Weve reached the penultimate Seattle Seahawks public training camp practice, and its the big one at Lumen Field. Seahawks Football Fest has become a staple of August Seahawks football and serves as a prelude to the preseason. There will be a lot of family-friendly activities in and around the stadium, while something as close to simulating an actual game.As promised, the Seahawks Syndicate quartet of myself, Dan Viens, Bryce Coutts, and Brandon Cain (whos will be LIVE from Fast Fashion Brewing in SoDo at 2:30 pm PT to preview the event, which is scheduled to start a little bit after 5 pm and end at around 7:30. It even still gives you time to watch the Mariners 50th anniversary special against the Tampa Bay Rays, although I imagine appetite is low right now. Field Gulls Josh Hite is also slated to come on as a guest analyst, so you get even more of a Field Gulls flavor!Well be looking closely at whether or not Jadarian Price will practice, what Jalen Milroe will produce in his second season, which wide receivers will step up in the competition to crack the 53-man roster, and how Brian Fleurys offense will look different from Klint Kubiaks. Defensively, there will be intrigue surrounding Rylie Mills, the rookie defensive backs in Bud Clark, Michael Dansby, and Andre Fuller, as well as the cornerback competition involving Nehemiah Pritchett and Noah Igbinoghene. If youre not joining us in-person, you can still participate in the YouTube chat or in the comments section below!A full write-up of Saturdays practice will be published on Sunday. VideoSubscribe to The Hawks Eye Podcast!Subscribe to The Hawks Nest!Subscribe to Seahawks Forever Podcast!

Brazilian lightweight Manoel Sousa had a perfect debut at UFC Vegas 114, knocking Bolaji Oki unconscious for a bonus-winning third-round finish Saturday night in Las Vegas, and his first plan was to give back to his mother in Brazil.Manumito, who re-enters the cage Saturday for a short-notice clash with Richie Miranda at UFC Vegas 120, was awarded a $100,000 performance bonus for his devastating knockout on March 14, and that check is a dream for a man that used to make $5 a day to peel coconuts in his native Acara, Cear.That money is going to make a huge difference in my life, man. A huge difference, really, Sousa told MMA Fighting. For someone who used to open 2,000 coconuts for 25 reais Man, its crazy. Its like a movie that plays in your head, something you cant even explain.Sousa worked from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the coconut fields, peeling coconuts in Acara. It would take him 54 years to peel 40 million coconuts so he could pocket an amount of money that matches the bonus awarded him for the UFC Vegas 114 knockout. On cloud nine after the victory, Manumito flew back to Acara to visit his mother, Maria da Conceio, and give her a more comfortable life by furnishing her entire house.I renovated my moms house to give her a better life and make her more comfortable, something she never had, Sousa said. Its an amazing feeling, man. It gives me so much satisfaction to be able to do that for her. Shes my biggest motivation. Without her, Im nobody. First comes God, but without her, Im nobody. She was incredibly happy. She was even happier because I showed up as a surprise [laughs]. I told her I was coming, but I didnt tell her when. It had been four years since Id been there because I was so focused on my career.Another thing that makes me emotional is that my father is not alive to see the success Im having, he continued. Im sure that wherever he is, by the side of the Lord Jesus, he is happy with the son he left on Earth. Im very proud of him because he was someone who fought very hard to raise us. He passed away, but he left us well prepared to live in this world.The road to the UFC wasnt easy, and it included short runs in Bellator and PFL before finishing Cristian Perez on Dana Whites Contender Series to earn a UFC contract. A professional MMA fighter since 2019, Manumito had to dig deep to find the strength to persevere.Im not ashamed to say that many times I would leave work on Friday, sparring day, and sit on the edge of the bed and cry, Sousa said. I cried because I didnt want to go and I knew there was a lot of pressure. But when you got to the gym and started training, started throwing punches with your teammates, it was a completely different energy. I still went, no matter what, and I knew that somehow that would bring some opportunity to me, you know? Its about having faith.It all paid off in the end, and hes now a winning UFC fighter.When we first start fighting, we actually pay to fight, Sousa said. Its a grind so it can all be worth it in the future. If you believe in yourself, go after it and keep working. Even now, fighting in the UFC, its like a movie plays in my head. Look where I came from and where I am today. I never imagined Id be here, but when you believe and work hard, things happen.Manumito now face off with Miranda, who enters his first UFC bout riding a seven-fight winning streak under the LFA banner, winning and defending the lightweight title twice in a span of 13 months. Sousa, however, believes his striking will be too much for the 31-year-old.Im sure he wont want to stand and trade with me because he doesnt have heavy hands, Sousa said. Im going to try to finish the fight by knockout. I know hes going to try to take me down because once that first big punch lands, nobody stays standing. Nobody wants to trade punches with me.We cant underestimate anyone, he continued. That kid is coming in with a lot of hype as a [LFA] champion, but the UFC is a whole different level. Theres no comparison. The UFC is a different level. Once you get in there, you have to show who you are, no matter who youre facing. Well see what happens inside the cage. Im much faster than he is. I dont think he has heavy hands. I think once I start landing on him, hes going to try to grab me, and weve been training for that.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame officially enshrined five men Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Luke Kuechly, Larry Fitzgerald and Adam Vinatieri into its halls on Saturday.They acknowledged their mentors and bared their souls, earning laughs and tears alike. Here were some of the most memorable moments from their induction speeches.WR Larry FitzgeraldWhat he said in his induction speech: Fitzgerald retold his football story, from Vikings ballboy to NFL Hall of Famer, thanking dozens of people along the way. One of the first stops was at Martin Luther King Park in Minneapolis:Had my first touchdown, my first home run, first dunk, first fight. I even had my first kiss, and I almost drowned in the pool there one time.Fitzgerald praised the Bidwill family, especially Michael for giving him the canvas to paint my version of a masterpiece and for the golf-trip planes.And though he was known as soft-spoken and one of the most respectful players of his generation, Fitzgerald displayed humor mixed with humility when talking about his former teammates:On Randy Moss: I learned nothing because there was nothing I could do like him on the football field But what I did learn from Moss is about generosity. He gave me his clothes. He gave me his size-14 shoes Randy, being acknowledged by you meant the world to me.On Emmitt Smith: The all-time leading rusher made himself available, practiced with integrity, and couldnt be beaten in locker-room wrestling. The only thing I couldn't do was beat him in wrestling in the locker room. Man, he was old when I got there, too! He was so old, man. That (man) is strong, man. He's strong.On Kurt Warner: He shaped Fitzgerald through faith, service and accountability. You dragged me into life's winner circle. Fitz also pointed out Warners weird, insatiable love for spaghetti.Fitzgerald referred to all of his coaches, teammates, trainers, and staff as his rising tide and second family, sharing everyday moments: folding towels, late nights in the weight room, running routes after everyone left the field, barbecues, Bible studies, golf, chess, weddings and kids being born.All of it was powered by love, he said.Larry Fitzgerald was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)Grant Halverson via Getty ImagesTop tear-jerk moment: Fitzgerald honored several late mentors, including his agent, Eugene Parker, and his first NFL head coach (and Vikings ballboy boss) Dennis Green. But perhaps the most emotional moment was when he mentioned his parents, both of whom have passed away.On his mother, Carol:Mom, you were the first champion I knew, and the greatest one of all. You lost your fight with breast cancer, but in the years that you lived, you taught me how to love. You showed me how to fight with integrity. You set the standard for our family and our community, and you always will be an example of a life well lived.On his father, Larry Sr., who died last month:My dad, who I lost recently, is also here in spirit. I can feel his presence. He was the foundation of our family and the standard that I measured myself against. Dad, I know there were times where it must have felt like you were carrying the weight of the world, but you always showed up, and your willingness to love and sacrifice with consistency was the blueprint that I used to raise your grandsons.Fitzgerald also had a message to his sons, Devin, Apollo and Milo:Surround yourself with people who tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Those are the people who actually love you Theres never much traffic on the extra mile in life. Bring others along with you. Dont just pursue excellence for yourself. Help others pursue it too Its not the likes, its not the follows, its not the fame, but the people you travel with, the values you uphold, and in the end, its not just about excellence. Its about the people who you help get there.PK Adam VinatieriWhat he said in his induction speech: Vinatieri measured immense respect for the game and all the people who helped him achieve greatness with surprising doses of humor. At one point, Vinatieris speech turned into a mini-roast.On Bill Belichick, who couldnt attend: Theres a lot going on at UNC right now He may be on a recruiting trip right now, looking for the next Lawrence Taylor. I thought it was because training camp had already started, but in truth, its because hes judging his girlfriends cheerleading competition. (Later Vinatieri said, All jokes aside, Bill is the greatest coach of all time.)On Tom Brady: I was lucky enough to play with the greatest quarterback in Patriot history. Unfortunately, he wasnt able to make it here today Drew Bledsoe. Then: I had a few more Tom Brady jokes, but I was afraid that hed run up on this stage and maybe give me a Will Smith (slap) like he did to Logan Paul last month. Vinatieri still praised Brady as a teammate who raised everyones standards.On the Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI underdog win: Sorry, Kurt (Warner).On Peyton Manning: Thank you for generously donating your forehead for todays teleprompter, adding that a gigantic forehead means a big brainOn former teammate and ESPN personality Pat McAfee: The only person who enjoyed holding my balls more than my wife She held for me in the offseason when everyone else was gone.But it wasnt all barbs. Vinatieri opened his speech by calling the Hall of Fame the top of the mountain and the pinnacle of greatness, then immediately shifted the focus to those who helped him land in Canton.Today, its not just about me. Today, its about family. Its about teammates. Its about coaches.Adam Vinatieri was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)Brett Carlsen via Getty ImagesTop tear-jerk moment: Vinatieri paid tribute to his wife, Valerie, telling her there simply arent enough words, carrying every burden of his career with grace, strength, and unconditional love, and that without you, I am not me I definitely outkicked my coverage.On being dad to A.J., Allison and Gabriel:Being your dad has been the greatest accomplishment of my life. Far greater than any kick, far greater than any record, far greater than even standing on this stage today.I hope when you look back in my life, you don't just remember statistics or championships. I hope you remember that your dad worked hard, honored his commitments, treated people with respect, loved God, loved his family and did everything possible to provide you with the life that you deserved.Make or miss, win or lose, the greatest joy I ever had was walking through the door, being attacked with hugs and kisses.Then, in closing, he spoke directly to the game of football as if it were a lifelong partner and parent:I love you with everything I had You were the air I gave you 38 years of my life, and in return, you gave me a lifetime of memories Looking back, I realized I never was just playing football. We were building a life together Now it feels like a parent letting go of a grown child I gave you everything I had, and somehow you gave me even more in return. Thank you for the life you gave me.LB Luke KuechlyWhat he said in his induction speech: Kuechly opened by thanking his father, Tom, who was his presenter.Thank you, Dad. You're over there, and the tears are coming out of your eyes, and I don't have to cry because you've already done it.Kuechly then turned his focus to his fellow enshrinees. He praised Drew Brees as the best player he ever faced (Your process, anticipation, that dang cadence that you have, I can still hear it.); Larry Fitzgeralds consistency; Adam Vinatieris dual Hall of Fame careers and humor; and Roger Craigs pioneering 1,000-1,000 season and joyful family.Kuechly said football taught him resilience, consistency, toughness, communication, finding common ground, andmost of allto enjoy the ride, echoing his former head coach Ron Riveras mantra: Be where your feet are.The joy of football didn't come from any particular win. It came from competing, from studying, from practicing, and from preparing.And joy came most importantly from the people that I was with. I think about the bus rides, the plane flights, being at Wofford College with each other during training camp. You've never seen guys so happy to have a night off at Venus Pie, eating pizza. I know Greg Olson's down there nodding his head.The relationships formed through football are unique. You see each other at your best, and you see each other at your worst. You spend long long days together in meeting rooms. You learn how different people communicate, lead, and overcome challenges. And over time, teammates become friends and friends become family.That's why when people ask me what I miss most about football, it's not one one specific game or one specific play. It's the locker room, which I feel like I have again with you guys up here. It's the conversations that have nothing to do with sports. It's together after wins and hurting together after losses.There's no way to measure what the game of football has given to me, the joy it's provided, and more than anything, the people that I've been so blessed to be around as a result of this game.After name-checking all the people behind the scenes in the Panthers organization who helped him along the way, Kuechly closed by quoting late team owner Jerry Richardson.The most valuable member of the team is the fan.Kuechly closed with a simple Keep Pounding, a nod to the Panthers fans who embraced him from the start.Luke Kuechly was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. (Photo by Rob Tringali /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) Rob Tringali via Getty ImagesTop tear-jerk moment: Kuechlys focused speech turned emotional when speaking about his family, whom he called his first team.On his brothers, John and Henry:I have two wonderful brothers. They're sitting right up here, John and Henry. John's my older brother. He was my first teammate. We played on the same teams growing up. We took our first car rides together. Went hunting, fishing, had plenty of adventures in the woods behind our house.John, you've always had the biggest heart, and you may not be the loudest person in the room, but I've always felt your support. It means the world that you're here today.To my younger brother Henry, we are seven years apart, but I look to you for motivation, your drive, your determination, and will to find the way to be the best is so fun to watch. You're consistent in what you do, and it's so cool to see.I've seen it through schooling and now in (your) medical residency. Your ability to wake up, be the same person, treat everyone well, and do your job the best you can has made me so proud. More than anything, your honesty. You know how to offer your opinion without being pushy. You speak your mind and give great feedback. That's so valuable.On his parents, after noting his mom was wearing her sunglasses because she was about to start crying:And lastly, to my mom and dad, thank you. There are not enough words. Thank you for every ride, every practice, every sacrifice, every lesson, every meal.Mom, for every lunch packed, annoyed phone call on the way home from games and from Sunday night football evenings on the couch.Dad for the most thoughtful, well thought out answers, you gave me what I needed, not always what I wanted, and that's so important. Thank you for showing John, Henry and me what love and consistency looks like. Thank you for creating a home where effort, humility, and gratitude mattered. Thank you for teaching me that a simple smile goes a long way. You never pushed me to be a good football player. You pushed me to be a good person, and that gift means more than anything. I love you guys.RB Roger CraigWhat he said in his induction speech: In a pre-recorded speech, Craig reflected on his long journey as a kid in Davenport who simply loved football and all the early mornings, doubts and sacrifices he endured to standing among the all-time greats in Canton. He thanked his fellow Class of 2026 members, noting that he had retired in 1993, prior to any of them taking an NFL snap.Craig credited his parents for teaching him to work hard, stay humble and keep his faith. His father, Elijah, a mechanic at Wonder Bread, died of lung cancer at age 45 before getting the chance to see him play at Nebraska or in the NFL.Everything I became started with him.His mother, Ernestine, raised seven children while working the night shift as a machine operator.She sacrificed more than any of us would ever know.Craig credited Nebraska coach Tom Osborne with shaping him into a man through discipline and accountability and 49ers coach Bill Walsh for seeing a complete football player in him, not just a running back. He praised the selfless culture of those championship teams, naming teammates such as Ronnie Lott, Joe Montana, Dwight Clark and Jerry Rice (and the famous hill that sharpened their toughness), along with owner Eddie DeBartolo and the York family. He also thanked his lifelong friend and presenter Jamie Williams (whom Craig knew from elementary school through a Super Bowl together with the Niners).He closed by saying the honor belongs to his parents, wife Vanessa (his high school sweetheart), children, grandchildren, coaches, teammates and fans, calling the entire journey a blessing.Roger Craig was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)David Madison via Getty ImagesTop tear-jerk moment: Craigs public disclosure of his vascular dementia diagnosis was an emotionally arresting moment. He shared that doctors believe it may be related, at least in part, to concussions suffered during his career. The changes were gradual and easy to dismiss as normal aging at first, until his family noticed and they sought answers.Craig said he hoped sharing his story would encourage others to pay attention to their health and seek help.Two things can be true: Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I could imagine. It helped shape the man I became.At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. And I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn't feel right.I want people to know, this diagnosis doesn't define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life.If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it's worth it. Football gave me everything: opportunity, discipline, lifelong friends and a platform to grow as a man. This honor belongs to my parents, who started it all, it belongs to my wife Vanessa, my children and grandchildren, and it belongs to every coach, teammate, and fan who was a part of this journey.I'm grateful. I'm grateful for this game, grateful for the people it brought into my life and grateful I can stand before you today and call this journey a blessing. Thank you.QB Drew BreesWhat he said in his induction speech:What he said in his induction speech: Brees spoke last, and he recognized the massive Saints presence in Canton.The Who Dat Nation is real, he said.Brees thanked his Class of 2026 teammates and the broader Hall of Fame fraternity, framing his speech around the people, places and moments that shaped his mindset and career, admitting the chance of getting through it without crying was zero. He traced his competitive fire to his athletic Texas family (including uncle Marty Akins and grandfather Ray Akins, a legendary high-school coach), sharing the childhood story of Marty naming the four seasons as football, basketball, baseball and track. Brees also credited his father, Chip, for always saying yes to playing catch or sports; his late mother, Mina Ruth, for being the most competitive person hed ever known; and his siblings, Reed and Audrey.Brees highlighted his Westlake (Tex.) High School state championship, including a major junior-year injury that led him to accept Christ on his 17th birthday. He also spoke of his transformative years at Purdue and with the Chargers organization. One special mention went to Marty Schottenheimer, noting how the adversity of Schottenheimer benching three times forced his own growth.But then it was time to celebrate New Orleans, from the warm welcome of home-cooked Cajun food to the citys resilience after Hurricane Katrina and other bad storms, and how the Saints became true representatives of the community.Brees also paid homage to Sean Payton, his coach and presenter:The night before every game, talking through every play, every situation, every matchup in the greatest of detail. I would literally ask Sean, Hey, Coach, when do you think you'll call this play? He would squint his eyes and purse his lips you know that look Second quarter, across midfield, probably 47-yard line. Second and 10, left hash, left middle, maybe. They'll never expect it.Precise, instinctive. Coach, you were brilliant. I saw myself as an extension of you on that field. I always had something to prove to you, and I always wanted to make you right. And I know you trusted me, and allowed us both to be great.Brees closed with God bless you, and a fitting Who Dat? for all the Saints fans who made the journey to see his induction.Drew Brees was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty Images)Icon Sports Wire via Getty ImagesTop tear-jerk moment: Brees paid tribute to his late mother and the deeply personal story of his wife, Brittany. He noted that his mother, Mina Ruth Eakinsthe most competitive person Ive ever knownpassed away 17 years ago to the day on Friday and how so much of her lives inside him, as well as how proud she would be of her grandchildren.Later, he described coming home devastated after one of the toughest moments of his Chargers career, only to find Brittany had filled the house with printed pictures and quotes from his entire career, turning despair into a place of love, support, and unwavering confidence.To my wife Brittany, I could be up here till the sun sets and beyond. I'm talking about how much my wife means to me, but I'll just tell you a story that encapsulates it all. In 2003, coming off one of the toughest moments of my career with the Chargers, I was distraught, feeling I let my team down. We fly home from Chicago, and when I walk in the door to our home, my wife has printed pictures and quotes from my entire career and displayed them throughout every step of our home. She immediately turned one of the toughest moments of my career into a place of love, support, and unwavering confidence.My love, you have always had the ability to remind me of who I am and what I'm capable of. So much of what we accomplished was because I knew you were by my side, and you believed in this calling.

The USA Triathlon Nationals are finishing a two-year run in Milwaukee, and the organization hopes to return to the city soon.Milwaukees staunchest advocates couldnt have designed a nicer day for the Olympic Distance event on Aug. 8. The sky was postcard-worthy, and Lake Michigan had a sparkle as the earliest competitors crossed the finish line around 8:30 a.m.Emerson Kiefer had the fastest time of the day, knocking out the 1,500-meter swim, the 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run in 1 hour 53 minutes and 14 seconds.Cheyenne Nixon was the first female to cross the line (2:08:02), but her time was eclipsed in a later group by Heather Lendway (2:06:09). Lendway, who lives in Minnesota, was sixth last year in Milwaukee.Focusing on the race didnt keep Nixon from taking in the beauty of the city while biking over the Hoan Bridge, swimming in Lake Michigan and running through Veterans Park.I love this venue, Nixon said. Its so beautiful being right on Lake Michigan.I feel like the community support has been great," she said. "Like out on the run course, so many people were cheering and that really helped get me through to the finish line.Emerson Kiefer appreciates seeing results of hard workThe 25-year-old Kiefer swam competitively at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, then joined the schools club triathlon team in his first year of graduate school.He has kept at it, with the same competitive edge he brought to the pool.It feels good to work hard, see results, he said. I love swimming for the same reason, but jumps in performance were so marginal. Youre fighting for half a second, a tenth of a second in a calendar year. So its nice seeing a faster performance improvement (in triathlons).Not surprisingly, Kiefer had the fastest performance in the water at 18 minutes, 45 seconds, but that wasnt his favorite part of the race.The bike, he said, was most special. The bridge was cool. Having some straightaways, just pounding on the pedals.Heather Lendway enjoys the camaraderie of triathlonsTriathlon is an individual sport, but there is still a lets-get-through-this-together vibe that keeps Lendway going at 42.Especially on the run, she said. When youre kind of feeling like youre out there alone, its nice to have someone, even if they just see your name on your jersey Its like, OK, someone is watching me, Ive got to keep moving. Dont stop.Lendway said that sense of community among triathletes goes beyond just the race itself. Every time I do a triathlon, I meet somebody new or make a friend," she said. This morning, someone needed a part to pump up their disc wheel. People share. People are nice. Somebody didnt have their bike, I was like I can get you a bike tomorrow. Its just friendly people. People are happy for each other and supportive.Milwaukee has been popular for the USA Triathlon Nationals, hosting from 2013-15, 2021-23 and again last year.The race will move to Des Moines, Iowa, for the next two years. But with Milwaukees lakeshore setting, it seems a safe assumption that it will return here soon.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Lake Michigan setting sparkles as USA Triathlon Nationals end 2-year run

The new era has begun in style for Ballymena United.After five players made the move from Linfield to the Sky Blues this summer as Oran Kearney prepared for his first full season in charge, many had earmarked their match at Windsor Park as the one to watch on the opening Saturday of the Irish Premiership season.Instead, it was the most lop-sided scoreline of the weekend as Ballymena dominated from the first whistle to run out 3-0 victors, scoring three goals at Windsor for the first time since Boxing Day 1973.Is this a sign of things to come for the much-changed Sky Blues? And what does it mean for the season ahead for David Healy's side?McKee magic on Sky Blues debut Kearney had a busy first summer transfer window with 11 new signings and 18 departures as he looked to put his own stamp on the squad.His five former Linfield recruits were handed their league debuts in Belfast, and it did not take long for them to impress against their former side.Chris McKee struggled to secure consistent minutes at the Blues but netted twice in the opening hour of his first Premiership start at Ballymena, with his second in particular a superb strike. An extra sucker-punch for Linfield manager Healy will be that he was also assisted by former Blues players both times.Kearney's side continued to dominate before Success Edogun added a third goal to secure the Sky Blues' first win at Windsor Park in 22 years. It can always be hard for teams to settle in their opening match when there are so many new faces, but the Ballymena boss could not ask for much more during the convincing win.'We have set the bar' - Archer Despite McKee grabbing the headlines, midfielder Josh Archer settled into midfield quickly, while Scott Whiteside also impressed. During pre-season Archer and Fuad Sule's partnership in midfield has grown and the duo helped to quickly close the Blues down in the middle of the park.Registering such a convincing victory in the opening weekend will boost the side's confidence, but Archer said the side must now focus on "reaching those levels every week"."We have set the bar now, we have to reach those levels every week, and I thought everyone put a shift in," Archer told BBC Sport NI."I have really enjoyed it, been made to feel really welcome, and it helps when some of the boys are coming in with me."You get results like today and get ones that aren't as good, but we want to push as it is a good group, and I think we are capable this year."Early endorsement for Kearney's long-term goalsKearney said during the close season that the Sky Blues will be out to 'upset the applecart' and this result backed up those ambitions. Victories at Windsor Park have been few and far between for the side and the manner of the performance during this win gave the Ballymena fans plenty to cheer about.The question will now be consistency - can they back it up when facing Crusaders in their next match after Declan Cadell's side struggled in their opening game against rivals Cliftonville?A tough run follows with home matches against Glentoran and Larne before a trip to the Coleraine Showgrounds. Ballymena have shown that they can dominate against a side that finished in the top six last season, but their performances in those upcoming games will be vital as they settle into the season. Ballymena defeat 'a big concern' for Healy Expectations at Windsor Park are that Linfield will be in the race for the Gibson Cup every year, but the side will need a quick response after this opening result.It has been a low-key transfer window for the Blues so far with just four new signings and Healy himself admitting the side are a few players short. "A lot of people have been looking at us coming into the season, they've been sort of thinking, maybe we are a bit short and a bit light," Healy said."Today was a big concern to me as a manager and speaking to the staff for the length of time they did after the game. I'm sure the board and supporters have a real general concern about the season ahead."As I've assured them many times, we will go with the squad of players that we have."Healy now has less than a week to prepare his outfit for the 'Big Two' derby against Glentoran on Saturday, 15 August knowing the fanbase will not accept such a meek defeat against their fierce rivals.

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 02: Gage Jump #61 of the Athletics prepares to pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Sutter Health Park on August 02, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Athletics have lost nine straight after getting blown out 13-1 by the Boston Red Sox in last nights series opener. At 45-71, the As are tied for the worst record in the league. It wasnt long ago that the team was sitting at .500, highlighting just how swift and extreme this collapse has been. This afternoon, the As will look to stop the bleeding and avoid dropping their 10th in a row. Left-hander Gage Jump will get the start for the Green and Gold. The 23-year-old enters his 14th start of the season with a 4-7 record, a 4.59 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP and 73 strikeouts across 66 2/3 innings pitched. The clubs top pitching prospect got off to a strong start, showcasing his tantalizing stuff during a dominant stretch to begin his major league career. However, Jump has struggled recently, perhaps running into a rookie wall as opposing teams have figured out how to attack the southpaw. In Jumps last outing against the Detroit Tigers, he took the loss after allowing six runs on four hits and six walks over just 3 2/3 innings. The start before that, he dominated these Red Sox hitters in Sacramento, striking out seven over six scoreless innings. If the Athletics want to win a baseball game, they will need Jump to replicate that performance at Fenway Park, although the Red Sox will have a better idea of what to expect from the left-hander. A quality start would go a long way, especially after right-hander Jack Perkins short and poor start yesterday forced the team to ask more out of its struggling bullpen.Speaking of the bullpen, the As shook things up down there.We have made the following roster moves. pic.twitter.com/f9XfyGszqh Athletics (@Athletics) August 8, 2026Hayden Juenger returns to Triple-A after allowing four runs on five hits in the fourth inning of the series opener. Fellow right-handed reliever Yunior Tur takes his spot in the bullpen, looking to make the most of his second chance in the big leagues. It can only go up from here for Tur, who allowed 14 runs in his first two major league appearances a couple of weeks ago. Heres the Athletics lineup for this contest:Jump on the mound pic.twitter.com/CYTpf0zjbS Athletics (@Athletics) August 8, 2026The Athletics will need more offense today, as keeping the Red Sox off the scoreboard will be a tall task for the pitching staff. For the third consecutive day, both of the teams catchers are in the lineup, with Brian Serven taking over behind the plate. Center fielder Henry Boltes speed and shortstop Jacob Wilsons contact ability give the As a dynamic duo atop the lineup, but they have to actually get on base to make an impact. Meanwhile, will Lawrence Butler and Max Muncy continue being automatic outs, or will the two hitters finally make a positive impact for the team?For the second straight day, As hitters will face a talented, young Red Sox left-hander whose stellar performance has been a significant factor in the teams success. Jake Bennett enters his 13th start of the season with a 7-4 record, a 2.90 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 71 1/3 innings pitched. Bennett opposed Jump when these two teams squared off at the As home ballpark. In that game, the lone As win of the four-game series, the Red Sox left-hander took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings. This afternoon, Bennett will look to replicate the performance of his teammate Payton Tolle, who struck out 14 over six innings last night, while the As will look to beat him once again. And Bostons starting nine:UPDATED: Jones DHRafaela CFDurbin 3BContreras 1BMonasterio SSWhite RFSogard 2BDuran LFWong CBennett P Red Sox (@RedSox) August 8, 2026It is time to put an end to this misery and halt the Red Soxs dream run. Lets go As!Follow the Game:Watch:Athletics NBCSCANational FS1Listen:Athletics Talk 650 KSTE, As Cast

Report: Newcastle Interested In Experienced Ligue 1 MidfielderNewcastle Eye Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as Bruno Guimaraes Exit LoomsNewcastle United appear to be planning for a significant midfield shift, with Foot Mercato reporting that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been placed on the clubs shortlist after the departure of Bruno Guimaraes.There is a certain logic to the move. Hojbjerg, now 31, offers something very specific, ballast, authority and a working knowledge of the Premier Leagues rhythms. Newcastle are not, if this report is accurate, searching for a like-for-like replacement in style. They are identifying a player who could impose order in a midfield that may soon lose its primary organiser in possession.Bruno Guimaraes Departure Shapes Newcastle Transfer PlanThe report states that Ross Wilson is directly overseeing Newcastles interest, a detail that lends the pursuit some seriousness. It also suggests the club are have been prepared for Bruno Guimaraes move to Arsenal. Guimaraes has often served as both hinge and heartbeat, dictating tempo while carrying Newcastle through pressure.Photo IMAGOHojbjerg would bring a different type of influence. His game has long been built on clarity rather than decoration, positioning rather than improvisation. Newcastle may value that dependability, particularly if they want an experienced midfielder capable of making an immediate impact rather than requiring a season of adaptation.Marseille Finances Could Open Door for Hojbjerg TransferMarseilles position appears central to the possibility of a deal. Foot Mercato suggests the French club are under pressure to raise funds and lower their wage bill before the transfer window closes. In those circumstances, even established senior players can become available. Hojbjerg, who only arrived last summer and quickly established himself at the Velodrome, is understood to be among those Marseille would allow to leave for the right price.That context matters. Newcastle would be dealing with a selling club motivated less by sporting preference than by financial necessity, a situation that can often accelerate talks and sharpen value.Premier League Experience Appeals to ClubFor Newcastle, the attraction is easy to understand. Hojbjerg knows the division, understands its physical demands and carries the sort of leadership that becomes especially valuable during moments of squad transition.This feels, then, like a practical piece of thinking. Hojbjerg may not reproduce everything Newcastle would lose, few midfielders could, but he might help the team remain structurally sound while a new balance is formed.Our ViewFrom a Newcastle perspective, this report lands with a thud. Replacing your best midfielder with an older, steadier option feels like management of decline rather than ambition. Hojbjerg is a solid professional and no one could question his character, but that is not the point. Newcastle need players who can lift the level, not merely maintain it.There is frustration here because the club have spent years trying to build towards the elite end of the table. Bruno represents that standard. He gives Newcastle personality in possession, bite without the ball and a sense that the team can dictate matches against anyone. Hojbjerg offers experience, yes, but this would look more like a compromise than a statement.Supporters would understand a reset if it came with a bold plan. What they fear is something more cautious, selling a difference-maker and buying a patch. Newcastle have worked too hard to become relevant again to start sounding like a club content with sensible stopgaps. If this deal happens after Bruno leaves, many fans will see it as a worrying sign of where the project is heading.

Barcelona consider La Liga star as Ronald Arajo replacementThe brass at Barcelona are considering a move for Athletic Club star Aymeric Laporte before the summer is out. This of course comes ahead of the imminent departure of Ronald Arajo from Catalunyas capital.The situation at the heart of Hansi Flicks Blaugrana backline has taken a sudden, unexpected shift over the course of the last 24 hours.After Premier League giants Liverpool touched base with their counterparts at the Camp Nou regarding a potential deal for the aforementioned Ronald Arajo, Deco and co. opened the door to a loan move.The Uruguayan, as a result, is widely expected to spend the duration of the upcoming season plying his trade at Anfield.Barcelona, all of a sudden, therefore look somewhat short on options in central defence. As things stand, Hansi Flick has Pau Cubars, Gerard Martn, the oft-injured Andreas Christensen and academy graduate lvaro Corts at his disposal.Eric Garca and Jules Kound are options, too, but both appear to have been converted to full-time full-backs.For this reason, it should come as little surprise to hear of the Blaugrana board kickstarting a fresh search for central defenders on the market. Not only that, but Deco and his team of directors are understood to have an early frontrunner in mindAs per a report from Barca insider Vctor Navarro:Bara are considering (Aymeric) Laporte as Araujos replacement. Deco is already studying the operation.Laporte, currently on the books of Athletic Club, formed a brilliant partnership with none other than Pau Cubars en route to Spain clinching glory at this summers World Cup.Conor Laird GSFN

After finishing third in the first two motos of the 250 Pro Sport class of the Loretta Lynn's Amateur Nationals in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, Landon Gibson picked up the pace in the final race to win the moto and finish within one point of earning the championship.Gibson became the third winner in three motos in a class that often sends amateur riders onto SMX Next glory, and Gibson won with aplomb, leading all 13 laps of the race and finishing more than 15 seconds ahead of the field.Gibson had momentum from an Open Pro victory the day before and he surged from the gate with the early lead with the 250 Pro Sport Moto 2 winner, Carson Wood, in pursuit.Jordan Jarvis wins Loretta Lynns Womens Moto 2, sets up winner-take-all scenarioJordan Jarvis led all nine laps of the second moto in the Womens class and holds a one point advantage over Moto 1 winner Mayla Herrick.Dan Beaver,Wood kept Gibson in sight for the opening laps after fighting off a challenge by his teammate, Jesson Turner. Wood kept the gap under two seconds for a while, posted the fastest lap of the afternoon on Lap 4, until a bobble on Lap 7 caused him to lose contact.Moto 1 winner, Ryder Malinoski, had to overcome a slow start that placed him ninth on the opening lap. He moved into fifth on Lap 6 and found the final podium position on Lap 9 when he completed a pass on Max Shane.Youth is served: Landon Gibson beats Zach Osborne in Open Pro Moto 2Zach Osborne held the lead for seven laps before Landon Gibson completed the pass.Dan Beaver,Malinoski needed that position. With his late-race pass on Shane, he clung to a one-point advantage in the championship over Gibson. Wood finished third in class with results of fourth, first, and second.Shane held on to finish fourth in the moto and was fourth in class standings.Kade Johnson rounded out the top five in Moto 3 of the 250 Pro Sport category. With progressively better finishes of seventh, sixth, and fifth, Johnson was scored fifth overall.Carson Wood wins Loretta Lynns 250 Pro Sport Moto 2, moves into second overallCarson Wood finished fourth in Moto 1 and is in position to challenge for the overall victory. Two points separate him from Ryder Malinoski.Dan Beaver,

Here it is. Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees arrived to the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony with all of the pomp and circumstance it deserved; a custom Mardi Gras-style parade float, dozens of former teammates, and a resplendent gold jacket placed on his shoulders by none other than Joe Montana, the greatest QB of all time. And on Saturday, before he delivered a passionate speech reflecting on his career, Brees unveiled the bronze bust in his image which will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio.And he had an assist from his old Saints coach Sean Payton. It's a great likeness of Brees, including the signature birthmark on his right cheek (which surprised him so much he tried to brush it off). See for yourself:Drew Brees. Forever Immortalized. @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on ESPN/NFLN pic.twitter.com/K7L0DTR8i5 New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 8, 2026A champion. A leader in New Orleans. His legacy is forever. Introducing the Bronze Bust of @Saints legend, @drewbrees! pic.twitter.com/hdgiJtx2ie Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2026And then Brees went on to deliver one of the most compelling speeches we've heard at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in years, beginning with a reflection on his upbringing in Texas, his college career at Purdue, and his experience as a pro with the San Diego Chargers before his arrival to New Orleans. Stay tuned for the full video.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Drew Brees unveils his Hall of Fame bust with assist from Sean Payton

Sunderland boss Le Bris provides updates on several injured stars after pre-season victorySunderland boss Regis Le Bris has provided an update on several players ahead of the Black Cats upcoming fixture against Ipswich Town.On Nordi Mukiele, Le Bris played down the severity of the defenders issue but stressed the need to manage his recovery carefully.No, its not too serious, its a shame because I think his precision was really good, good standards, and he gave in goals on his right side, so just minor, but we need to take care of him, he said.Omar Alderete is also expected to be available for selection soon, although Le Bris suggested he may have to settle for a place on the bench against Ipswich.With Omar, it was an injury during the last game, just before the last game, so its just about stiffness, he said.Its not major, but its important to build his condition, so probably both of them should be on the bench for Ipswich, I think.There was also positive news regarding Romaine Mundle, who has picked up an ankle problem.Romaine is injured as well, hes got a kick on his ankle so that one is minor, Le Bris added.However, Simon Adingra could be absent for longer, with Sunderland continuing to monitor his ankle injury.Simon might be a bit longer, so we are still monitoring his ankle and we need to wait, Le Bris said.Goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor gave Sunderland a 2-0 win over Lens in their latest pre-season friendly ahead of the new campaign.