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Patrick Mahomes participates in Chiefs OTAs, targets Week 1 ACL return

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The Kansas City Chiefs’ decade-long run of playoff appearances came to an abrupt end in Week 15 last season after they came up short at Arrowhead Stadium in a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained a season-ending ACL injury when he scrambled to try and pick up some yards in the game’s final minutes.

At the time, the Chiefs said Mahomes would “begin his rehab process immediately.” On Thursday, the two-time NFL MVP took a significant step forward, returning to the practice field for seven-on-seven drills and connecting with wide receiver Xavier Worthy for a touchdown pass.

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Patrick Mahomes warming up on the field before an NFL game in Jacksonville

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes warms up before an NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., on June 6, 2025. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)

“Come on, baby!” Mahomes yelled twice as he hopped toward the sideline in celebration, with a knee brace serving as a reminder of his reconstructed knee. Thursday’s session marked the first practice of the week that was open for the media to watch.

While the three-time Super Bowl champion participated in seven-on-seven drills, he did not take part in 11-on-11 work. Mahomes is roughly five months removed from a procedure to address a torn ACL and LCL.

PATRICK MAHOMES THROWING FOOTBALL AGAIN THREE MONTHS AFTER ACL TEAR

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“It was good to be back on the field with the guys, more than anything,” Mahomes said after Thursday’s organized team activities (OTAs) session. “Some of those days you’re rehabbing, you’re here by yourself or with a couple of the other guys. You kind of get that juice when everyone gets back in the building. It was good to be out there.”

In January, Mahomes said he was aiming to be ready for the Chiefs’ regular-season opener in September. This week, he retired that goal.

Patrick Mahomes running with the football past Danielle Hunter and Azeez Al-Shaair at Arrowhead Stadium

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball past Danielle Hunter and Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 7, 2025. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

“That’s always going to be the goal. I don’t want to miss games. As a competitor — as a football player — I want to be there,” Mahomes said. “I know it’s still a long ways away. I can’t predict the future. So all I can do is be great today, and then continue to be great tomorrow. But I’ve gotten to where I’ve gotten to because of that mindset.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid continued with a cautious approach with Mahomes this week, keeping the quarterback out of drills where there was a greater risk of unintended contact.

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Regardless of the limited workload, Reid credited Mahomes for the months of work he put in to reach this stage of his recovery, saying the quarterback had “busted his tail” to get back on the practice field.

“I like what I’ve seen. He’s working hard,” Reid said. “This is good for him — getting out there and throwing is good for him.”

While Mahomes has resumed throwing, he said he has yet to fully ramp up his running, describing that as the next phase of his recovery.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambling during a football game.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles during the second half of an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 14, 2025. (Charlie Riedel/AP)

“I’m in a good spot now compared to where some people thought, but I thought I was gonna be here,” Mahomes said of his progress. “It’s just doing what I’m supposed to do every single day, and then hopefully, that gives me the chance to be out there with the guys whenever we start the season.”

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Mahomes said he does not plan to change his playing style once he does suit up in games, insisting he would still “lay it on the line for my guys” when the moment demands it.

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The Chiefs will host the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14 in the regular-season opener for both teams.

“The goal at the end — the very far end — is to be ready to be able to go out there and play with the guys Week 1 at Arrowhead,” Mahomes added. “But I’ve got to take it day by day.”

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2026 Belmont Stakes horses, odds, date: Picks by expert who’s nailed 4 winners

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Trainer William I Mott has over 5,400 career wins, but he has a chance to win back-to-back Belmont Stakes titles for the first time when Chief Wallabee leaves the starting gate at the 2026 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, June 6. Mott has won two previous Belmont Stakes titles – 2010 and 2025. If he can pull off the feat, he will be the first trainer since D. Wayne Lukas (1994 to 1996) to win consecutive Belmont Stakes crowns. Woody Stephens won five in a row from 1982 to 1986.

Renegade is favored to win the 2026 Belmont Stakes at 5-2. Golden Tempo is at 7-2, while Mott’s Chief Wallabee follows at 9-2. Other favorites include Commandment (6-1), Emerging Market (8-1) and Powershift (12-1). Before making any 2026 Belmont Stakes picks, be sure to see the 2026 Belmont Stakes predictions and best bets from SportsLine’s elite horse racing expert Jody Demling.

A fixture in the horse racing world who has been writing about, talking about and betting on races for years, Demling hit the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in the correct order. He also called 11 of the last 22 Preakness winners and predicted the winner of the Belmont Stakes four of the last eight years, including an exacta in 2022 with Mo Donegal and Nest. Anyone who has followed him on horse racing betting sites could be way up. 

Now, with the 2026 Belmont Stakes field set, Demling is sharing his 2026 Belmont Stakes betting picks and 2026 Belmont Stakes predictions over at SportsLine. Go to SportsLine to see them.

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Top 2026 Belmont Stakes predictions

A stunner: Demling is not backing Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo. The colt is coming off a Derby win which saw him go from last place to first in a finish for the ages. Despite that, Demling isn’t sure the Cherie DeVaux-trained horse will duplicate that magic. In fact, he sees better value elsewhere.

Golden Tempo has had a stellar start to his career. He won the MSW at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans in December, and followed that up with a win at the 2026 Lecomte in January. He slumped to third at the 2026 Risen Star in February and third at the 2026 Louisiana Derby in March. He started slow at the Kentucky Derby, before finding another gear. See which horses to back at SportsLine.

How to make 2026 Belmont Stakes picks, bets

Demling is especially high on an epic longshot who “will make a big jump” to win it all. Anyone who backs this sleeper pick could hit it big. Demling is sharing which horse it is, along with his entire projected 2026 Belmont Stakes leaderboard, over at SportsLine.

Which horse wins the Belmont Stakes 2026, and which stunning longshot is a must-back? Check out the latest 2026 Belmont Stakes odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Demling’s picks for the Belmont Stakes, all from the expert who has nailed four of the last eight winners.

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2026 Belmont Stakes odds

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When is the Arsenal trophy parade and what is the route?

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Arsenal will parade the Premier League trophy – and potentially the Champions League trophy – around Islington on Sunday, 31 May.

The Gunners secured their first title for 22 years and lifted the trophy after their final game of the season at Selhurst Park last Sunday.

After Arsenal’s title was confirmed, when Man City drew at Bournemouth, thousands of Gunners fans went to the Emirates Stadium to celebrate – an occasion also mirrored on Sunday, after the trophy was lifted by captain Martin Odegaard.

On Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s side will go on the search for a historic double when they take on defending champions PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest.

Regardless of the result, Arsenal will be back in north London for the parade on Sunday afternoon. Here’s all the information you need.

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When is the Arsenal parade?

Arsenal’s trophy parade will take place on Sunday, 31 May and will start at 2pm BST.

The club’s men’s and women’s teams will both take part. The women’s team won the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup earlier in the season, following their Champions League triumph last year.

What is the route?

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Arsenal's trophy parade route on Sunday, 31 May
Arsenal’s trophy parade route on Sunday, 31 May (Arsenal)

The parade will start on Holloway Road from Drayton Park, before continuing east along Seven Sisters Road and down to Blackstock Road, Mount Grove Road and Green Lanes.

It will then continue south along Petherton Road, Beresford Road, Newington Green Road and Essex Road. It will then turn north at Angel underground station and onto Upper Street.

Finally, the bus will head towards Highbury and Islington Station and back onto Holloway Road.

The Emirates Stadium, Drayton Park and the surrounding roads will be closed throughout the parade and will not be accessible to the public.

Martin Odegaard lifts the Premier League trophy
Martin Odegaard lifts the Premier League trophy (Getty)

Supporters are encouraged not to congregate around the stadium area, Hornsey Road, Benwell Road, or Drayton Park – the club states that you will not see the buses from these locations.

There will also be multiple road closures and parking suspensions in the area between 4am and 8pm. Significant queues are expected at tube and bus stations in the area – the club advises fans to give plenty of time to travel and check TFL and National Rail online for live public transport updates.

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Why is it on Sunday?

Despite the end of the club season, the majority of Arsenal players are set to meet up with their national teams ahead of the World Cup.

The World Cup is less than two weeks away now, starting on Thursday 11 June. As such, players will be keen to rest before linking-up with their countries.

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Barcelona set to announce Anthony Gordon signing in 70 million euro deal | Football News

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English winger Anthony Gordon is set to officially become a player of FC Barcelona after completing the final stages of his transfer on Friday. The move has progressed rapidly over the last few days, with the Catalan club moving quickly to strengthen its attack ahead of the new season.

 


Medical completed ahead of official announcement

 

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Gordon arrived in Barcelona on Thursday afternoon and immediately headed for medical testing, successfully completing the required examinations before signing his contract.

 


The medical checks were considered the final major formality before the transfer could be officially confirmed by the club.

 

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Private Meeting Finalised Long-Term Contract

 
 


Before the deal was wrapped up, Gordon reportedly attended a private meeting with Barcelona sporting director Deco, club official Bojan Krkić and his representatives.

 

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During the discussions, the final terms of a long-term agreement were completed, with Gordon expected to remain at Barcelona until 2031. 

 


Transfer Fee and Salary Details

 

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Barcelona are believed to have agreed to pay a fixed fee of €70 million, with additional performance-based bonuses included in the package.

 


The club reportedly sees Gordon as an important addition to their attacking project and views him as a long-term investment for the future.

 

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Financially, the winger is expected to earn around €346,000 per week, which translates to roughly €17.5 million gross annually. The salary package reportedly doubles his previous earnings at Newcastle United F.C. and places him among Barcelona’s top earners.

 


The arrival of Gordon signals Barcelona’s intent to continue reshaping their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. His pace, direct attacking style and versatility across the front line are expected to provide a major boost to the club’s offensive options next season.

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Patriots starting OL takes pay cut in much-needed deal restructure

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The New England Patriots have created cap space with the restructured deal that they struck with right guard Mike Onwenu on Friday.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Onwenu came together with the Patriots on a renegotiated one-year, $10 million deal that gives New England $7.5 million in additional cap space this offseason.

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Onwenu originally signed a three-year, $57 million deal with the Patriots in 2024. The deal included $36.5 million in guaranteed money, all of which the Michigan native earned over the course of the first two years of the contract.

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The Patriots will start Onwenu at right guard once again in the 2026 season. He’s started in 90 of the 98 games that he’s played for the Patriots in six seasons with the team. Onwenu allowed two sacks and 21 total pressures in 2025 for New England and helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl at the end of the season.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots starting OL takes pay cut in much-needed deal restructure

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What to expect from UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal? | Football News

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The 2026 UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain promises to be one of the most intriguing European finals in recent years. Set to take place in Budapest, the clash brings together two sides with contrasting strengths and styles.

 


Arsenal head into the final with the best defensive record in the competition, conceding only six goals and keeping nine clean sheets throughout the campaign. PSG, meanwhile, arrive as Europe’s most explosive attacking side, scoring 44 goals on their route to the final.

 

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With elite talent spread across both squads, several individual battles could ultimately determine who lifts the trophy on Saturday night.  Why Arsenal could be PSG and Luis Enrique’s biggest challenge yet?  Arsenal head into the Champions League final with the strongest defensive record in Europe, conceding just six goals and keeping nine clean sheets in the competition this season. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have mastered controlling games without possession while also becoming one of football’s most dangerous set-piece sides.  Their defensive structure, led by players like Declan Rice and goalkeeper David Raya, has made them extremely difficult to break down. Fresh from ending a 22-year Premier League title drought, Arsenal arrive in Budapest playing with renewed confidence and significantly less pressure against Paris Saint-Germain.  Having said that, let us look at how the battles are shaping up for the biggest club encounter in Europe.

 
 


Bukayo Saka vs Nuno Mendes

 

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One of the standout duels of the final will be between Bukayo Saka and Nuno Mendes on Arsenal’s right flank.

 


Saka remains Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat when fully fit. His direct running, creativity and defensive work rate make him one of the most complete wide players in Europe. The England international will look to constantly test Mendes both offensively and defensively.

 

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However, Mendes has established himself as arguably the best left-back in world football. The Portuguese defender combines pace, strength and attacking quality while also being capable of shutting down elite wingers. He already enjoyed success against Saka in previous meetings between the two clubs.

 

If Mendes manages to neutralise Arsenal’s star winger again, PSG could gain a major advantage. 

 

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Khvicha Kvaratskhelia vs Jurrien Timber

 


Another crucial contest could unfold on Arsenal’s right side, where Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is expected to pose a serious threat.

 

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The Georgian winger has been one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers since arriving in Paris and has transformed PSG’s attack with his dribbling, creativity and relentless work rate. He enters the final after an outstanding Champions League knockout campaign.

 


Arsenal will hope Jurrien Timber recovers in time for the final, as his defensive discipline and athleticism may provide the best solution to containing Kvaratskhelia.

 

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If Timber is unavailable or not fully fit, Mikel Arteta may be forced into tactical adjustments that PSG could exploit heavily down the flank.

 


Leandro Trossard vs Warren Zaïre-Emery

 

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PSG also face uncertainty at right-back, with concerns surrounding Achraf Hakimi ahead of the final.

 


Should Hakimi fail to recover, midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery may once again be deployed in an unfamiliar defensive role.

 

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That could provide a major opportunity for Leandro Trossard. The Arsenal attacker’s movement, quick combinations and unpredictability could trouble a makeshift full-back throughout the game.

 


Hakimi’s absence would significantly weaken PSG’s balance, especially considering his importance both defensively and in transition.

 

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David Raya vs Matvey Safonov

 


Goalkeepers often become decisive figures in Champions League finals, and this year’s contest could once again highlight that importance.

 

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David Raya has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable performers this season. His shot-stopping, command of the penalty area and composure in possession have played a key role in Arsenal’s European success.

 


PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has improved during the season but remains viewed as one of the weaker areas in an otherwise exceptional PSG side. Questions still remain over his handling under pressure and ability to deal with dangerous set-pieces.

 

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Against an Arsenal team known for its effectiveness from dead-ball situations, Safonov could face one of the toughest tests of his career.

 


Ousmane Dembele vs Arsenal’s Centre-Backs

 

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Much of PSG’s attacking fluidity revolves around Ousmane Dembele.

 


The French forward has rediscovered top form and played a decisive role in PSG’s run to the final. His movement, pace and creativity make him incredibly difficult to contain, especially when drifting between defensive lines.

 

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Arsenal’s defensive hopes will largely depend on the partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

 


Saliba’s calmness and positioning combine perfectly with Gabriel’s aggression and physical presence, forming arguably the strongest centre-back partnership in Europe this season.

 

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If they can successfully limit Dembele’s influence, Arsenal’s chances of lifting their first Champions League title will increase dramatically.

 


Declan Rice vs Vitinha

 

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The midfield battle may ultimately decide the final, with Declan Rice expected to play a massive role for Arsenal.

 


Rice has been central to Arsenal’s domestic and European success this season thanks to his energy, ball-winning ability and leadership. However, he now faces one of the toughest midfield challenges in football.

 

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PSG playmaker Vitinha has emerged as one of Europe’s elite midfielders through his intelligence, passing range and control under pressure.

 


Alongside João Neves and Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha forms part of a technically gifted PSG midfield trio capable of dominating possession and dictating the tempo of matches.

 

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Rice’s influence will be crucial if Arsenal are to disrupt PSG’s rhythm and gain control in the centre of the pitch.

 


Tactical Battle Set for Budapest

 

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This final presents a fascinating contrast between Arsenal’s defensive structure and PSG’s attacking brilliance.

 


Arsenal arrive unbeaten in this season’s Champions League and finally carrying the confidence of league champions, while PSG continue their pursuit of back-to-back European titles with arguably the most talented attack in club football.

 

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With elite managers, world-class players and several decisive individual battles across the pitch, the 2026 Champions League final has all the ingredients to become a classic European showdown.

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2026 Charles Schwab Challenge Friday TV coverage: Round 2

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Super Bowl champ Joe Theismann says NFL left Sunday tradition behind

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Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann said the NFL has left tradition behind.

The NFL has expanded their primetime schedule to holidays and games overseas, meaning they are playing more games outside the traditional Sunday afternoon timeslot. Theismann pointed out the drastic differences in how the games are broadcast.

“They’ve drifted away (from tradition). I mean, when you look at all the different streaming services and all the different networks, it used to be ABC, NBC, and CBS, but that doesn’t exist anymore. There only used to be those TV channels where you could watch things other than sports only existed then,” Theismann told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

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Former NFL player Joe Theismann talking with sportscaster Chris Collinsworth at Northwest Stadium

Former NFL player Joe Theismann talks with sportscaster Cris Collinsworth before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Nov. 2, 2025. (Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

“Now, we’re in a time and a place where the opportunity for the owners to make lots of money from different entities, from YouTube, from Amazon, from Peacock.”

Theismann said fans used to look forward to Sundays, but now there are games seemingly all the time.

“Sunday is something you would look forward to sitting down to because you really didn’t have an option. Now you have options on Monday night, Thursday night, Wednesday night. God only knows, Tuesday night, Saturday evening. If you’re a fan of the NFL, you’re going to find the game,” Theismann said.

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The opening game of the 2026 season will be on Wednesday this season, with the second game being played in Melbourne, Australia, on a Thursday. The NFL introduced a Thanksgiving Eve game this year, adding another Wednesday game to the schedule.

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Joe Theismann speaking at YMCA Prayer Breakfast at The Breakers Palm Beach

Super Bowl champion quarterback Joe Theismann delivers the keynote address during the 16th Annual YMCA of the Palm Beaches Prayer Breakfast at The Breakers Palm Beach on Dec. 11, 2025. (DAMON HIGGINS/PALM BEACH DAILY NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

There will also be NFL games on Friday this year, as the league has gone forth with its fourth annual Black Friday game. The NFL also has three games scheduled on Christmas Day, which is a Friday.

Once the college football regular season ends in mid-December, there will also be Saturday games.

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Theismann did say the NFL now has gotten the fans easier access to watch more games, which he considers a good thing.

“It gives you a chance to find the game that you want to watch now. You don’t have to read about it the next day. So, in one regard it’s grown the NFL and the other side of it, yeah, would we all like things to be a little bit like they used to be? Maybe. But I believe in the progressive as a progressive individual, but life is changing. You have to adapt and change with it,” Theismann said.

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Joe Theismann speaking at FedExField during Washington Commanders announcement

Former player Joe Theismann speaks during the announcement of the Washington Football Team’s name change to the Washington Commanders at FedExField in Landover, Md., on Feb. 2, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

American Century Championship

This will be the 37th American Century Championship, and Joe Theismann has played in 36 of them. He said he used to be a 2-handicap, but is now a nine, as he doesn’t hit the ball as far. He will look to turn back the clock when he plays in the tournament from July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe.

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He said the American Century Championship is the lone thing that you really want to participate in.

“The American Century Championship has evolved to one of those things that, if you love golf at all, and you happen to be in that quote-unquote celebrity world, it’s the thing you really want to participate in. You get to measure your game. You get to pull back the curtain on so many wonderful people, and you get to see those that you watch on TV because I’m a fan of everything. But now you get a chance to see them up close and personal, and you get a chance to meet them and get to know them, and it’s exciting,” Theismann said.

The 76-year-old said he gets to visit people on the range. He mentioned Jerry Rice, Tony Romo and Miles Teller as people he has had conversations with, calling himself a “fanboy” of Teller’s.

Theismann said “Top Gun: Maverick” is his favorite movie of all time.

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Former Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann waving to crowd at Notre Dame Stadium

Former Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann waves to the crowd during a college football game between Notre Dame and Stanford at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend on Oct. 12, 2024. (MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The tournament has raised more than $8 million for regional and national charities. American Century Investments donates 40% of its profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and activates fundraising at the tournament to drive direct donations to Stowers each year. Theismann credited CEO Jonathan Thomas for the tournament’s charitable work.

Theismann credited CEO Jonathan Thomas for the tournament’s charitable work.

The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

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The Fastest-Growing Community Sport You’ve Probably Never Watched

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Most people still think of Rounders as a game played in primary school yards. The reality is very different.

Every weekend during the summer, around 100 adult teams travel the length and breadth of Ireland to compete in national championships. Men, women and mixed teams take to the field from Mayo to Wexford, Galway to Monaghan, in a sport that has quietly become one of the most inclusive and community-driven success stories within the GAA.

Across Ireland, hundreds of adults are discovering the sport for the first time.

Many never played Rounders as children. Many never played any GAA sport at all. In clubs across Galway, Dublin, Waterford, Limerick and beyond, players from every corner of the world are pulling on club jerseys and becoming part of their local communities through Rounders.

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Few sports offer such an easy entry point. A person can arrive in Ireland having never kicked a football or picked up a hurl and, within weeks, be playing championship sport alongside Irish teammates. In an increasingly diverse Ireland, Rounders has become one of the GAA’s most effective integration sports.

The growth in women’s participation has been equally impressive. Women’s and Mixed competitions continue to expand, creating opportunities for women to remain involved in competitive sport long after many traditional pathways disappear. Mixed Rounders, where men and women compete together on the same team, remains one of the most unique and successful participation models in Irish sport.

Another remarkable statistic is that 60% of adult members are over the age of 35. At a time when many sports struggle to retain participants beyond their twenties, Rounders has quietly become a lifelong sport. Players continue competing well into their thirties, forties and beyond, drawn by a combination of competition, friendship and community.

That sense of community is perhaps the sport’s greatest strength.

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For many players, Rounders becomes far more than a weekly fixture. Clubs become social networks, support systems and friendship groups. New residents find connections. Families play together. Entire communities are built around a shared love of the game.

Yet behind this success story lies a challenge that cannot be ignored.

The Volunteer Strain Behind the Growth

The sport’s growth has been achieved almost entirely through volunteers.

Every championship fixture, every juvenile blitz, every social media post, every referee appointment and every development initiative depends on people giving up their time because they care about the future of the game. Nationally, Rounders now operates approximately 400 matches annually, placing increasing demands on a relatively small group of volunteers, referees and administrators.

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Travel remains another major obstacle. Unlike larger sports with established regional structures, Rounders clubs often face significant journeys to fulfil fixtures. Volunteers regularly spend entire weekends travelling to support their teams, while referees cover huge distances to ensure games can proceed.

Facilities present an equally significant challenge. As participation grows, access to suitable playing venues is becoming increasingly difficult, particularly in urban areas where demand for pitches continues to rise. Many clubs are thriving despite having no permanent home of their own.

What Rounders Needs Next

The sport’s future will depend on addressing these pressures. Greater investment in development officers, stronger support for volunteers, improved facilities and increased visibility could help unlock the next phase of growth.

There is also a growing belief within the game that reaching 100 active clubs nationwide would be transformative. More clubs would reduce travel, strengthen regional competitions and create a more sustainable championship structure for everyone involved.

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The foundations are already in place.

Participation is growing. New clubs continue to emerge. Women’s involvement is increasing. Juvenile programmes are expanding. More people from different backgrounds are discovering the sport every year.

For a game that many still mistakenly view as a childhood pastime, the reality is that Rounders has evolved into one of the most welcoming, inclusive and community-focused sports in Ireland.

The challenge now is ensuring the structures, resources and support systems grow as quickly as the game itself.

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Because if they do, the next chapter of the Rounders story could be its most exciting yet.



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Nigerian-Born Ime Okon Named In South Africa Squad Amid Rising Tensions Over Foreigners

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Nigerian-born defender Ime Okon has been included in South Africa’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers amid growing tensions between Nigerians and some South Africans over issues linked to immigration and jobs.

Some South Africans have accused foreigners of being in the country illegally, taking jobs meant for locals and being involved in crimes, especially drug trafficking. Anti-immigrant groups have also reportedly stopped people outside hospitals and schools to demand identification documents, while foreign-owned businesses were advised to close during a recent protest in Pretoria over fears of violence.

Despite the tension, 22-year-old Okon, who was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother, continues to represent Bafana Bafana. The Hannover 96 defender has already made five appearances for South Africa.

  • Lionel Messi has broken another major record, showing once again why he is one of the greatest footballers of all time — even at 38 years old.Lionel Messi has broken another major record, showing once again why he is one of the greatest footballers of all time — even at 38 years old.

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Okon is expected to make his first appearance at a major tournament after missing out on the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos also invited new players Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross as part of his final squad for the qualifiers.

Nineteen of the selected players currently play in the South African league.

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Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal).

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Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).

South Africa have played at three FIFA World Cups in the past, making appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010, but failed to progress beyond the group stage on each occasion.

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Stanford women’s golf cruises to 3rd NCAA title in 5 years

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There was no upset this time — the Stanford women’s golf team made sure of it.

On Wednesday, the Cardinal cruised to their third NCAA women’s golf championship in the last five years, downing Southern California 4-1 in the final at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif.

Stanford earned the No. 1 seed for the match-play portion of the championship for the sixth straight year, although last year it was upset by Northwestern in the final, which ended the Cardinal’s hope of a title defense after they won in 2024.

But that upset storyline hardly had a heartbeat this time around.

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Meja Ortengren beat Jasmine Koo 6 and 5 to give Stanford its first point of the three it needed, and Paula Martin Sampedro earned the second when she beat Catherine Park 3 and 2. Megha Ganne gave Stanford the winning point, beating Bailey Shoemaker 4 and 3. With Stanford clinching after Ganne’s win, the other two matches on the course ended as is, meaning Stanford’s Kelly Xu won 1 up in her match, and Kylie Chong of USC beat Andrea Revuelta 1 up to give the Trojans their only point.

A loaded Stanford team was always the favorite, but that also meant it had to deal with the pressure. All five of Stanford’s players who competed in the NCAA Championships also qualified for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur last month (Revuelta was the runner-up) and four of the five are in the top 10 of the women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking. Sampedro, who won the British Amateur and Ladies European Amateur last summer, is ranked 2nd; Revuelta 3rd; and Ortengren 6th. Ganne, who won the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship last summer, is 10th; and Xu is 17th.

“These players all season long have been fighting and have had their backs against the wall,” Stanford coach Anne Walker told Golf Channel Wednesday. “They played great. I knew that if we had a chance with this crew we would be in it to the very end. That’s certainly what played out and we are going home the champions.”

The Stanford victory followed dominating wins over Pepperdine in the quarterfinals and Eastern Michigan in the semis; Stanford won both of those 5-0.

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“I think the confidence comes from our preparation and knowing how hard they all prepare and how hard I prepare,” Ganne told Golf Channel. “That’s really all we can control, and we do all the things correctly leading up to this week and go in controlling the controllables and knowing we are really good players, and if we follow our routines we’ll end up on top.”

On the women’s side, Stanford now sits alone with four NCAA titles, which trails only Arizona State (eight) and Duke (seven). All of Stanford’s have come since 2015.

The NCAA golf championships continue this week at Omni La Costa with the men’s tournament. The stroke-play portion is Friday to Monday, with match play on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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