CHICAGO Player safety, particularly safety from online abuse, has become a dominant topic for the WNBA in the weeks leading up to the 2026 All-Star weekend. Many players understand it's important, but admit there isn't a simple solution."It gets harder in this day and age with social media because ... it's hard to censor what people say or protect players in that way when we all have social media. Everybody has access to our pages, DMs, whatever it is," Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron told USA TODAY."And with betting and everything, it's obviously gotten worse with the parlays and all that, but I think that's just something that we as players can try to ... just be super intentional about what we're looking at. It's still important to have conversations about how we can make it better."On Tuesday, commissionerCathy Engelbertand leadership from the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) met "for an honest and meaningful conversation about the recent increase in racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players," according to a statement from the league. The meeting came in the wake of incidents that shed light on the issue.Phoenix MercuryforwardAlyssa Thomascalled on the WNBA and Engelbert to take action after she received death threats and online abuse following aone-game suspensionfor "recklessly" making contact with the throat of Caitlin Clark during theMercury'sJune 24111-109 win over the Indiana Fever. Thomas said the league failed to reach out to her about the suspension or in the aftermath of the on-court incident.Las Vegas Aces point guard Chelsea Gray posted one of the messages she got following an Indiana Fever game, in which a mancalled her a racial slur. After fans identified the man, he was fired by his employer, Hilton Grand Vacations.According to a subsequent statement, the meeting "underscored the importance of addressing issues early through proactive communication and strengthening the league-union relationship." Here's everything you need to know about the conversation: What measures are already in place to protect WNBA players? Last season, the WNBA announced its "No Space For Hate" campaign and said it had taken a comprehensive approach focused on four key areas: enhanced technological features to detect hateful comments online, increased emphasis on team, arena and league security measures, reinforcing mental health resources and alignment of core against hate."We all know as people who have online presence, you can't stop everything. You know, I think the league's done a good job of implementing a program that can kind of hopefully filter those things out that players are able to enroll in," WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said."But I think that our call on Monday was to try and figure out what else, what more we can do?" As part of the league's 2025 initiative, players were introduced to an app they can download to their phones to help the league monitor instances of online abuse.You know, that app was implemented last year, and there was a lot of communication about it," Ogwumike said. "So maybe we need to be better at how we disseminate that information. So players know that that resource is available.What would the players like from the WNBA?The two instances Thomas and Gray raised reignited the discussion about player safety.The Aces did a great job of speaking out on it and nipping it in the bud instantly because I dont like when things fester because it allows a lot of things to seep in," Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson said of the situation involving Gray. "The biggest tangible thing is to really say things for what they are, and just show us that you hear us and that youre there for us and then we go from there.The more we talk about it, the more that its being seen, the more that people can understand that this is a really situation that we have to buckle down on."Ogwumike also spoke about the urgency Las Vegas gave the situation involving Gray, and how that could be a possible example of what the league could do better moving forward when other situations arise."I do know players feel as though they want to feel a sense of accountability for the interactions that are taken way too far," Ogwumike said. "Similarly, in the way that Vegas responded, to how they handled Chelsea's situation, because you have people like DeWanna Bonner (who) is talking about how her family's addresses are being leaked online, you know, and she's receiving a lot of this interaction that she can't escape just when she leaves the practice facility."Ican't tell you that I know exactly what it needs to be, but I do know that with player perspective, and then, of course, accountability and action from the league, and help from our PA and staff. We can help figure it out in a way that can tailor towards our experience." WNBA All-Star schedule Thursday, July 23 WNBA Live: 4 p.m.-8 p.m. ET at McCormick Place. An interactive fan festival featuring athlete appearances, activations, and merchandise. Friday, July 24 WNBA Live: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET at McCormick Place Skills Night: 6 p.m. ET at Wintrust Arena. Features the WNBA Shooting Stars and WNBA 3-Point Contest (ESPN) Saturday, July 25 WNBA Live Presented by AWS: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET at McCormick Place WNBA All-Star Game: 6:30 p.m. ET at the United Center (ABC, Disney+) Watch the WNBA all season on Fubo WNBA All-Star teams Team Coop Starters Paige Bueckers, G, Dallas Wings Breanna Stewart, F, New York Liberty Kelsey Mitchell, G, Indiana Fever Natasha Howard, F, Minnesota Linx Gabby Williams, F, Golden State Valkyries Reserves Angel Reese, F, Atlanta Dream Marina Mabrey, G, Toronto Tempo Dominique Malonga, C, Seattle Storm Kahleah Copper, G, Phoenix Mercury Jackie Young, G, Las Vegas Aces Sonia Citron, G, Washington Mystics Staff Head Coach Becky Hammon General Manager Cynthia Cooper Team Spoon Starters Caitlin Clark, G, Indiana Fever A'ja Wilson, C, Las Vegas Aces Olivia Miles, G, Minnesota Lynx Aliyah Boston, C, Indiana Fever Jessica Shepard, F, Dallas Wings Reserves Rhyne Howard, G, Atlanta Dream Allisha Gray, G, Atlanta Dream Jonquel Jones, F, New York Liberty Courtney Williams, G, Minnesota Lynx Kiki Iriafen, F, Washington Mystics Nneka Ogwumike, F, Los Angeles Sparks Staff: Head Coach Cheryl Reeve General Manager Teresa Weatherspoon This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA players, league confront surge in abusive messages. What they're doing

As their latest free agency addition, the Houston Rockets announced the signing of 22-year-old forward Julian Phillips. At 6-foot-8 and 201 pounds, Phillips is well regarded for his elite athleticism and 7-foot-1 wing span.Following one collegiate season at Tennessee, Phillips was the No. 35 overall pick by Boston in the 2023 NBA draft.From there, he spent his first two-and-a-half seasons with Chicago before being acquired by Minnesota via a February trade.In 167 career games with seven starts, Phillips has averaged 11.4 points (43.5% FG, 32.0% on 3-pointers), 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 made 3-pointers per 36 minutes.He has also appeared in 12 G League games, averaging 19.0 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 41.4% from 3-point range.At the 2023 NBA draft combine, Phillips recorded the highest standing vertical leap (36.0 inches) and the best max vertical leap (43.0 inches) of any participant.He was a McDonalds All-American in 2022.Between Tuesday and Friday, the Rockets officially added Isaiah Crawford, JaeSean Tate, Oscar Tshiebwe, and now Phillips to their 2026-27 offseason roster. All will be evaluated during the teams upcoming training camp, which begins in late September.Financial terms were not disclosed in any of the announcements, though Crawford, Tshiebwe, and Phillips are all believed to be on non-guaranteed deals entering camp. Tate has a small portion of his deal guaranteed.NBA teams can carry up to 21 players on their roster during each offseason. For the regular season, that figure drops to a maximum of 15 standard contracts and three two-way contracts, and that typically leads to roster consolidation at the end of the preseason.Should they not be claimed by another team at the NBA level, young players released at the October roster deadline (just prior to the regular-season opener) could then become candidates to join Houstons G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers.But the obvious goal for each young player is to turn enough heads over the offseason and preseason to earn an NBA role, and thats what Phillips will attempt to do in Houston over the weeks and months ahead.More: Rockets sign free agent center Oscar TshiebweHouston #Rockets 15-man roster para 26-27. pic.twitter.com/BxWPiJlqk2 Clutch City Brasil (@ClutchCityBR) July 23, 2026This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets sign free agent forward Julian Phillips

The Minnesota Vikings can talk about other training camp storylines, but the quarterback conversation is not going anywhere.Kyler Murray enters camp as the favorite to win the starting job, giving Minnesota an experienced option with the arm talent and mobility to function in Kevin OConnells offense. Still, any unsettled quarterback situation commands attention, and the Vikings have one that could shape not only Week 1, but the franchises long-term direction, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.Who will start at QB in Week 1?Kyler Murrayis the heavy favorite to win the job, but it's impossible to pull eyes away from any unsettled quarterback situation. In his previous seven NFL seasons, Murray has displayed the arm talent necessary to succeed in Kevin O'Connell's offense. But how long will it take him to grow accustomed to what is admittedly a complex scheme, one that requires active eyes and patient feet in the pocket? Murray admitted during OTAs that it had been a challenge to pursue the necessary familiarity while taking only half the reps. Meanwhile,J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, is fighting for his football future -- at least with the Vikings -- after only 10 NFL starts.-- Kevin SeifertMurrays rsum makes him the logical front-runner. Across seven NFL seasons, he has shown the ability to create explosive plays, extend snaps and stress defenses with his arm and athleticism. Those traits should fit an offense built around timing, spacing and aggressive downfield opportunities.The challenge is mastering the details.OConnells system is not considered simple. It asks quarterbacks to play with discipline, active eyes, and patient feet. It requires comfort with full-field reads, protection adjustments, and timing-based throws that must be delivered before windows fully open. Murray acknowledged during OTAs that building that familiarity was more difficult while splitting reps, and that dynamic will remain important once camp begins.That leaves J.J. McCarthy in a complicated spot.McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is fighting for his football future in Minnesota after only 10 NFL starts. His draft status still matters, but so does the reality of a quarterback room that has changed around him. If Murray wins the job and plays well, McCarthys path with the Vikings becomes less certain.That is what makes this competition so compelling. Murray may be the heavy favorite, but McCarthy gives the battle larger stakes. Every practice rep will be evaluated through two lenses: who gives the Vikings the best chance to win immediately, and what the decision means for the future.Minnesota has enough talent to be competitive. OConnells biggest decision is making sure the right quarterback is leading it.This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Talks around the Minnesota Vikings QB battle aren't going anywhere

CHICAGO Even though Patrick Kane started his career with the Chicago Blackhawks, his reintroductory news conference Friday might have felt weird.Yes, he helped the Hawks win three Stanley Cup championships in his first stint with the team, but three years away could have added uncertainty to the day.As Kane walked into the Blackhawks Ice Center media room with general manager Kyle Davidson, he greeted reporters, noting some familiar faces. Kanes longtime girlfriend, Amanda Grahovec, and their 5-year-old son, Patrick Kane III, preceded him, sitting in the front row with grins on both their faces.The 37-year-old right wing had the two beat with his large smile that lit up the room. He sat in his chair, comfortable and poised as could be.So no, not weird at all.The Hawks brought back Kane, who spent the first 15-plus seasons of his career in Chicago, signing the future Hall of Famer to a two-year, $16 million contract Thursday to return to the franchise that drafted him No. 1 in 2007.Hell look to add to his Hawks numbers 446 goals, 779 assists and 1,225 points. The stats each rank in the top three in franchise history.Its great to be a Blackhawk again, he said Friday. I appreciate everything (Davidson) had to deal with the last few weeks, just with taking my time and going through the process and the decision.Obviously the storys great, coming back to Chicago and being a Blackhawk again, where I spend my summers and Chicago being my home.The Hawks in February 2023 traded Kane to the New York Rangers, and he spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.After signing his contract Thursday, Kane skated through reps at the Blackhawks Ice Center in a Hawks sweater. The forward said his second Hawks stint is no farewell tour, noting that his motivation is to help a developing team.Most importantly, it was just about coming to a team where I think I can fit in well, a team thats on the rise, a team thats looking to make some big steps forward and trying to make the playoffs, Kane said. I talked about all that other stuff (and) I think all thats great, but thats not why Im here.Its not like Im just coming back home to ride off into the sunset or whatever it is. I want to be a big player here and help the team win.The Hawks, though, appear to be further away from competing than the club he decided against joining, the Sabres. Kane is a Buffalo, N.Y., native, and the Sabres last season ended a 14-year postseason drought. The Hawks have missed the playoffs six consecutive seasons and eight of nine.In the end, he chose the Hawks.Its always in the back of your mind, I dont know if I ever really thought (coming back) was possible, Kane said. It got to the point (around free agency) where I wanted to see what was out there and what teams would be interested.When Chicago showed their interest, it really got me interested as well. You start looking at the team, the potential and where theyre at as a group, it really made sense and seemed like a perfect fit for me.Its a change of pace for Davidson, who previously had brushed off a Kane reunion. That was a different time for Davidson, and the needs of his team led him to sway his opinion on bringing back the forward.We were much more at the outset of this whole project (when Kane was traded), and now that weve got some of these draft picks, (theyve) established themselves (and) continue to grow within the NHL, Davidson said. From an organizational standpoint and roster standpoint, the time was right.(I want to) be very clear that were bringing (Kane) in to contribute to the hockey team here the return is a very nice aspect of it, but its not the core reason. Were bringing him in to make our team better, which we firmly believe that he does do.The Hawks completed most of their offseason tasks in July. They extended star center Connor Bedard, signed winger help in Kane and traded for and extended defenseman Bowen Byram. Frank Nazars seven-year, $46.13 million extension kicks in this season, and Kane signaled his desire to develop chemistry with the 22-year-old.Bedard, who will miss at least a month of the season following left shoulder surgery, made his pitch for Kane on Monday after signing his five-year, $75 million extension.Wed all be so excited to have a player like that but also a guy like that, Bedard said of Kane. I cant imagine his first game back at the (United Center), the reaction hed get and how much juice that would bring to not only our team but our fans as well.You talk about the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team, he would make us a way better team hes still an amazing player. I dont know if this is the best pitch, but hopefully he comes back and we can play together.His pitch turned out to be successful, with Kane saying it was cool to hear his comments and the excitement Bedard will have playing alongside him. Theyre expected to skate together on the top line something Kane already has been thinking about.How can you not? Kane said. Hes such a special player. This would be my 20th year in the league, and Id probably see passes Ive never seen before playing with him.Kanes son was 2 when his dad first left the Hawks, and hell see his father in a Hawks sweater again.I dont think he really remembered much from my first time around, so itll be great, Kane said. I definitely view myself as a Blackhawk, obviously for everything we accomplished as a team, within the organization and personally. But for him to see that now and can really understand, it would be very special.Kane can only imagine the roar when he takes the United Center ice in the Oct. 6 home opener, again in a Hawks sweater.I remember coming back last year, I was on the ice for the national anthem and I was just so shocked at how loud it was, Kane said. I was thinking to myself: Is this how loud it is every game? Did I take it for granted when I was here?Im sure itll be the same type of feeling going out there for the first home game and being back itll be pretty electric.

The UFC is back in the Middle East with a former champion at the top of the bill.UFC Fight Night 282 takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi (Paramount+).Get pick results from our 11 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers, as well as additional analysis, below.Saygid Izagakhmaev vs. Abubakar VagaevRecords: Izagakhmaev (22-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Vagaev (24-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC)Division: WelterweightRankings: NoneOdds (as of 07.24.26): Vagaev -240, Izagakhmaev+200Junkie pick results: Vagaev 9, Izagakhmaev 2Tyrell Fortune vs. Rizvan KunievRecords: Fortune (18-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Kuniev (14-3-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)Division: HeavyweightRankings: NoneOdds (as of 07.24.26): Fortune +260, Kuniev -330Junkie pick results: Kuniev 9, Fortune 2Damian Rzepecki vs. Magomed ZaynukovRecords: Rzepecki (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), Zaynukov (8-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)Division: LightweightRankings: NoneOdds (as of 07.24.26): Rzepecki +240, Zaynukov -300Junkie pick results: Zaynukov 10, Rzepecki 1Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington TurmanRecords: Dulatov (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Turman (18-8 MMA, 3-6 UFC)Division: WelterweightRankings: NoneOdds (as of 07.24.26): Dulatov -1000, Turman +650Junkie pick results: Dulatov 11, Turman 0Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan TemirovRecords: Erceg (14-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC), Temirov (19-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC)Division: FlyweightRankings: Erceg No. 11Odds (as of 07.24.26): Erceg +100, Temirov -120Junkie pick results: Temirov 11, Erceg 0Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan GuskovRecords: Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC), Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC)Division: Light HeavyweightRankings: Ankalaev No. 2, No. 13 pound-for-pound; Guskov No. 8Odds (as of 07.24.26): Ankalaev -550, Guskov +400Junkie pick results: Ankalaev 10, Guskov 1Individual staff member picks, main cardReaders114-55: Ankalaev(80%), Temirov (60%), Dulatov (94%), Zaynukov(79%), Kuniev(66%)Danny Segura121-51: Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Kuniev, VagaevNolan King 114-58: Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Kuniev, VagaevMatthew Wells 113-59: Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Kuniev, IzagakhmaevFarah Hannoun 112-60: Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Kuniev, IzagakhmaevMike Bohn 112-60: Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Kuniev, VagaevSimon Samano111-61: Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Kuniev, VagaevGeorge Garcia 109-63: Guskov, Temirov, Dulatov, Rzepecki, Fortune, VagaevKen Hathaway108-64: Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Kuniev, VagaevMatt Erickson 108-64: Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Fortune, VagaevBrian Garcia107-65: Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Kuniev, VagaevJero Guerra 25-11:Ankalaev, Temirov, Dulatov, Zaynukov, Kuniev, VagaevPreliminary card picksAlthough they don't count toward the standings, MMA Junkie staff members still pick the fights on the prelims. Here are the results:Thomas Petersen vs. Valter Walker: Walker 11, Petersen 0Dustin Jacoby vs. Muhammad Saidov: Jacoby 9, Saidov 2Sam Patterson vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio: Patterson 10, Ponzinibbio 1Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola: Bonfim 6, Sola 5Brendson Ribeiro vs. Magomed Tuchalov: Tuchalov 11, Riberio 0Nurullo Aliev vs. Mike Davis: Aliev 11, Davis 0Cody Gibson vs. Abdul Hussein: Hussein 8, Gibson 3This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Abu Dhabi: Whos backing a Bogdan Guskov upset of Magomed Ankalaev?

The Chargers made a roster move ahead of the start of their training camp. The NFL's transaction report for Friday shows that they placed offensive tackle Isaiah World on the non-football injury list. World signed with the Chargers after going undrafted out of Oregon. He tore his ACL during the team's college football playoff loss to Indiana, so it may be some time before he's ready to get back on the field. World played three seasons at Nevada before transferring to Oregon. He started 14 games at left tackle during his only season with the Ducks. Chargers rookies reported to training camp this week. They will have their full squad in camp on July 28 with their first practice set for the next day.

The first-ever U.S. Junior Amateur semifinal to match two First Coast products was a heavyweight bout that featured punches, counterpunches and no give from either participant.Perhaps Golf Channel commentator Emilia Doran was right when she said, "This was the championship match."It's a long way from being over.Miles Russell of Jacksonville Beach has one more opponent and 36 holes to play, with less than 14 hours to recharge for the championship match against Noah Maclauchlan on July 25 at the Saucon Valley Golf and Country Club Old Course in Bethlehem, Pa., beginning at 8 a.m.Russell beat Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island 2 and 1 on July 24 after he rolled in a delicate, downhill 12-foot birdie putt at No. 17 and Mawhinney barely missed on the low side for birdie from 10 feet.The two combined for three eagles, 11 birdies and a flurry of memorable shots raining down on the gentle Pennsylvania landscape on a windless midsummer afternoon and evening.Three holes were halved with birdies. Three required eagles to win. Before the two players bogeyed No. 16, they were each 8-under for the day and Russell's closing putt made him 9-under."Long day, but a lot of good golf," Russell told Golf Channel. "You don't get many of those back-to-back golf days ... very few. We take them where we can get them and try to keep that rolling into tomorrow."Russell said he sees no need to change his game plan of relentlessly hitting fairways and greens, and conjuring short-game magic and clutch putts when he needs them."Kind of the same game plan," he said. "Play my game and see how it goes."Russell will attempt to become the second First Coast native to win the U.S. Junior Amateur. David Duval of Jacksonville won in 1989 at Singing Hills Golf and Country Club in El Cajon, Calif.Miles Russell's chip-in put him ahead to stayThe pivotal shot was Russell's pitch-in from heavy rough left of the green for an eagle-two at the short par-4 13th hole to his third and final lead of the day. Russell could have closed the match out at No. 16, but he missed a putt of less than 10 feet for the first time all day, with the ball circling the drain and spinning out of the hole from two paces for his only bogey.They both hit the fairway and green at No. 17 and an official had to rule that Russell was away. His putter face barely touched the ball to send it on its downhill slide to the hole.The championship seems like a mismatch. Russell is seventh on the World Amateur Golf Rankings and Mclauchlan is No. 2,047th. Russell is headed for ACC power Florida State in 2027 and Mclauchlan, from Moseley, Va., is going to Liberty.But it's match play, where anything can happen and already has for Mclauchlan, whose victims this week include Brayden Jones, who tied Russell for medalist, and Andrew Scortino, the West Junior champion.Russell had a quick start; Mawhinney answeredThe highlights began on the first hole when Russell powered his second shot at the par-5 to within 4 feet, and made the putt for eagle. He then birdied the par-4 second from 4 feet for the only two-up lead of the day for either player.Mawhinney didn't take long to respond. He hit it tight at No. 3 and won the hole with a 2-foot putt and made some magic of his own on a par-5, hitting a fairway wood to 4 feet and making the eagle putt at No. 6 to tie the match.Russell won No. 7 with a par, but Mawhinney came right back with a 15-foot birdie putt at the eighth to square things again. After the two halved the par-3 ninth with birdies. Mawhinney took his only lead of the day on a short birdie putt at No. 10.Mawhinney lost his lead at the par-3 11th when he was short of the green, pitched on and missed from 10 feet, setting the stage for Russell's hole-out at the 13th.Both players beat significant foes in quarterfinalsBoth players won their morning quarterfinal matches, setting up a long-awaited match-play between two of the most talented juniors in First Coast history. Russell routed Dylan Boenning of Washington State 6 and 5, a player entering his sophomore year in college and an All-Big West selection; and Mawhinney finally beat a nemesis in Sohan Patel of Weston, 1-up.Patel eliminated Mawhinney from last year's Junior Amateur by the same 1-up score and has won the last two FSHAA Class 2A state individual titles, beating out Mawhinney both times.Oddly enough, the two will be Vanderbilt teammates. Mawhinney is set to enroll next month and Patel will enter next year.Birdies (and eagles!) are already flying today at Saucon Valley! Catch up on early highlights from Noah Maclauchlan vs. Cooper Moore and Miles Russell vs. Tyler Mawhinney. pic.twitter.com/KUh218lVWl USGA (@USGA) July 24, 2026For the day, Russell was 14-under par for 30 holes, had only one bogey, won 11 holes and lost four, all against Mawhinney.In five matches entering the championship, Russell is 22-under for 77 holes and has won 28 holes and lost only 10.This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Miles Russell reaches U.S. Junior final after edging Tyler Mawhinney

It was a rare display of emotion for Miles Russell.Junior golfs undisputed No. 1 for almost three years, Russell has collected trophy after trophy with a calm, quiet confidence. But on Friday afternoon at Saucon Valley Country Club, the 17-year-old Russell couldnt help but unleash a fist pump after a go-ahead, chip-in eagle on the 13th hole.Russell carded two eagles and five birdies in a 2-and-1 victory over incoming Vanderbilt freshman Tyler Mawhinney to advance to Saturdays 36-hole final of the U.S. Junior Amateur.Mawhinney is a highly decorated prospect in his own right at No. 102 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and with a USGA title already to his name (2025 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball). He entered Fridays bout with Russell, the worlds seventh-ranked amateur, having played the par-3 in 8 under for the week. He was 7 under in 17 holes against Russell and still lost.The turning point came at the drivable, par-4 13th, where both players went for the green and found the gnarly greenside rough. Mawhinney hit his chip to 5 feet before Russell popped his ball out of the rough and just onto the putting surface, then watched as it motored right into the cup.Miles Russell doing Miles Russell things!Now 1 up through 13 holes on Tyler Mawhinney in their U.S. Junior Amateur semifinal: pic.twitter.com/xeIiuG9WfD Brentley Romine (@BrentleyGC) July 24, 2026Four holes later, Mawhinney wedged his approach to 10 feet before Russell matched. Multiple times in the match, Russell had stuck an approach inside an already-tight Mawhinney, most notably at the par-3 ninth and par-5 15th, where he gave himself tap-in birdies. And on the heels of a lip-out par save at No. 16, Russell calmly converted his 10-foot trickler for birdie to put the pressure on Mawhinney, whose bid to extend the match slid by left.WHAT A MATCH! Miles Russell is moving on to the U.S. Junior Amateur championship match with a 2-and-1 victory over Tyler Mawhinney. pic.twitter.com/K2FIuG0usw USGA (@USGA) July 24, 2026In 30 holes played on Friday, Russell who dispatched Washington State rising sophomore Dylan Boenning in the quarters, 6 and 5 was a eye-popping 14 under."Long day, but it was a lot of good golf," Russell said. "You don't get many of those, that good of golf days a year, very few, and you've got to take them when you can get them, and just try to keep that rolling into tomorrow."Russell will now face Liberty signee Noah Maclauchlan, who knocked off New Zealands Cooper Moore, 1 up, after only getting into the 264-player field as an alternate when Rawlin Sutter won the Alabama State Junior to earn exempt status and open up another qualifying spot from Maclauchlans site.Maclauchlan is ranked No. 2,047 in WAGR, 2,040 spots worse than Russell, who can join Jordan Spieth as the highest-ranked amateurs to win the U.S. Junior. Like Russell, Spieth was No. 7 in WAGR, which was founded in 2007, when he captured his second U.S. Junior, in 2011. Spieth went on that summer to represent the U.S. at the Walker Cup, which Russell will also do this September at Lahinch, as hes already been named to Nathan Smiths 10-man squad.It would be an all-time upset by Maclauchlan, though victory by Russell would arguably be even more historic. While there is no official grand slam in junior golf, a byproduct of an evolving tournament landscape in recent decades, its fair to consider the modern junior slam to be: the U.S. Junior, Junior Invitational at Sage Valley, AJGA Junior Players and Junior PGA.Russell has won a pair of Junior Invites (2025, 2026) and Junior Players (2023, 2025), plus the 2023 Junior PGA. No other player has three legs, while just five boast two Scottie Scheffler, Akshay Bhatia, Caleb Surratt, Robby Shelton and Hamilton Coleman. One could make a case for the AJGA's Rolex Tournament of Champions being a fifth leg; Russell won that, too, in 2024, while only Bhatia would then have three legs.With a victory on Saturday, Russell would be the first player to complete that modern slam.That would be worth at least a couple more fist pumps.

Its been a tumultuous week for ESPN following the companys string of layoffs, and Ryan Clark is finally setting the record straight about his departure from the sports media giant.The former NFL stars layoff comes at the same time as several ESPN veterans like Karl Ravech and David Lloyd. However, Clarks exit continues to draw major blowback from several high-profile figures like Stephen A. Smith.MORE: Trey Wingo shows NFL Live viewership receipts after Ryan Clarks ESPN layoffClark re-joined The Pivot podcast this week to express his disappointment with ESPNs decision. Meanwhile, the former Pittsburgh Steelers player takes several shots at ESPN throughout his emotional endeavor.The ex-LSU Tigers standout spent over a decade with ESPN with various TV roles, including appearances on First Take, Get Up and most notably NFL Live.ESPN receives the brunt of his painFormer Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark laughs during a live taping of ESPNs First Take.The major point of contention comes with the wording of Clarks ESPN release. Its evident that the former NFL player believes he wasnt laid off.Let me put this to bed, I wasnt laid off. I was FIRED. {ESPN} is using laid off as a cover and a camouflage for what they already intended on doing. Ryan Clark on @thepivothttps://t.co/zFh7f20QXmpic.twitter.com/ZK1N5FaQ3z Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) July 24, 2026Let me put this to bed, I wasnt laid off I was fired, Clark expresses on his podcast. ESPN is using laid off as a cover and a camouflage for what they already intended on doing.MORE: Nick Bosa takes victory lap over Ryan Clarks ESPN layoffThe accusations create an even bigger headache for ESPN after Clark continued with another serious claim. His belief is that the Worldwide Leader in Sports leaked his layoff to Outkick in order to create a negative narrative around his release.They were gonna get ahead of it by leaking it to someone who they know hated me, Clark stated.Ryan Clark is pouring his heart out on @thepivot right now. For 3 years we never shied away from any topic. We did this year I couldnt be too black. What makes me sad is, in even trying adjust to be more of what certain people wanted, they still fired me. pic.twitter.com/GHFe26YGj1 Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) July 24, 2026Emotions reach all-time highMeanwhile, the ex-Steeler showed serious vulnerability as he broke down in tears while speaking about being let go from his place of employment for over 11 years.MORE: Dan Le Batards hypocrisy is clear with latest Pat McAfee, ESPN claimClark also says that hes happy with his ability to be able to share conversations that help benefit the African American community.Its unclear whats next for the outspoken media figure, but his podcast is certainly a viable option. The Pivot boasts a wide YouTube audience that includes over 1.4 million subscribers on the platform.

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition will dominate training camp conversation, but another important offensive battle is developing in front of whoever wins that job.Minnesota still must settle its center position after Ryan Kellys retirement left the offensive line without an established starter in the middle. The competition may not generate the same attention as the quarterback room, but it could have a major impact on Kevin OConnells offense.According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Blake Brandel is expected to get the first opportunity. The longtime utility lineman gave the Vikings a surprisingly effective nine-game stretch at center in 2025, providing enough stability to enter camp as the logical favorite. His versatility has long made him valuable, but this summer gives him a chance to secure a more defined role.The retirement ofRyan Kellyleft the Vikings looking for a new starter. Long-time utility linemanBlake Brandelwill get the first look, following his surprisingly effective nine-game stint there in 2025. The Vikings also want to monitor third-year backupMichael Jurgensand seventh-round pickGavin Gerhardt. It was mildly surprising that the Vikings didn't sign a free agent at the position, and it could still happen.That opportunity comes with pressure. Center is more than a blocking position. The starter must handle protection calls, identify fronts, help set the tone in the run game and maintain clean communication with the quarterback. That responsibility becomes even more important in an offense that asks quarterbacks to process quickly and play with timing.The Vikings also want to evaluate third-year backup Michael Jurgens and seventh-round pick Gavin Gerhardt. Jurgens gives Minnesota another developmental option already familiar with the organization, while Gerhardt enters camp trying to prove he can make the jump quickly enough to become part of the long-term plan.It was mildly surprising that Minnesota did not add a veteran free agent after Kelly retired. That option could still exist if the internal candidates struggle, but the Vikings appear prepared to let the competition begin with the players already in the building.The center battle may not be Minnesotas loudest storyline, but it is one of its most important. If Brandel stabilizes the position, the Vikings can move forward with confidence. If not, the search for Kellys replacement could become a much bigger topic before Week 1.This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings offensive line has a position battle flying under the radar