Thirty-one of the 32 first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft have signed their contracts. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first overall selection, signed his deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday.That leaves Alabama QB Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick by the LA Rams, as the lone player chosen in the first round unsigned. Apparently, "secondary contract language" is the holdup. One would have thought Simpson would be anxious to to sign, given how questioned the Rams' choice of him was.That said, everyone else is in the fold. A look at the value of the contracts for each of those picks. The deals are all for four years.32. Jadarian Price, RB, Seattle SeahawksCollege: Notre DameContract guarantee: $16,783,74831. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Tennessee TitansCollege: AuburnContract guarantee: $17,054,20230. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York JetsCollege: IndianaContract guarantee: $17,494,19629. Peter Woods, DT, Kansas City ChiefsCollege: ClemsonContract guarantee: $17,975,61028. Caleb Lomu, OT, New England PatriotsCollege: UtahContract guarantee: $18,992,47827. Chris Johnson, CB, Miami DolphinsCollege: San Diego StateContract guarantee: $19,040,36926. Keylan Rutledge, G, Houston TexansCollege: Georgia TechContract guarantee: $19,276,44825. Dillon Thieneman, S, Chicago BearsCollege: OregonContract guarantee: $19,512,46024. KC Concepcion, WR, Cleveland BrownsCollege: Texas A&MContract guarantee: $19,748,42923. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Dallas CowboysCollege: Central FloridaContract guarantee: $20,220,41622. Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Los Angeles ChargersCollege: Miami (Florida)Contract guarantee: $20,456,39221. Max Iheanachor, RT, Pittsburgh SteelersCollege: Arizona StateContract guarantee: $20,692,38620. Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia EaglesCollege: USCContract guarantee: $20,810,38619. Monroe Freeling, OT, Carolina PanthersCollege: GeorgiaContract guarantee: $20,928,36218. Caleb Banks, DT, Minnesota VikingsCollege: FloridaContract guarantee: $21,282,37817. Blake Miller, T, Detroit LionsCollege: ClemsonContract guarantee: $21,872,37816. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, New York JetsCollege: OregonContract guarantee: $22,344,30415. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Tampa Bay BuccaneersCollege: Miami (Florida)Contract guarantee: $23,760,24214. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Baltimore RavensCollege: Penn StateContract guarantee: $24,232,77013. Ty Simpson, QB, Los Angeles RamsCollege: AlabamaContract guarantee: TBD12. Kadyn Proctor, T, Miami DolphinsCollege: AlabamaContract guarantee: $26,120,11611. Caleb Downs, S, Dallas CowboysCollege: Ohio StateContract guarantee: $28,951,99210. Francis Mauigoa, T, New York GiantsCollege: Miami (Florida)Contract guarantee: $30,957,8949. Spencer Fano, T, Cleveland BrownsCollege: UtahContract guarantee: $32,255,8288. Jordyn Tyson, WR, New Orleans SaintsCollege: Arizona StateContract guarantee: $32,491,8227. Sonny Styles, LB, Washington CommandersCollege: Ohio StateContract guarantee: $37,211,5926. Mansoor Delane, CB, Kansas City ChiefsCollege: LSUContract guarantee: $41,931,3625. Arvell Reese, LB, New York GiantsCollege: Ohio StateContract guarantee: $47,831,0624. Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee TitansCollege: Ohio StateContract guarantee: $51,134,9123. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona CardinalsCollege: Notre DameContract guarantee: $53,022,8162. David Bailey, EDGE, New York JetsCollege: Texas TechContract guarantee: $54,674,7261. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas RaidersCollege: IndianaContract guarantee: $57,270,598(Research via Spotrac.com)This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Guaranteed dollars for 2026 NFL first-round picks

The start of the 2026 Kentucky Wildcats football season is just 44 days away, and a new era begins under coach Will Stein. As we count the days down, we're getting to know the players who make up the team, and today we're taking a look at No. 44, Justin Kattus.Kattus is one of three brothers, two of which played for the Wildcats. Justin is a 6'1", 216 lb tight end out of Cincinnati. He wasn't highly rated out of high school, but he committed to Kentucky, joining older brother Josh, who is now in the NFL.As a freshman, he saw a little action before redshirting. Last year, he practiced with the team, and continued to work hard, though he didn't make it onto the field. Heading into this season, he's still behind a few other players on the depth chart, but could find value on special teams.Kattus, like his older brother, will have no issue working hard to improve his game, and contributing anywhere he's asked. His size limits him somewhat, but there are ways to make an impact, and he'll keep working until he finds them.This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Get to know the Kentucky football roster: No. 44 Justin Kattus

LSU football took its turn at SEC Media Days on Thursday. Head coach Lane Kiffin led the way, joined by LSU's three player reps: Trey'Dez Green, Whit Weeks, and TJ Dottery. Media Days are yet another reminder of the college football season growing closer. The dog days of Summer are nearing an end. In 44 days, LSU will take the field and the Kiffin era will begin vs. Clemson. Media days rarely reveal state secrets. Typically, coaches and players fill the time with boilerplate answers as they try to avoid giving away too much about position battles or making headlines for the wrong reasons. Yet media days still serve as a time to refamiliarize with each team across the conference, a task that can some time in the transfer portal era. LSU has over 50 new players between its transfer portal and high school recruiting class. But most of the talk about LSU in Tampa wasn't about the players -- it was about Kiffin. Make no mistake, Kiffin is the story for this LSU team entering 2026. Kiffin's high profile, paired with his messy exit from Ole Miss, has him at the center of the sport. Here are five takeaways from Kiffin's first SEC Media Days appearance as LSU's head coach. Lane Kiffin understands how to use the filibusterI said it's rare for state secrets to be revealed at media days -- coaches using the filibuster helps with that. Kiffin avoided questions at his main press conference by opening his session with a 16-minute filibuster. By the time Kiffin was done with his opening statement, there was only time for a few questions. We can debate whether or not it's the proper thing to do, but it worked in Kiffin's favor given the type of questions he was likely to get from the media. I'm sure SEC and LSU administrators were glad to see Kiffin leave without creating any headlines. Kiffin still takes issue with the SEC's nine-game scheduleKiffin wasn't shy about discussing the SEC's new scheduling format. The SEC will play nine conference games in 2026, finally making the move after years of speculation. Kiffin cautioned against the extra conference game before it was added and continues to make his case despite the change."My concern was about the nine games is that you're going to lose non-conference games. Teams will eventually get out of the bigger non-conference games because the selection process is not fixed," Kiffin said.Kiffin said he does not think the College Football Playoff committee puts enough weight on strength of schedule to make it worth it for the SEC. Kiffin isn't necessarily shying away from playing tough opponents, but he wants to make sure LSU is going to be rewarded for it. Kiffin has reflected on his Ole Miss exitKiffin told ESPN that he has some regrets about the way he left Ole Miss. Kiffin knew he was taking the LSU job, but still wanted to coach Ole Miss in the playoff. As Kiffin pleaded his case to Ole Miss AD Keith Carter, the saga dragged on and became the story of college football. Kiffin left Oxford on a sour note. We haven't heard Kiffin go this in-depth on the situation since taking the LSU job. Kiffin's comments to ESPN came a day after Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding said that he and Kiffin are good, and there's no "ill will."Despite Kiffin and Golding pouring some water on the fire, tensions will still be high when Ole Miss and LSU meet in Week 3. Lane Kiffin thinks LSU football has the roster to win nowSome have accused Kiffin of trying to temper expectations in Baton Rouge, but if you've listened to Kiffin this offseason, it's clear he believes in this roster. "We put together a roster that can win now," Kiffin said in Tampa. Kiffin said he took the LSU job to sign the best players in the country and he feels the Tigers have done that through attacking the transfer portal and signing a talented high school recruiting class. Lane Kiffin is taking a social media sabbatical This doesn't necessarily relate to what LSU is doing on the field, but it was a major topic for Kiffin at media days. The LSU head coach has been off social media all Summer, even deleting the apps from his phone. This typically wouldn't be a story, but Kiffin was one of the most active coaches on social media for years, often stirring the pot and poking fun at former colleagues like Lane Kiffin or Kirby Smart.Kiffin said it started after his son, Knox Kiffin, challenged him and said he couldn't stay off social media. So far, Kiffin is proving he can. This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Five takeaways from LSU's Lane Kiffin at SEC Media Days

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is still angling for a new contract, but he wont be a holdout. Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed in a press conference on Thursday that Brissett will be practicing with the rest of the team.Still ongoing. Its been productive between us and his team, LaFleur said of negotiations on a potential extension.Brissett is set to be the teams starting quarterback this fall, but is reportedly aiming for an extension that will pay him like one. As a result, the veteran QB skipped the Cardinals offseason workouts and optional practices while conversations were ongoing.At the time, LaFleur downplayed Brissetts decision to miss OTAs. Brissett later made it to mandatory minicamp in June; skipping that camp or full-team training camp, which started on Thursday, would have made him a holdout.Under Brissetts current deal, the veteran QB is set to make $4.88 million in base salary, with $1.5 million guaranteed and $2 million in potential incentives, per Spotrac. That makes him one of the lowest-paid starting quarterbacks in the league by far below even rookie Los Angeles Rams backup Ty Simpson in annual salary, per Over the Cap.Players who hold out during training camp can be fined up to $50,000 per day, under the current collective bargaining agreement.After taking over for an injured Kyler Murray last season, Brissett is set to get the start once again over the rest of the Cardinals depth chart, which includes career backup Gardner Minshew, Kedon Slovis and recently-drafted rookie QB Carson Beck.

Brandon Davies caught on with the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2013-14 season after going undrafted out of BYU and was able to make a name for himself. He played 51 games, averaged 11.3 minutes per night, and was introduced to the NBA with the Sixers in the middle of "The Process" rebuilding era.The 6-foot-10 big man played 71 games for Philadelphia, starting six, across two seasons and averaged 3.8 points and 2.6 rebounds while shooting 41.7% from the floor. The Sixers then flipped Davies to the Brooklyn Nets in the Andrei Kirilenko deal in December of 2014 and he played seven games for the Nets before heading overseas. Davies played 11 seasons overseas playing in various leagues, but per BasketNews, he has announced his retirement in a statement:"This is a very sudden announcement, but after much thought, I have decided to retire from professional basketball," Davies said in an official statement.Davies was set to play for Alvark Tokyo in Japan, but will retire at 34 years old.This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Former Sixers big Brandon Davies announces retirement from basketball

Cornucopian is the morning line favorite for the Bing Crosby Stakes and is trained by bob BaffertRenee Torbitt Coady PhotographyThe Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar carries major significance as a win and youre in race for the Breeders Cup. This means the winner receives an automatic entry into the $2 million Breeders Cup Sprint at Keeneland later this fall. The 81st running of this grade 1 event features a balanced nine horse field that is led by the Bob Baffert-trained Cornucopian. With every runner as Stakes placed (finished in top three) or a Stakes winner, this six-furlong dirt dash for $400,000 in cash promises to be very competitive. Named for one of the founding fathers of the Seaside Oval, the career crooner is surely smiling when he sees this lineup of talent. Last year, the California-bred Lovesick Blues shook up the world with a huge closing kick at odds of 18 to 1. Could another longshot sing in this edition of the Bing?...Lets take a look at the entrants and provide a thought on each. The horses will be listed by post position with trainer, jockey, and morning line. The Bing Crosby Stakes will be contested on July 25 and is carded as race 10 with an expected post time of 6:30 pm Pacific time.1 Maximum BourbonTrainer: Phil DAmatoJockey: Joel RosarioOdds: 7-2Son of Maximum Security has three wins and a second-place finish in his last four starts. Dominated in the St. Matthews Stakes at Churchill Downs at this distance in his last start back on April 30. Could be a 100 proof player here and certainly a horse for your superfecta.2 ListenupshanceTrainer: Doug ONeillJockey: Ensimeal JarimilloOdds: 8-1Hard-running son of Shancelot that has his pappys speed and his grandpappys (Hard Spun) guts. Has been in top 3 in 9 of 12 carer starts but has only found the winners circle 3 times. Trainer has a knack for pulling off upsets, but this is a tall task. A horse to play across the board at a price and oh by the way, those three wins have all been at old Del Mar.3 Dr. VenkmanTrainer: Mark GlattJockey: Umberto RispoliOdds: 4-1Highly competitive son of Ghostzapper has run in 11 Stakes races in 13 career starts at distances ranging from six furlongs to a mile and a quarter. Was fourth in this race a year ago and finished a non-threatening fifth in his only start this year in the Bango Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 27. He has the experience against top competition and if the price is right is an across-the-board play. Put him on your exotic tickets. 4 For All MankindTrainer: John SadlerJockey: Armondo AyusoOdds: 12-1Door knocking runner that has 3 wins in 23 lifetime starts but has finished second 8 times including his last two starts. This son of Into Mischief has a versatile running style and likely wants to be in the race early if he hopes to have a chance. Not sure Mankind can be there at the end against this group.Stronghold and jockey Antonio Fresu win the Grade III, $100,000 Triple Bend takes, Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA. BENOIT PHOTOBENOIT PHOTO5 StrongholdTrainer: Phil DAmatoJockey: Antonio FresuOdds: 4-1Two wins in two starts this year and in the top two in 12 of 14 lifetime starts means he is usually right there at the end. Has made 11 starts in graded Stakes company so this son of Ghostzapper is battle tested. Distance may be a little short for him, but he is fully capable of administering the small package to the rest of the field.Bob Baffert (right) and jockey Juan Hernandez hope to team up for another Stakes win at Del Mar with Cornucopian. Benoit PhotoBENOIT PHOTO6 CornucopianTrainer: Bob BaffertJockey: Juan HernandezOdds: 3-1Has won three of four starts this year including Aristides Stakes at Churchill Downs in his last start on May 30. Trainer is traditionally the best in spots like this and his big turn of foot down the lane make him super dangerous as he comes in off solid works. Our top selection to sing in the Bing.7 Gold SweepTrainer: John HaranJockey: Mike SmithOdds: 15-1Competitive runner that won the Lake Hamilton Stakes at Oaklawn Park on May 1. Has been in the top three in eight of his last ten starts and gets Big Money Mike in the irons. Was third in the Aristides two starts back at Churchill Downs and is coming for the ship and win money. Dont think he Sweeps any Gold here.8 Mad HouseTrainer: David Van WinkleJockey: Sonny LeonOdds: 12-1Coming to the West Coast having won six of his last eight starts with two coming in graded Stakes company. Beat a solid field in the Count Fleet Stakes at Oaklawn Park at this distance on April 11. His pappy Vekoma had speed to burn and the plan here will likely be play catch me if you can. We think they can. 9 MoonlightTrainer: Peter MillerJockey: Victor EspinozaOdds: 20-1Conditioner is fantastic at preparing horses for sprint races. Veteran Jockey is good at getting his mount out of the gate. Four races this year has yielded one second place finish, but all starts have been in Stakes company and at longer distances. Might be worth a price play as sometimes Moonlight can shine brightly. This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Tarik Skubal said his preference is to finish the season with the Detroit Tigers and compete for a championship, though knows his next start could be his last with the team. "I think we have a chance to win World Series," Skubal said Thursday. "I've said that since spring training. That's never changed. That belief in this team has never changed throughout the season. Obviously we put ourselves in a tough situation, but I think we've come out of that situation playing really good baseball. "Going into spring training and the whole offseason, I've never been more motivated to try and win a World Series for this city, the team that drafted me and helped develop me. That's always been the goal, and that will never change unless I'm told I'm on a different team." The Tigers have until Aug. 3 to decide whether to keep Skubal, who can become a free agent after the World Series, or to deal the two-time Cy Young Award winner in a blockbuster trade to perhaps bolster their future with players and prospects. Skubal (6-5. 2.83 ERA) is scheduled to pitch against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Comerica Park and acknowledged it might be his last start for the Tigers. "That might be the reality," he said. "But also five days later, theres another one at home." The 29-year-old righty had surgery on May 6 to remove a loose body from his pitching elbow and returned to pitch on June 13. "The way the surgery went is exactly how it was supposed to go," Skubal said. "I dont know if remarkable is the word I would use." Detroit was 22-38 at the start of June and has rallied well enough to be in the playoff picture as questions swirl about what the franchise will do with Skubal. "Theres a lot of intrigue around him and the reason is, hes really good," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. Reporting by the Associated Press.

The 2026 Little League Softball World Series is set for a historic milestone as every game airs on ESPNs linear platforms for the first time ever.The blockbuster broadcast expansion follows a record-shattering 2025 championship game that averaged 1.44 million viewers, a 139% surge from the previous year, according to Little League. While this year's field is still taking shape, Greenville, North Carolina, and the August 2-9 tournament dates are officially locked in as qualification battles begin.A dozen teams eight from the U.S. and four international contenders will punch their tickets through regional tournaments.Here are the must-know dates as the road to the Little League Softball World Series officially begins.When is the Little League Softball World Series? The 2026 Little League Softball World Series will take place from August 2 to August 9, 2026 in Greenville, North Carolina. Where is the softball Little League World Series? Greenville, North Carolina, has been the home of Little League Softballs biggest event since 2021. The upcoming showdown marks the sixth straight year Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park will host the premier championship event. When are the Little League Softball regional tournaments?The United States Little League Softball regional tournaments occurred between July 17 and July 23, 2026. The Little League Softball international tournaments were played earlier this summer. Here's a detailed breakdown of the U.S. Little League Softball regional tournamentsand the teams that wonCentral RegionTeam that won:Daviess County Little League (Owensboro, Kentucky)Region Tournament Record: 4-1League LLSWS Appearance:1st State LLSWS Appearance:2ndLittle League Charter Since:2025Mid-Atlantic RegionTeam that won:Toms River Little League (Toms River, New Jersey)Region Tournament Record: 4-1League LLSWS Appearance:1stState LLSWS Appearance:5thLittle League Charter Since:2021New England RegionTeam that won:Bristol Girls Softball Little League (Bristol, Connecticut)Region Tournament Record: 3-0League LLSWS Appearance:1stState LLSWS Appearance:5th Little League Charter Since:2008North Carolina RegionTeam that won:Johnston County Little League (Clayton, North Carolina)Region Tournament Record: 3-0League LLSWS Appearance:1stState LLSWS Appearance:5th as host, 16th overallLittle League Charter Since:1993 (2023 softball) Northwest RegionTeam that won:Snohomish Little League (Snohomish, Washington)Region Tournament Record: 3-0League LLSWS Appearance:2nd (1st under the current name of the charter)State LLSWS Appearance:5th Little League Charter Since:2008Southeast RegionTeam that won:Lake Mary Little League (Lake Mary, Florida)Region Tournament Record: 4-0League LLSWS Appearance:4thState LLSWS Appearance:13thLittle League Charter Since:1981Southwest RegionTeam that won:Greater Helotes Little League (Helotes, Texas)Region Tournament Record: 3-1League LLSWS Appearance:2ndState LLSWS Appearance:19thLittle League Charter Since:1987West RegionTeam that won:Live Oak Little League (Live Oak, California)Region Tournament Record: 4-0League LLSWS Appearance:1st State LLSWS Appearance:8thLittle League Charter Since:1967 (baseball), year unknown (softball)Asia-Pacific RegionTeam that won:Kinki Softball Little League (Japan)Region Tournament Record: 2-0League LLSWS Appearance: 1stCountry LLSWS Appearance: 2ndLittle League Charter Since: 2025Europe & Africa RegionTeam that won:Emilia Romagna Little League (Italy)Region Tournament Record:5-1League LLSWS Appearance:3rdCountry LLSWS Appearance:9thLittle League Charter Since:2006Latin America RegionTeam that won:Guayama Softball Little League (Guayama, Puerto Rico)Region Tournament Record:5-0League LLSWS Appearance:3rdCountry LLSWS Appearance:17thLittle League Charter Since:2018What channel is the softball Little League World Series on?The 2026 Little League Softball World Series will be broadcast on ESPN platforms, with the championship game airing on ABC. Games will also be available to stream on ESPN+.Dates:August 2nd - August 9thTV:ESPN, ESPN2, ABCStream:ESPN+Location:Greenville, North CarolinaHow old are the players in the Little League Softball World Series?Softball players be ages 10-12 to participate in the Little League Softball World Series, according to Little League.In his new book, @StephenBorelli delivers a fun, parentfriendly guide packed with expert tips and lessons from sports legends to help families enjoy every step of the youth sports journey.Heres how to get your copy. https://t.co/y9oIT0buc6: Pediment Publishing pic.twitter.com/QsOiyLyCs4 USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) April 8, 2026What is the schedule for the 2026 Little League Softball World Series? Little League International unveiled the first-round matchups for the 2026 Little League Softball World Series on June 9.Twelve powerhouse teams from around the globe will battle across the Purple and Orange brackets with championship dreams on the line.The randomly drawn pairings have created can't-miss clashes as the world's brightest young stars prepare for softball's biggest stage. Here is the full day-by-day schedule for the whole tournament, starting with the opening-round matchups.Sunday, August 2Game 1: (Purple): Northwest vs. Southeast, 10 a.m. ESPN2Game 2: (Orange): Mid-Atlantic vs. Asia-Pacific, 1 p.m. ESPN2Game 3: (Orange): West vs. Central, 4 p.m. ESPN2Game 4: (Purple): Canada vs. North Carolina, 7 p.m. ESPN2Monday, August 3Game 5 (Orange): Winner of Game 2 vs. Latin America, 10 a.m. ESPN2Game 6 (Purple): Winner of Game 1 vs. Europe and Africa, 1 p.m. ESPN2Game 7 (Purple): Winner of Game 4 vs. Southwest, 4 p.m. ESPN2Game 8 (Orange): Winner of Game 3 vs. New England, 7 p.m. ESPN2Tuesday, August 4Game 9 (Purple): Loser of Game 1 vs Loser of Game 7, 10 a.m. ESPN2Game 10 (Orange): Loser of Game 2 vs Loser of Game 8, 1 p.m. ESPN2Game 11 (Orange): Loser of Game 3 vs Loser of Game 5, 4 p.m. ESPN2Game 12 (Purple): Loser of Game 4 vs Loser of Game 6, 7 p.m. ESPN2Wednesday, August 5Game 13 (Orange): Winner of Game 10 vs Winner of Game 11, 10 a.m. ESPN2Game 14 (Purple): Winner of Game 9 vs Winner of Game 12, 1 p.m. ESPN2Thursday, August 6Game 15 (Purple): Winner of Game 6 vs Winner of Game 7, 1 p.m. ESPN2Game 16 (Orange): Winner of Game 5 vs Winner of Game 8, 5 p.m. ESPN2Friday, August 7Game 17 (Purple): Loser of Game 15 vs Winner of Game 14, 3 p.m. ESPN2Game 18 (Orange): Loser of Game 16 vs Winner of Game 13, 6 p.m. ESPN2Saturday, August 8Game 19 (Orange championship): Winner of Game 16 vs Winner of Game 18, 2 p.m. ESPNGame 20 (Purple championship): Winner of Game 15 vs. Winner of Game 17, 5 p.m. ESPN 2Sunday, August 9Game 21 (Third place game): Loser of Game 19 vs Loser of Game 20, 10 a.m. ESPNGame 22 (Little League Softball World Series Championship): Winner of Game 19 vs Winner of Game 20, 3 p.m. ABCHow does a North Carolina softball team qualify for the Little League Softball World Series?A North Carolina softball team can earn its way into the Little League Softball World Series bracket in one of two ways, according to Little League. "As the host state of the event, the champion of the North Carolina Little League Softball tournament is granted direct entry into the LLSWS, while the runner-up of that tournament will have the opportunity to compete through the Southeast Region Tournament to earn a bid as the Southeast Region Champion," said Kevin Fountain, Senior Director of Communications for Little League InternationalWho won the 2025 Little League Softball World Series?The 2025Little League Softball World Seriesconcluded with Indiana and Pennsylvania competing for the title in Greenville, North Carolina.Pennsylvania made its first championship game appearance since 2018, and the West Suburban LL squad from Johnstown did not disappoint.Johnstown, representing the Mid-Atlantic region, recorded four consecutive shutout wins to end the tournament and capturethe 2025 LLSWS championship title with a 1-0 victoryover Floyds Knobs, Indiana, which was representing the Central region.The victory marks the first Little League Softball World Series title for a team from Pennsylvania since 1978.- Sherlon Christie, Jon Hoefling and Gabe Zaldivar.Sherlon Christie is a USA TODAY Sports senior trending editor and an expert on Little League Baseball and Little League Softball. You can reach him by email atschristie@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @sherlonchristie, on Bluesky at @sherlonchristie.bsky.socialThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Little League Softball World Series 2026: Meet the contenders

CHICAGO (AP) Brianna Turner said on social media that her former team, the Indiana Fever, fired a male employee last season for sexual harassment. Turner, who was with Indiana last season but now plays for the Las Vegas Aces, also said Fever players were encouraged not to discuss the firing. The Fever put out a statement Thursday that didn't directly address Turner's comments.Protecting our players and employees and maintaining a respectful, professional workplace is our top priority, the Fever said. Our policy is to take concerns seriously, investigate thoroughly, and act promptly when appropriate to protect the people in our organization and ensure everyone is treated with professionalism and respect. Fostering trust and safety in that process means we do not comment on personnel matters involving former employees.Turners comments were part of a series of posts she made in defense of transgender athletes. "To date theres been one out trans player in the league. They caused zero problems, Turner wrote in the posts on X on Wednesday. An issue that has caused problems though? Last year on my WNBA team a male staff member was fired for sexual harassment, but we were encouraged to keep quiet about it. That is an issue."She didn't provide details of the firing. Turners comments came after a former teammate, Fever guard Sophia Cunningham, had also weighed in on the issue of transgender athletes competing in womens sports. "I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And Im like, I never once said that, Cunningham was quoted as saying in a story published this week by ESPN. I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldnt have to go against biological men." ___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

The biggest transaction the New York Giants have made ahead of training camp might actually be the one they did not make.Third-year wide receiver Malik Nabers has manage to avoid placement on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list ahead of training camp. New York placed three players on the list tight end Thomas Fidone II, defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris and defensive lineman Sam Roberts but notably left Nabers off of it.Nabers, 22, missed all but four games in his second season in the NFL after tearing his ACL in a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The young wideout was coming off of a Pro Bowl rookie season, and his injury in 2025 was a major blow to a Giants offense that was just starting to find its footing under then-rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.The fact that the Giants did not need to put Nabers on the PUP list is a very positive sign for his recovery from the torn ACL. As New York ramps up its preseason preparation in West Virginia starting on July 28, Nabers will be among training camp participants as he works back up to full speed. Barring any setbacks, the young wideout may be in line to play during the first four weeks of the season.GIANTS NEWS: John Harbaugh has a Lamar Jackson-inspired plan for Jaxson DartMalik Nabers injury updateThe Giants opted not to put Nabers on the PUP list before the start of their training camp on July 28. That sets the young receiver up to be a participant in some of New York's late summer practices, albeit likely in a limited capacity to start.Nabers will not miss any additional time with the team as he works his way back from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 4 last year. Reports from ESPN's Jordan Raanan indicate that the Giants believe the former No. 6 overall pick could be back in time for New York's Week 1 clash with the Dallas Cowboys on "Sunday Night Football."New York Giants WR depth chartMalik NabersDarius SlaytonDarnell MooneyCalvin Austin IIIMalachi FieldsJuJu Smith-SchusterOdell Beckham Jr.Isaiah HodginsBraxton BerriosNabers is a lock for a starting spot among the Giants' wide receiver corps if he's healthy. The rest of spots in the starting trio, as well as a few roster spots, may be up for grabs after New York lost 2025 top receiver Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency.Malachi Fields, the Giants' third-round pick this year, could be competing for a spot in the starting offense in Year 1. Long-time Big Blue receiver Darius Slayton is also likely to slide back into a spot in the top three of New York's receivers. Veterans Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin round out some of the additional depth the Giants added in free agency this offseason.Behind the latter two, Odell Beckham Jr. is back to compete for a roster spot after one year removed from the NFL and eight years removed from his first Giants stint. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Isaiah Hodgins and Braxton Berrios will compete with Beckham for one of New York's final receiver spots on their 53-man roster.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Latest Malik Nabers injury update is good news for Week 1 availability