Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman. Image via: Getty Images
Trinity Rodman was sitting in Ben Shelton’s player box at the US Open on Tuesday when the cameras found her.The ESPN commentary that followed introduced her as “Trinity Rodman, also known as Ben Shelton’s girlfriend, and also known as a member of the US women’s national team.” The on-screen graphic was similarly arranged: “Ben’s girlfriend & USWNT player.”Rodman is, of course, Shelton’s girlfriend. The two tennis and football stars made their relationship public in March 2025, after Rodman slid into Shelton’s DMs. Shelton, 23, is one of American tennis’s leading players, a left-handed power hitter who reached a career-high world No.5 in late 2025 and has already won four ATP titles in 2026, including the National Bank Open two weeks before the US Open.But Rodman has spent the better part of her career becoming recognisable without him.The 24-year-old is an Olympic gold medallist, an NWSL champion and the highest-paid women’s footballer in the world. She is also the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, another fact that has often followed her into introductions of her own.
Soccer player Trinity Rodman celebrates after her boyfriend Ben Shelton, of the United States, won his match against Hubert Hurkacz, of Poland, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
The ESPN description prompted a familiar reaction from fans online, particularly because there was no shortage of things from Rodman’s own career that could have been used instead.“Geez… she is so much more than Ben’s girlfriend,” one fan wrote.Another put it more bluntly: “Trin is an Olympic gold medalist, NWSL player and then Ben’s girlfriend. In that order.”
Rodman’s career does not need Shelton’s name attached to it
Rodman’s football career began long before she became a fixture in Shelton’s box.The Washington Spirit selected her No.2 overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft when she was 18, making her the youngest player ever selected at the time. She won the league’s Rookie of the Year award and helped Washington win the NWSL Championship in her first season.Three years later, she produced one of the defining moments of her international career.In the 2024 Paris Olympics final, Rodman scored in extra time against Japan as the United States won women’s football gold for the first time since 2012. She now has 13 goals in 57 appearances for the USWNT.At club level, her value has grown just as quickly. Rodman became the first player signed under the NWSL’s High Impact Player rule and agreed a landmark deal with Washington worth more than $1 million per season through 2028, making her the highest-paid player in the league.
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FILE – Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman in action during the second half of an NWSL soccer match against the Portland Thorns FC, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams,File)
There is also the question of her surname, which has brought its own assumptions.Rodman has spoken openly about her complicated relationship with her father and rejected the idea that the name defines her.“He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else,” she said on Call Her Daddy.“I love to have my last name and when I say Rodman, it’s not my dad’s name, it’s my name.”She has been less defensive about being known as Shelton’s partner. In fact, Rodman has said she actually likes the term WAG, even while acknowledging why some people dislike it.“For me, I think I like the term personally because, like I said before, I feel like 24/7 I’m on in front of cameras, and so I think I use the term WAG for me to simplify what I’m doing,” she said on Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce in August.“For me, saying WAG, it’s me being like, ‘I’m Ben’s girlfriend.’ But I can understand why it’s so hated.”She described being able to share that experience with Shelton as “the best feeling in the world”, pointing to the fact that both are constantly training, competing and exhausting themselves doing the sports they love.That distinction matters. Rodman choosing to embrace the label is not the same thing as it being the most useful way to introduce her.
This has happened before
The US Open moment was not the first time Rodman’s identity has been filtered through the people around her.At Wimbledon in 2025, she was introduced during one of Shelton’s matches as “Tiffany” and had her father mentioned in the same breath.This time, the mistake was different. Her name was right, her relationship was real and her football career was acknowledged. Yet the order still said something: Ben’s girlfriend first, USWNT player second.
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Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman shoots as Seattle Reign FC midfielder Samantha Meza, right, looks on during the first half of an NWSL soccer match, Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
There was plenty of room for a different introduction.Rodman was not simply another celebrity sitting in a tennis player’s box. She was an Olympic champion watching another elite American athlete compete at one of the biggest sporting events in the world.She can be Ben Shelton’s girlfriend. She can be Dennis Rodman’s daughter. She can even happily call herself a WAG.None of those things requires her own achievements to come second.At 24, Trinity Rodman has already built a career substantial enough to stand on its own. At the US Open, she happened to be there to support someone else.For once, she deserved the spotlight without needing to be introduced through him.
Enzo Maresca felt Manchester City’s record buy Enzo Fernandez slotted seamlessly into the side and backed the £125million man to be a crucial influence for the Blues this season.
Fernandez completed his move from Chelsea on deadline day and was initially named on the bench for City’s Premier League game with Coventry City. But an injury to Nico O’Reilly in the warm up prompted Maresca, who managed the Argentina international during their time together at Stamford Bridge, to hand Fernandez a full debut. The City chief was pleased with how the 25-year-old fared as Erling Haaland’s first half header earned City a 1-0 win and extended their perfect top flight start to three wins from three.
“It is much more easy with a player that you already share time together because they know exactly what you want,” said Maresca of City’s record signing. “We know each other very well and I know how good he is and I know that he he is going to help the team win games.”
Fernandez played 75 minutes and showed his composure and class, linking well with Rayan Cherki and causing Coventry problems from his advanced midfield role. And Maresca, who didn’t want to rush Fernandez straight into the side, felt the midfielder acquitted himself well in what were his first minutes since featuring for Chelsea on the opening weekend of the season.
“The reason why Enzo was on the bench was just because he arrived two days ago,” said the City boss. “I know how frustrating it has been for Enzo in the last two or three weeks so the idea was to give him some minutes but in the end he played from the start and was quite good and I am happy with his performance.”
O’Reilly missed the game with a back issue picked up in the warm up but City hope the issue isn’t serious with the Blues in Champions League action against Porto in midweek before travelling to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby next Sunday.
“Nico felt something in his back, doesn’t look something serious but he was not able to play,” said Maresca.
Being a writer can be a humbling business. So, let’s go ahead and invite the football gods to prove us wrong.
Included below is a listing of 5 Vikings predictions. Many have sent out some guesses about the team’s final record. Moreover, there has been no shortage of people who have made guesses about how the passer battle is going to unfold. Included below is some other ways at coming after what’s in store for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026.
Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Domonique Orange (97) tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Dontae McMillan (36) during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Big Citrus boasts some wiggle.
In a perfect world, Domonique Orange ends up being a true monster in the middle. Think back to those Pat Williams days when running on the Vikings was exceedingly difficult. Harrison Phillips offered similar abilities, albeit at a lesser level than Williams.
In Orange, the Vikings boast a 22-year-old talent who is going to get playing time as a rookie. Look for the newcomer to clog running lanes and chase down the passer.
Prediction No. 2 — RB Jordan Mason Clears 1,000 Yards
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands the ball off to Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Most of the focus for Minnesota rests on the high-skill guys like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Think finesse instead of power.
Look for Jordan Mason to get tossed into the mix with greater frequency to help up the meanness level. At 27, Mr. Mason is within his physical prime. What’s encouraging for the Vikings is that he doesn’t have a ton of miles on the odometer. His 159 carries in 2025 were the highest of his career. Look for the carries to clear 250 as he expands his workload while maintaining his efficiency.
Prediction No. 3 — Max Bredeson Plays More Snaps than C.J. Ham Ever Did
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30), offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) and tight end Ben Yurosek (85) celebrate after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
C.J. Ham is a Minnesota Vikings legend. Consider his snap totals on offense during the Kevin O’Connell era:
2022: 169 Snaps
2023: 216 Snaps
2024: 269 Snaps
2025: 184 Snaps
Look for Max Bredeson to hit/surpass 270 snaps as the Vikings’ FB spot gets reinvigorated by youth.
Prediction No. 4 — Top Ten on O and D
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.
Brian Flores is impressive. He’ll get his side to a top-ten finish in points against per game.
Kevin O’Connell still has something to prove. Last year, the Vikings finished at 26th in the NFL by averaging just 20.2 points per game. I say the skipper gets his side of the ball into a much better spot.
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Prediction No. 5 — J.J. McCarthy Goes into 2027 With Momentum and Promise
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws during first-half action against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. On Dec. 14, 2025, McCarthy continued his first season as Minnesota’s starting quarterback while facing another playoff contender on the road. The young passer remained one of the franchise’s most closely watched players. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
Anybody buying J.J. McCarthy stock right now is doing so for cheap. Buying the same stock at the beginning of 2027 will mean needing to spend more money.
For a little while, the guess I’ve made is that Kyler Murray starts for the Vikings in Week 1. The catch has been that I’ve often been found insisting that McCarthy starts more games than Murray in the 2026 season. If that occurs, then this prediction could end up looking spiffy.
Aug 10, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (56) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jameson Taillon is expected to undergo an MRI on his right elbow Saturday after he was removed from Friday’s game following two innings with elbow discomfort.
According to a report from Sportsnet, Taillon is expected to be placed on the injured list by Sunday.
Taillon, who has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, was making his return from a bout of right forearm tendinitis when he started against the Kansas City Royals. He gave up two hits, including a first-inning home run to Bobby Witt Jr.
The 34-year-old is a combined 2-6 with a 5.65 ERA in 18 starts this season with the Chicago Cubs and Blue Jays. Over 10 major league seasons, the former No. 2 overall draft pick in 2010 is 84-66 with a 3.99 ERA in 242 appearances (241 starts) for the Pittsburgh Pirates (2016-19), New York Yankees (2021-22), Cubs (2023-26) and Blue Jays.
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In addition, the Blue Jays claimed catcher Shawn Ross off waivers from the New York Mets on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo.
Ross, 26, was designated for assignment by the Mets on September 3rd. He has appeared in only two career MLB games, both came this season with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Ciaron Maher stable recently achieved a top four finish in a maiden race at Sandown.
Two of those contenders are now advancing to a Stakes race at Sandown, aiming to build on the good form exhibited by the Maher stable.
Saintly Dancer and Ghana’s Akan, who finished first and second respectively in the August 19 maiden event, are slated to compete in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes over 1300 metres this Saturday.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, remarked that the prevailing track conditions could play a significant role in the outcome for the stable’s two fillies on Saturday.
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Saintly Dancer benefited from the Soft 7 conditions during her Sandown victory, whereas Ghana’s Akan handled the ground but was not as effective.
“Saintly Dancer is up-and-coming and we don’t know her ceiling, a bit like with Ghana’s Akan,” Turnbull shared.
“Saintly Dancer profiles like a horse that will get seven or eight (furlongs – 1400m to 1600m) in time.
“She’s more your middle distance, scopey type whereas Ghana’s I think will be restricted to 1100m to 1400m this prep.
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“She’s quite speedy and I don’t think either filly will have too many excuses on Saturday, provided the track is OK.
“Ghana’s probably doesn’t want a boggy track.”
The track was rated a Good 4 on Friday morning, although rain is forecast to begin on Friday evening.
Turnbull highlighted that Ghana’s Akan’s draw of barrier four is advantageous for Saturday’s race, in contrast to Saintly Dancer, who is in gate 10.
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Ghana’s Akan has raced six times, securing three second placings, and has amassed close to $500,000 in prize money without a victory.
“Ghana’s has always had improvement this campaign,” Turnbull noted.
“She’s looked rough in the coat coming off the back of winter, but both fillies are very exciting.”
Apprentice Jabez Johnstone, who rides exclusively for Maher, will be making his third ‘Black Type’ Victorian appearance when he rides Saintly Dancer, a horse on whom he won at Sandown.
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“It’s good reward for Jabez to retain the ride in a Black Type race,” Turnbull concluded.
Dave Allen returns to action tonight in front of another major crowd, taking on Irish heavyweight Thomas Carty at Croke Park in Dublin.
The 34-year-old has rebuilt on a low level after his blowout defeat to Filip Hrgovic, picking up two four-round wins before accepting a ten-round clash with Carty as the chief support to Katie Taylor’s farewell fight. Allen brings far greater professional experience into the contest, but will be facing a younger southpaw with a sizeable home crowd behind him.
Allen-Carty is scheduled for ten rounds and will be shown live worldwide on DAZN, with the event promoted by Matchroom Boxing. Stay with Boxing News for a live scorecard and final fight result.
Dave Allen vs Thomas Carty live scorecard
This is a Boxing News live scorecard and not the official score from the judges.
It was another frustrating afternoon for Nigeria internationals Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi as Fulham suffered their third consecutive Premier League defeat after losing 3-2 to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.
Fulham started brightly and took the lead in the 11th minute when Josh King’s shot took a deflection and looped over Dean Henderson.
Palace briefly thought they had found an equaliser through Daichi Kamada, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
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The visitors eventually got their goal in the 35th minute, with Tyrick Mitchell beating Bernd Leno with a powerful finish.
Fulham responded before the break. Henderson saved Gonzalo García’s effort, but César Palacios was in the right place to fire in the rebound and restore the hosts’ lead.
Palace came out strongly after the interval and levelled nine minutes into the second half when another deflection saw Mitchell’s effort roll over the line.
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Both teams then pushed for the winner, with Fulham coming close through Oscar Bobb, only for Henderson to produce an important save.
The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when former Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell reacted quickest to a loose ball and volleyed home to put Palace in front.
Fulham threw players forward in search of another equaliser, with Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon both going close, but Palace defended their advantage to claim their first win of the season.
For Fulham, the defeat leaves them without a point from their opening three league games — a difficult start for Marco Silva’s side.
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Bassey and Iwobi will now be hoping Fulham can quickly turn their fortunes around before the pressure grows further.
Former India batter Suresh Raina has backed Abhishek Sharma for a place in India’s Test setup while insisting that Rishabh Pant remains an X-factor in white-ball cricket despite establishing himself as one of the country’s key red-ball players.
Raina made the remarks while speaking on former India opener Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel, where he also discussed the development of young players and the importance of encouraging them to consider Test cricket.
Raina wants Abhishek to make the Test leap
Raina believes Abhishek, who has emerged as one of India’s most explosive white-ball batters, has the ability to make the transition to the longest format.
“I feel Abhishek Sharma should play Test cricket. Vaibhav is very young. Does he want to play? What do his coaches think? These are questions. I feel he should play. Are the IPL owners and associations also thinking of this and putting Test cricket in players’ minds? Coaches also have a role here,” Raina said.
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Abhishek has already featured regularly for India in white-ball cricket and previously held the No.1 position in the ICC T20I batting rankings. While his red-ball numbers are not yet outstanding, he has shown enough promise to suggest that he could develop into a useful Test option.
The left-hander has scored 1,071 runs in 24 first-class matches and 37 innings at an average of 30.60, with one century and five half-centuries. He has also contributed with the ball, taking 20 wickets in the format.
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Raina sees Pant as an X-factor in white-ball cricket
Raina was equally effusive in his praise for Pant, who has become an established part of India’s Test setup but has been away from the limited-overs teams since 2024. Pant has amassed 3,725 runs in 52 Tests at an average of 43.82, including eight centuries and 21 half-centuries. His aggressive approach and ability to change the course of a match have made him one of India’s most influential Test batters.
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“He has worked hard. I am very happy. Everyone does well, but he is one of the best. He is my favourite player. He is scoring a lot in Tests. He has that X factor. I think he will mature in white-ball and IPL as well. He has done really well,” Raina said.
Pant last played a T20I for India against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on July 28, 2024, while his most recent ODI appearance came against the same opposition in Colombo on August 7, 2024.
Alas Pilipinas’ Khy Progella and Sofia Pagara during a match against Australia in the AVC Beach Volleyball Continental in Shanglou, China.–AVC PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines’ campaign in the 2026 AVC Asian Beach Volleyball Championships came to an end on Saturday following the loss of Khy Progella and Sofia Pagara.
Alas Pilipinas’ duo of Progella and Pagara bowed out of the quarterfinals after absorbing a 21-11, 21-14 loss at the hands of Australia’s Stefanie Fejes and Taliqua Clancy.
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Progella and Pagara were the last Philippine representatives heading into Sunday’s games.
Just 24 hours before their elimination, the decorated pair of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons was shown the door by Japan’s Asami Shiba and Reika Murakami, 21-11, 21-16.
In men’s action, James Buytrago and Ronniel Rosales were also unable to rack up wins, faltering to Japan and Australia in the preliminaries.
The Philippine beach volleyball contingent may have bowed early in the AVC tournament–an Olympic qualifier for Los Angeles 2028–but they still have a shot at bringing glory to the country in the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this month.
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Also seeing action for the Philippines in the Asiad beach volleyball event are Alnakran Abdilla and Lerry Francisco.
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Manchester United will head to Merseyside to take on Everton in the Premier League and Michael Carrick has given an injury update on his players for the game
18:36, 05 Sep 2026Updated 18:36, 05 Sep 2026
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Manchester United are still contending with several injuries ahead of Sunday’s trip to Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (2pm kick‑off). Michael Carrick’s side will be aiming to make it back‑to‑back wins following their emphatic 5–2 victory over Ipswich Town.
The Reds have three points on the board and will be pushing for another result, but Carrick will have to make do with the options currently available to him. Summer signing Carlos Baleba must wait for his debut as he continues to recover from the ankle injury he picked up in pre‑season.
“He’s got a little ankle issue,” Carrick said last month. “Maybe a couple of weeks, maybe three – we’ll see. It’s no major issue, and it’ll be great to have him back.”
Manuel Ugarte remains a long‑term absentee after suffering a knee ligament injury at the World Cup. He missed pre‑season following surgery, and no return date has been set.
Matthijs de Ligt is also still sidelined with the back problem that has kept him out since last November. Although Carrick has confirmed the defender is back in training, United are in no rush to accelerate his comeback.
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton remains out with the hamstring injury sustained in pre‑season, with no clear timeline for his return. There is further uncertainty over Amad, who suffered a muscle injury in training and has no confirmed timeframe for recovery.
Two players who could return, however, are Luke Shaw and Mason Mount. Mount picked up a minor knock against PSG in pre‑season on August 8 and hasn’t featured in a single matchday squad since.
Shaw, meanwhile, was withdrawn with a fitness issue during the win over Ipswich but is expected to be available to face Everton.
Mount has now returned to training after recovering from a foot injury, with Carrick saying: “Mase is back around the group, which is great. He trained this week, so that’s a big positive for us.”
Ahead of Sunday match against David Moyes’ side, Carrick warned: “However long I have been going to Everton, every game is as tough as it comes.
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“Whatever position they are in, historically it has been tough. David is a terrific manager. They’ve got some talent, some very good attacking players as well. We’re expecting as tough a game as it gets.”
Shafali Varma created history during India’s Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan in Dubai on Saturday, becoming the youngest player to score 3,000 runs in women’s T20Is. The India opener reached the landmark at the age of 22 years and 220 days, surpassing Ireland’s Gaby Lewis, who previously held the record at 24 years and 347 days.Shafali also became the fastest batter to reach 3,000 runs in women’s T20Is in terms of balls faced, achieving the feat in just 2,182 deliveries. She is the 16th player overall to reach 3,000 runs in women’s T20Is and the third Indian after Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Youngest to 3000 runs in Women’s T20Is
22y 220d – Shafali Verma (IND-W)
24y 347d – Gaby Lewis (IRE-W)
27y 139d – Esha Oza (UAE-W)
27y 171d – Smriti Mandhana (IND-W)
27y 347d – Hayley Matthews (WI-W)
A brief but explosive outing
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Shafali reached the landmark in typically aggressive fashion. She opened the innings with a six off Sadia Iqbal before taking a single from the next ball to bring up her 3,000 T20I runs. She then smashed Fatima Sana for a powerful four before departing for 12 off six balls, including one four and one six.Fatima dismissed her caught and bowled in the second over, with Shafali getting a leading edge that ballooned back to the Pakistan captain.
India chase down 56 with ease
Shafali’s early dismissal did little to trouble India, who were chasing just 56 after Pakistan were bowled out for their lowest-ever T20I total. Pakistan’s batting collapsed against India’s spin attack, with Shree Charani and Prema Rawat taking three wickets each, while Deepti Sharma claimed two.India comfortably completed the chase, reaching 57/3 in 8.4 overs to register a dominant seven-wicket victory and finish at the top of Group A. Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 18 and finished the match in style with a six.
How would you rate the overall performance of the Indian women’s team against Pakistan?
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