ole Miss made it to the College Football Playoff semifinals last season.
Lane Kiffin helped find Chambliss through the transfer portal and develop him as a quarterback.
Some SEC coaches believe Chambliss performed well even after Kiffin left Ole Miss.
In 2026, Kiffin will coach Sam Leavitt, a transfer quarterback at LSU, and hopes to develop him similarly.
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