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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The Miami Dolphins are starting their preseason with several important players injured. Some key players, including cornerback JuJu Brents and kicker Zane Gonzalez, will miss the first game and possibly more, according to head coach Jeff Hafley.
Key Facts
The Dolphins play their first preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Friday in Maryland.
They will host two more preseason games in Miami Gardens against the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.
Several key players are injured, including JuJu Brents, Dante Trader Jr., Kevin Coleman Jr., Ben Sims, Clelin Ferrell, and Zane Gonzalez.
Coach Hafley said some players might only miss a week, but others, like Clelin Ferrell, will be out for several weeks.
The Dolphins are rebuilding and have a new quarterback, Malik Willis, with limited playing experience.
The team lost many veteran players this offseason, including Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill.
The Dolphins will rely on younger players and hope to develop new team leaders during the season.
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Saudi official Turki Alalshikh has stopped his plan to buy a controlling stake in Derby County football club. Although the deal was approved by football authorities, Alalshikh said the process took too long and he could not prepare the team for the new season. Derby County will remain under the current owner's control for now.
Key Facts
Turki Alalshikh is a government official from Saudi Arabia and co-founder of boxing promotion company Zuffa.
His company, Lion Sport, planned to buy a controlling share in Derby County football club.
The takeover was approved by the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator.
Alalshikh withdrew because the approval process took too long, leaving no time to prepare for the season.
The club announced it is no longer for sale and will stay with current owners Clowes Developments.
The Independent Football Regulator tested Alalshikh’s financial standing and integrity before approval.
Human rights groups criticized the deal, accusing Saudi Arabia of using sports to improve its image despite human rights concerns.
Alalshikh has also owned football clubs in Egypt and Spain and is linked to Saudi Arabia’s leadership.
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The Kansas City Chiefs are unlikely to play quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the preseason as he recovers from an ACL injury sustained in the 2025 season. Head coach Andy Reid said the team prefers to give backup quarterbacks more playing time to help them adjust to the team.
Key Facts
The Chiefs’ preseason opener is on August 15 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Patrick Mahomes is recovering from an ACL tear suffered late in the 2025 season.
Coach Andy Reid said there is a high chance Mahomes will not play in the preseason games.
The team wants backup quarterbacks to get more experience in the preseason.
Justin Fields is Mahomes’ main backup and joined the Chiefs this offseason via trade.
Garrett Nussmeier, a rookie drafted in the seventh round, also needs preseason reps.
The Chiefs have two more preseason games scheduled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks.
The regular season starts on September 14 with a game against the Denver Broncos.
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The Boston Hunters, a team in the new Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL), quickly replaced their manager Keith Foulke just three games into the season. Jemile Weeks, another former Major League Baseball player, was named the new manager, but no specific reason was given for the change.
Key Facts
Keith Foulke, famous for helping the Boston Red Sox win the 2004 World Series, started as manager of the Boston Hunters.
Foulke was replaced "effective immediately" after only three games in the WPBL's first season.
Jemile Weeks, also a former MLB player, took over as the new manager.
The Hunters began the season with one win and two losses under Foulke.
The league did not provide a reason for the managerial change.
WPBL's launch faced some difficulties, including last-minute staff announcements and early changes.
WPBL commissioner Justine Siegal expressed confidence in Jemile Weeks leading the team forward.
The league is focused on building a strong team and competing well despite early challenges.
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Arch Manning, the Texas quarterback, is expected to improve in the 2025 college football season and worries coaches in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Last season, Manning showed growth in his performance, throwing over 3,000 yards and scoring many touchdowns.
Key Facts
Arch Manning is a quarterback for the University of Texas football team.
He had a challenging first game in the previous season but improved as the season went on.
Manning threw for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions last season.
He also ran for 399 yards and scored 10 touchdowns by running.
SEC defensive coaches are concerned Manning will be very effective this year.
Texas added wide receiver Cam Coleman and running back Hollywood Smothers to strengthen the team.
The offensive line, which was weak last year, has been improved.
With these changes, Texas is seen as a strong contender to win the SEC conference this season.
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Drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series are competing intensely to secure spots in The Chase, the playoff phase that determines the season champion. With only four races left in the regular season, drivers like Erik Jones and Austin Cindric are trying to move into the top 16 in points, while others like Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs are leading the standings.
Key Facts
The NASCAR regular season has four races left before playoffs called The Chase begin.
The top 16 drivers in points after the regular season qualify for The Chase.
Denny Hamlin is currently first in points with 923, followed by Ty Gibbs in second place.
Ty Gibbs won the recent race at Iowa Speedway, moving him to second place overall.
Erik Jones, 18th in points, was involved in an early crash at Iowa, hurting his chances of making The Chase.
Austin Cindric is in 16th place, the last qualifying spot, 44 points ahead of Jones.
Points for the top 16 drivers will reset after the final regular-season race, with the leader receiving bonus points for playoff seeding.
Several drivers are close in points, making races in the final month important for positioning and qualification.
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Pietra Tordin scored three goals in the first half for the Portland Thorns during their 4-3 win over the Boston Legacy. At 22 years old, she became the youngest player in the club's history to score a hat trick and the fifth player in NWSL history to do so in the first half.
Key Facts
Pietra Tordin scored three goals within 37 minutes in a single game.
She is the youngest player in Portland Thorns history to make a hat trick.
Tordin is the fifth player in NWSL history to score a first-half hat trick.
Her first goal came just two minutes into the game, marking her fastest goal ever.
The hat trick was Tordin’s first in her NWSL career.
Tordin played college soccer at Princeton University.
She joined the Portland Thorns as a rookie in 2025 and is now in her second season.
Besides scoring, Tordin also contributed significantly to the team’s defense during the game.
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Gunner Stockton is the starting quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs football team and had a strong college season in 2025. An SEC defensive coach said Stockton is a good college player but may not be ready for the NFL yet. Stockton will try to improve his skills to become a higher NFL draft pick in 2027.
Key Facts
Gunner Stockton played for the Georgia Bulldogs and became the starting quarterback in 2025.
He threw for 2,894 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in the 2025 season.
Stockton led Georgia to an SEC championship win over Alabama and a close loss to Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff.
An SEC defensive coordinator told ESPN that Stockton is a strong college player but may not have the skills needed to succeed in the NFL.
Stockton has thrown for 3,482 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in his first three college seasons.
He also rushed for 10 touchdowns during his college career.
Stockton is considered a possible third-day pick in the 2027 NFL draft but will need to improve to become an NFL starter.
Carson Beck, Stockton’s predecessor, was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and played well in his early NFL appearances.
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The Los Angeles Clippers signed Jamarion Sharp, a 7-foot-5 basketball player, to a two-way contract, making him the tallest player on their team. Sharp played in the G League and was named Defensive Player of the Year before joining the Clippers.
Key Facts
Jamarion Sharp is 7-foot-5 tall, one inch taller than Victor Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama is a well-known 7-foot-4 player who recently led the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals.
Sharp was undrafted in 2024 and played in the G League for the Texas Legends, affiliated with the Dallas Mavericks.
He led the G League in blocks per game with 3.8 and was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Sharp averaged 7.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in the G League.
A two-way contract means Sharp can play for both the Clippers and their G League team, the San Diego Clippers.
The Clippers will watch Sharp’s progress before deciding on a longer-term contract.
Sharp’s current performance is not yet at the level of Wembanyama, who is considered an outstanding young NBA player.
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The Philadelphia Eagles made many changes to their team this offseason, including new players and coaches. Sean Mannion is their new offensive coordinator, and he faces challenges with multiple coaches and a physical offense led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley.
Key Facts
The Eagles traded wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots.
New players added include Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore, Hollywood Brown, and first-round pick Makai Lemon.
Riq Woolen and Jonathan Jones joined to support the defense.
Arnold Ebiketie was brought in to help replace Jaelan Phillips.
Jalen Carter and Dallas Goedert re-signed with new contracts.
Sean Mannion was hired as the new offensive coordinator, previously working with the Packers, Seahawks, and Vikings.
The team has a running game coordinator, a passing game coordinator, and a senior offensive assistant to support Mannion.
The Eagles plan to focus on a physical offense with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley leading.
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Curt Cignetti became the head coach of Indiana's football team after a successful 2023 season at James Madison. He was upset early on because the program had old facilities and a negative attitude, but he quickly helped the team improve and win important games.
Key Facts
Curt Cignetti joined Indiana after an 11-1 season coaching James Madison.
He felt frustrated when he arrived because the football program's facilities were outdated.
The program had a negative atmosphere and a lack of excitement among people involved.
Indiana had only won two Big Ten titles before 2025, with the last one in 1967.
Under Cignetti, Indiana went 11-2 in 2024 and reached the College Football Playoff.
The team aimed for a perfect 16-0 record and their first national championship in 2025.
In 2026, the program faces the challenge of avoiding complacency after the national title win.
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Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy returned to team practice after his wife was shot at their home in Virginia. Their son was arrested in connection with the shooting and faces several charges.
Key Facts
Eric Bieniemy came back to Chiefs practice on Monday after his wife was shot on July 26.
The shooting happened at their home in Virginia.
Their 27-year-old son, Elijah Bieniemy, was arrested and charged with malicious wounding and firearm-related crimes.
Elijah's court dates are delayed for a mental health evaluation.
Eric Bieniemy kept in contact with Chiefs staff during his time away and watched practice streams.
He has coached Kansas City to three Super Bowls, winning two.
Bieniemy previously worked for Washington Commanders, UCLA, and Chicago Bears before rejoining the Chiefs.
He replaced Matt Nagy as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator.
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Aston Villa is discussing a potential transfer for Joao Palhinha, a midfielder currently at Bayern Munich. Palhinha, 31, is open to moving after Villa’s player Amadou Onana was injured. Bayern might sell Palhinha two years after signing him from Fulham.
Key Facts
Joao Palhinha has played 25 games for Bayern Munich since joining in 2024.
Villa wants Palhinha because their midfielder Amadou Onana had a serious knee injury.
Palhinha was on loan to Tottenham last season, but Spurs did not buy him permanently.
Bayern bought Palhinha from Fulham for about £47.4 million.
Villa’s director of football said talks are happening but no deal is made yet.
Palhinha played as a substitute when Bayern beat Villa 2-1 in a friendly match in Hong Kong.
Aston Villa recently lost important players and has been signing new ones to strengthen the team.
Villa’s manager is Unai Emery, who recently won the Europa League with the club.
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England’s cricket player Emilio Gay has a shoulder injury and is getting treatment. The team hopes he will be ready to play in the first Test match against Pakistan starting on 19 August.
Key Facts
Emilio Gay injured his shoulder while playing for Durham on Friday.
He had a scan on Saturday and is receiving further treatment this week.
Gay will not play in the warm-up match against Pakistan but will work with medical staff.
England had to change their team after Ben Stokes retired and Jacob Bethell got a knee injury.
Jordan Cox replaced Bethell as a batter at number three, and Dan Lawrence will bat and bowl off-spin.
No new batters were added to the England squad to cover for Gay.
Joe Root will captain England at Headingley, with Marcus Trescothick as interim coach.
Stephen Fleming will take over as head coach for the winter tour in South Africa.
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The WNBA is facing controversy because some former NBA players, including Enes Kanter Freedom, have said they want to enter the WNBA draft under current rules for transgender women. This has followed comments by WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, who expressed concerns about transgender women competing in women's sports, sparking protests and political reactions in the U.S. The WNBA’s eligibility rules say only women can play, but details about transgender players are unclear and being discussed by the league.
Key Facts
Enes Kanter Freedom, who played 11 NBA seasons, declared himself a WNBA draft prospect, citing current league rules.
Sophie Cunningham, a WNBA player, said she wants to protect girls from competing against biological men in sports.
Cunningham’s remarks caused protests and sparked a national debate about transgender women in sports.
No openly transgender woman has played in the WNBA to date.
President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance publicly supported Cunningham’s comments.
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement states that only women are eligible to play.
League Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league will discuss the issue and aims to preserve fair competition and the league’s values.
The league’s eligibility rules for transgender players are not detailed, leading to differing interpretations and concerns.
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The Detroit Lions center Cade Mays broke a small bone in his wrist during practice and will miss about 8 to 10 weeks. The team will use other players to fill his position as they prepare for their preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Key Facts
Cade Mays suffered a wrist fracture in practice before the preseason opener.
The injury happened during a protection drill and was described as a freak accident.
Mays is expected to be out for 8 to 10 weeks.
This is Mays’ first season with the Detroit Lions after signing a three-year contract.
The Lions planned for Mays to be their main center after the retirement of Frank Ragnow.
Other players like Juice Scruggs, Seth McLaughlin, Michael Niese, and Tate Ratledge may fill in as center.
Juice Scruggs is currently recovering from a soft-tissue injury.
Coach Dan Campbell said the team has options and will adjust as needed.
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The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray this offseason, hoping he will become their main quarterback. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell says Murray has shown a good understanding of the team’s playbook but has not yet been named the starter, as he must compete with J.J. McCarthy.
Key Facts
Kyler Murray joined the Vikings this offseason to compete for the starting quarterback position.
Coach Kevin O’Connell says Murray is mentally ahead of expectations in learning the offense.
Murray must compete with former No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy for the starting job.
The Vikings will decide the starting quarterback after seeing more practice reps and preseason games.
Murray will have his first chance to prove himself in a preseason game against the New York Giants.
Murray was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
He has thrown for over 20,000 yards, 121 touchdowns, and rushed for over 3,000 yards with 32 touchdowns.
Despite his stats, Murray has a losing record of 38-48-1 and no playoff wins in his career so far.
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