When LeBron James decided to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract, he locked in some interesting NBA history, becoming the player to take the biggest pay cut ever. After shattering the record for most points scored in a career, as well as most 1st Team All-NBAs, most All-Star appearances and most consecutive games scoring double-digit points, the biggest pay cut in NBA history doesn't quite have the same level of aura, but even then, it's more history made by the Akron native.HoopsHypeThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: LeBron James takes biggest pay cut in NBA history

NEW YORK The same issue that has relegated Juan Soto to a designated hitter role ended his night prematurely on Friday night.Soto was removed from the Mets' contest with the Dodgers before an at-bat in the bottom of the sixth inning with left calf soreness, the club announced.Since the second half began, Soto has spent four of his six games in the DH position. He sat in Wednesday's series finale with the Brewers to receive an extra day of rest after he partook in the All-Star Game festivities one week prior in Philadelphia.Soto drew two walks before he departed Friday's game and was replaced by Jorge Polanco with the Mets and Dodgers locked in a 1-1 tie. He also left the club's series opener out of the break against the Phillies on July 16 with the same malady.The Mets now have a full complement of outfielders back since Luis Robert Jr. returned earlier in the week from a three-month stint on the injured list with a herniated disc in his back.This season, Soto is slashing .283/.408/.539 with 21 home runs, 52 RBI and 46 runs. He missed roughly two weeks in early April with a low-grade calf strain in his right calf.Check back for more updates on Juan Soto's status following Friday's early exit.This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Juan Soto leaves Mets' game vs Dodgers with calf soreness

Yes, Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is practicing as he tries to get a contract that pays him like a starter, not a backup. But he's not really practicing.As noted by Darren Urban of the team's official website, Brissett "isnt participating in 11-on-11 drills yet."That's surely a direct result of his dissatisfaction with a deal he signed under the impression that he wouldn't be the team's QB1. Now that he's the presumptive Week 1 starter, he's seeking an adjustment.The current range for veteran starters begins in the low $20 millions and stretches into the $60 millions. With Brissett currently at $6.5 million per year, triple that to $19.5 million and call it a day.He'd be the lowest-paid veteran starter, while still making much more than he's due to make.And it would help get him as ready as he can be with a new coaching staff and a new offense. Which is even more critical, given that the Cardinals are in a division with three Super Bowl contenders.Who would have thought that the Cardinals would long for the days that they were the which-doesn't-belong-and-why fifth team in the NFC East?

Jul. 24The Cincinnati Bengals found a combination of cornerbacks that worked last year with Dax Hill and DJ Turner II solidifying themselves as the top two on the outside and Jalen Davis stepping in as an effective nickel.However, they also worked to improve the room with a couple of key additions this offseason, and whether that just improves the depth or impacts what the starting lineup looks like is still to be determined.The Bengals used a third-round pick on Tacario Davis, who brings elite length and could be a succession plan for either Hill or Turner.The two veterans are in contract years, and it seems unlikely the organization could keep both. Hill or Tacario Davis could be candidates to move inside if defensive coordinator Al Golden wants a way to get all three players on the field.It could take some time for Tacario Davis to acclimate, though, and there's no rush. Ja'Sir Taylor signed in free agency to compete with Davis, so Cincinnati has some options inside.Outside corners DJ Ivey and Josh Newton could be competing for a roster spot as well.Let's take a look at the past performances of the Bengals' current cornerbacks, and how they are expected to stack up in 2026 with help from some analysis and data from Pro Football Focus.This is the last in a series of pieces breaking down each position group for the Bengals before training camp begins July 29.Cornerbacks on the rosterProjected starters: Dax Hill, DJ Turner II, Jalen DavisReserves: Tacario Davis, DJ Ivey, Ja'Sir TaylorOthers in the mix: Josh Newton, Bralyn Lux, Jalen Kimber, Ceyair WrightHill by the numbers2025 stats: 88 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 10 missed tackles, 11 passes defended, 1 interception in 17 games, all starts.PFF grades for 2025: Hill ranked 49th of 114 cornerbacks in defense grade (64.9), 36th in coverage grade (67.7), 77th in pass rush grade (50.4) and 54th in run defense grade (60.0).PFF ranking for 2026: N/ATurner by the numbers2025 stats: 40 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 5 missed tackles, 2 interceptions, 18 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery in 17 games (16 starts)PFF grades for 2025: Turner ranked 19th of 114 cornerbacks in defense grade (73.3), sixth in coverage grade (78.1) and 105th in run defense grade (37.9).PFF rankings for 2026: N/AJalen Davis by the numbers2025 stats: 77 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 pass defended, 1.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble in seven games, three startsPFF grades for 2025: Jalen Davis did not play enough snaps to qualify for a rankings but posted a defense grade of 65.5, pass rush grade of 85.4, coverage grade of 65.1 and run defense grade of 57.1.PFF ranking for 2026: N/AFurther analysisNo Bengals cornerbacks were among the top 20 when PFF.com put together its final rankings at the end of the 2025 season, though Turner might have been in the mix based on his overall defense and coverage grades.Turner was the team's most consistent cornerback, though he got a slow start with a poor training camp. He's now taking on a bigger leadership role in the Bengals' secondary and a near lock for the No. 1 cornerback spot. Turner received votes in ESPN's top 10 cornerbacks poll of NFL executives, coaches and scouts, but did not make the list.Hill came back from a 2024 ACL tear to impress and settled into a clear role last season after starting his NFL career as a free safety, then moving to slot corner and finally to the outside before his knee injury. He wants to stay put in that spot, but Tacario Davis' arrival once against brought Hill's role into question.Jalen Davis was thrown into action late last season and proved himself capable in the nickel role, but he hasn't shown it over the course of a full season yet. He'll need a standout preseason to maintain that spot. Ja'Sir Taylor has been a spot starter throughout his four NFL seasons, including just one start last year in an eight-game stint with the New York Jets. He saw a maximum of six starts in 2023 with the L.A. Chargers, but he also could challenge for the job in Cincinnati.If Tacario Davis makes the adjustment quickly and pans out as a rookie, the Bengals' depth at cornerback should be much better in 2026.

The Cincinnati Bengals found a combination of cornerbacks that worked last year with Dax Hill and DJ Turner II solidifying themselves as the top two on the outside and Jalen Davis stepping in as an effective nickel.However, they also worked to improve the room with a couple of key additions this offseason, and whether that just improves the depth or impacts what the starting lineup looks like is still to be determined.The Bengals used a third-round pick on Tacario Davis, who brings elite length and could be a succession plan for either Hill or Turner.The two veterans are in contract years, and it seems unlikely the organization could keep both. Hill or Tacario Davis could be candidates to move inside if defensive coordinator Al Golden wants a way to get all three players on the field.It could take some time for Tacario Davis to acclimate, though, and theres no rush. JaSir Taylor signed in free agency to compete with Davis, so Cincinnati has some options inside.Outside corners DJ Ivey and Josh Newton could be competing for a roster spot as well.Lets take a look at the past performances of the Bengals current cornerbacks, and how they are expected to stack up in 2026 with help from some analysis and data from Pro Football Focus.This is the last in a series of pieces breaking down each position group for the Bengals before training camp begins July 29.Cornerbacks on the rosterProjected starters: Dax Hill, DJ Turner II, Jalen DavisReserves: Tacario Davis, DJ Ivey, JaSir TaylorOthers in the mix: Josh Newton, Bralyn Lux, Jalen Kimber, Ceyair WrightHill by the numbers2025 stats: 88 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 10 missed tackles, 11 passes defended, 1 interception in 17 games, all starts.PFF grades for 2025: Hill ranked 49th of 114 cornerbacks in defense grade (64.9), 36th in coverage grade (67.7), 77th in pass rush grade (50.4) and 54th in run defense grade (60.0).PFF ranking for 2026: N/ATurner by the numbers2025 stats: 40 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 5 missed tackles, 2 interceptions, 18 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery in 17 games (16 starts)PFF grades for 2025: Turner ranked 19th of 114 cornerbacks in defense grade (73.3), sixth in coverage grade (78.1) and 105th in run defense grade (37.9).PFF rankings for 2026: N/AJalen Davis by the numbers2025 stats: 77 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 pass defended, 1.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble in seven games, three startsPFF grades for 2025: Jalen Davis did not play enough snaps to qualify for a rankings but posted a defense grade of 65.5, pass rush grade of 85.4, coverage grade of 65.1 and run defense grade of 57.1.PFF ranking for 2026: N/AFurther analysisNo Bengals cornerbacks were among the top 20 when PFF.com put together its final rankings at the end of the 2025 season, though Turner might have been in the mix based on his overall defense and coverage grades.Turner was the teams most consistent cornerback, though he got a slow start with a poor training camp. Hes now taking on a bigger leadership role in the Bengals secondary and a near lock for the No. 1 cornerback spot. Turner received votes in ESPNs top 10 cornerbacks poll of NFL executives, coaches and scouts, but did not make the list.Hill came back from a 2024 ACL tear to impress and settled into a clear role last season after starting his NFL career as a free safety, then moving to slot corner and finally to the outside before his knee injury. He wants to stay put in that spot, but Tacario Davis arrival once against brought Hills role into question.Jalen Davis was thrown into action late last season and proved himself capable in the nickel role, but he hasnt shown it over the course of a full season yet. Hell need a standout preseason to maintain that spot. JaSir Taylor has been a spot starter throughout his four NFL seasons, including just one start last year in an eight-game stint with the New York Jets. He saw a maximum of six starts in 2023 with the L.A. Chargers, but he also could challenge for the job in Cincinnati.If Tacario Davis makes the adjustment quickly and pans out as a rookie, the Bengals depth at cornerback should be much better in 2026.

Former University of Cincinnati Bearcats receiver Chris Moore is signing with the Baltimore Ravens, according to a report via Twitter/X from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Moore played the first five seasons of his NFL career for the Ravens. Baltimore drafted Moore in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.Moore played last season for the Washington Commanders, and had 11 catches for 207 receiving yards with a touchdown over 14 games.In 2021, the Houston Texans signed Moore to a one-year deal.Moore had 119 catches for 2,301 yards with 26 touchdowns over four seasons with the Bearcats from 2012 to 2015.Moore's wife, Toria, grew up in Fairfield and was a co-captain of UC's dance team.This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Chris Moore, former UC Bearcats WR, to sign with Ravens | Report

Former University of Cincinnati Bearcats receiver Chris Moore is signing with the Baltimore Ravens, according to a report via Twitter/X from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Moore played the first five seasons of his NFL career for the Ravens. Baltimore drafted Moore in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.Moore played last season for the Washington Commanders, and had 11 catches for 207 receiving yards with a touchdown over 14 games.In 2021, the Houston Texans signed Moore to a one-year deal.Moore had 119 catches for 2,301 yards with 26 touchdowns over four seasons with the Bearcats from 2012 to 2015.Moore's wife, Toria, grew up in Fairfield and was a co-captain of UC's dance team.This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Chris Moore, former UC Bearcats WR, to sign with Ravens | Report

Davenport Assumption, as the No. 7 seed in the Iowa high school state baseball tournament, won its program's 12th championship on Friday, July 24, with a 5-3 win over Wahlert Catholic. The Knights became the first-ever No. 7 seed in any classification to win the state title, and the first program in Iowa history to win 12 baseball titles. You cant really explain it, it's awesome, said senior Nolan Dittmer. We worked at this for four years, and we didnt start off great this season, but now we are finished. We came into this tournament knowing that were not really a seven seed.Cooper Sweeney helped make that history, leading the way on the mound in the victory over the Golden Eagles. Sweeney was a shutdown pitcher in the quarterfinal win over Carlisle, going 5 innings, allowing just one run. On Friday, he did the same, pitching five innings with seven strikeouts and five hits allowed on 82 pitches.Because he only pitched 63 pitches on Tuesday, Sweeney was required two days of rest and was in line to start in the biggest game of his young freshman career. Sweeney held the Golden Eagles to just two hits going into the fourth inning. More: Iowa high school state baseball tournament 2026: Scores, bracketsHes tough as nails, said Assumption coach Greg Thissen. He might be a freshman, but he didnt look like it today. He looked like a season vet today.A Dittmer single in the third scored the Knights' first run of the game, and in the next at-bat, Jack DiIulio also singled, driving in two runs to make it 3-0.Dittmer would have another RBI after a double brought in Sam Hughes. In the top of the sixth, Eli Egger doubled to score DiIulio, to make it a 5-0 Assumption lead.Wahlert had a real scoring threat in the bottom of the sixth, with two singles from JP Elbert and Noah Krapfl, leading Sweeneys day ending after five+ innings of work. Bailey Alvarez, who had 34 innings of work as a pitcher this season, came in and got the first out of the inning, but then a single from Graham Ahler and two walks made the score 5-2 with one out.Thats one thing you're going to get from us every time is a fight, Elbert said. This group of guys just has that fight in them. We had that comeback walk-off against North Polk and we fought to the end, love them to death.More: Des Moines Register seeks fall high school sports internColton Mosher replaced Alvarez after 19 pitches and got the final two outs of the frame, but not before the third walk of the inning that scored to make Wahlert's deficit just two runs, 5-3.Mosher ended the game in the seventh, leading the Knights to yet another state crown, their first since 2018. Our seniors, I cant talk about them enough, Thissen said. They were all big today and they all contributed today and in this programs turnaround.This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Assumption takes down Wahlert Catholic for Iowa baseball state title

Angel Reese pops out in eye-catching Barbie look at WNBA All-Star events originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Angel Reese did not need to step onto the court to command the spotlight during WNBA All-Star Weekend.The Atlanta Dream star popped out for Friday nights events in Chicago, embracing her famous Barbie persona with another attention-grabbing appearance. AT&T shared a look at Reese arriving for the festivities and delivered a fitting five-word introduction.A Barbie is in the house, the company wrote on social media.Reese appeared confident as she posed for the cameras and made her way inside, once again showing why she has become one of the WNBAs most recognizable fashion stars. Between her glamorous photoshoots, bold tunnel outfits and growing list of partnerships, the three-time All-Star has built a brand that extends well beyond basketball.The timing of Reeses Barbie-inspired arrival could not have been much better.Angel Reese celebrates major Barbie honorEarlier Friday, Barbie officially unveiled its Angel Reese signature doll ahead of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. The doll includes several details connected to Reese, including her headband, leggings, Atlanta Dream uniforms and pink Reebok basketball shoes.A Barbie is in the house Angel Reese popped out at tonights events!#WNBAAllStar | @ATTpic.twitter.com/JQ7KIEbTq2 WNBA (@WNBA) July 25, 2026Reese described the collaboration as a dream come true and a full-circle moment.Long before she entered the WNBA, Reese became widely known as the Bayou Barbie during her championship-winning career at LSU. She has continued embracing that identity as a professional, combining her physical playing style with a love for fashion and beauty.Now she has an official Barbie doll to complete the journey.Reese has also worked with Reebok on a Barbie-themed edition of her Angel Reese 1 signature shoe. The colorful basketball sneaker provided another example of how successfully she has blended her on-court career with her off-court interests.Fridays appearance gave Reese the perfect opportunity to celebrate the honor in public. With All-Star Weekend taking place in Chicago, her former WNBA home, the Dream forward made sure she arrived looking like one of the weekends biggest stars.MORE:Caitlin Clark gives fans chance to find unreleased signature shoes in ChicagoReese returns to Chicago as an All-StarReese will suit up for Team Coop in Saturdays WNBA All-Star Game, marking the third All-Star selection of her young career. The 24-year-old entered the break averaging 15.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game during her first season with Atlanta. She has helped the Dream rise near the top of the Eastern Conference while remaining one of the leagues most dominant rebounders.Reese was not selected as an All-Star starter, but her production made her an easy choice as a reserve. She will join Dream teammates Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray at the leagues showcase event. Before Reese gets down to business on the court, however, she is making the most of her time in front of the cameras.Barbie is officially in the house, and Reese once again knows exactly how to make an entrance.More WNBA news:Aliyah Boston sends heartfelt message after WNBA guard suffers season-ending injurySophie Cunningham sends heartfelt message after Adidas shoes completely sell outDiJonai Carrington leaves fans speechless with stunning new photos ahead of Sky debutSophie Cunningham declares todays the day as new Adidas shoes fly off shelvesAzzi Fudd shows off glamorous look before making rare WNBA history

You could call all the breaks the Dayton Dragons got Thursday, July 23, lucky. But manager Julio Morillo wouldnt.For starters, Cedar Rapids committed six errors. The Kernels didnt stop there, contributing in many other ways to the Dragons cause. So much that only three hits didnt prevent the Dragons from winning 5-3 at Day Air Ballpark to extend their winning streak to four games.Lucky you can put it that way, but we also created those things, Morillo said. Thats part of the game. You create those situations. And capitalizing on the mistakes that they make, thats the game as well.Cedar Rapids entered the game with 110 errors in 90 games. Their six errors Thursday equaled a season high. The Kernels record is 37-54 and 6-21 in the second half. Paraphrasing a bit what former NFL coach Dennis Green famously said, the Dragons could say, They are who we thought they were.The Kernels started by committing errors like a pro golfer who cant stop making bogeys, four in the first three innings and five in the first five.Add these mistakes to the mix in the first five innings while the Dragons (51-40, 12-13) took a 4-2 lead: three hit batters, three walks, a balk, a wild pitch (scored a run), two unearned runs, five stolen bases allowed and a Little League inside-the-park homer.One Dragons hitter had a memorable night. Victor Acosta, batting ninth as the DH, scored three runs all by himself.In the second inning, he tripled to the left-field corner. And when shortstop Jose Salas took the cutoff throw, turned and threw wildly to third, Acosta scored easily for a 2-0 lead.In the fourth, Acosta hit his fourth homer for a 3-1 lead. The fan who caught the home run on the left-field lawn with his bare hands made the best defensive play of the night against the Dragons.In the eighth, Acosta walked, stole second and third, and scored on a throwing error by catcher Enrique Jimenez, as he stole third, for a 5-3 lead.Dragons McCrystal 7.23.26Its exciting because we come in here every day to practice and then just go into the game to make it happen, Acosta said. Everything is fun, we make the playoffs, and were just excited to be here every day.The Dragons are relying more on stolen bases than they did while winning the first-half East Division title. They dont have as much home run power as they did with Alfredo Duno, Carter Graham and Kien Vu. Morillo said the plan for this series is to take advantage of the Kernels inability to control the running game.Acosta, Tyson Lewis, Peyton Stovall and Marcus Smith each stole two bases. The eight stolen bases tied the club record achieved two other times.The Kernels trouble began in the first inning when Ryan McCrystal reached on an infield error with one out. Then, Julio Carerras was hit by a pitch, and Lewis reached on another error to load the bases. With two outs, Jacob Friend was hit by a pitch for a 1-0 lead.The Dragons made the score 4-2 in the fifth. Lewis reached base when the first baseman dropped a throw. He stole second and moved to third on a balk. When Mason Neville struck out for the second out, Lewis scored on a strike-three wild pitch.The errors, the baserunning, all of it, were needed. The Dragons were 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base. Other than Acostas two big hits, only Smith had a two-out single in the seventh.The Dragons committed no errors neither did Roof Man with a late-game appearance and three pitchers held the Kernels to four hits. They manufactured two runs against starter Luke Hayden and homered against Trent Hodgdon in the eighth.Hayden made his fourth start since being on the injured list with a hamstring strain from late April to July 4. Hes an important part of the rotation the Dragons will need to pitch well in the playoffs.Dragons Hayden 7.23.26Hayden pitched 4 innings, equaling his longest start this month, and allowed two runs on three hits and two walks. He struck out six, including three in order in the fourth.I feel back to normal, Hayden said. I feel like my leg is healthy. Just continuing to go out there and pitch more and work through a couple things and get a little stamina back. Thats one area where I could improve on. But other than that, I feel good.The two at-bats he wants back are a walk and a hit batter to No. 9 hitter Andy Lugo. He scored the first time and moved a runner ahead who scored the second time. When his pitch count hit 82 in the fifth, Morillo pulled him.I would like him to win more counts, but that takes time, Morillo said. His stuff is really good, but we just need to get him to win the counts so he can go deeper in the games.Dragons Lewis 7.23.26Hayden was backed by Victor Diaz (2-0) who allowed nothing in 2 innings and struck out five, including the side in order in the seventh. Hodgdon pitched the final two innings, struck out four and earned his sixth save.Victor and Trent, theyre dudes and their stuff speaks for themselves, Hayden said. Thats the whole motto is just attack guys relentlessly and get hitters on their heels. And I think thats exactly what we did tonight.Plus, control the running game, play error free and watch Acosta run around the bases.