Jalen Ramsey, a Pro Bowl cornerback, urged the Pittsburgh Steelers to pay his teammate Joey Porter Jr. during ongoing contract talks. Porter Jr. has been on the physically unable to perform list due to a back injury but is seen as a key player for the Steelers' defense.
Key Facts
The Steelers are negotiating a contract extension with Joey Porter Jr.
Jalen Ramsey publicly supports Porter Jr. getting paid fairly.
Porter Jr. injured his back during a team workout and has not practiced since training camp started.
Ramsey was recently activated off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Porter Jr. played 14 games last season, recording 17 assisted tackles, one interception, 14 passes defended, and one sack.
The Steelers had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season, especially against passing yards.
The Steelers earned a Wild Card spot last season but advanced due to a missed field goal by the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers’ preseason continues with a game against the Buffalo Bills on August 27, and the regular season starts September 13 against the Atlanta Falcons.
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Aston Villa is trying to sign Joel Ordonez, a defender from Club Brugge, after failing to agree a deal for Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton. Villa wants to strengthen its squad before the transfer deadline on September 1.
Key Facts
Aston Villa wants to buy Joel Ordonez, a 22-year-old defender from Club Brugge.
Club Brugge values Ordonez at a minimum of £40 million.
Ordonez played for Ecuador in the recent World Cup and has made 124 appearances for Club Brugge since 2022.
Villa had tried to sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton, but Southampton rejected an £18 million offer.
Aston Villa sold defender Ezri Konsa to Arsenal last week.
Villa lost their first Premier League game of the season 4-0 to Brighton.
Several key players, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Konsa, have left Villa this season.
There are uncertainties about striker Ollie Watkins, who is a transfer target for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
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Jed York, the CEO and main owner of the San Francisco 49ers, was arrested in Ohio for arranging sexual activity in exchange for money. He pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges, served one day in jail, and was fined. York is married to Danielle York and they have two sons who are kept out of the public eye.
Key Facts
Jed York was arrested in East Palestine, Ohio, for arranging sexual activity for $140.
He pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools.
York served one day in jail and paid a fine of $1,150.
The arrest happened near York’s hometown of Youngstown, Ohio.
York is the CEO and principal owner of the San Francisco 49ers, a position he has held since 2008.
He is married to Danielle York, a former public-school teacher who keeps a low public profile.
Jed and Danielle York have two sons, Jaxon and Brixton, who are rarely seen publicly.
The York family lives in Los Altos Hills, California, and keeps the children’s lives private.
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CJ Uzomah, a professional football player, announced his retirement from the NFL. He chose to retire as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, the team that drafted him in 2015.
Key Facts
CJ Uzomah played seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
He was drafted by the Bengals in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Uzomah was part of the Bengals team that reached Super Bowl LVI in the 2021 season.
After leaving the Bengals, he played two seasons with the New York Jets.
In 2024, Uzomah signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and played his last game against the Dallas Cowboys on December 29, 2024.
Uzomah announced his retirement on social media, expressing gratitude to the Bengals and their community.
The Bengals officially recognized his retirement on their social media accounts.
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The Cincinnati Bengals released offensive lineman Cody Ford after three seasons with the team. Ford, who mainly served as a backup, struggled during training camp and preseason, leading the team to move on before the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Cody Ford was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2019 and played there for three seasons.
He spent one season with the Arizona Cardinals before signing with the Bengals in March 2023.
Ford started 10 games and played in all but one game during his time with Cincinnati.
In 2025, he made a notable 21-yard catch from quarterback Joe Burrow.
Ford was considered the Bengals’ top backup offensive lineman, ready to replace starters if injured.
The Bengals released Ford after poor performances in training camp and early preseason games.
The Bengals are concerned about protecting Joe Burrow, their key quarterback who has missed many games due to injury.
The team has strengthened its defense but needs a stronger offensive line to support their goal of reaching the Super Bowl.
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John "Jed" York, the owner of the San Francisco 49ers football team, was arrested in Ohio over the weekend. He was found guilty of two misdemeanor charges.
Key Facts
John "Jed" York owns the San Francisco 49ers.
He was arrested in Ohio.
The arrest happened over the weekend.
He was convicted of two misdemeanor charges.
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies.
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The Phoenix Mercury basketball team agreed to a contract buyout with veteran player DeWanna Bonner. This deal allows Bonner to join another team and try to win a championship in what may be her last playoff season.
Key Facts
DeWanna Bonner has played in the WNBA playoffs 15 times, 10 of those with the Phoenix Mercury.
She was part of the Mercury’s championship teams in 2009 and 2014.
The Mercury secured a spot in the 2026 WNBA playoffs before making the buyout deal.
Bonner started her career with the Mercury in 2009 and returned to them after time with other teams.
She played for the Connecticut Sun for five years and then signed with the Indiana Fever in 2025.
The Fever waived Bonner in June, allowing her to sign again with the Mercury.
Bonner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play again with the Mercury and their fans.
The Mercury’s general manager highlighted Bonner’s leadership and wished her well for her future.
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Joey Porter Jr., a top young cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has not yet agreed to a new contract as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said the team and Porter are at a standstill in negotiations, and Porter has not joined practice during training camp while waiting for a new deal.
Key Facts
Joey Porter Jr. was the Steelers' second-round draft pick in 2023.
He is seen as one of the best cornerbacks and finished fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2023.
Porter has not allowed a touchdown since Week 8 of his rookie season.
He has 165 tackles, 31 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions over three seasons with the Steelers.
Coach Mike McCarthy said the team and Porter are at an "impasse" over a new contract.
Porter has not participated in training camp practices while negotiating.
Other top cornerbacks from the 2023 draft, like Devon Witherspoon, have secured large contracts recently.
The Steelers may need to pay Porter more or risk trading him before the season starts in about two weeks.
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Breanna Stewart, a star player for the New York Liberty, wants WNBA arenas to remain safe and welcoming places amid debates about transgender women participating in women’s sports. Recently, protests and rallies have happened around games after comments by Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever opposing transgender women competing in the league.
Key Facts
The WNBA has never had a transgender woman player but debates about their participation have increased recently.
The WNBA’s rules limit players to women but do not clearly define gender identity or birth sex.
Sophie Cunningham expressed opposition to transgender girls and women playing in women’s sports, sparking protests.
Supporters and opponents of transgender participation held peaceful rallies before a Liberty vs. Fever game.
Breanna Stewart wants arenas to be safe spaces where fans and players can be themselves.
Some fans wearing shirts about transgender participation were asked to cover them, though the league later said fans should be allowed to express their views.
Stewart has supported transgender rights and donated shoe royalties to an LGBTQ+ youth organization.
Cunningham said the controversy has brought more attention and new fans to the WNBA.
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The New York Liberty secured a spot in the 2026 WNBA playoffs after the Washington Mystics won against the Portland Fire. This marks the Liberty's sixth year in a row making the playoffs.
Key Facts
The Liberty earned a playoff spot because the Mystics beat the Portland Fire.
The Mystics also secured a playoff spot for the first time since 2023.
The Liberty won the WNBA championship two years ago in 2024.
Last season, the Liberty lost early in the playoffs to the Phoenix Mercury.
The Liberty and Mystics hold the 6th and 7th seeds in the playoffs.
The Dallas Wings and Portland Fire are competing for the final playoff spot, with the Wings leading.
Five other teams already clinched playoff spots: Minnesota Lynx, Golden State Valkyries, Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, and Indiana Fever.
The Liberty has six regular-season games left, including two games against the Atlanta Dream that will impact playoff seeding.
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Cam Ward, quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, shared how the team can improve by making more deep passes with their receivers. Last season, Ward threw for over 3,000 yards but had a low completion rate on long plays. The Titans aim to have a better season, possibly winning more games and making the playoffs.
Key Facts
Cam Ward believes better connection on deep passes will help the Titans' offense.
Last season, Ward threw for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
Ward’s longest completed pass last season was 47 yards.
In a recent preseason game, Ward threw for 69 yards with 8 completions out of 12 attempts.
Rookie receiver Carnell Tate, along with Wan'Dale Robinson and Calvin Ridley, will be important targets.
The Titans' projected wins for this season are about 6.5, which would be an improvement from last year’s 3 wins.
The Titans’ next preseason game is on August 29 against the Chicago Bears.
Their regular season opens on September 13 at home versus the New York Jets.
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Dana Brown and the Houston Astros have agreed to end their working relationship. Brown had been the Astros' general manager since January 2023, and the team is currently tied for first place in their division.
Key Facts
Dana Brown and the Houston Astros mutually agreed to part ways.
Brown’s contract was set to end after the current season.
The Astros are tied for first place in the American League West division with the Texas Rangers.
Senior adviser Jeff Bagwell and assistant general managers Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey, and Connor Huff will take over Brown’s duties temporarily.
Team owner Jim Crane will oversee baseball operations during the transition.
Brown had been Astros’ general manager since January 2023, after working with the Atlanta Braves.
Under Brown, the Astros won two division titles in four seasons.
Brown thanked the Astros and fans and said he looks forward to continuing his long career in baseball.
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Jed York, owner of the San Francisco 49ers, was arrested in Ohio and pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges: disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. He received a one-day jail sentence, a fine, and completed an online course as part of a plea deal.
Key Facts
Jed York was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio.
He faced misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools.
York pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to one day in jail, served concurrently.
He paid a $1,150 fine and posted a $5,000 bond for his release.
Initially, he was charged with engaging in prostitution, but this was changed to disorderly conduct.
$160 seized during the arrest will go to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
York completed an online course as part of his plea agreement.
York has been the 49ers’ principal owner since 2024 and led the team to three Super Bowl appearances.
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Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is likely to leave the club this summer, with Saudi team Al-Hilal having made several offers for him. Villa’s head coach, Unai Emery, did not include Watkins in the starting lineup for their Premier League opener against Brighton, leading to speculation about the striker’s future.
Key Facts
Ollie Watkins was not included in Aston Villa’s starting lineup for their first game of the season against Brighton.
Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League club, has made four offers close to £40 million for Watkins, but Villa has rejected them all.
Watkins will turn 31 in December and has scored 108 goals in 278 games for Villa.
He joined Villa from Brentford for a then-record £28 million.
Watkins has reportedly trained alone recently and is understood to want to leave Aston Villa.
Villa may need to get a better offer before agreeing to sell him.
The club’s coach, Unai Emery, answered questions about Watkins’ absence with silence, hinting at tension.
Watkins helped Villa win the Europa League last season, marking a major success for the club.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers received good news as two key players, Jalen Ramsey and Max Iheanachor, have been cleared to return to practice after injuries. Ramsey, a top cornerback, and Iheanachor, a rookie offensive tackle, are expected to help the team as they prepare for the regular season.
Key Facts
Jalen Ramsey injured his knee during the Steelers’ minicamp in June and started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Ramsey did not need surgery but missed practice for about a month.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said Ramsey has been activated off the PUP list and can practice again.
Max Iheanachor, a first-round rookie and starting right tackle pick, has been out with neck and shoulder injuries.
Iheanachor has also been cleared to return to practice.
The Steelers open their regular season on September 13 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Ramsey is expected to help defend against Atlanta’s strong offense.
Iheanachor may not start the season but could earn a starting spot later if he stays healthy.
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Graeme Dott, a former world snooker champion, was found guilty of sexually abusing two children many years ago in a Scottish court. He denied the charges but will be sentenced next month.
Key Facts
Graeme Dott was convicted of sexually abusing a girl between 1993 and 1996 and a boy between 2006 and 2010.
The court heard that Dott sexually assaulted the girl and made inappropriate sexual remarks and contact with the boy.
Dott denied the accusations during the trial but was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow.
He will receive his sentence next month.
Detective Inspector Gary Smillie called Dott a dangerous individual and hoped the conviction would comfort victims.
Dott won the world snooker championship in 2006 and was runner-up twice.
He was suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association after the charges were made public last year.
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ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell named the New York Giants and Jets as top NFL teams likely to improve by the 2026 season. He highlighted the Giants' promising offense and new coach, and noted the Jets' roster upgrades despite a poor 2025 season.
Key Facts
The Giants won 4 games in the last season but had several close losses late in games.
New Giants head coach John Harbaugh will lead an offense featuring quarterback Jaxson Dart and other key players.
Giants traded Dexter Lawrence but added Arvell Reese to their defense.
The Jets had a very poor 2025 season with a 3-14 record and no interceptions all year.
Jets improved their roster with new draft picks and signed quarterback Geno Smith.
Barnwell expects both teams to perform better in 2026, but not necessarily to playoffs.
Giants could jump from last place to playoffs if key players stay healthy.
Jets may improve to five or six wins but likely won’t compete for the top draft pick or playoff spot next year.
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Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was ranked No. 10 on the NFL Top 100 Players for 2026 by fellow NFL players. This ranking highlights Surtain’s status as one of the best defensive players in the league, praised for his skill, experience, and impact on the field.
Key Facts
Patrick Surtain II is ranked No. 10 on the NFL Top 100 Players list for 2026.
He is a 26-year-old cornerback entering his sixth NFL season.
Surtain has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times.
Last season, he made 37 tackles, 10 sacks, and one interception.
The Broncos’ defense ranked second in the NFL for fewest yards allowed per game (278.2).
Teammates and opponents praise his height, long arms, and game knowledge.
Surtain was the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
His best interception to date was against the Green Bay Packers, stepping in front of a pass from Jordan Love.
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The Cleveland Browns lost 31-7 in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, with quarterback Deshaun Watson performing poorly and making controversial comments about fans. Despite this, the Browns named Watson their starting quarterback for Week 1, while some experts suggest the team should release him due to ongoing problems.
Key Facts
The Browns lost 31-7 to the Buffalo Bills in a preseason game.
Deshaun Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw one interception in that game.
Watson criticized Browns fans for cheering when he tore his Achilles tendon last season.
The Browns decided to start Watson as quarterback in Week 1 of the regular season.
Some experts, including sports commentator Kyle Brandt, recommend the Browns cut Watson, even with a $40.9 million dead-cap cost (money owed despite releasing him).
Fans and commentators are frustrated with Watson’s behavior and performance.
There is speculation that Watson will have two games to prove himself before the Browns might replace him with Shedeur Sanders.
The Browns traded many assets to acquire Watson, despite some public relations concerns about his reputation.
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San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was arrested in Ohio and pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges: disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. He received a one-day jail sentence, paid a fine, and completed an online course as part of his plea deal.
Key Facts
Jed York was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio.
He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools.
Originally, York was charged with engaging in prostitution, but this charge was changed.
York received a one-day jail sentence, credited for time served, and was fined $1,150.
$160 seized from York will be given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
York completed an online course as part of the plea agreement.
He became the 49ers’ principal owner in 2024 and has led the team to three Super Bowl appearances.
Under his leadership, the team built Levi’s Stadium, which hosts major sports events.
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