Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman appears to have avoided a serious injury after a frightening fall into the Kansas City Royals’ dugout Wednesday night.

Freddie Freeman Takes Frightening Fall Against Royals

The incident occurred during the eighth inning of the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory over Kansas City at Dodger Stadium. Freeman was chasing a foul popup off the bat of Royals infielder Isaac Collins when he tumbled down the dugout stairs while attempting to make the catch.

The veteran first baseman remained down briefly as trainers from both teams rushed to check on him. Freeman eventually returned to the field and finished the defensive inning, but he was replaced by a pinch-hitter in his next at-bat and did not return to first base.

Dodgers Injury Update on Freddie Freeman

The encouraging news for Los Angeles is that Freeman does not appear to have suffered a major injury.

Freeman is listed as day-to-day with total-body soreness. He reported soreness in several areas, including his knees, shoulder, hand and wrist, but remained in good spirits following the incident.

Freeman also emphasized how fortunate he was to avoid a potentially much more serious outcome. He did not hit his head during the fall, which proved to be a crucial factor in limiting the severity of the incident.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club was fortunate Freeman escaped without a more significant injury. His availability for the team’s next game will depend on how his body responds.

Will Freddie Freeman Play Against the Brewers?

The Dodgers now turn their attention to an important four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, with Freeman’s status one of the team’s biggest storylines.

Freeman was uncertain about whether he would be able to play in the series opener.

The timing is significant for Los Angeles. Freeman has been productive at the plate recently, batting .417 over his previous 19 games entering Wednesday’s contest, according to Reuters.

The Dodgers ultimately completed a three-game sweep of the Royals, with Shohei Ohtani hitting a two-run homer in the 4-2 victory.

For now, Dodgers fans have reason to breathe easier. What initially looked like a potentially devastating injury instead appears to be a painful scare, with Freeman considered day-to-day as Los Angeles prepares for its next major test.

Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has requested that the university return its copy of the Heisman Trophy he won in 2023, as a dispute over his old No. 5 jersey number continues to escalate. Daniels’ representatives also sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter, obtained by ESPN, demanding the school stop using his name, image and likeness for promotional purposes.

The conflict stems from LSU’s decision to allow sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear No. 5 this season. Daniels first learned of the move when promotional photos featuring Pickett in the number leaked, and he personally reached out to LSU leadership before fall camp began to express his displeasure. LSU coach Lane Kiffin has since spoken directly with Daniels’ representative.

A Number Promised Twice Over

Pickett, a five-star 2025 signee out of Florida, has said wearing No. 5 was a condition of his commitment to LSU — a stipulation discussed with all three of his finalist schools, including Oregon and Miami. He wore the number throughout his high school career, but former LSU coach Brian Kelly declined to issue it to him as a freshman without Daniels’ blessing, and Pickett instead wore No. 3 en route to Freshman All-America honors in 2025. Sources say the jersey number, not financial terms, was the central point of negotiation when Pickett discussed returning to LSU this offseason.

LSU has indicated it has no intention of returning the Heisman Trophy and remains undecided on how, if at all, it will comply with the cease-and-desist letter, which the school notes is not legally binding.

LSU’s Retired-Number Policy

Under LSU bylaws established in 2007, retiring a player’s jersey number does not prevent a current athlete from wearing it in that or any other sport, at the discretion of the head coach. One source close to the program characterized number retirement as an “antiquated policy,” pointing to NFL teams increasingly favoring a ring-of-honor approach that doesn’t take numbers out of circulation.

Daniels, now entering his second NFL season, led LSU to a Heisman-winning 2023 campaign before being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The dispute marks a notable rift between the program and one of its most decorated recent stars.

Former professional boxer Prichard Colón has died at 33, nearly 11 years after suffering a traumatic brain injury during his final fight, his father confirmed on social media Thursday.

Colón entered his October 2015 bout against Terrel Williams undefeated at 16-0 with 13 knockouts, fighting on national television in Fairfax, Virginia. Throughout the fight, Colón repeatedly complained about illegal punches landing behind his head. Referee Joe Cooper deducted a point from Williams in round 7 for the infraction after allowing earlier fouls to go unpenalized. In the closing seconds of round 9, Colón was knocked down by another shot that landed behind the head — the round’s second knockdown — though Cooper again did not rule it illegal.

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A Fatal Sequence of Events

Colón’s corner removed his gloves after round 9, mistakenly believing the fight had ended. One round remained, and Colón was disqualified for failing to answer the bell for round 10. Shortly after returning to his dressing room, he became dizzy, vomited and collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital, diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, and underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

Colón spent 221 days in a coma. When he was ultimately discharged in May 2016, the injury had left him unable to walk or speak, and he required continuous care for the remainder of his life. He later underwent spinal surgery and, according to his family, made limited progress in rehabilitation, including learning to communicate through a computer.

Legal Fallout

In 2017, Colón’s parents filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50 million, alleging medical malpractice against ringside physician Dr. Richard Ashby for failing to act despite Colón telling him he felt dizzy and was in pain from illegal blows earlier in the fight.

Colón’s death brings a close to more than a decade of severe health complications following the injury, and reignites longstanding questions in the sport about officiating, ringside medical response, and fighter safety when repeated fouls go unaddressed mid-bout.

Blake Snell struck out 10 batters over six innings of one-run ball Tuesday night in his return to the Dodgers’ rotation, more than three months after his last MLB appearance, as Los Angeles beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 in 10 innings on a Max Muncy walk-off hit.

Snell allowed just three hits and a walk, retiring his first 10 batters in order and striking out the side in the first inning on three different pitches — a changeup, a four-seamer and a curveball. He ran into his only trouble in the fourth, allowing a run on back-to-back singles and a Salvador Perez sacrifice fly, but shut the door from there. He finished with 84 pitches, well beyond the 75-80 pitch target the Dodgers had set for him, and picked up a no-decision.

“That’s the Snell that we’re used to seeing,” Muncy said after his game-ending hit sealed the win.

A Tough Road Back

The outing marked just Snell’s second appearance of the 2026 season. He opened the year on the injured list with lingering shoulder fatigue, returned briefly in May, then landed back on the IL after loose bodies were discovered in his pitching elbow. He underwent a NanoNeedle Scope procedure to remove them, a surgery that expedited his recovery but still kept him sidelined until August.

Manager Dave Roberts credited Snell’s growth since his rocky May 9 season debut, when he allowed five runs in three innings. “Coming back from rehab and to kind of feel your way into the middle of a season is very difficult,” Roberts said. “I do think that he learned from the first one. We needed to win tonight, and we needed to win a series, and it started with him.”

Salt Lake City Silver Lining

Snell said a difficult final rehab start in high-altitude Salt Lake City — where he allowed three runs, four walks and two homers in 3 2/3 innings — ultimately sharpened his command by forcing him to adjust his pitch shapes. “To have that start and be that frustrated pitching… to be able to come here and just pitch and know I can throw a curveball where I want, whenever I want, and a fastball — that felt way better,” Snell said.

It was the seventh double-digit strikeout start by a Dodger this season, and Snell said his surgically repaired arm now “feels as good as it has in years.”

The WNBA is expected to fine New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones $500 after she picked up a technical foul during the Indiana Fever’s 106-92 win over the Liberty on Tuesday night, unless the league opts to rescind the call.

With 1:10 left in the third quarter and Indiana leading 81-68, Sophie Cunningham was whistled for a personal foul after holding Jones. Officials then hit Jones with a technical foul on the ensuing play, costing New York a missed free throw from Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell. It marked the first technical of the season for Jones.

A Costly Call Under the New CBA

Under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, penalties for technical fouls have increased significantly. Players are now fined $500 for each of their first three technicals and $1,000 for their fourth through seventh, with a warning letter issued after the fifth. Beginning with a player’s eighth technical, fines jump to $1,500, and suspensions kick in for every other technical from that point on — including the eighth, 10th and 12th.

Jones isn’t the only Liberty player who has run afoul of the new rules this season; teammates Satou Sabally, Han Xu and Sabrina Ionescu have also drawn technical-foul fines, while head coach Chris DeMarco leads the team with five technicals of his own.

Fever Roll to Second Straight Win

The technical overshadowed an otherwise solid night for Jones, who finished with a double-double of 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting and 10 rebounds. It wasn’t enough to slow Indiana, which improved to 21-12 and leapfrogged the Atlanta Dream in the standings. Caitlin Clark posted 22 points, four rebounds and 10 assists, while Mitchell added 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting.

New York fell to 20-14 and will host the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday, while Indiana turns its attention to a Friday matchup against the Dallas Wings.

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Thrive Capital co-founder Josh Kushner for more than $12.5 billion, a record price for a professional sports franchise. The deal comes just 14 months after billionaire Mark Walter bought a controlling stake in the team from the Buss family at a then-record $10 billion valuation.

Kushner and Iger, who is also an adviser at Thrive Capital, approached Walter with an aggressive offer on Sunday, and the deal came together quickly. The pair had previously been involved in NBA expansion discussions tied to Las Vegas before pivoting to pursue the Lakers instead.

“As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers,” Iger and Kushner said in a joint statement, adding that their “long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.”

Walter Nets $2.5 Billion Profit

Walter, who purchased the team from the Buss family in 2025, is set to walk away with a roughly $2.5 billion profit after owning the franchise for just over a year. “Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life,” Walter said in a statement, thanking Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, players and staff. “The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”

The sale comes as Walter and Guggenheim Partners face an investigation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan and the Securities and Exchange Commission over potential insurance fraud, though it’s unclear whether that scrutiny factored into his decision to sell.

A Franchise in Transition

The ownership change lands during a turbulent offseason for the Lakers, who lost superstar LeBron James in free agency after eight seasons when he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The team still features Luka Dončić as its cornerstone as it heads into a new ownership era under Iger and Kushner.

Bryce Young found himself in the middle of a training camp scuffle during the Carolina Panthers’ Monday practice, according to The Athletic‘s Joe Person, who reported the quarterback “took offense” after safety Lathan Ransom tried to hit running back Jonathon Brooks on a run play.

What followed was a “big fight” that saw Young and cornerback Mike Jackson jawing at each other — a confrontation that reportedly continued for several minutes. An offensive lineman also got pulled into the fray at some point, and Person indicated someone took a hit to the head during the melee.

Person added that after practice wrapped, Young, Jackson and safety Nick Scott had a lengthy conversation to smooth things over. Scott later addressed the incident in his post-practice press conference, chalking it up to the natural physicality of camp.

“At this point in camp, there’s just a level of physicality that naturally happens,” Scott said. “We haven’t seen a different color in a long, long time… that’s part of the game. You want it. But at the same time, there’s that aspect of protecting the team and guys that you’re going to need on Sunday.”

Scott pushed back on the idea that the scuffle was a bigger deal than it looked, saying it was “starting to turn into something bigger than it is.” He added: “This is not like the sitcom of the Panthers. We’re having fun. Camp is going really well.”

Canales Praises “Physical, Competitive” Practice

Head coach Dave Canales opened his own press conference by calling Monday a “fantastic practice,” using words like “physical,” “competitive” and “passionate” to describe the session. Asked directly whether he had an issue with the play that sparked the fight, Canales declined to weigh in.

“We’re not out here practicing for a different sport,” Canales said. “Our sport’s physical… but we can do it the right way.”

Young did not hold a formal press conference Monday. The Panthers’ starters are next scheduled to play in the preseason opener at Buffalo on Saturday, Aug. 15, the first game at the newly built Highmark Stadium.

Amateur golfer Zach Holland, a 2-handicap player who competed collegiately at William Carey University, has resigned his membership at WingHaven Country Club in O’Fallon, Missouri, after admitting he faked a hole-in-one during a members-only tournament.

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Security footage reviewed by club staff showed Holland driving near the par-3 fourth green before his scheduled tee time, where he placed a ball in the cup ahead of a hole-in-one prize pot tied to the event. Holland then told his playing partners he needed to step away for a phone call about his “ill grandmother,” teed off alone, and returned claiming he’d “thinned” his shot and lost track of the ball — only for his group to discover it in the cup and celebrate what they believed was a legitimate ace.

Confronted with the footage, Holland confessed to club officials and resigned. He later addressed the scandal in a Friday interview on 101 ESPN St. Louis’ The Morning After, calling it “complete stupidity” with “no motivation” beyond conceding two shots back to the field.

“There’s no excuse for what I did, and I was completely in the wrong,” Holland said, adding that the backlash has extended to his wife and two young children. “The golf is secondary,” he said, saying he’s more concerned about the “stigma” his family now faces.

Club Calls the Matter Closed

Nathan Charnes, WingHaven’s general manager and acting PGA of America president, confirmed the club “promptly addressed the matter” and considers the incident resolved.

“We care deeply about the integrity of the game and the experience we provide for our members and guests,” Charnes told GOLF.com. “Because this situation involved the actions of an individual and has been resolved, we consider it closed.”

The episode has since gone viral across golf media, reigniting debate over honor-system enforcement in amateur club events — and serving as a cautionary tale about what a single lapse in judgment can cost on and off the course.

The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their Week 1 starting quarterback for the 2026 season, ending an offseason quarterback competition that dominated headlines throughout training camp.

Murray, a one-time NFL MVP candidate, beat out J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ 2024 first-round pick, for the starting job. Minnesota signed Murray to a one-year, veteran-minimum contract after the Arizona Cardinals released him earlier this year, betting that a change of scenery could revive his career under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

O’Connell has been bullish on Murray’s trajectory since he arrived in Minnesota, telling NFL Network’s The Insiders that the veteran quarterback showed steady improvement throughout the offseason program and training camp. That growth ultimately tipped the competition in Murray’s favor.

The decision marks the fourth different Week 1 starting quarterback for the Vikings in as many seasons, underscoring the instability the franchise has faced at the position since Kirk Cousins departed. McCarthy, who missed most of his rookie year with a knee injury, now finds himself in a backup role behind a proven veteran as he continues developing behind the scenes.

What It Means for the Vikings’ 2026 Outlook

Murray’s mobility and big-play ability give Minnesota’s offense a different dimension than it had a year ago, and the move signals that O’Connell is prioritizing win-now production as the Vikings look to contend in a stacked NFC North. For McCarthy, the door remains open — Minnesota has not ruled out a future switch if Murray struggles or if the rookie-turned-sophomore forces the issue in practice.

Vikings training camp continues this month as the team fine-tunes its roster ahead of the regular season. Expect more clarity on Minnesota’s quarterback depth chart, offensive scheme adjustments, and McCarthy’s role as the preseason gets underway.

Real Madrid is assembling one of the deepest attacking groups in European football after adding Yan Diomande, securing Carlos Espí and renewing Vinicius Junior‘s contract, giving the club an increasingly formidable collection of young and established forwards heading into the new season.

The centerpiece of Madrid’s attack remains Vinicius, whose new contract keeps one of the world’s most dangerous wingers at the Santiago Bernabéu for the long term. His combination of speed, dribbling and ability to create chances has made him one of the club’s most important players, and retaining him removes uncertainty surrounding one of the team’s biggest attacking stars. Reports indicate the new agreement keeps Vinicius at Madrid through 2032.

Madrid’s addition of Yan Diomande adds another explosive option to the attack. The teenager arrived from RB Leipzig in a club-record deal reported at around €135 million, becoming the most expensive African player in football history. His arrival gives Madrid another versatile wide attacker capable of playing on either side of the field and provides the club with a player who can grow alongside its younger core.

The Diomande signing also changes the complexion of Madrid’s forward depth. Rather than relying heavily on a small group of established stars, the club can now rotate its attackers while maintaining speed and creativity. His ability to operate from wide positions could also allow Madrid’s coaching staff to alter formations depending on the opponent without sacrificing attacking quality.

Carlos Espí represents another piece of Madrid’s long-term planning. The young forward adds further depth and potential to a group that is increasingly built around players capable of contributing immediately while also developing into future stars. Madrid’s willingness to invest in young attacking talent reflects the club’s broader strategy of preparing for the next generation rather than waiting for its current stars to reach the end of their careers.

The depth could become particularly important over a long season. Madrid will compete across La Liga, the Champions League and domestic cup competitions, creating a demanding schedule that requires rotation. Injuries, suspensions and fatigue can quickly expose a lack of depth, but Madrid now has more options capable of changing matches from the bench as well as from the starting lineup.

The attacking group also gives Madrid greater tactical flexibility. Vinicius can continue operating as a primary threat from the left, while Diomande provides another option capable of stretching defenses from the opposite side. With additional young forwards competing for minutes, Madrid can create different combinations without completely changing its attacking identity.

The challenge will be managing those players and ensuring that the competition for minutes remains productive. Young stars need consistent opportunities to develop, while established players need enough playing time to remain sharp. How Madrid’s coaching staff distributes those minutes could ultimately be as important as the quality of the players themselves.

For Real Madrid, however, the direction is clear. The club has secured its most recognizable attacking star for the long term while adding younger players capable of becoming future cornerstones. With Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe remaining at the center of the project and Diomande and Espí joining an already talented group, Madrid’s offensive arsenal appears designed not only to compete for trophies now but to remain dangerous for years to come.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to teams Friday afternoon addressing the league’s ongoing internal debate over transgender athlete participation, confirming the topic will be taken up next week by a task force of team presidents and general managers during a previously scheduled meeting.

In the memo, Engelbert acknowledged that team officials have fielded a growing number of questions on the subject in recent weeks and said she expects the topic to continue drawing significant attention. She thanked those who had responded to media inquiries with what she described as thoughtfulness and professionalism, and said the league considers the issue complex and nuanced, pledging continued conversations with teams and the players’ union in the months ahead, along with additional listening sessions for team leaders who want to participate.

Speaking separately with ESPN, Engelbert described her own position as squarely in the middle, saying she agrees and disagrees with arguments on both sides of the debate.

The memo’s timing was notable: it went out just hours after two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, each declared themselves eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft, with both saying they identify as women.

White said he identifies as transgender for the purposes of pursuing a professional basketball career, and indicated he would only reconsider his declaration if the league issued a definitive statement on the matter. The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement currently states that only players who are women are eligible to play in the league, but includes no further language addressing gender identity or sex assigned at birth. As of now, there are no transgender players in the league or formally entering it through conventional channels.

The broader controversy has been building for roughly a month, since Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was quoted in an ESPN feature voicing support for barring transgender athletes from women’s sports. That comment set off a wave of protests trailing Fever road games in multiple cities, including an incident that led the league to suspend a Seattle Storm minority owner for five games following a confrontation with fans.

Several WNBA head coaches have since weighed in publicly, with Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve and Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase both expressing support for inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

The WNBA Players Association also released its own statement addressing the debate, saying that hate, abuse and demonization of any group, including transgender people, only fuels fear, division and harm, and that while the union will continue engaging in difficult conversations, it will not allow itself to be used as a political pawn in the broader national debate.

The race for Rodri has developed into one of the most intriguing transfer battles of the summer, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both pursuing the Manchester City midfielder and potentially turning his future into another major chapter in one of Spanish football’s biggest rivalries.

Rodri is one of the most accomplished midfielders in world football and has established himself as a central figure for both Manchester City and Spain. His ability to control possession, dictate tempo and protect the defense makes him an especially valuable target for clubs seeking a player capable of immediately transforming their midfield.

Real Madrid’s interest carries an obvious sporting and emotional dimension. Rodri is Spanish, has already proven himself at the highest level and would fill a position that Madrid has continued to evaluate as its midfield evolves. Adding him could provide the club with an experienced defensive midfielder capable of controlling matches while complementing its younger midfielders.

Barcelona’s interest, however, makes the situation considerably more significant. The Catalan club has entered the race and reportedly submitted an opening bid for Rodri that Manchester City rejected. Barcelona’s pursuit could provide the midfielder with an opportunity to return to Spain while also becoming a centerpiece of the club’s midfield project.

The financial aspect could ultimately determine how the battle develops. Manchester City has little reason to sell one of its most important players without receiving a significant offer, while Barcelona must continue managing its finances carefully. Reports indicate that Barcelona’s initial proposal fell short of City’s expectations, meaning the Catalan club may need to increase its offer or explore alternative structures to complete the transfer.

For Real Madrid, allowing Barcelona to win the race could carry consequences beyond the loss of a transfer target. Rodri would immediately strengthen one of Madrid’s biggest domestic rivals, potentially giving Barcelona a player capable of controlling the midfield in El Clásico. Signing him would therefore represent not only an acquisition for Barcelona but also a potential strategic loss for Madrid.

Rodri’s qualities make the battle particularly important because neither club is simply looking for another attacking star. Both Madrid and Barcelona already possess considerable offensive talent. What Rodri offers is control. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, dictate the rhythm of a match and provide defensive cover could allow either team’s attacking players to operate with greater freedom.

The midfielder’s history in Spanish football adds another layer to the story. Rodri previously played for Villarreal and Atlético Madrid before moving to Manchester City, where he developed into one of the world’s premier midfielders. A return to Spain would therefore represent another major stage in a career that has already included domestic titles, European success and international honors.

For Barcelona, completing the signing could represent a statement that the club is capable of competing with Madrid for elite players despite its financial constraints. For Madrid, winning the race would reinforce its ability to attract established Spanish stars while denying Barcelona the opportunity to strengthen its midfield.

Manchester City, meanwhile, remains in the position of control as the clubs compete for its midfielder. Until an agreement is reached, the transfer remains uncertain, but the growing interest from both Spanish giants has transformed Rodri’s future into one of the summer’s biggest stories.

Whether Rodri eventually chooses the Santiago Bernabéu, Camp Nou or remains in Manchester, the outcome could have implications well beyond one transfer window. If he joins Madrid, the club could gain an elite midfielder while keeping him away from Barcelona. If Barcelona succeeds, the Catalan side could acquire one of the world’s best midfielders while simultaneously denying Madrid a major target. Either outcome would reshape the balance of power in Spain.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and star pass rusher Maxx Crosby were held out of Saturday’s training camp practice, a disciplinary response after the two got into a heated scuffle during Friday’s session that had to be broken up by teammates.

The altercation began during a contentious team period, when Crosby hit Cousins’ throwing arm twice in quick succession. After the second hit, Cousins confronted Crosby, grabbing his jersey and getting in his face before the two were separated amid a heated back-and-forth.

No punches were thrown, according to multiple reports, but the intensity of the exchange between two of the Raiders’ most prominent players was enough to draw a clear response from the coaching staff. It wasn’t the only flare-up of the day, either — defensive lineman Jonah Laulu punched second-year right guard Caleb Rogers earlier in the same practice.

Head coach Klint Kubiak, in his first season leading the Raiders, addressed the incident directly with reporters Saturday, making clear there would be no exceptions to how he wants his team to operate. He said the organization has very clear expectations for how practice and business are conducted, and that those expectations were violated Friday, which is why both players were held out. Kubiak confirmed both Cousins and Crosby would be back on the field for Monday’s practice, but declined to elaborate further, saying the matter had been addressed internally with the team and the organization was ready to move on.

The decision to sideline Cousins gave rookie first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza his first extended opportunity to run the starting offense during training camp, a notable data point given the Raiders open their preseason schedule Thursday night at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Kubiak hasn’t announced how he plans to divide snaps between his quarterbacks in that game, though Mendoza is expected to see meaningful playing time and could even start, with the Raiders widely expected to turn to him as a long-term answer under center at some point this season.

Despite the discipline, several teammates framed the incident in a positive light. Tight end Michael Mayer said the moment reflected the kind of competitive edge Cousins has always carried, saying it’s the sort of fire you want a quarterback to bring in defense of his team. He added that physical scuffles are simply part of padded practices during camp, characterizing Friday’s incident as more about competitive energy than any deeper rift between teammates trying to help turn around a once-proud franchise.

Coming off a disappointing 2–10 campaign in 2024, the Florida State Seminoles entered 2025 expecting a “bounce-back” season that would re-establish them as an ACC contender. Instead, the Seminoles finished 5–7.

Florida State began the season 3–0, with its biggest win coming against then-No. 8 Alabama in the opener. The season quickly unraveled as offensive inconsistencies and poor special teams play emerged, particularly on the road. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos recorded a 197.51 passer rating in wins compared to 125.2 in losses, while his 118.0 passer rating on the road was a legitimate concern compared to his 176.6 rating in home games. Castellanos also averaged 10.8 yards per passing attempt at home compared to 7.3 on the road. As a team, Florida State scored just 93 points on the road compared to 294 points in Tallahassee, highlighting the dramatic decline in offensive production away from home. The Seminoles converted just 12 of 19 field-goal attempts (63.2%) last season, ranking 125th nationally. Missed field goals also proved costly in several games, as two misses derailed Florida State’s momentum against NC State while a missed kick by Jake Weinberg proved costly in a double-overtime loss to Virginia.

Tim Harris Jr. was promoted to offensive coordinator after Gus Malzahn retired in February 2026. Harris previously served as Florida State’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach after spending three seasons on UCF’s coaching staff, including time as the program’s offensive coordinator. He helped oversee an offense that led the ACC in total offense, rushing offense, third-down offense and yards per completion. Harris Jr. sees tight ends playing a major role in the offense, with Chase Loftin providing a versatile option who can line up on the perimeter and contribute to the passing game. Austin Tucker was promoted to quarterbacks coach, while Ernie Sims will oversee the linebackers.

Former Florida Atlantic head coach Tom Herman was hired as an assistant to head coach Mike Norvell. Herman will also work closely with defensive coordinator Tony White as an “offensive sounding board for the DC,” helping devise different looks tailored to opposing offensive schemes. Other hires included Kam Martin as the running backs coach, Nick Williams as a pass-rush specialist and Blue Adams as the cornerbacks coach.

One Florida State player was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, while three others signed as undrafted free agents. Defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round, where he will join former teammate Azareye’h Thomas. Jackson Jr. totaled 45 tackles and three sacks in his final season with Florida State. Wide receiver Squirrel White signed with the Chicago Bears before stepping away from football 16 days later. Defensive back Jerry Wilson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, while offensive lineman Jacob Rizy signed with the New England Patriots.

Running back Gavin Sawchuk rushed for 486 yards and eight touchdowns, while Ousmane Kromah added 408 rushing yards. Duce Robinson led the receiving corps with 1,081 receiving yards and six touchdowns, earning first-team All-ACC honors. Micahi Danzy and Lawayne McCoy combined for 967 receiving yards and six touchdowns to complement Robinson in the passing attack. Safety Earl Little Jr. led the defense with four interceptions and 76 tackles before transferring to Ohio State in January 2026. Defensive lineman Mandrell Desir’s 6.5 sacks ranked ninth in the ACC, and he finished second in ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind California’s Luke Ferrelli. 

Florida State’s 2026 transfer class was ranked 28th nationally and fifth in the ACC by 247Sports. Following Weinberg’s departure to Miami, Oklahoma State transfer Gabe Panikowski is projected to be Florida State’s starting kicker in 2026. Although Panikowski did not appear for Oklahoma State, he was a reliable kicker at Idaho State, converting 15 of 15 field-goal attempts and 44 of 47 extra-point attempts in 2024. Offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin transferred from Auburn to provide the Seminoles with an immediate upgrade on the offensive line. Chaplin surrendered just three sacks last season and was named a third-team All-American in 2023 after allowing only five sacks across 813 snaps. Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner transferred to Florida State to replace some of the production lost from last season’s rushing attack, while Mikai Gbayor will provide depth at linebacker. Florida State also lost key contributors to the transfer portal, including safety Edwin Joseph, linebacker Justin Cryer and tight end Randy Pittman Jr.

The Seminoles’ schedule is the 22nd-toughest nationally, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. Their slate is highlighted by a marquee road matchup at Alabama, home games against SMU and Clemson, and visits to rivals Miami and Florida. Florida State will face a talented Alabama team featuring Ryan Williams and Yhonzae Pierre in Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide look to avenge last year’s loss in Tallahassee. Miami is also a pivotal matchup, as the Seminoles will face an aggressive defensive unit and a Hurricanes squad looking to return to the National Championship. Florida State’s Halloween night matchup against Clemson comes shortly after its game against Miami, creating a demanding stretch against two of the ACC’s top programs. The quick turnaround could test the Seminoles physically, while Florida State has lost nine of its last 10 matchups against Clemson. Florida made significant changes to its program, most notably hiring head coach Jon Sumrall and retaining star running back Jadan Baugh. ESPN Analytics gives the Seminoles a 42.9% chance to win despite playing the game at home. 

Florida State is projected to finish as a middle-of-the-pack ACC team based on roster turnover, a tough schedule and recent struggles on the road. The Seminoles’ quarterback room is ranked 12th in the ACC, giving Ashton Daniels an opportunity to lead the offense under Mike Norvell’s system after Castellanos was denied an extra year of eligibility. Despite bringing in reinforcements, Florida State still has question marks along the offensive line and at linebacker because of uncertainty surrounding the units’ returning production and depth. It remains uncertain whether Norvell can help Florida State get over the hump, as the Seminoles must overcome significant questions across the roster while navigating one of the ACC’s more challenging schedules. Some analysts project Florida State to finish with between four and six wins in 2026.

Fanduel Sportsbook lists Florida State at +2000 to win the ACC Championship and +50000 to win the National Championship.

Florida State Seminoles 2026-2027 Schedule & Tickets:

Roger Craig turned what should have been a purely celebratory night into a moment of candor, using his taped Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech Saturday to disclose that he’s living with vascular dementia. The former 49ers running back, now 66, said his medical team believes the diagnosis traces at least in part back to the concussions he absorbed across an 11-year NFL career.

Craig joins a long list of former NFL players to disclose the brain injuries they’ve suffered as a result of the game.

Craig described the condition creeping in slowly rather than announcing itself all at once. Early symptoms, he explained, were easy to wave off — “the changes were gradual,” he said, and for a while they were “dismissed as normal aging.” It was only after his own family began noticing the same shifts that he finally sought a medical opinion, a process that eventually led to the diagnosis he shared with the crowd.

Rather than let the news overshadow his induction, Craig reframed it as a rallying point. “I want people to know this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig,” he told viewers, insisting his identity and legacy remain intact regardless of what the condition brings. He said his hope in going public is that others facing unexplained cognitive or behavioral shifts won’t brush them aside the way his own symptoms initially were — and that they’ll feel empowered to raise concerns with a doctor sooner rather than later.

Medically, vascular dementia ranks as the second most common form of the disease behind Alzheimer’s. It stems from reduced blood flow to the brain, often tied to strokes or damaged blood vessels, and can produce a range of effects on memory, reasoning and behavior. Researchers have increasingly examined potential links between repeated head trauma in contact sports and later-life cognitive decline, a connection Craig’s medical team appears to be weighing in his own case.

Craig’s disclosure adds his name to a growing list of former NFL players who’ve spoken publicly about brain health struggles tied to their playing days, a topic that has reshaped conversations around football safety over the past decade.

Royce White, the former NBA first-round pick now running for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, announced Friday that he’s declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft — framing the move as a statement rather than a genuine career pivot. “I identify as a sometimes identifying transgender woman,” White said, a line clearly designed to provoke rather than describe an actual gender identity.

The timing wasn’t coincidental. White’s announcement landed the same day fellow former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom made an almost identical declaration, and the pairing made clear this was a coordinated bit of political theater rather than two athletes independently chasing a second act in women’s professional basketball.

Both men are using the stunt to needle the ongoing national fight over transgender participation in women’s sports, a debate that has become a flashpoint in conservative politics and, by extension, in White’s own Senate primary campaign.

Nothing about the announcement carries any competitive weight. Neither White nor Kanter Freedom has filed formal paperwork with the WNBA, and league rules don’t allow a public remark to place a player in the draft pool, let alone secure a roster spot or contract. In practical terms, the declarations changed nothing about either man’s basketball status — White remains a candidate for office, not a prospective pro athlete testing his skills against WNBA talent.

The league’s players didn’t let the comments pass quietly. The WNBPA, the union representing WNBA athletes, issued a statement condemning the remarks as transphobic, pushing back against what it characterized as an attempt to mock transgender identity for political gain rather than engage with the substance of the athletic-eligibility debate.

White’s basketball résumé gives the stunt a bit of extra reach: he was a first-round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, giving him name recognition well beyond his current political ambitions. That history has made his commentary a bigger story than it might otherwise be, even though nothing in his announcement reflects an actual plan to play professional women’s basketball.

For now, the episode functions mostly as a proxy fight — a way for two former athletes with political ambitions to inject themselves into a contentious cultural debate using their basketball credibility as a platform.

The NFL has suspended New Orleans Saints undrafted rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner for the first six games of the 2026 season after he violated the league’s performance-enhancing substances (PED) policy, the team and multiple outlets confirmed Thursday.

Rechsteiner remains eligible to practice with the Saints throughout training camp and to play in all of the team’s preseason games. His suspension will only take effect once New Orleans trims its roster down to 53 players ahead of the regular season, a cutdown deadline set for Aug. 30.

The 23-year-old signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent this past May after impressing the coaching staff as a tryout player during the team’s rookie minicamp. He carried that momentum into the offseason program, drawing praise for his performance during mandatory minicamp before training camp opened in late July. Since camp began, however, his presence had been comparatively quiet, with fellow rookie receiver Barion Brown capturing more attention at the position.

Rechsteiner played his college football at Jacksonville State from 2021 to 2025, finishing his final collegiate season with 36 receptions for 383 yards. Given New Orleans’ existing depth at wide receiver, he was already viewed as a long shot to make the Saints’ 53-man roster even before news of the suspension emerged, raising questions about whether this setback effectively ends his path onto the active roster, though a practice-squad role could remain a possibility depending on how camp plays out.

Beyond the football implications, the suspension has drawn added attention because of Rechsteiner’s family background in professional wrestling.

His father, Scott Rechsteiner, wrestled for years under the name Scott Steiner — also known by the nickname “Big Poppa Pump” — and is enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame. His uncle, Rick Steiner, was his father’s longtime tag-team partner as part of the Steiner Brothers. His first cousin, Bronson Rechsteiner, currently competes in WWE under the name Bron Breakker, one of the promotion’s rising young stars.

Rechsteiner has spoken previously about staying close with his cousin, saying the two train together and go fishing when Breakker is back home in Georgia. According to Rechsteiner, Breakker has encouraged him to keep playing football for as long as possible before eventually considering a transition into professional wrestling himself once his playing career winds down.

For now, Rechsteiner’s focus remains on football, with the six-game suspension adding a significant hurdle to an already difficult roster battle as the Saints continue evaluating their receiver depth throughout the preseason.

Former BYU Cougars were all over the box score Thursday night as the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers met in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, a contest Carolina won 33-30. Three ex-BYU standouts in particular — Kedon Slovis, Miles Davis and Brady Christensen — played prominent roles in the outcome.

Slovis, now with Arizona, took over at quarterback for the majority of the second half and turned in the most efficient performance on the field. He completed 9 of 10 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, finishing with a game-high 144.2 passer rating. His signature moment came with under two minutes remaining, when he connected with Bryson Green on a 1-yard touchdown pass that appeared to give the Cardinals the lead.

Carolina answered immediately, though, putting together a game-winning scoring drive of its own to steal the result away from Arizona in the closing seconds.

On the other side, Davis made the most of a limited workload for the Panthers. The running back, who spent five seasons at BYU before transferring to Utah State and breaking out for nearly 1,000 total yards last season, led Carolina in rushing with just four carries for 53 yards. He also caught three passes for eight yards, showing the versatility that made him a name to watch heading into the preseason.

Christensen, meanwhile, anchored Carolina’s offensive line from his starting spot at center. His unit helped pave the way for a strong night on the ground for the Panthers, who rushed for 141 yards as a team at an efficient 6.4 yards per carry — production that played a direct role in setting up Carolina’s late heroics.

Beyond the three BYU alums, the game carried an additional Utah connection: Simi Fehoko, a Utah native and former Brighton High School standout, hauled in a 5-yard touchdown catch for the Cardinals from rookie quarterback Carson Beck, marking Beck’s first NFL touchdown pass.

The Carolina Panthers opened the 2026 preseason with a dramatic 33-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, as third-string quarterback Haynes King capped the Hall of Fame Game with a 5-yard touchdown run as time expired.

The night’s headline performance, however, may have belonged to the other side of the ball. Arizona rookie quarterback Carson Beck, making his first NFL appearance, looked like the best player on the field for long stretches of the first half. Beck finished 15 of 19 for 188 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions for a 125.4 passer rating, showing off touch on short and intermediate throws, accuracy outside the numbers, and impressive arm talent on deep passes. His lone touchdown came on a back-corner fade to receiver Simi Fehoko, and he mixed in pump fakes and double-move concepts that suggested advanced pocket awareness for a first-time NFL passer.

Carolina’s quarterback situation behind starter Bryce Young also came into sharper focus. Veteran Kenny Pickett got the start and looked like the player he’s been over his first four NFL seasons — steady, if unspectacular, eventually leading a touchdown drive after a shaky start that included a sack. But King, playing behind Pickett, was the more electric and confident presence once he entered the game, firing with more conviction and using his mobility to extend plays and pick up positive yardage.

King finished 21 of 34 for 180 yards and two touchdown passes through the air, adding 39 rushing yards and the game-winning score on the ground. It was enough production to raise real questions about whether King, not Pickett, is the closer stylistic match for Young and could move up Carolina’s depth chart as the preseason progresses.

Elsewhere, Carolina got useful reps from backup running backs Zonovan “Bam” Knight and A.J. Dillon. Knight led all rushers with 12 carries for 60 yards, flashing burst and vision that could put him in the mix for a depth-chart spot behind rookie Jeremiyah Love and veteran Tyler Allgeier. Dillon, limited to just a handful of touches, made them count, catching an 18-yard pass to set up Carolina’s first touchdown before scoring it himself and later adding a 13-yard run — his most productive NFL showing since his final season in Green Bay in 2023.

At receiver, with top options like Xavier Legette and David Moore held out of the game, bubble players John Metchie III, Jimmy Horn Jr. and Ja’Seem Reed each had moments in an ongoing competition for roster spots beneath Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, though none clearly separated from the pack.

Aaron Donald conducted an official workout with the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, a session the league’s transaction wire formally classified as a tryout and one that head coach Sean McVay treated with a mix of humor and genuine optimism about a potential return.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year, who hasn’t played since retiring after the 2023 season, worked out at the Rams’ facility using team equipment, which required the session to be reported to the league since he wore a helmet.

Donald did not wear pads. Asked afterward whether the workout amounted to a tryout, McVay didn’t hold back his enthusiasm, telling NFL Daily reporters, “Best tryout we’ve ever had,” and adding, “I think he could make the team.” McVay had signaled last week that no formal decision from Donald would arrive during training camp but described the situation as “trending upwards.”

Speculation about a possible Donald comeback has built steadily since June, when the Rams acquired reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in a trade with Cleveland. Donald has said the move got him thinking seriously about rejoining the franchise where he spent his entire ten-year career, which included a Super Bowl title following the 2021 season and ten Pro Bowl selections. He was spotted running conditioning drills at the team’s Woodland Hills facility as early as mid-July, fueling further speculation ahead of Wednesday’s more formal workout.

Should Donald return, he’d join a defensive line already featuring Garrett alongside Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford and Byron Young — a group that would immediately rank among the most talented fronts in the league. It remains unclear how much can be read into a non-padded workout for a 35-year-old defensive tackle, and no timeline has been set for an official decision from Donald on whether he intends to return for the 2026 season.