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CHEBOYGAN — Jon Micoff is simply a beast at the Northern Michigan Open. In the almost 80-year history of Cheboygan’s prestigious golf tournament in August, no one has earned glory in the championship flight more than the Indian River native. NM OPEN PREVIEW: What to watch for at Cheboygan's 79th annual Northern Michigan OpenMICOFF BUILDS LEAD: Jon Micoff has big lead for last round of Northern Michigan OpenOn Sunday, in front of a packed crowd on the 18th hole at the Cheboygan Golf & Country Club, Micoff calmly tapped in his final putt and won a record fifth Open championship, making it victories in 2009, 2011, 2017, 2024 and 2026. “This one means a lot — they all mean a lot,” Micoff said after his win. “Going into the week I figured I had a good chance because I’ve been playing well."It was a dominant showing from start to finish for Micoff, who opened a four-shot lead by firing a 6-under 64 in Saturday’s first round, which featured a stretch of 5-under on holes 7-11, including an eagle on No. 7. “(That eagle gave me a ton of momentum) because Kasey (Hocquard) was 3-under through five or six or something like that, and I was maybe at one or two-under, and then I started making a couple birdies and made that eagle, and then I started rolling,” Micoff said. “I birdied 10 and 11, and I was just feeling it there.” Micoff pushed his score up to 8-under in Sunday’s round, and while he had some bogeys down the stretch, it was enough to earn title No. 5, as he finished with a two-day total of 140 (6-under) after a 70 on Sunday. It was a satisfying triumph for Micoff, who said that falling short to PJ Maybank III in last year’s Open was motivation.“Playing with PJ, he was playing lights out in that final round last year,” Micoff said. “He just showed me some spots where I needed to improve and things I needed to do. I’m not perfect at all, but he kind of pushed me in the right direction of what I had to work on to get better.” Doing his best to make things interesting was Hocquard (138), whose superb final round of 66 included a birdie on the 18th, an emotional moment for the 2007 and 2008 Open winner who lost his mother, Paula, who passed away in June. An impressive birdie on the last secured a runner-up showing for one of the Open’s greatest players. “That was the first time coming up 18 without (my mom) watching — and I was choking back tears knowing that she wasn’t going to be there to give me a hug,” Hocquard said, fighting back tears. “I was happy to make the birdie and finish strong and do what I could.” Rounding out the top five were Eric Jimenez (third, 142), Zak Knoll (fourth, 144) and Kyle Parsons (fifth, 146). Here’s winners from each other flight at the 79th edition of the Northern Michigan Open: Championship Flight 1. Jon Micoff — 64-70 (134) 2. Kasey Hocquard — 72-66 (138) 3. Eric Jimenez — 68-74 (142) 4. Zak Knoll — 74-70 (144) 5. Kyle Parsons — 74-72 (146) First Flight 1. Joe Kosanke — 76-74 (150) Second Flight 1. Kasey Lofgren — 79-72 (151) Third Flight 1. Darin Dingman — 82-76 (158) Fourth Flight 1. Don Fobean — 87-81 (168) Fifth Flight 1. Brett Merritt — 89-84 (173) Sixth Flight 1. Shawn Mankin — 93-86 (179) Seventh Flight 1. Greg Elliott — 101-97 (198) Senior Championship Flight 1. Jon Kozlowski — 77-77 (154) Senior First Flight 1. Willie Josephson — 86-84 (170) Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Jon Micoff rolls, claims fifth Northern Michigan Open championship

Isiah Pacheco came to Detroit with a reputation for running angry.Drew Petzing has seen exactly that so far.The Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator offered a glowing assessment of Pacheco’s start to training camp, praising not only his physical running style but the way he approaches every practice rep.“He’s been awesome,” Petzing said. “It’s the way he approaches the job, how physical and tough he is, how hard he practices and how much he cares. He can have an unbelievable practice, but if there’s one repetition he didn’t execute exactly the way he wanted, he beats himself up over it. He’s really hard on himself. I think that’s contagious. He has been fun to work with, and I’m excited to see that continue.”That is strong praise for a veteran back who joined Detroit this offseason after spending his first four NFL seasons with Kansas City.Pacheco Gives Detroit a Different Kind of RunnerPacheco, 27, enters his first season with the Lions after rushing for 462 yards and one touchdown on 118 carries in 13 games in 2025, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt. He also caught 19 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown.His career résumé is more impressive than last year’s numbers alone suggest.Across four seasons with the Chiefs, Pacheco rushed for 2,537 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He also added 88 receptions for 554 yards and three scores while becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion.Detroit did not bring him in to replace Jahmyr Gibbs.The Lions brought him in because he offers something different.Gibbs provides elite explosiveness and versatility. Pacheco brings a bruising, downhill element that can punish defenses between the tackles.Petzing Loves the Physical MentalityOne practice rep apparently captured exactly what Petzing wants from his running game.“It’s huge,” Petzing said. “There was contact probably a yard or a yard and a half past the line of scrimmage, and it ended up being a nine-yard run. To me, that’s what the running game is about. It’s a physical mentality. Football is a violent sport. When you have players like that with the ball in their hands, it gets everybody else on the field excited.”That is classic Pacheco.He has built his NFL identity around running through contact and refusing to go down on first contact.For Petzing, that style affects more than the running back room. A back carrying defenders can energize the offensive line, receivers and sideline.That is exactly the kind of tone Detroit wants offensively.Pacheco Could Be Valuable Behind GibbsThe Lions have already made it clear that Gibbs will be their featured back in 2026.Pacheco still has a significant role to play.Detroit needs someone capable of absorbing carries, handling short-yardage situations and keeping Gibbs fresh without forcing the offense to completely change its identity.Pacheco fits that job well.He also brings legitimate postseason experience and a proven track record of handling meaningful snaps. In 10 career playoff games, he has rushed for 547 yards and four touchdowns while adding 142 receiving yards.For a Lions team with championship aspirations, that experience carries value.Bottom LineDrew Petzing could not have been much more complimentary of Isiah Pacheco’s start to training camp.The veteran running back has impressed Detroit with his toughness, practice habits and physical mentality.That combination makes him an intriguing complement to Jahmyr Gibbs.Gibbs may be Detroit’s bell cow, but Pacheco gives the Lions another runner who can turn a one-yard collision into a nine-yard gain.And judging by Petzing’s comments, that is exactly what Detroit hoped it was getting.

People walk on a sandbar underneath the Danube's Margareth Bridge in downtown Budapest, Hungary, Wednesday Aug. 5, 2026, as the river, which runs through 10 European countries, has receded never-before-seen low water levels. (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)2026-08-10T02:07:55Z BERLIN (AP) — The heat waves roiling Western Europe this summer toppled an average temperature record for the June-July period set in 2022, according to the European climate agency Copernicus.The extreme heat began in May and has contributed to major wildfires, prolonged drought and new national temperature records across the region, as well as thousands of projected heat-related deaths.Globally, so far this is the third-hottest year, behind 2024 and 2025, climate statistics show. But 2026 still has time to catch up. Thanks to the one-two punch of accelerated human-caused global warming and a supersized El Niño, a periodic warming of parts of the Pacific that leads to temperature variations around the globe, there’s an increasing chance that by the end of the year, 2026 could become the hottest year on record, beating out 2024 — or at least come close, scientists said. Last month saw the highest average sea surface temperature ever recorded for July across the extra-polar oceans, or the oceans free of seasonal sea ice, Copernicus said. That was partially fueled by developing El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific, the service said. The new average record for July is 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.73 degrees Fahrenheit), which beat the 2023 record of 20.89 C (69.60 F).But last month’s average surface air temperature globally was 16.90°C (62.42 F), making it only the joint second warmest July on record and tied with July 2024, Copernicus reported. In Western Europe, meanwhile, the average temperature record for the June-July period hit 21.62°C (70.92 F), Copernicus said. Read More “Persistent high-pressure systems trapped heat over western Europe, the extreme temperatures also amplified widespread drought. As soils dry out, they lose their ability to provide natural cooling, allowing heat to build more readily,” said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. “This is a clear example of how climate change is intensifying heat extremes, with heat and drought increasingly reinforcing one another.” STEFANIE DAZIO Dazio covers Northern Europe from Berlin for The Associated Press. She previously covered crime and criminal justice from Los Angeles.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a go-ahead, three-run homer and pinch-hitter Austin Hays connected for a two-run shot in his first at-bat with San Diego as the Padres beat the AL West-leading Houston Astros 7-2 on Sunday.Jackson Merrill and Gavin Sheets also went deep for the Padres, who took two of three in the series and remained one game out of a National League playoff spot. Randy Vásquez and three relievers combined on a two-hitter to help the Padres to their 12th victory in 16 games. Vásquez (8-6) pitched five solid innings, retiring his final 10 batters after allowing Daulton Varsho's two-run homer with two outs in the second. It was Varsho's eighth home run this season and first since being acquired from Toronto before the trade deadline last Monday. The Padres began their comeback in the bottom of the inning when Merrill homered to straightaway center field off Cristian Javier (1-3). It was Merrill's 18th. Tatis hit a 421-foot drive to the third level of the Western Metal Supply Co. brick warehouse in the left-field corner with two outs in the fourth to give San Diego a 4-2 lead. It was his 11th. Sheets greeted reliever AJ Blubaugh with a leadoff shot to right in the sixth. It was his 15th.Hays, signed earlier in the day, batted for Sheets in the eighth and homered to left off Bryan King. It was his second. Vásquez held the Astros to two hits with one strikeout and no walks. Up nextAstros: RHP Hayden Wesneski (2-0, 2.84 ERA) is scheduled to start Monday night's series opener at San Francisco, which will counter with RHP Blade Tidwell (0-0, 3.18).Padres: RHP Casey Mize (4-7, 3.40 ERA) makes his first home start since being acquired from Detroit last Monday when he opposes Milwaukee RHP Logan Henderson (6-1, 2.70).___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Cristóbal Alfaro scored twice as Mexico retained its CONCACAF U-20 Championship soccer title with a 2-0 victory over the United States in the final on Sunday.The Mexican defender opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful, close-range header from a set piece. Alfaro sealed the victory with another header in the 69th.“It’s a dream come true. Although I scored, this is a collective achievement. I thank the fans for their unconditional support,” Alfaro said in a post-match interview. “It was an incredible experience to win at home.”The U.S. team was reduced to 10 men just before halftime when captain Chris Applewhite received a red card after a VAR review for a foul on Hugo Camberos.Mexico finished the tournament unbeaten and only conceded one goal.Mexico and the U.S. were already assured of spots in next year's Under-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan ahead of the final. Mexico and the U.S. will also participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by reaching the final.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

It was reported last week that former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson would be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor this season. The former Oklahoma Sooner is among the best players to ever wear a Vikings uniform and while he is honored by the team that drafted him in 2026, could there be a bigger honor on the horizon for him? Following the induction of the Hall of Fame class of 2026, all eyes are now on 2027. Within that class are several prominent players, some of whom will be first ballot selections, and among them is Adrian Peterson. First-time eligibles for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 include Rob Gronkowski, Ben Roethlisberger, Adrian Peterson, Richard Sherman, Cam Newton, Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, Andrew Whitworth, Alex Mack, Gerald McCoy and Eric Weddle. pic.twitter.com/uNomVfDDJ5— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 8, 2026The Vikings have 23 players associated with them in the Hall of Fame. The last player to enter the halls of Canton, Ohio, was Jared Allen in 2025. Allen was a teammate of Peterson, so it is possible he could be joined by him, and allow fans to look back with a smile knowing that while a Super Bowl was never achieved, they know they watched some special players. This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: A Vikings legend will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2027

The San Diego Padres signed outfielder Austin Hays to a Major League contract on Sunday afternoon. After San Diego signed Hays, Stammen almost predicted what would happen later in the game. The Padres manager said, "He's a good right-handed bench bat…one of those guys that, in his career, has hit lefty pitching really well. So he's somebody that we can bring in to pinch-hit against a tough lefty, or someone that we can start against a lefty."A few hours later, Hays was pinch-hit to face left-handed pitcher Bryan King and hit his second home run of the season in his first plate appearance with San Diego, almost exactly as Stammen predicted when explaining the free agent signing. Hays' number was called in the bottom of the eighth inning of Sunday night's game against the Houston Astros. There was a runner on first, and Hays hit a 371 ft. home run to left field to put his new San Diego team up 7-2, making quite the first impression.Hays replaced designated hitter Gavin Sheets. Hays bats right-handed while Sheets hits lefty. Manager Craig Stammen made the substitution call with Houston bringing on southpaw Bryan King in relief. The 31-year-old Hays spent time with the Chicago White Sox earlier this season. He only played in 12 games, making 44 plate appearances. Hays slashed .233/.250/.326 with one home run and seven RBI before suffering a hamstring injury that landed him on the IL.The outfielder dealt with multiple leg injuries and was moved to the 60-day IL. Hays had been nearing a return, but he was designated for assignment on August 5.

Former three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons is the latest free agent looking to make an NBA comeback, as former first-round picks Mario Hezonja and Lonnie Walker IV have returned to the United States and secured NBA contracts.Simmons, an LSU product, experienced plenty of success on the biggest stages with the Philadelphia 76ers, making an All-NBA Third Team and two All-Defensive Teams. At his peak, the Australian guard, once compared to NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, averaged 16.4 points, eight assists, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 0.6 blocks.According to Andscape, Simmons is feeling the "best he's felt in years" and has already received an invite to training-camp from one team. Simmons, who last played for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2024-25 season, is open to signing for the minimum. Having just turned 30, Simmons offers an intriguing low-risk, high-reward option as teams put the finishing touches on their roster before the season tips off in late October.This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Report: Several teams interested in three-time All-Star eyeing NBA comeback

Malawi is headed to the Women's World Cup for the first time ever, clinching the last of four spots guaranteed to African nations thanks to a 2-1 win over Ghana in the Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals.While Malawi and Algeria are set to debut in the competition after WAFCON wins, Nigeria's streak of making every WWC since the tournament began in 1991 is at risk of being snapped.The Indomitable Lionesses fell 1-0 to Cameroon in their quarterfinal in Casablanca with Maéva Nyadjou scoring a first-half goal and Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made nine saves to deny Nigeria a place in the WAFCON semifinals.It is the first time in the competition's history Nigeria won't take one of the semifinal places, but the team is likely more concerned about a perilous situation to reach the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. Earlier in the weekend, Algeria beat the Ivory Coast to book its first place in the Women's World Cup and Morocco held off 2023 qualifiers South Africa.Nigeria must win an Aug. 13 play-in match against South Africa to reach the inter-continental playoff. Once there, the African winners will need to finish in the top two of a six-team group to make it to the final phase, which will consist of a one-off match for a place in Brazil.The Ivory Coast and Ghana meet in the other playoff.Who qualified for the Women's World Cup from Africa?Malawi avoided the doubt of a playoff by rallying for a 2-1 win against Ghana. Kansas City Current star Temwa Chaŵinga scored her fourth goal of the tournament, while Rose Kadzere scored the winner.While Malawi won a group that also included Nigeria and Zambia and is able to deploy Chaŵinga and her sister, Tabitha, it still was a surprise for the Scorchers to top Ghana. Malawi is ranked 153 in FIFA's rankings while Ghana sits 60th. This WAFCON tournament is the first major tournament for which Malawi has qualified.Malawi now meets Algeria in the WAFCON semifinal while Morocco plays Cameroon.The field for the Women's World Cup is taking shape, with the guaranteed places for Africa, Asia, South America and Oceania now filled. Concacaf qualification will take place in late November, with the winners of the W Championship quarterfinals clinching their places in the tournament. European qualification is set to resume in October, though UEFA's threatened boycott of FIFA competitions because of president Gianni Infantino's plan to introduce private investment into the World Cup has produced some doubt about the process and whether teams from Europe will take part.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Malawi secures first Women's World Cup qualification, Nigeria could have first-ever miss

Lakers' $7M historic 3-and-D guard not expected to be waived over Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to get things done this summer to bolster their roster even further. LA has done a nice job of acquiring former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and getting a deal done to bring back Austin Reaves.Now, after all of the additions, the Lakers sit one player above the allowed roster limit. They will have to make a decision before the end of training camp.“There are, however, obvious holes. With 16 roster spots, the Lakers would need to get rid of at least one player, though they can carry as many as 20 through training camp in October," Heavy.com's Sean Deveney wrote.There is a consensus that one of four players could be waived by the organization if no trade is made. Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, and Jarred Vanderbilt are all possible options. However, James appears to be the only safe player of the group as of now.“Bronny is set to make just $2.2 million this season. The Lakers currently have 16 players under guaranteed contracts and will have to trim their roster to 15 before the regular season opener. There is no word of Bronny being on the chopping block. Los Angeles is looking to move on from Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, or Jaden Hardy,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.The Lakers are confident that James will make a significant jump in his third season. In his first NBA game, he made history alongside his father, LeBron James.“When LeBron James made history two seasons ago, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer, his eldest son, Bronny, was sitting courtside along the baseline. On Tuesday night, in the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron and Bronny made history by being on the court together,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote.James has some upside to his game and could become an important bench piece for the Lakers. Obviously, he still has to prove that he is worthy of consistent minutes, but this could be a pivotal year in his career.Bronny is currently on a $7 million rookie deal with LA. The Lakers like the growth he has shown from season to season, and now it will be about how much he has developed heading into his third year.More NBA news:Heat linked to $342M elite shooter, three-time All-Star to pair with Giannis AntetokounmpoLakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for $45M sniper, NBA champion in 3-team blockbusterLakers predicted to part ways with $18M former first-round blunder to end disappointing stintCavaliers predicted to sign $349M former MVP, nine-time All-Star over Jonathan Kuminga

WESTFIELD, INDIANA - JULY 29: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts fixes the shoulder pad of Riley Leonard #15 during the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Grand Park on July 29, 2025 in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images According to head coach Shane Steichen, the Indianapolis Colts will rotate their two primary backup quarterbacks, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard, during the team’s upcoming Thursday night preseason opener on the road against the New England Patriots (via The Athletic’s James Boyd): #Colts HC Shane Steichen said the plan is for QBs Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson Sr. to play in Thursday’s preseason opener against the #Patriots.Daniel Jones will only participate in Tuesday’s joint practice. (I’d be shocked if DJ plays in the preseason.)— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 9, 2026Rather unsurprisingly, Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who’s seemingly shown no signs of his torn Achilles suffered last year so far during team training camp, will not play in the team’s Preseason Week 1 game—especially on newly installed turf that the Patriots field crew is rushing to get down in Gillette Stadium by Thursday night. Both Richardson and Leonard have shown inconsistency so far throughout training camp, with neither quarterback arguably clearly separating from the other competitor for the Colts’ QB2 job behind Jones. That means it could come down to their respective preseason performances, as well as their work behind-the-scenes, which is the key reason why Jones bested out Richardson for the Colts’ QB1 job last year after rather even on-the-field performances throughout last year’s training camp and preseason games. If Richardson doesn’t clearly separate himself through all three facets: training camp, preseason, and off-the-field work, then the default to me, would be Leonard ultimately winning the QB2 job for the Colts going forward. Richardson is a free agent at year-end, and clearly has no intentions of re-signing—having already requested a trade from Indianapolis by his representation earlier this offseason. Meanwhile, Leonard is under team control by the Colts on his rookie contract through the 2028 season. It’s nothing personal from that standpoint, it’s just good business that whatever practice reps are left over from Jones should go to Leonard throughout the season. The backup quarterback that will actually remain in Indianapolis beyond the 2026 campaign—if it’s even that long for Richardson.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, there were many rumors about whether LeBron James would stay with the Los Angeles Lakers or leave and even whether the franchise wanted him back. Of course, the Lakers were ultimately informed hours before the NBA's official start of free agency on June 30 that he was leaving, and he ended up signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in late July.There doesn't seem to be a lot of hard feelings among Lakers fans when it comes to James' departure. One could wonder if the organization could've handled things better to get the future Hall of Famer to stick around on the same type of veteran minimum contract he signed with Philly, but perhaps he simply felt the circumstances in L.A. necessitated him moving on.In an exclusive interview with Heavy Sports, Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal called those circumstances "the business of basketball.“No, it’s what we call the business of basketball,” O’Neal told Heavy on Lakers. “When you get older, and you’re still playing at a high level, you’re still trying to demand high money; sometimes as a franchise you have to say, ‘Do I want to pay this guy this much money for the next two years, or do I wanna go get younger?’ I knew when they brought in Luka Doncic, they were looking to start over.”O'Neal has been there and done that. During the 2003-04 season, he demanded a huge contract extension, but that year, he showed definite signs of decline, and after L.A. lost in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons, he asked for a trade and was sent to the Miami Heat. Kobe Bryant instantly became the team's unquestioned centerpiece, and after a few rough years of rebuilding, it resumed its dynasty and won two more championships for a total of five with Bryant.There is a line of thinking that the Lakers didn't appreciate James enough or show him how much they appreciated him. But once they acquired Luka Doncic in February 2025, many saw the writing on the wall as far as James' future with the team, especially since Doncic was just 25 years of age at the time, and James is now 41.O'Neal feels the Lakers could thrive without James, as some felt his presence complicated matters on offense as a third ball-dominant player alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves.“LeBron was the ultimate ball controller. He always made the right play, but he had to have the ball in his hands most of the time to hit Luka or hit Austin Reaves,” O’Neal admitted. “If they play the Golden State style of basketball, up and down, and the ball is just really moving, I think it could definitely benefit the team … Luka is also a ball controller, but when he has the ball, he’s looking to score, and so is Austin … I think it will be similar.”During the last few years before the acquisition of Doncic, the franchise was in a strange position where it seemed to be straddling the line between wanting to "win now" and maintaining future flexibility to reload once James left. But now, it is firmly living in the present and immediate future.It has assembled the foundation of what could turn into a championship team within a few years. With newcomers such as Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Matisse Thybulle, the Lakers have a roster that is not only younger, more athletic and more well-rounded offensively but also one that makes more sense as far as complementing Doncic.This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Shaquille O'Neal on LeBron leaving: 'The business of basketball'

OXNARD, Calif. — CeeDee Lamb raced down the right sideline, telling himself: I got to win my one-on-one.The task was doable, the Cowboys wide receiver believing in his own skills against any defensive back. But he still needed to catch it.And in the Cowboys’ two-minute period on Sunday, catch the deep pass from Dak Prescott Lamb did. The duo celebrated with a deep breath to reset and their three-years-and-counting handshake.Dak and CeeDee celebrate TD at Cowboys camp https://t.co/F17ubshrOepic.twitter.com/7OA5tJd8OZ— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 9, 2026Across Sunday, they’d connect on two deep passes down the right sideline as well as a slant on third down.“It’s demoralizing for the defense,” Lamb told Yahoo Sports of those plays, also crediting his defensive teammates for their strong plays to start practice. “They were mad, hyped and all that. You know how defensive guys be.“But as for us man, we just got to connect, fight through the fire and air it out.”The Cowboys have luck airing it out in large part because of their top-shelf weapons at receiver. Lamb is entering his seventh season since Dallas selected him 17th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. But the Cowboys’ passing game especially surged last year as Lamb began lining up beside George Pickens, defenses left scratching their heads and trying to ad-lib to defend both No. 1-caliber receivers at the same time.Dak to CeeDee deep (again) pic.twitter.com/9jf9mqan46— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 9, 2026Lamb and Pickens each celebrated the reduction of double and triple coverages they saw when working together.“As a coach, you get kind of set in this mode of like, ‘Here’s the issues you’re going to see’ [but] we’re seeing all sorts of different, weird stuff because people are having to think outside the box,” offensive coordinator Klayton Adams told Yahoo Sports. “These guys, it’s hard to leave them one-on-one.”The Cowboys’ 4,527 passing yards ranked second only to the Los Angeles Rams. Pickens led Cowboys receivers with 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns while Lamb contributed another 1,077 and three touchdowns despite missing three games.Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!“I’d say the two of them did pretty damn good,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jonessaid. “Would you take that again? Hell, yeah, you would. But can they be better? I think they can. And the good news is it's not like we're naked without them.”The Cowboys’ confidence in tight end Jake Ferguson, rising receiver Ryan Flournoy and 1,200-yard running back Javonte Williams helps drive the club’s goals to be the “greatest offense there is” (or GOTI, as they’re using the acronym).Cowboys rookie Caleb Downs denies Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb in end zone 👀 pic.twitter.com/JuIPYLqeeC— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 9, 2026If they come close to resembling that aspiration, they’ll need to consider what to do with Pickens after he plays this season on the $27.3 million franchise tag. The 2026 season will offer necessary data points for that decision. But after the sides did not negotiate toward a long-term deal ahead of the July 15 deadline, it’s worth asking: Is there a ticking clock on Dallas’ offense as constructed?The Cowboys are celebrating their offensive continuity across the offensive line, weapons and, of course, 11th-year Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. But Pickens’ impending contract expiration — and the $94 million a year currently committed to Prescott and Lamb — has left some around the league wondering whether Dallas will have to choose next spring between keeping Lamb or Pickens.Jones insisted paying all three playmakers is possible. But he noted funds will be needed for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and pass-rush production.“Yeah, just you got to tell me the rest [of our spending], too,” Jones told Yahoo Sports on Sunday. “At some point, you’ve got to figure that out. But no, I think it’s realistic.”Lamb hopes it’s not just realistic but also the pending reality. His response to rumors that he doesn’t want to share targets with Pickens?“I don’t have no ego here, I want to win,” Lamb said. “I don’t understand the narrative or X, Y, Z, but it is what it is.”And consider him ready to tell team owner and general manger Jerry Jones to make that happen.“I’m sure we can make a way,” Lamb said. “I know it's going to be a little crazy, but I know we can make a way for this one. “Listen, this is my advocation, @ Jerry, can you please figure out a way? Let’s figure it out. I don’t care what needs to happen.“Let’s figure it out and it’s going to get you a couple more championships.”

Ben Simmons is set to be a full participant without any restrictions at a player-led minicamp for the Australian men’s basketball team this week, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears. Simmons is an Australian native and is working to make the team for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He’s played for the Boomers twice in his career at the 2013 FIBA Men’s Oceania Championships when he was 17, but he missed the next three Olympics. The private minicamp will start on Monday in Melbourne. Simmons, per the report, paid his own way to attend.Simmons, who the Philadelphia 76ers selected with the No. 1 overall pick back in 2016, has struggled in recent years. He last played for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2025, but only appeared in 23 total games and was rather unproductive. He then missed all of last season while recovering from various injuries. At one point, Simmons even said he’d play for the 76ers again for free, given the opportunity. Simmons hasn’t played in more than 60 games in a season since the 2018-19 campaign while battling injuries. According to Simons’ godfather David Patrick, who is both an assistant at Arizona State and for the Australian national team, Simmons has regained his athleticism. It’s unclear if Simmons will make it back into the NBA next season. If he’s truly healthy, some teams could attempt to land him on a minimum deal. A source told Spears that a non-guaranteed offer for minicamp with a Western Conference team is on the table, too. But before then, this minicamp in Melbourne is the first step to a potential NBA comeback.

Jeremias James was born and raised in Trelew in Patagonia [Jeremias James]There has been a small slice of Wales in Argentina for more than 150 years. About 160 Welsh emigrants sailed to Patagonia in 1865 to create a new settlement, 'Y Wladfa', where their language, culture and religion could flourish free from English influence and dominance. The language is still actively spoken there, while more than 50,000 Patagonians can claim Welsh ancestry.One of those is Jeremias James. James was born and raised in Trelew, a city founded in 1886 by Welsh settlers in the Chubut province. Its name translates from Welsh to "Town of Lewis" in honour of its founder, Lewis Jones."I'm part of a Welsh family, a Welsh colony that settled in southern Argentina, specifically in Chubut," James told BBC Sport Wales. "Five generations of my family were born in Trelew, and I'm part of the the fifth generation."Over the years my family settled in Chubut and that's where my story, my family, and all my descendants come from." James in action for his current club Magallanes in Chile [Jeremias James]After the first journey across the Atlantic Ocean to Patagonia in 1865, more followed over the next few years.Many Welsh immigrants in 19th-century North America later joined the South American settlement to help sustain the Welsh-speaking community.After the initial settlement in the Chubut Valley proved difficult, additional groups arrived not only from Wales, but also from established Welsh farming communities in the USA."Looking into my family's history the first member to travel to Patagonia was William James on a ship from the United States," added Jeremias."David Stephen James was the first member of the family born in Argentina, and that would be my great-great-grandfather."Then came my great-grandfather, my grandfather, my father, and me. All born in Trelew."The land in Chubut was granted to Welsh settlers, and my family still live there today. That land belongs to us."Children are taught in both Welsh and Spanish at Ysgol yr Hendre in Trelew [BBC Sport]Beyond his Welsh heritage, James has a powerful personal story.At the age of nine he was diagnosed with leukemia and had to move to Buenos Aires for treatment."I was on that treatment for about a year or two until I returned to Trelew, discharged, and gradually resumed my normal life," he said.After recovering he played for youth teams in Chubut before being scouted by San Lorenzo's academy, one of Argentine football's biggest clubs who are based in Buenos Aires.After making his debut for San Lorenzo in Argentina's Primera Division in 2022, he spent time on loan at Barracas Central, Deportivo Riestra and Alvarado, all based in his home country.The 25-year-old currently plays for Primera B side Magallanes in Chile, joining them on a permanent basis earlier this year after a successful loan spell. Playing for Wales an option? Even though his family have strong Welsh roots, it is unlikely James will ever be able to play for Wales. FIFA rules dictate that a player's biological parents or grandparents must have been born in the country they wish to represent.But even though the current footballing eligibility rules do not work in James' favour, he is eager to find out more about his heritage."I was born and raised in Argentina, but obviously I've always been aware of my connection to Wales," said James. "As you progress and develop in this sport, you always consider the possibility of playing for a national team you have family connections with. "First of all I would love to visit the country. I haven't had the chance to travel to Wales, and it's something I'd really like to experience to find out more about my roots and where my family comes from. "It's a dream of mine, and one that I'll surely be able to fulfil someday. "But of course if the opportunity arises to play in that country, whether for the national team or for a club, it would be something truly very special for me."James joined Magallanes in a permanent deal from Argentinian side San Lorenzo [Jeremias James]A left-footed, ball-playing central defender, James is also strong in the air. He has been a regular in the Magllanes team this season as they aim to win promotion back to the top flight in Chile."I've always been a central defender, and I've always enjoyed playing there," James explained."I see my strengths as being a good leader on the pitch and my aerial play. "We've been lucky in Argentina over the past few years that we've had a very good national team and great defenders. "I've always admired players like Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi. I've followed their careers closely and tried to emulate what they do on the pitch." It does not seem likely James will be able to play on the international stage like his heroes. But rules can change in football, and if that ever happens, it would certainly be welcomed by the Chubut community in Patagonia.

Russell Westbrook is going with the flow with his NBA future as a free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Russell Westbrook has played 18 seasons in the NBA across all kinds of teams. After a decade as the Oklahoma City Thunder's standout point guard, he started his journey around the league. His latest stint was with the Sacramento Kings in the 2025-26 season, but that has not led to a contract for the 2026-27 campaign.At 37, it can be hard to invest in Westbrook. He did show that he was still a positive contributor during the past year with the Kings. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while providing reliable veteran leadership in the locker room.Russell Westbrook is ready to keep playing in the NBADespite his age, it seems Westbrook is committed to playing in the NBA. He still has plenty of peers in the NBA, with Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry still playing at a high level. He might not be the star anymore, but Westbrook is ready to help a team succeed.Considering he does not have a championship on his resume just yet, he wants to win one before he hangs up his sneakers. Westbrook can be a useful player for any team in the league, but it might be tough because he has a bad reputation with some coaches and front offices.MORE: Dillon Brooks reveals that Russell Westbrook's play style is unappealing to NBA coachesThe Kings could bring him back, especially as a mentor to young guard Darius Acuff Jr. It will be a positive for him to be around younger players because they will learn from a former league MVP. However, Westbrook might prefer a move to a team that can win a title."I don’t think about it honestly. I love playing basketball, and if it happens, it works, and that’s my plan," Westbrook said to CNN about his plans for his NBA future.It will be challenging for Westbrook to convince teams to sign him. However, his stint with the Kings could benefit him. There are teams that would want reinforcements in the backcourt, and Westbrook could be the key to unlocking a team's potential with his energy and playmaking.More NBA news:How the Domantas Sabonis trade away from Sacramento almost happenedDarius Acuff Jr. gets rave reviews from former point guard superstarThe reason why DeMar DeRozan got waived by the Sacramento KingsHow Russell Westbrook's decision away from basketball could lead to his career after the NBAWhy the Kings are seen as the biggest loser of the 2026 NBA Finals

Lakers legend admits attempting to recruit $298M generational shooter to pair with Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.It is no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers have been in full-blown pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga for the last two months, but the entire process has gone absolutely nowhere. It has been frustrating for the Lakers, but for various reasons, getting a deal done has not worked out.Kuminga has been LA’s top priority throughout the summer. However, the Lakers are now being urged to shift their focus toward Klay Thompson.“Obviously, anything can change during the NBA offseason, as Kuminga could have a change of heart or decide Los Angeles is the best situation for him, but it seems like it is time for the storied franchise to move on. Perhaps the Lakers should focus on trading for Klay Thompson or P.J. Washington, both of whom have experience playing with Doncic," SI's Ryan Ward wrote.Over the summer, it has been unclear whether Thompson will be traded or bought out by the Dallas Mavericks. It has been reported that the four-time NBA champion is open to landing in Los Angeles.“My understanding is that Thompson would welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home. The Miami Heat are another team frequently mentioned in NBA circles as a potential landing spot for the future Hall of Famer," The Athletic's Christian Clark wrote.Thompson's father, Mychal Thompson, is a Lakers legend who won two championships with Los Angeles. Fans have been asking him about getting his son to join the Lakers through a buyout or trade, and his response made it very clear that he is trying to talk his son into it.“I’m TRYING,” Thompson posted.There is no doubt that Mychal would love to see Klay wear the purple and gold, but the decision will ultimately be in the Mavericks' hands unless a buyout happens. However, nothing is going to stop him from recruiting his son to the organization where he enjoyed championship success during his own career.Klay has made $298 million in contracts throughout his career. The four-time NBA champion is a lethal shooter, and a generational one at that. It would be a special homecoming for Klay to join the organization he spent his childhood watching while his biggest hero played for the Lakers.More NBA news:Lakers' $7M historic 3-and-D guard not expected to be waived over Dalton Knecht, Jarred VanderbiltHeat linked to $342M elite shooter, three-time All-Star to pair with Giannis AntetokounmpoLakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for $45M sniper, NBA champion in 3-team blockbusterLakers predicted to part ways with $18M former first-round blunder to end disappointing stint

The Cincinnati Reds just got swept by a Washington Nationals club that was behind them on the periphery of the National League Wild Card standings at the outset of the series. It’s a Nats club that just spent the last two weeks selling off pieces of importance to other clubs as they prepped for the future, a club with clearly more intent on both short and long term determination to be comfortable in their own dealings than the Reds.Cincinnati is now 5 games under .500, again. They are back in last place in the NL Central and 6.0 games out of the final Wild Card spot, again with 6 teams they’d need to leapfrog to get there with a miracle. And they are devoid of Hunter Greene, again, as he’s now out for the rest of 2026 (and likely all of 2027, too).With any last ditch effort at postseason ball now completely in the crapper, here’s what Cincinnati Reds fans have to look forward to for the rest of the season.Chase Burns hitting an innings limit and being shut downThe brightest of bright spots on the 2026 club has been Chase Burns, who has emerged fully as a legitimate ace and signed a long-term contract to be part of the club for a long, long time.He’s going to hit an innings limit quite soon, though. And when he does, he’ll either be shifted to a sparingly-used reliever or shut down altogether. Cool!Zero top pitching prospects being called upThe Cincinnati Reds have no top pitching prospects, and certainly don’t have any in the upper minors who are knocking on the door to get late-season cameos.So, don’t look forward to that!Zero top hitting prospects being called-upWe’ve gotten Hector Rodriguez to the roster in the wake of Nathaniel Lowe being dealt away at the deadline, and that’s cool. He’ll hopefully play a whole lot more than Noelvi Marte and TJ Friedl for the remainder of the season, but you never know.Edwin Arroyo and his .568 OPS will likely be back in September, but will he get a shot to play at all as the club continues to evaluate Matt McLain’s status for the fifth consecutive season?Alfredo Duno is still at least a year away, and that’s all the Reds have atop their system at the moment. Peaks and valleys, amirite?!Nick Krall crossing his fingers, arms, toes, legs, and eyes that Ke’Bryan Hayes figures out how to hit a lickKrall made one of the most egregious mistakes in recent memory in taking Ke’Bryan Hayes (and the $36 million owed to him) off the ledger of the Pittsburgh Pirates a year ago, and the Reds still seem hell bent on letting him get as many PA as he can to show he’s a better hitter than literally any other professional baseball player on the planet even though he is not.As they do their damnedest to prove that he’s not a sunk cost, expect to see Hayes in the lineup and at 3B more often than you’d like to smell your shoes for the rest of 2026.Whether Christian Encarnacion-Strand will sock more homers for Baltimore than Hayes will for CincinnatiCES already has 3 dingers and a 118 OPS+ for the O’s in just 16 games since being promoted to play 3B for them. Hayes, meanwhile, has somehow tripped into 4 dongs for the Reds over the course of his 2026 season.Who ends up with more for their respective club while manning the hot corner?Sal Stewart getting to a hundred arby-eyesSal Stewart is cool as hell on the baseball field and I love him for it. Hopefully he socks 35 dingers and drives in 120 runs and we all get to re-learn just what it’s like to have a certain sect of baseball fans talk about arby-eyes once more. Don’t you miss the days of that discourse?Whether ownership decides to do something, anything to alter the miserable direction of the franchiseOh, will we be watching ever so intently!

Hezly Rivera competes in the women's balance beam during the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)2026-08-10T00:07:31Z PHOENIX (AP) — Hezly Rivera listened more than she talked two summers ago in Paris when she was the “wait, who?” member of the star-laden U.S. women’s Olympic gymnastics team.Those days are over. Long over.The wide-eyed newcomer is gone, replaced by a poised and professional 18-year-old who is embracing her role as the leader of the sport’s next wave as the 2028 Olympics approach.The proof was on display during the final round of the U.S. gymnastics championships on Sunday, when Rivera — still not quite 100% while recovering from a hamstring injury sustained at the Pan Am Games in June — won her second straight national title with a poised and polished performance that solidified her status as the current face of a women’s program two years out from the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.Rivera’s two-day total of 111.950 was more than a point clear of runner-up Claire Pease, making Rivera the first American woman not named Simone Biles to go back-to-back since former world and Olympic champion Jordyn Wieber did it in 2011 and 2012. Heady company to be sure, but company in which Rivera increasingly feels like she belongs. It might not have seemed like it in the summer of 2024 when she ceded the spotlight to her more accomplished teammates, but the relentlessly upbeat Texan has no problem admitting these days she wants to lead from the front.“I am comfortable with it,” she said. “And I just love kind of being a leader in a way.” Anna Liukin, who coaches Rivera alongside her husband Valeri, called Rivera “motherly.” Rivera laughed when the description was passed along because well, it’s strange to hear as a teenager. Yet in many ways, it’s applicable. Read More Lee and Jade Carey helped Rivera navigate her way through the sport’s biggest stage and come out with a gold medal on the other side. She feels it’s her duty to do the same to the generation of gymnasts just starting to find their way as the lure of a potentially life-changing hometown Games in Los Angeles looms.“I think it’s just really important to give pep talks because when you’re young, you’re still learning a lot,” she said. “So I just think it’s good to get positive vibes.” Even if producing them takes a little practice. Rivera relied on that practice Thursday when a fall on uneven bars — perhaps her strongest event — sent her tumbling down the leaderboard. She shook the miscue off and found herself in fourth heading into Sunday.A comeback still seemed somewhat unlikely when Rivera began Sunday with a gritty bars set that included her fighting through a mini-stall just before her dismount and ended with her and giving Valeri Liukin a “what are you gonna do?” shrug after a dismount that included a small step.Yet twenty minutes later, it was long forgotten during a graceful balance beam routine that brought her to within striking distance of the lead.“It took a few years to learn that, but I’m at a point now where it’s just like there already,” she said. “I don’t really have to think about it too much.”Her black-and-white bedazzled leotard glittering under the lights, Rivera put on a performance that made her look every bit the star she has become.Rivera never glanced at the scoreboard to mark her progress, too intent on trying to stay warm and focused during sometimes lengthy delays. If she was bothered, it didn’t show. Every time she saluted the judges, Rivera was all business. Now she heads into the fall hoping to make her first world championship team. Rivera was practically a lock last year before rolling her ankle during selection camp, something Liukin called “heartbreaking.”Provided she can stay healthy, Rivera is eager to make up for lost time in the first major international team meet since Paris. Yes, her hamstring still isn’t quite there, but she found her way to the top of the podium anyway.“I think it just shows how strong I am mentally,” she said. “Because physically everything’s there. But the mental aspect of things is definitely where it’s at. You can’t really do this without having a strong mentality.”Pease and fellow first-day co-leader Skye Blakely couldn’t quite keep up. Pease led with two rotations to go, but her floor routine included one tumbling pass that ended with her stepping out of bounds and another in which she opted to keep her right foot hovering above the floor rather than set it down for a penalty. Still, Pease’s second-place finish was a marked improvement from a year ago, when she came to nationals fresh off a victory at U.S. Classic and stumbled to 10th. This time around, she finds herself in a solid position to join good friend and teammate Rivera in the Netherlands.Blakely’s bid to build off a promising opening night stalled quickly. She sat at the end of her first tumbling pass and bounced out of bounds on her final one, her score of 11.900 dropping her from contention for the top of the podium on her way to a seventh-place finish. The 21-year-old called it “irritating” but stressed she’s pleased with her progress in her first elite meet competing the all-around since 2024.Charleigh Bullock, who turned 16 last month, was third. Reese Esponda, who trains at the Houston-area gym owned by Biles’ family, was fourth. Carey, who is methodically building difficulty into her routines as she eyes a third trip to the Games, won the vault title and finished fifth in the all-around in a meet that doubled as a homecoming for the Phoenix native. The two-time Olympic gold medalist also marveled at Rivera’s growth both on and off the floor since that memorable trip to Paris.“I think Hezly did a fantastic job tonight and kind of rebounding from night one and just proving to herself and everybody else that that was just a little fluke and she’s capable of so much,” Carey said. “Back-to-back national champion is something that she should be really proud of.”___AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports WILL GRAVES Graves is a national writer for The Associated Press, based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NFL, MLB, NHL, the Olympics and major college sports. twitter facebook mailto 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site