\n\n\n Astros shortstop Jeremy Pea was named American League player of the week after hitting five home runs in six games as the team went 5-1. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle)\n \n\n\nANAHEIM, Calif.- Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pea was named American League player of the week Monday, the first such recognition of his career.\nPea was 13-for-26 with five home runs in six games last week against the Marlins and White Sox, in which the Astros went 5-1. He totaled 10 runs scored and eight RBIs and recorded three consecutive three-hit games, as well as his second multi-homer game of the season.\nThe stretch raised Pea's slash line to .319/.373/.504 in his 59 games this season. Pea missed over a month in the first half to a right hamstring strain and had a 10-day IL stint for a left calf strain.\nPea joins Yordan Alvarez as Astros to be named AL player of the week this season. Alvarez has been recognized three times. Pea is the first Astros infielder to be recognized since Alex Bregman in 2024.\nSubscribeTheres more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25.\nThis article originally published at Houston Astros' Jeremy Pea named American League player of the week.

Two of the greatest competitors ever to wear a black and gold singlet, Keegan OToole and Ben Askren, have officially announced their retirements from wrestling after competing at RAF 11. For current Tiger fans, OTooles retirement marks the end of one of the most decorated careers in program history. The Wisconsin native was a two-time NCAA champion, five-time NCAA All-American and the programs second-winningest wrestler of all time. Beyond collegiate success, OToole established himself as one of the worlds best freestyle wrestlers, capturing both U20 and U23 World Championship titles after an accomplished prep career that included four Wisconsin state championships, a Fargo junior national title and a Super 32 championship. While OTooles days of competing on the mat are over, his impact on Tiger Style is far from finished. See his Rock Mmy nomination for Best Coach. He will remain with Mizzou as an assistant coach for the second straight season. His transition from superstar athlete to coach has given head coach Brian Smith another proven leader in the room and provides continuity for one of the nations top programs.Official statement from @KeeganOtoole as he retires from competition. O'Toole remains on staff, coaching the next generation of Tigers. #TigerStylepic.twitter.com/KgqpZga1pQ Mizzou Wrestling (@MizzouWrestling) July 27, 2026OTooles retirement comes alongside another wrestling legend stepping away from competition. Askren, whose career helped elevate the Tigers into a national power, officially closes the book on one of the most accomplished resumes in school history. Askren became Mizzous first two-time NCAA champion, winning national titles in 2006 and 2007 while reaching the NCAA finals in four consecutive seasons. He was a four-time All-American, three-time Big 12 champion and a two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner, college wrestlings highest individual award. His dominance carried into freestyle, where he won the 2008 U.S. Senior National Championship and the 2008 Olympic Team Trials while collecting multiple international medals.Although Askren later became widely known for his mixed martial arts career, his wrestling legacy has always remained intertwined with Mizzou Athletics. He was inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.Together, OToole and Askren represent two different eras that helped define Tiger Style. Askren laid the foundation for the Tigers rise on the national stage, while OToole carried that tradition forward by becoming one of the sports most consistent champions. As one legend continues a new chapter on Mizzous coaching staff and another officially closes an unforgettable competitive career, their combined impact will continue to shape the Tigers culture for years to come.

As the calendar is about to flip to August, we're entering the NBA's yearly drought. All the big-time offseason moves are done. Teams across the league are content with their roster. Now, we endure two months of mostly silence before the 2026-27 season starts.And with international games being sprinkled in throughout the summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder won't have much rooting interest. Still recovering from a season-ending soleus strain that cost him the final four games of the 2026 Western Conference Finals, Ajay Mitchell recently confirmed he won't suit up for Belgium in the 2029 FIBA EuroBasket pre-qualifiers.Mitchell told Belgium's Sporza he won't suit up for his home country. It will face the Czech Republic in a Group G matchup on Thursday, Aug. 27. It's the first of three group games. The other team in Group G is Norway. The other two group matchups will occur in Nov. 2026 and Feb. 2027.There are four groups involved in the second round of the 2029 FIBA EuroBasket pre-qualifiers Groups D, E, F, G. Each group has three countries in it. The four group winners will advance to the 2029 FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers."August is too tight for me. I need to be ready for the NBA, so I will be training then. But of course, I will follow the Lions," Mitchell told Sporza. "The goal is definitely to be there next summer. I want to play a good season in the NBA and then come to the national team in top form. The timing has to be right. I need to be 100 percent fit. But it is certainly going to happen, hopefully next summer."Mitchell enjoyed a breakout season last year. He turned into OKC's Sixth Man. The 24-year-old averaged 13.6 points on 48.5% shooting, 3.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds. Alas, injuries have hindered him through two NBA seasons. He's played just 93 regular-season games and had his playoff debut prematurely ended due to a soleus strain.Only two active NBA players are Belgian. Mitchell and Toumani Camara. Because of that, those two will be the faces of Belgium's basketball program for the next decade. Expect the Thunder to keep an eye on their international games over the next couple of summers. Just like it's the case with the United States, Canada and Spain.This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Ajay Mitchell reveals status for Belgium's 2029 FIBA EuroBasket pre-qualifier

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In the world of theNFL, the spotlight often shines on the players and coaches, but behind the scenes, a different group wields significant influence: the team owners. These individuals not only control the franchises but also play a pivotal role in shaping the league's direction and culture. Here's the complete list of NFL team owners: NFL Owners: Who is the longest-tenured owner in the NFL? Virginia Halas McCaskey, owner of the Chicago Bears, is the longest-tenured owner in the NFL and the oldest owner in major U.S. professional sports at age 101. How many female NFL team owners are there? There are 10 current female owners in the league:

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 22: Wide receiver Malachi Toney #1 of the Miami (FL) Hurricanes walks on the field with teammates after being honored before the match between the Inter Miami CF and the Chicago Fire FC at Nu Stadium on July 22, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jared Lennon/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesHowdy, everyone. Hope your Monday has gone well and your week has gotten off to a good start. One more week until August, and then college football officially returns. A bit of a quiet week, so lets get to whats rattling around in my brain today. 1) Miami checked in at No. 2 on CBS Sports list of best groups of pass catchers in college football. And it brings up a very overlooked area from the offseason.CBS Sports writer Blake Brockermeyer posted his list, and the Hurricanes were one spot behind Oregon. And that got me thinking. The talking heads across the country have focused a lot on some of Miamis more notable transfers in key areas. And, certainly, theyve warranted plenty of attention. Darian Mensah is a national championship caliber quarterback. Thats gonna garner buzz. Landing his top target and close friend Cooper Barkate, a 1000-yard receiver, is also massive. Getting arguably the top edge rusher on the market in Damon Wilson II is enormous. Omar Thornton looks to be the 2026 version of Jakobe Thomas as a bone-shaking enforcer on the back end. Lots of good parts. But Mario Cristobal and Kevin Beard went deep diving at the receiver position this offseason, and theyve added two players who had 500+ yards receiving last year at the Power Four level in Vandrevius Jacobs and Cam Vaughn. Jacobs had 32 catches for 548 yards and four scores (with a healthy 17.1 ypc) for the South Carolina Gamecocks last season. Vaughn had 35 for 541 and four touchdowns for West Virginia last year. Im not saying were going to see a 2024 type of year, where FIVE players surpassed 500+ yards receiving, but with Malachi Toney and Barkate occupying so much attention defensively, Miamis WR3 and 4 could be set to feast this year. Whether that turns out to be Joshua Moore, one of the aforementioned portal duo, or someone else, Miami is going to get some significant production beyond their top two receivers in 2026. And they have oodles of talent to work with. 2) A social media post got Twitter buzzing a little bit, so I figured this was as good a place as any to address it. Man pic.twitter.com/Xj673ekwJ2 Andrew Anderson (@uscfan981) July 26, 2026Thats quite the group of triplets for six marquee programs. And frankly, its a bit off, as Ohio States should probably have Cris Carter on there, which would give it a significant boost (and perhaps Jaxon Smith-Njigba, if were being real; or even Jeremiah Smith, as hes that good already). Amon-Ra St. Brown and Drake London merit current-day consideration for USC. But lets be real here. Which program has multiple players in the Hall of Fame and could should have all three in Canton, Ohio once its all said and done?Yep, thought so. Debate over. Go Canes!

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: Harry Ford #17 of the Washington Nationals takes a throw at home plate against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park on July 26, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesAfter a massive series win this weekend, the Nats kick off another series against the Blue Jays. Last seasons AL pennant winners have not had a great season, and are likely to sell at the deadline. However, the Jays still have plenty of firepower. The Nats also welcome back the greatest pitcher in franchise history in Max Scherzer.With a righty on the mound, the Nats lineup looks pretty different. Luis Garcia Jr. goes back to the 2 spot in the lineup. Jose Tena, Daylen Lile, Keibert Ruiz and Jorbit Vivas are also back in the fold. Dylan Crews is the only true right handed hitter in the lineup. Eddy Yean will open for Andrew Alvarez in this contest.monday, july 27 6:45pm https://t.co/iUBDqlACVspic.twitter.com/Z514KkWd3U Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 27, 2026The Jays have a lot of big names in the lineup, but many of them are underperforming. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the most notable example, with the slugger only having six homers this season. George Springer, Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk are also struggling to replicate what they did last year. At least Kazuma Okamoto has provided some thump for them. Max Scherzer returns from the IL to make a start on his 42nd birthday in what could be his last start at Nationals Park.Hello, Washington #BlueJays50pic.twitter.com/1gR93gxKUv Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 27, 2026Join the conversation!Sign up for a user accountand get:Fewer adsCreatecommunity postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!Game Info:Stadium: Nationals ParkTime: 6:45 PM ESTTV: Nationals.TVRadio: 106.7 The FanThis could be the last time we see Mad Max in action at Nationals Park. Hopefully the future Hall of Famer gets a warm reception. However, this offense will not be going easy on the veteran. This is another huge series in a playoff push. Follow along in the comments down below and lets go Nats!

Jun 9, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) runs after the catch at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesIts been just under two months since the New England Patriots acquired star wide receiver A.J. Brown via trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, just three days into training camp, Brown is settling into New Englands offense, he told the media on Monday.Im still getting comfortable every day, Brown said after the Patriots walkthrough practice. Im in a pretty good spot. I want to say Im like 90% [with the playbook]. Its really just about going out and executing and getting on the same page with Drake each and every day. But Im really comfortable.New England parted ways with its 2028 first-round selection to acquire Brown at the start of June, effectively pairing Drake Maye with an elite receiver following his second-place finish in the 2025 NFL MVP race.Brown has amassed 56 touchdowns through the air during his seven-year career. He is now entering an offense that struggled in red-zone touchdown efficiency, ranking 20th in the league last season.The 29-year-old and Mayes chemistry will play a crucial role in the offense reaching its highest potential in 2026. Its also something the duo is continuing to work on, as the receiver called his new quarterback a true professional.Non-stop communication, Brown said about what goes into creating that bond. Im just hearing what he thinks, and he listens to me. Its constant communication.Their development with each other didnt stop after mandatory minicamp in June either, with Maye hosting his wide receivers on a workout trip to his home turf in North Carolina.It was really helpful, Brown said of the trip. We spent three days down there. It was pouring rain, and we were still out there.On Saturday, Maye targeted Brown on the first team-period play of training camp, saying he saw his receiver matched up with standout cornerback Christian Gonzalez and wanted to start camp off with a bang.However, Brown attempted to secure the pass by reaching out with one hand, which he said Mike Vrabel ripped him during the first meeting. He agreed with his head coach that he should have caught the ball.Just being on the same page communication, Brown said of what tweaks he and Maye have to make. Maybe an angle here. I may need to go higher or something small like that. The details are very small in this league, and you have to execute You know how the game goes.Despite the incompletion, Vrabel took note of Browns effort in learning what is a new offense for him ahead of practice.There is a lot there to unpack as a receiver, especially if you want to move around and you do not want to just line up in one spot, Vrabel said. So, A.J. worked really hard with Todd [Downing] and his position coach, and they will continue to do that I think he will have plenty of time through training camp and everything that we are going to do to make sure that he is where he needs to be.For the other wide receivers this offseason, the Ole Miss product has been a valuable resource. DeMario Douglas in particular mentioned hes learned tips he can apply to his route running and understanding of the defense in front of him, with Browns different perspective.Great leadership, Douglas said about what hes seen from Brown. He doesnt say much, but if you watch what he does, its very glorifying. It helps like lead by example. Dont get me wrong, he does say stuff in the [receiver] room that us younger guys definitely need to know But just to see what he says and does, its amazing.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds looks on during the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Cincinnati Reds return to Great American Ball Park on Monday fresh off a sucucessful road trip, and now theyll send ace Chase Burns to the mound for the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians. Theyre riding a pretty good high right now, something that the Baseball Gods saw fit to wreck with the news that Spencer Steer tore a sheath in his wrist and will be out indefinitely including through the trade deadline. So, now they dont even have their most coveted trade chip to cash-in on in the next week even if things go sideways enough to start ripping things completely apart, which complicates the job facing the front office as this club is still mired in last place in the Central.The Reds are, though, just 5 games out of the final NL Wild Card spot, and they could climb higher in that list if Burns shows up tonight and dominates the way we know he can. Theyre up against a Cleveland club that has fallen completely on its face to begin the second half, fresh off five consecutive losses and just 3-7 overall since the All Star break. Because the AL as a whole this year is about as garbage below the top as it has been in years, they still hold a 1 game lead over Minnesota for the final AL Wild Card spot, but this is a team fighting for its life just like the Reds are with just a week to go before the deadline.Slade Cecconi will start for Cleveland, who welcomed back Jose Ramirez last week after a five-week absence just in time to revv up to face Cincinnati pitching.First pitch is slated for 7:00 PM ET, with this one being broadcast directly by ESPN.Heres how both clubs will line up to start:Todays LineupsGUARDIANSREDSSteven Kwan LFElly De La Cruz SSJose Ramirez DHSal Stewart 1BChase DeLauter RFJJ Bleday RFTravis Bazzana 2BEugenio Suarez 3BBrayan Rocchio SSNathaniel Lowe DHKyle Manzardo 1BTyler Stephenson CGabriel Arias 3BDane Myers CFPatrick Bailey CEdwin Arroyo 2BPetey Halpin CFTJ Friedl LFSlade Cecconi RHPChase Burns RHP

Tyleik Williams wasn't kidding when he said he plans to play faster in 2026.As the Detroit Lions ready to report to training camp, the second-year defensive tackle took to social media to reveal he's dropped 50 pounds over the past five months. Williams shared the news on his Instagram story.The Ohio State product made sure to clarify that he was not 328 pounds five months ago, indicating that Williams' 50-pound weight loss likely started with Williams above last season's playing weight of 328 pounds.On his Instagram page, Lions DT Tyleik Williams claims to have lost 50 pounds in the last five months. pic.twitter.com/eq9gXNN5jh Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) July 27, 2026Still, it indicates Williams' work this offseason to transform his body. It will be interesting to see what Williams weighs in at during training camp. Has he trimmed down significantly toward 300 pounds or is this 10-15 pounds less than the 328 pounds he was listed at to end last season.Either way, it should help Williams be more explosive and to play faster like he's talked about this offseason."I feel way better. I dont feel as nervous, so Im playing faster. I learned a lot last year, so just trying to use that to build on this year, you know, get better. Just how the NFL is played. Its a lot different than college. Players are way better. Schemes are way better, so just having a year under my belt, I feel like Im just playing faster and more fluid," Williams said during Lions OTAs.Fellow Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill underwent a physical transformation heading into the 2023 season. McNeill cut his body fat down to 13% entering that 2023 season and then responded with a career-high five sacks.The Lions drafted Williams in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft with pick No. 28 overall. Per Pro Football Focus, Williams logged 446 defensive snaps and recorded a 62.1 overall defensive grade.Williams totaled 18 tackles, four passes defended, two tackles for loss and one sack during his rookie season in 2025.For moreLionscoverage, follow us on X,@TheLionsWire, and give ourFacebookpage a like.Follow Josh on X,@JoshOnLionsThis article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions DT Tyleik Williams reveals weight loss transformation