Chandler Smith has been executing at a very high level in the NASCAR Truck Series during the 2026 season. With Front Row Motorsports thriving, there were rumors of Smith moving to the NASCAR Cup Series in place of Noah Gragson. However, Front Row Motorsports announced that he will not return to the organization in 2027.So, what does Smith think about his Cup Series future? While running at NASCAR's top level is the ultimate goal, as long as Smith is behind the wheel, he will be happy. This interview was before the announcement.I just want the Lords will, whatever that means, Smith said to NASCAR.com. If thats to race trucks for the rest of my life, thats what I want to do. If the Lord obviously presents me and pushes me into an opportunity that lands in my lap and is just there and its pretty evident, then I want to just submit myself and be a vessel. I mean that wholeheartedly, truthfully.There was a time when Smith's future in NASCAR was uncertain, but it seems like he is set up for the 2027 NASCAR season. According to FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass, Smith is expected to sign with Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series. This means Smith is one step closer to the Cup Series.Richard Childress Racing's leading candidate for No. 33 car revealedThis article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Chandler Smith addresses his NASCAR Cup Series future in 2026

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 18: Jordan Henderson #14 of England applauds the fans after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)FIFA via Getty ImagesChelsea has been busy this summer. The Stamford Bridge club has broken its transfer record to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa with Marco Palestra also joining from Atalanta and Geovany Quenda coming in from Sporting CP. Chelsea has clearly altered its strategy ahead of the 2026/27 season.This is reflected by the Blues interest in Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, both of whom are reportedly close to joining the Stamford Bridge outfit. Henderson is 36 while Welbeck is 35. That Chelsea is even interested in such experienced players says a lot about how the strategy has changed over the summer.SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Sydney Super Cup match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Accor Stadium on July 28, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesXabi Alonso is remodelling the Chelsea team in his own image. The Spaniard is expected to recycle the approach and tactical set-up that worked so well for him as Bayer Leverkusen manager, hence the addition of a second number 10 in Rogers and a right wing back in Palestra. There is a plan in place.Part of that plan is the addition of some much-needed experience and leadership. For a long time, Chelseas transfer strategy was to assemble a squad of some of the best young players in the world and develop them together. That, however, was a flawed concept, as last seasons lowly 10th place finish in the Premier League table proved.This is where Henderson and Welbeck have something to offer. They could prove useful as squad figures, providing depth in central midfield and in the centre forward position, but Henderson and Welbeck are being targeted due to their experience at the top level. They will be mentors to some of the younger players in the squad.NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Danny Welbeck of Brighton & Hove Albion in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park on May 02, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIm sure that from today to the last day of the transfer [window] there will be a lot of links, a lot of rumours, so to be commenting on all of them, its going to be a hard task, said Alonso when asked about the links to Henderson and Welbeck. But for sure, we need proper balance in terms of qualities, in terms of positions, in terms of balance. We want to have a complete squad and we want to make a good team.Balance is the key term. Chelseas squad has been poorly constructed over the last few years and Alonso has been hired to point the team in the right direction again. He could use some experience in his dressing room and Henderson and Welbeck might fit the bill despite the peculiar nature of their transfers. This article was originally published on Forbes.com

James can never be 6-for-6 in the Finals like Jordan -- that was out the window after losing in his first Finals trip in 2007 -- but if he fulfills his two-year, $8 million contract with Philadelphia, he'll have played 25 years in the league. A full 10 more than Jordan, a staple of longevity that Jordan's legacy can never touch. And who knows if it stops there. "I think Philadelphia's going to energize him," Paul told ESPN. "Maybe we get two [seasons]. Maybe we get four."ESPNThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Rich Paul says Philadelphia will energize LeBron James: 'Maybe we get two seasons. Maybe we get four'

A Resin 3D printer is an advanced additive manufacturing solution designed for producing highly detailed objects with smooth surface finishes and excellent precision. Unlike filament-based 3D printing, which uses plastic filament, resin printing works with liquid photopolymer material that is cured layer by layer using a light source. This technology has become increasingly popular among...

Every year, we see established NFL players bounce back from prior injuries or on-field struggles to deliver standout seasons. The players who produce the biggest bounce-back performances are recognized as nominees for AP Comeback Player of the Year. Recent winners of the award include San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Cleveland Browns QB Joe Flacco. Who are the top candidates to make big comebacks in 2026? In descending order, here are my top 12: Coming off a torn Achilles, theres no telling exactly when Jones will be 100 percent or if he can get back to the level he was playing at in the first half of last season. Remember, mobility is a big part of his game. But Jones, who signed a two-year, $88 million extension with the Colts in March, says he's a full-go for training camp. Plus, this will be his second year with coach Shane Steichen, whose offense suits the veteran QB. On the downside, longtime Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to Pittsburgh during the offseason and returning wideout Alec Pierce faces a months-long recovery from ankle surgery, so the receiving corps around Jones may not be as potent. Kraft was enjoying a breakout 2025 season before tearing his ACL in Week 9. Once healthy, the former third-round pick has a great chance to continue his ascension. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs departure in free agency should open up more opportunities for Kraft in Green Bay's passing game. Kittle tore his Achilles in January, which would suggest hell miss most of the 2026 season. But the five-time All-Pro tight end is hoping for an early return based on the medical feedback hes received. If that happens, it would be a major boost for a 49ers team that should be among the NFCs top contenders once again. The Broncos won 14 games with Nix under center last season, and he led all quarterbacks in game-winning drives. His adversity was missing the AFC Championship Game after fracturing his right ankle against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. He had surgery and later underwent a follow-up procedure to remove bone spurs, but he is expected to be a full-go without limitations in training camp. The 2024 first-round pick could make a big third-year leap with the acquisition of former Miami Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle. After Bosa suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 3 last season, the Niners pass rush fell apart. San Francisco ranked last in sacks, second-to-last in pressure rate and third-to-last in pressures in 2025, according to Next Gen Stats. So the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is positioned to make an outsized impact in 2026. Warner has had a full offseason of work after suffering a season-ending right ankle injury last October, so the four-time All-Pro has a good chance of picking up from where he left off. With the return of OLB Dre Greenlaw, who spent last season with Denver after six years with the 49ers, a healthy Warner could be even more difficult for opposing offenses to contain. The Giants hope to have Nabers, who tore his ACL and meniscus in Week 4, ready for the start of the season. With a promising young quarterback in Jaxson Dart, the former LSU star receiver could put together a season that rivals or exceeds his standout rookie campaign in 2024 (109 catches, 1,204 yards, 7 TDs). Parsons will likely miss the start of 2026 after tearing his ACL in December. But hes expected to be 100 percent for what the Packers expect to be a deep playoff run, elevating Green Bay into the contention conversation with his ability to wreak havoc. After ranking third in receiving yards as a rookie, Thomas went through a sophomore slump in 2025, finishing with just 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns. All signs point to the ex-LSU star getting back on track in 2026 after dealing with wrist, shoulder and ankle injuries last season. Hell also be in his second season in Liam Coens offense. During OTAs, a healthy Thomas displayed his growing chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Murray missed the final 11 games last season due to a foot injury and signed with the Vikings in March after his release by the Cardinals. In Minnesota, he has a quarterback-friendly head coach in Kevin OConnell and the best supporting cast of his career, positioning him to have a Pro Bowl-caliber season. After Mahomes tore his ACL and the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in his career,look for the two-time NFL MVP to return in 2026 with a vengeance. He's been cleared for full practice participation after his December knee surgery. If WR1 Rashee Rice returning from his own knee procedure is healthy, Mahomes has a promising skill group around him. The addition of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City backfield will take pressure off Mahomes in the pass game, too. Daniels missed 10 games in 2025 due to a dislocated left elbow, a knee sprain and a hamstring strain. As a result, the Commanders won just five games after making the NFC Championship Game the season prior. A healthy Daniels is capable of producing like an elite quarterback, making Washington a dark-horse contender in the NFC.

Tennessee star linebacker Arion Carter has been suspended for two games by the NCAA because he returned to college after his agent had paid for a $427 flight to an NFL pre-draft training facility.Knox News through a public records request obtained an internal athletics department document detailing the violation and UT's protest against stiff penalties. A UT spokesperson told Knox News that the suspension was the result of that violation.Carter must sit out Tennessees first two games of the 2026 season against Furman (Sept. 5) and Georgia Tech (Sept. 12). He led the SEC with 7.6 tackles per game last season, earning all-conference honors.Tennessee coach Josh Heupel responded with a strong statement of support for Carter.Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee. His high character, loyalty and leadership within our program are unmatched," Heupel said in a statement to Knox News."We disagree with the NCAAs ruling on punishing Arion with a multi-game suspension this fall. Arion made the right decision for his future health and well-being. He will proudly graduate from Tennessee in public health with Deans List honors in August. Our team stands behind AC and his family, and we cant wait to be on the field with him during training camp next week."Carter is being penalized for crossing what some see as a blurry line in the NCAA rulebook related to amateurism in the NIL era, when college athletes are paid millions of dollars and provided perks within the rules.Carter repaid his agent for the flight cost and withdrew from the 2026 NFL Draft because of an injury suffered in the training session, but that didnt satisfy the NCAA.It found that he committed a Level III violation, a general term that the NCAA rulebook calls a basic breach of conduct. Level III violations are common and routinely reported by athletic departments at every school. They often result in minor penalties, but Carters multi-game suspension is among the harshest in that level of infraction.The NCAA initially issued a three-game suspension, a UT spokesman confirmed to Knox News, but it was reduced to two games after UT appealed the decision.The suspension won't affect Carter's practice time. The Vols start preseason practice on Aug. 5.Heres how NCAA says Arion Carter broke amateurism ruleAccording to the UT internal document, Carter committed the violation during the month when he mulled his football future.On Dec. 12, Carter announced that he had declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following his junior season. He hired a sports agent, who paid for his flight so he could travel to the site of a pre-draft training facility.On Jan. 5, Carter began workouts, but he immediately felt pain and swelling in his previously injured foot. The medical staff treated the injury, but the pain persisted. He underwent an MRI, and the medical staff advised him to stop training and receive corrective care including minor surgery.On Jan. 16, Carter withdrew from the draft so he could return to Tennessee, recover from the injury, graduate in August and play his senior season for the Vols. On Jan. 19, he terminated his contract with the sports agent.But Carter was initially declared ineligible pending an investigation, according to the UT document, because he accepted a material benefit from a sports agent during what the NCAA calls a test the waters phase in preparation for the NFL draft.In December 2025, the NCAA provided guidance in a memo to college athletes considering the NFL draft, including a clarification about accepting benefits from agents.You, your family or your friends are not permitted to receive any benefits from an agent, the NCAA memo said. Examples of material benefits include money, transportation, dinner, clothes, cell phones, jewelry, etc. Please note that benefits may also include, but are not limited to, activities such as tryout arrangements with a professional team and coordinating tryout schedules.Tennessee argued to NCAA that Arion Carter 'acted in good faith'Tennessee argued that Carters unique situation demanded common-sense clemency from the NCAA.Current legislation permits student-athletes nationwide to have professional marketing representation, and through this representation, student-athletes have received benefits not unlike the nominal benefit (Carter) received, UT argued in the NCAA report.(Carter) acted in good faith in pursuit of a lifelong dream when he received the flight benefit. However, an injury requiring surgery and rehabilitation altered those plans. (Carter) should be permitted to return to college, receive the medical treatment he needs, and continue pursuing his athletic and academic goals without penalty.Tennessee also argued for leniency due to mitigating factors.Carter repaid the $427 cost of the flight. He terminated the contract with the sports agent after only a month. He withdrew from the NFL draft before the deadline. And he followed medical advice by returning to college.The NCAA responded by reinstating his eligibility but issued a multi-game suspension for accepting the flight at a time when he believed his college career was over.On July 20, at SEC football media days in Tampa, Carter said he didn't regret his decision to return to UT.Coming back off my injury and ultimately choosing to come back to the University of Tennessee was a pivotal point in my life," Carter said. "I feel like I made the greatest decision I possibly couldve made.NCAA rules are different for NIL, NFL agentsNCAA rules related to sports agents have become convoluted and confusing in the NIL era, where guidelines differ between sports and the athletes status.For example, college athletes can sign with an agent to represent their marketing interests for NIL opportunities. That means the agent can negotiate on behalf of the student-athlete for NIL money and direct school-to-player revenue pay.And some transportation costs can be provided within those NIL agent contracts.Despite having all the hallmarks of professional contracts, those deals are considered by the NCAA as upholding amateur status for the student-athlete.However, Carter signed a contract, or standard representation agreement, with an agent to represent his interests in professional sports. Once he did that, he would jeopardize his college eligibility by accepting benefits from the agent such as travel perks.Adding to the confusion is that NCAA rules for college football and basketball players are different. During the test the waters stage for the NBA draft, agents are allowed to provide transportation to college basketball players to participate in professional tryouts but not training sessions. No such benefits are allowed for prospective NFL players like Carter.How Arion Carter suspension impacts TennesseeCarter is one of the SECs best linebackers after a stellar Tennessee high school career for Smyrna. He earned All-SEC honors in 2025 with 76 tackles in just 10 games, missing two regular-season games due to injury. He also had six tackles-for-loss, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.Carter is also a team leader. He represented the Vols at SEC media days in the past two years, including July 20 in Tampa, Florida. And he was voted 2026 preseason All-SEC third team by the media.Tennessee wont miss Carter in the season opener against Furman, an FCS opponent. But the Vols face a tough road game in Week 2 at Georgia Tech, which touts one of the ACCs best rushing attacks.Fortunately, the Vols are deep at linebacker. Edwin Spillman and Jeremiah Telander were among the SECs top tacklers last season, recording 81 and 80 tackles, respectively.Penn State transfer Amare Campbell had 103 tackles last season. And he has experience in UT defensive coordinator Jim Knowles defense from their time together at Penn State. Former four-star recruits Jadon Perlotte and Jaedon Harmon also return after playing a lot as freshmen.They must account for Carters absence until he returns in Week 3 against Kennesaw State on Sept. 19.Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing atknoxnews.com/subscribe. Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to theSEC Unfiltered newsletter,delivered straight to your inbox.This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Exclusive: NCAA suspends Tennessee football star Arion Carter two games for $427 flight

Last week, Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan said that the team had no plans to bring in another quarterback even after the retirement of Will Grier.But, plans can change.Carolina is bringing in former Buccaneers backup Kyle Trask for a workout, ESPNs Adam Schefter reports.Trask, a second-round pick in 2021, finished his rookie contract with the Buccaneers before re-signing with the club last offseason. They then released him during roster cuts. Trask then spent time with the Falcons practice squad in the second half of the season.Trask has familiarity with Panthers head coach Dave Canales, who was the Bucs offensive coordinator in 2023.Carolina currently has Kenny Pickett and Haynes King at QB on its roster behind starter Bryce Young.

Joseph Kropschot heard a noise. He awoke slightly, but it was probably nothing. Drifting into slumber, harmony abruptly became more chaotic panic.A pair of hulking figures unfamiliar to him were in his bedroom with a pair of handcuffs. Kropschot tried to fight back, but he was overmatched, cuffed, and dragged out of his house. Kropschot tried to spit on the men, but his shirt was pulled over his head; his own clothing used as a defense mechanism against him."Two humongous Samoan dudes show up in my room and they take me out of the house, handcuffed me, because I tried to fight them," Kropschot recently told MMA Junkie.It wasn't a real abduction in the legal sense. It was a coordinated one, for a kid with anger issues and a real knack for misbehaving and getting into street fights. His parents had orchestrated it."Once we got to the airport, I'm like, 'Oh, this is 'Scared Straight,' I'm gonna be good,'" Kropschot said. "Then, I was out there for 11 months."Kropschot was a teenager, transported from the suburbs of California to the Saint George, Utah wilderness. It was certainly a change of pace. The concept, as well-intentioned and effective as it may have been, isn't one Kropschot thinks he'd encourage even now, looking back on it."We drove blindfolded into the woods out there in public land, and it's literally like your life is in your backpack," Kropschot said. "I was in the wilderness for three months and then went to another place in Utah for eight. But it's literally like you got your dehydrated beans and rice in your backpack, and every night you're eating beans and rice. Every morning is granola and oats, and you're hiking and setting up a camp. Then just doing the same thing for three months with a group of delinquent boys."Looking around, Kropschot felt like a bit of an angel. He reflected on the wilderness retreat a bit more fondly than the secondary program more of a delinquent school filled with approximately 100 kids, some accused of home invasions, auto theft, and more."I was literally just getting in street fights, skipping class, sneaking out, and then I just had to learn to navigate through that with these crazy f*cking kids, but it made me tough," Kropschot said. "I wouldn't change it. It made me a lot tougher than I should be."It's a double-edged sword for Kropschot. He says he's an example of how the program worked, and it had the unintended benefit of introducing him to combat sports. But most of his counterparts didn't find that outlet to utilize as an escape, excel at, and turn into a career. Many are no longer even around."The second place got shut down because too many kids died there," Kropschot said. "The first one, the wilderness, I think also got shut down because I think, and it had to be in Utah because the laws are way more lenient. So they're both shut down now, but I got sent in like the worst years of it. ... I've thought about this on a lot of levels. In my dorm, when I got sent to the second place, in my dorm of eight kids, six of them are dead right now from OD, suicide. But I honestly wouldn't change it for me because I do feel like it made me tough, and I just had to literally figure out how to game the system and get out of there. So I wouldn't change it. I don't think most people can do well. I don't think those places are good for kids. I think in spite of that place, I did well with my life."View this post on Instagram

Why Giants' Luis Arraez is no longer a trade deadline fit for this AL West team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Luis Arraez's trade deadline stock is much higher than it was a year ago.He's made incredible defensive improvements at second base with the San Francisco Giants and is batting .325 with an .808 OPS.Arraez does not hit many home runs, but he's the ultimate but the ball in play leadoff man.San Francisco's losing ways leave them with an obvious choice. Arraez, an impending free agent, is all but guaranteed to be moved at next week's trade deadline.A few weeks ago, the Texas Rangers appeared to be a suitable landing spot for Arraez. Now, his fit with the AL West club is in question.Arraez may no longer be a fit with the Texas Rangers"The Texas Rangers, one of the teams for whom Arraez might be a fit, have bigger priorities, according to people briefed on their plans but granted anonymity to speak freely," The Athletic's Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo wrote.Texas' roster may have a roster crunch in the infield. Plus, Arraez has made it clear he will be staying at second base if he's traded.MORE:Giants willing to trade Heliot Ramos in big news for many MLB clubs"Arraez, who played for Rangers manager Skip Schumaker in Miami, no longer is an obvious fit," The Athletic trio added. "Shortstop Corey Seager and third baseman Josh Jung are expected to come off the IL this weekend, enabling Ezequiel Duran to slide to second, where the Rangers also are using Nicky Lopez."The obvious roster move for the Rangers is to trade for Arraez, use Duran in a utility role, and cut ties with Lopez.Lopez is hitting .319/.357/.361 with a .718 OPS in 50 games for the Rangers, but Arraez, a four-time All-Star, is clearly the better option for a potential postseason roster.More MLB news:Yankees are leading candidate to trade for Twins Ryan JeffersRed Sox would love to trade for Angels Zach Neto or Astros Jeremy PenaPadres likely not to trade Mason Miller amid latest updateTigers expected to trade Tarik Skubal but still try to contend without himMets desperate to trade Luis Robert Jr. after trade failure

Former Bayern Munich midfielder offers himself to Barcelona reportAccording to journalist Matteo Moretto (h/t SPORT), Leon Goretzka has offered himself to Barcelona after becoming a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Bayern Munich.The German midfielders representatives have made contact with Barcelonas sporting department in recent hours, indicating that Goretzka would be interested in joining Hansi Flicks project following Frenkie de Jongs long-term knee injury.The Dutchman is expected to be sidelined for around four months after sustaining the injury during the World Cup. This has prompted the manager to request the club to reinforce the midfield if possible.Flick knows Goretzka WellThis is not the first time Goretzka has been linked with Barcelona in recent months.The 30-year-old midfielder worked under Flick at Bayern Munich between 2019 and 2021, making 64 appearances during the German coachs tenure. Goretzka worked with Flick at Bayern and with the German NT. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)Across all competitions, he contributed 15 goals and 18 assists and played an important role during Flicks successful spell at the Allianz Arena.That existing relationship has fuelled speculation that Goretzka could be a suitable option for Barcelona.Barcelona not planning midfield reinforcementDespite the players availability, Barcelonas sporting department, led by Deco, are not currently considering a move for Goretzka.The club have no plans to strengthen the midfield, believing the squad already has sufficient depth to cope with De Jongs long-term absence following the rupture of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.Barcelonas stance also means De Jongs injury will not alter the clubs plans regarding Marc Casado either. Barcelona not considering Goretzka move. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)The Catalan side believe the academy graduate has reached the stage where he should seek regular first-team football elsewhere. Although the club will not force him to leave, they intend to help him find a new team.An option on the tableLast season, Goretzka played more than 2300 minutes across 48 appearances for Bayern Munich.Although he was not an undisputed starter under Vincent Kompany, he remained an important member of the squad as Bayern completed a domestic clean sweep in Germany and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.For now, however, Barcelonas position remains unchanged, with the club focused on their existing midfield options rather than pursuing the experienced German international.