Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto Di Zerbi believes his side “didn’t fight in the right way” in their 3-0 loss to Brentford in the opening match of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

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Clemson football has suspended defensive tackle Vic Burley after his arrest, coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement Aug. 22.

Swinney said Burley was arrested by the Clemson University Police Department on a disorderly conduct charge.

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“Earlier today, I was made aware of defensive tackle Vic Burley’s arrest by the Clemson University Police Department for disorderly conduct early Saturday morning,” Swinney said in a statement. “I have made the decision to suspend Vic from our football team indefinitely. We are extremely disappointed by his actions and decisions.”

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football DT Vic Burley suspended after arrest

Two of boxing’s biggest — and most unpredictable — personalities will meet in the ring on Saturday when Rolando “Rolly” Romero defends his WBA welterweight championship against Teofimo Lopez Jr.

Romero is something of an unexpected world champion, though he’s accomplished the feat twice over in his career. Always a popular fighter based on his big personality and strong social media presence, Romero has never displayed elite boxing skills, instead relying on an offense-first style and solid power.

In 2022, Romero received his first opportunity to break through to the top of the sport, but he was brutally stopped in the sixth round by Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

In his next fight after losing to Davis, Romero won his first world championship, picking up a ninth-round TKO win over Ismael Barroso to capture the vacant WBA junior welterweight championship. That win was heavily tainted by the fact that Romero was getting thoroughly outclassed by Barroso, a late replacement in the fight, when the referee jumped in for a clear early stoppage nearly the second Romero had gathered any momentum.

Romero dropped the title in his next outing, getting stopped by Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. Two fights later, Romero again found himself playing the “b-side” to a bigger name fighter when he took on Ryan Garcia in New York’s Times Square.

Teofimo Lopez Jr. looks to bounce back from disastrous loss when he faces Rolly Romero for welterweight title

Brian Campbell

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Garcia fought the worst fight of his life, turning in a lifeless performance that allowed Romero to win the “regular” WBA welterweight title, and was subsequently elevated to full champion when Jaron Ennis vacated his belt to move up in weight.

Now, Romero faces Lopez, a fighter who has always been viewed as a man with elite talent but a lacking mental game, almost the inverse of Romero.

Lopez won the first 16 fights of his career, a run that culminated in a win over Richard Commey to claim the IBF lightweight championship and Vasiliy Lomachenko to add the WBA and WBO titles.

Just as it seemed Lopez was poised to take over the sport, he suffered a devastating setback when he dropped a split decision to massive underdog George Kambosos Jr. Lopez was knocked down by Kambosos and clearly lost the fight, making the one card scored his way an oddity that seemed to convince Lopez boxing’s elites had conspired against the bigger name fighter with the bigger fanbase and the bigger promoter in favor of a fighter largely unknown in the sport.

As Lopez performed a backflip after the Kambosos loss, it confirmed to many that mental issues Lopez had displayed throughout his career — along with a seemingly unhealthy attachment to his father serving as his trainer — may hold him back from his true potential.

Lopez rebounded with six wins of varying quality, including struggles against Sandor Martín and Jamaine Ortiz, and a few impressive wins, including over Josh Taylor to capture the WBO junior welterweight title.

That run brought Lopez to his most recent fight, where he was badly outclassed by Shakur Stevenson over 12 rounds. Lopez was nearly shut out that night, losing 119-109 on all three official scorecards.

Against Stevenson, Teofimo Lopez Sr. offered little constructive advice in the corner, something that Lopez Jr. has taken issue with in the months since the loss, continuing their tumultuous relationship.

“I’m fighting a big puncher at 147 and going up to that weight for the first time,” Lopez said at a recent media workout. “We’re taking a risk, because it’s no risk, no reward. I’m just focusing on my objectives so I can come out victorious.

“Every fight at 147 will be my biggest fight. I won’t say they’ll all be the most challenging. The best man will end up on top. Right now I’m only focused on Rolly Romero.”

Elsewhere on the card, rising middleweight prospect Yoenli Hernandez is back to take on Francisco Daniel Veron. The 29-year-old from Cuba has looked like the real deal since making his pro debut in 2022. He’s amassed a 10-0 record with nine knockouts to his name. He picked up his biggest win to date against Terrell Gausha in a fourth-round knockout.

“I’m the best middleweight in the world right now,” Hernandez said at a recent media workout. “My hunger for glory, my desire to be champion and win every title — that’s something I don’t see in the rest of the division. Everyone seems to arrive, get the title, and settle. Not me. I’m coming to get the title, keep it, and fight the best. Lately, nobody in my weight class wants to face the best.”

Also on Saturday, Gary Antonio Russell makes his return to the ring when he takes on Victor Santillan at junior featherweight. Russell, one of the five fighting brothers, holds a 21-1 record as a pro. However, he has just two fights since 2024 as he looks to build toward a title shot.

Let’s take a closer look at the rest of the undercard for Saturday night in Las Vegas with the latest odds from DraftKings before getting to a prediction and expert pick on the main event below.

Romero vs. Lopez fight card, odds

• Teofimo Lopez Jr. -300 vs. Rolando Romero (c) +230, WBA welterweight title
• Yoenli Hernandez -1400 vs. Francisco Daniel Veron +750, middleweights
• Gary Antonio Russell -180 vs. Victor Santillan +140, junior featherweights
• Carlos Utria -1600 vs. Israel Mercado +750, junior welterweights
• Marco Romero -5000 vs. Kahlil Mitchell +1300, middleweights
• Benjamin Johnson vs. Jose Gabriel Rodriguez, welterweights
• Joseph Brown -5000 vs. Alton Wiggins +1300, junior middleweights
• Aldo Blancas -5000 vs. Ricky Mamone +1300, junior welterweights

Where to watch Romero vs. Lopez 

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 22 | Start time: 8 p.m. ET (Main card) (Main event ring walks expected around 11 p.m. ET)
• Location: T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas
• TV Channel/Stream: DAZN PPV | Price: $79.99

Prediction

Lopez is the better fighter. He’s the man with more natural gifts. He’s the fighter with more technical skills. However, Lopez is also a fighter with some obvious flaws. He’s shown mental weakness and a tendency to get flustered the second things aren’t coming easily in the ring. Lopez has also had extreme trouble with fighters who use movement and don’t choose to engage. Sandor Martín took that approach in a fight where he likely deserved the decision, and that left Lopez asking “Do I still got it?” after the final bell.

The problem for Romero is that he is very unlikely to be a fighter who is going to take a Martin-esque approach to fighting Lopez. Romero has a strong mental game, and that’s a good tool against someone like Lopez, but he doesn’t have the style to further fluster and beat Lopez unless he turns in a career-best performance.

Romero beat Garcia because Garcia simply didn’t show up that night in New York City. Garcia didn’t engage and he didn’t throw punches, making for an easy night for Romero. Lopez isn’t likely to turn in a dud on that level, and all things being equal, it should be a fairly easy win for Lopez. Whether or not Lopez can score his first stoppage win since 2022 is a more intriguing question. Pick: Teofimo Lopez via UD

Who wins Romero vs. Lopez, and how exactly does the fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks and analysis from the incomparable expert who is up over $2,500 on his combat sports picks last year, and find out.

Farm Fresh Foxies’ Ara Galang during a game vs Capital1 Solar Spikers in the 2026 PVL on Tour in Victorias City. –PVL PHOTO

VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental —Negros Occidental has always held a special place in Ara Galang’s heart.

A decade ago, when La Salle used to play in the UniGames in Bacolod, Galang was a crowd favorite in the province.

Fast forward to the present, Galang continues to receive plenty of love from the Ilonggos, from the meet-and-greet to Farm Fresh’s final PVL on Tour game Saturday at Victorias City Coliseum here.

“I really miss playing in college, especially here at Unigames, so I miss this kind of crowd. It’s really nice to have so many people supporting the Farm Fresh team and me. I’m very thankful,” said Galang in Filipino after Farm Fresh’s capped its come-from-behind 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-12, 15-10 win over Capital1.

Galang made sure to reward that fan support, making the most of her opportunity off the bench.

Farm Fresh coach Koji Tsuzurabara, Ces Molina, and Ara Galang after ending the #PVLOnTour with a win. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/4FCBcb1mZS

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 22, 2026

The veteran wing spiker helped spark Farm Fresh’s strong fourth set before finishing with 14 points on eight spikes, three blocks and three aces. She also had eight digs.

“I think it’s really about having the confidence and being ready whenever I’m called. I have to be ready to step up whenever the team needs me. I’ll just keep doing my best to contribute something positive to the team,” said Galang.

Farm Fresh finished its preseason winning two of its three matches.

With the Invitationals just around the corner, Galang vows to stay ready to help the Foxies as they face defending champion PLDT, the Jaja Santiago-led Creamline, Nxled, Thailand’s EST Cola and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

“It’s another challenge and another game for us. With international teams, the competition will definitely be different. We just have to give our best every time and continue working together as a team,” said Galang.

Shakur Stevenson considers Oleksandr Usyk to be one of the most “skilful” heavyweights of all time, only to come off second best in a compelling fantasy showdown.

The 39-year-old seems on the verge of retirement but, even now, is widely regarded as the top dog and most accomplished fighter of his division.

Having already cemented his Hall of Fame status, the Ukrainian is a two-division undisputed king and has firmly established himself as the greatest heavyweight of this era.

In particular, his two respective victories over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua offer a fair reflection of Usyk’s heavyweight success, while a pair of stoppages against Daniel Dubois only enhance his legacy.

It could be argued, however, that Usyk, despite remaining unbeaten and completing every available challenge, has not been afforded the level of opposition that Muhammad Ali, for instance, was used to facing on a consistent basis.

‘The Greatest’ did, after all, amass victories over future Hall of Famers such as Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sonny Liston and Ken Norton.

Even his 1977 points victory over Earnie Shavers, who never held a world title but was one of the all-time hardest punchers, should be considered a phenomenal achievement.

Stevenson has therefore told Daily Mail Boxing that he favours a prime Ali against Usyk, who, while an elite technician, would be the first to admit that he is not quite on the American icon’s level.

“That’s the hardest fight [to call], just because they’re both so skilful. But, for me, I gotta go Ali.”

Coming off a subpar performance against Rico Verhoeven, who he nonetheless stopped in round 11, Usyk is now plotting his final fight before sailing into the sunset.

The Vikings are expecting good things from the front five in 2026. Some of that is due to health, some of that is due to the coaching change, and some of that is due to what appears to be a firmer commitment to the running game.

Part of the effort to beef up the o-line involved welcoming a newcomer into the mix.

The Vikings have announced that interior o-lineman Joshua Gray has been signed: “The #Vikings have signed G Joshua Gray and released DL Eric Johnson II.” Removing Johnson from the mix means losing a veteran DT; the timing is at least somewhat fortuitous for him since he has runway to find a job with a team looking for added muscle on the defensive side of the trench battle.

What does Mr. Gray bring to the table? Is he being brought aboard as insurance for some Blake Brandel inconsistency?

The Vikings Welcome a New Large Lad to MIN

In all likelihood, the recent add is a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option rather than a true contender to start in Week 1.

Indeed, if there is going to be an in-house pivot at C1, then Michael Jurgens is the name to know. He gets praise for being a smart, hard-working player. Where he loses is in his lack of anchor against power. Think Garrett Bradbury but not the same athlete and not on the same level overall.

Jurgens, at least, could offer predictably sturdy snapping and what would probably be below average blocking. Is that better than the current outlook?

Consider just a quick thought on Gray from Alec Lewis of The Athletic: “The Vikings are signing C/G Joshua Gray, per sources. Adds more depth on the interior. Most recently been with the Panthers. Was on the Falcons’ PS last year. Smaller frame but can really move off the ball.”

Brandel brings much to the table. The do-it-all player has been around for the entire O’Connell era (he got added in the same draft as Justin Jefferson; debates have raged since about who is better). As a result of being in Minnesota so long, he’s very well-equipped to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, which is a very important task.

So, too, is he a pretty good athlete. In fact, he gets into green grass well on screens and can climb to the second level to dance with linebackers. Nobody should expect the second coming of Jason Kelce out there but Brandel is a player with good size, movement abilities, and a great understanding of the game.

Where he creates uncertainty is in his ability to snap. Or, perhaps, an inability to snap. Only a single bad snap every few games can be enough to be a major problem where the margin for error is ultra thin.

For whatever it’s worth, note that rookie lineman Caleb Tiernan is described as being week-to-week with an ankle injury from the Giants preseason game. That reality doesn’t necessarily impact Brandel but the overall depth has been depleted some. Gray’s arrival can help with Tiernan missing time, at minimum.

Take a listen to what Kevin O’Connell had to say:

As things stand, the backup guard spot(s) is a battle. Walter Rouse looks like a contender to be that swing guard. Maybe Henry Byrd could get tossed into the mix. If healthy, Tiernan could look to move inside in the same way that Ezra Cleveland transitioned from college OT to NFL OG. He’d need to ensure he gets low since he’s tall like an OT — close to 6’8″ — but there’s potential for him to be very good.

Joshua Gray will be looking to show that he is part of the collective solution for the Vikings’ OL. Getting added so late doesn’t leave him with a ton of time to make an impression but he’ll be looking to prove he belongs. He can do so through physical, competitive play while also boasting positional versatility.

Gray is 26.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Strong Group-Pilipinas after a game in the 2026 Williams Jones Cup in Taiwan. –SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Strong Group-Pilipinas may have missed out on the 2026 William Jones Cup title, but the overwhelming support from Filipino and Taiwanese fans made the team feel like champions anyway.

The Philippine side finished with a 5-1 record in the group stage but was unable to advance to the semifinals because of the tournament’s new format.

After all the backlash and an apology from the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA), Strong Group-Pilipinas ended up fifth after escaping Jordan, 96-91, on Friday.

Despite the circumstances, SGA chairman Frank Lao said he was more than proud of the squad for representing the country in the annual tournament.

“We may not have won the three-peat due to ‘circumstances’ we did not foresee, but the outpouring of support we received from both the Filipino and Taiwanese fans was more than enough for us. In the eyes of many, this team are the real champions, and that means a lot to us,” Lao said.

“Maraming salamat to everyone who stood by Strong Group throughout the past three years. Now, it’s time for us to reassess our program, learn from this experience, and make it stronger moving forward.”

Strong Group-Pilipinas campaign marked the end of its Jones Cup three-peat bid after winning the tournament in the past two years.

Britain’s Josh Tarling finished third in the opening stage of the Vuelta a Espana – just eight days after his brother Finlay lost his life in a crash.

The 22-year-old Netcompany Ineos rider decided himself to take part in the three-week Grand Tour and was rewarded with a strong performance on a tight and technical course around the principality of Monaco.

Fin, 19, died in a high-speed collision with a van which had strayed on to the road during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal last Friday.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider Tadej Pogacar, the overwhelming favourite for overall victory, won the stage by just nine hundredths of a second from another Briton, Ethan Hayter of Soudal-Quick Step.

Tarling was just four seconds down on Pogacar.

More to follow.

The NFL never shies away from loading up the opening week with must-see matchups, and the Week 1 NFL schedule is no different. From divisional battles like Chiefs vs. Broncos (+2.5) and Cowboys vs. Giants (+2.5) to Aaron Rodgers’ last ride in Steelers vs. Falcons (+3), you have a bevy of intriguing options to place Week 1 NFL bets on. Meanwhile, Dolphins vs. Raiders is a matchup that may not garner as much interest as the aforementioned, but it still carries intrigue for Week 1 NFL picks as the only opening game guaranteed to have two new starters under center. Bet NFL games at DraftKings. Claim their new user offer here:

Miami’s Malik Willis is expected to duel with Kirk Cousins, while No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza is expected to begin the 2026 NFL season as the backup. Vegas is a 3.5-point favorite, per the latest Week 1 NFL odds, as it’s one of a dozen games with an NFL spread under 4 points. All of the updated Week 1 NFL lines are listed below, and SportsLine’s advanced computer model has all the NFL betting advice and NFL predictions you need to make the best Week 1 NFL picks now.

The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters the 2026 NFL season on a 53-37 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2024. Anybody following its NFL betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.

Now, it has turned its attention to the latest Week 1 NFL odds and NFL betting lines and locked in betting picks for every NFL matchup. Head here to see every pick. 

Top Week 1 NFL predictions

We can tell you one of the model’s strongest Week 1 NFL picks is that the Jaguars (-7.5, 40.5) cover at home versus Cleveland in a Sunday 1 p.m. ET kickoff. The model has the Jags prevailing versus the spread well over 50% of the time, continuing the success they had last year with a league-best 12-5 ATS mark in the regular season. Jacksonville was even more proficient versus the line at home, covering in 78% of games, also the best record in the NFL, while Cleveland was 2-6 ATS on the road, which was the second-worst mark in the NFL. The Jags will have a big QB edge in this matchup, no matter who’s under center for Cleveland, as Trevor Lawrence is forecasted for over 200 yards and a pair of scores versus a defense which no longer has Myles Garrett. In addition to Jacksonville covering, SportsLine’s model also has the Over hitting in 64% of simulations. See which other teams to pick here.

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Another one of its Week 1 NFL predictions: the Eagles (-4.5, 47.5) cover versus the Commanders on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET. Philadelphia has won eight of its last nine versus Washington in games that Jalen Hurts has started and finished. His presence is a big reason for that success as he has 22 total touchdowns versus just two interceptions over those nine starts. He should have continued production versus Washington’s defense which ranked dead last in yards allowed last year and is in transition, with up to eight new starters and moving from a 4-3 base to a 3-4. Add in that Jayden Daniels may use his legs less to avoid the injuries he suffered in 2025, and Philly is forecasted to cover the spread in nearly 60% of simulations in an A-rated pick. See which other teams to pick here.

How to make Week 1 NFL picks

The model has also made the call on who wins and covers in every other game on the Week 1 NFL schedule and just revealed multiple underdogs that outright win, potentially giving you a huge payday. You can only get every pick for every game at SportsLine.

So what Week 1 NFL picks can you make with confidence, and which underdogs should you lock in now? Check out the latest NFL odds below, then visit SportsLine to see which teams win and cover the spread, all from a proven computer model that has returned well over $7,000, and find out.

Week 1 NFL betting odds, lines, live spreads, scores

Get Week 1 NFL picks at SportsLine

In the sports world, rolling out an over/under is synonymous with gambling. As Austin Powers once said, this sort of thing ain’t my bag, baby. No gambling guesses being made here.

Nevertheless, consider over/under a helpful way of framing some Vikings statistical guesses. Doing some predictions here is based on what was seen at the Vikings v. Ravens joint practices. Consider the five guesses below. Scroll through to see if you agree.

Vikings Statistics — 5 Over/Under Guesses

Vikings Statistic No. 1 — Blake Cashman’s Sacks at 5.5

After the debut Ravens joint practice, I wrote on VT that Mr. Cashman was a heat-seeking missile. On social media, Alec Lewis (The Athletic) offered a quick word on Cashman, writing, “For some reason, Blake Cashman tends to fly under the radar. But just thinking about camp and reviewing the notes from Vikings joint practices with the Ravens, the LB was and has been just exceptional.” Cashman sets a new career high with 6 sacks.

Over/Under Prediction: OVER

Vikings Statistic No. 2 — Dallas Turner at 11.5 Sacks

Surpassing 12 sacks is tough. Last year, Dallas Turner led the Vikings with 8 sacks, so bumping him up by a mere 4 appears quite plausible to lots of people. Many foresee a third-year breakout and greater opportunity due to the departure of Jonathan Greenard. I think he does well and generates pressure aplenty, but put me at 10 sacks instead of 12+.

Over/Under Prediction: UNDER

Vikings Statistic No. 3 — James Pierre at 2.5 INTs

He’s super long and boasts some snarl. He even stole a pass out of the sky from Lamar Jackson, who is his cousin. James Pierre has 4 INTs in his career but is in a good position for a nice workload and within a defense that’s going to generate pressure. Put me at 2 INTs despite being optimistic about what he’s going to offer.

Over/Under Prediction: UNDER

Vikings Statistic No. 4 — Jordan Mason at 999.5 Rushing Yards

Picture a play where the Vikings put Justin Jefferson on the right side, prompting the defense to put its best corner over there while tasking the free safety with stepping in the WR1’s direction. The ball is snapped and Jordan Mason takes a run to the left side. Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson absolutely maul their man/men. Josh Oliver sends a defender into orbit. Jauan Jennings bullies a corner into the sideline and Max Bredeson wallops a veteran safety. Can Jordan Mason then gallop for yards?

Over/Under Prediction: OVER

Vikings Statistic No. 5 — Justin Jefferson at 99.5 Catches

Kyler Murray is still figuring out the chemistry component of things. There are then concerns about health, or lack thereof. Will the QB1 spot be sturdy enough to get Justin Jefferson to where Justin Jefferson should be? I think he’s sitting at 100 catches, 1,500 yards, and 8 touchdowns by the end of the season.

Over/Under Prediction: OVER

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.