Credit: James Gilbert/ANP via Getty ImagesErling Haaland has skyrocketed in popularity after the 2026 World Cup, and now hes linked up with perhaps the most popular athlete in sports history.The world loves Erling Haaland following his spectacular performances with Norway in the 2026 World Cup. The soccer star has become one of the most popular athletes on the globe.If theres one man that knows what worldwide fame feels like all too well, its Michael Jordan. The NBA legend is among the most well-known names in the world, even outside of sports.While Haaland is starting to enter the prime of his career, MJ has been retired for a while. So when the two met one another recently, the GOAT might have imparted some good advice to the young superstar.Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesErling Haalands picture with Michael Jordan went mega viralFollowing his stellar World Cup campaign, Haaland is currently enjoying some deserved vacation time. And he seemingly ran into Jordan, sharing a picture on his social media of the two in casual attire.The image went viral instantly, with fans commenting on everything from the height comparison to speculating about what the two must have spoken about.Two GOATs in one pic, holy aura!!! commented one fan. Ask him how to fly and suspend on the air, youll need it for set pieces next season, another fan wrote.Haaland looks small for the first time, observed one fan. 64-year-old Michael Jordan making Haaland look like a normal person is crazy, said a fourth fan.Havent seen Jordan smile this big in years. Everyone loves Haaland, a fan claimed. Not only are both of them best at their game, theyre very classy and have good sportsmanship, another fan said.Theres no way to know what the duo spoke about, but its safe to say one thing: Nearly every sports fan would love to be a fly on the wall listening in on this legendary link-up.Read more:Erling Haalands market value skyrockets post-World Cup as USMNT stars fail to crack top 100Norway fans continue World Cup Viking Row tradition during Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiereTom Holland gives update on when he will meet Erling Haaland for a dinner date

SEATTLE (AP) The Minnesota Twins acquired right-handed pitcher Dean Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night in exchange for minor league outfielder Jhomnardo Reyes.Kremer, 30, has a 6.50 ERA in seven starts this season. The seventh year right-hander has gone 42-44 with a career 4.37 ERA in 133 games, all with the Orioles. To clear room for Kremer on the 40-man roster, the Twins transferred right-handed pitcher Mike Paredes to the 60-day injured list. A corresponding 26-man roster move will be announced at a later date. Kremer opened the 2026 season in the minors, one year after he led the Orioles in wins, innings and strikeouts. Kremer went 11-10 with a 4.19 ERA while striking out 142 batters over 171 2/3 innings last season. He also dealt with a quad injury that sidelined him from mid-April until July.Reyes, 18, is hitting .275 with seven home runs, 46 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 216 plate appearances between the Twins Rookie League affiliate and Single-A Fort Myers. The Dominican Republic native spent all of the 2025 season in the Dominican Summer League, and was originally signed by the Twins in January 2025. ___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith was arrested Monday in Nebraska and charged with three felonies.While Smith has not spoken publicly since then, his manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, shared a pair of statements Friday, asking the public to withhold judgment at this time.One such statement was from himself. The other was from Smith's wife, the alleged victim in the case, according to the Sarpy County (Neb.) attorney's office."We are aware of the reports concerning Anthony Smiths recent arrest," Butler wrote in a statement shared with MMA Junkie that was also posted on his Instagram. "At this time, it would be inappropriate to comment on the allegations or speculate regarding facts that have yet to be fully established. Like every individual, Anthony is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the due process protections afforded under our justice system. We respectfully ask that people avoid rushing to judgment based solely on initial reports, as they often do not reflect the complete facts or context."Our thoughts are with Anthony and his family as they navigate this difficult and deeply personal matter. We ask that their privacy be respected while the legal process runs its course. Out of respect for the ongoing proceedings, we will have no further comment at this time."In addition to a statement of his own, Butler shared a comment that appeared to be from Smith's wife Mikhala's Instagram, though the account is private. The comment tacked up the alleged incident that led to Smith's arrest to a mental health issue where Smith was being protected from himself."There's not a lot I can say right now," the comment reads. "I love Anthony with every ounce of my being! He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband who loves us endlessly. Anyone that knows him can attest to that. They made a mental health struggle into something it wasn't. I am safe and always was safe. He would never hurt me. Ever. I called for help to protect him from himself."View this post on InstagramSmith, 38, currentlyfaces three felony charges: first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment. He is scheduled back in court Aug. 17 after being released on $500,000 bond Wednesday.According to the attorney's office, Smith is accused of threatening to kill his wife if she did not go home with him following an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Neb., after which he grabbed her and pushed her into the vehicle. The attorney's office further alleges that investigators concluded Smith tried multiple times to hit his wife with the vehicle when she escaped during the drive, but that she was able to maneuver out of the way and avoid physical harm. A warrant was issued, and Smith later turned himself in, according to officials.While it was not in the attorney's office statement, courtroom video by KETV7 of Wednesday's initial hearing captured discussion between the parties of reports of gunshots coming from the home and Smith allegedly threatening to kill himself.Smith currently serves as an analyst for UFC events, working the desk. He is no longer an active fighter for the promotion, though he did come out of retirement to compete in an April bout for Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA.UFC CEO Dana White was asked about the incident in an interview Friday with The Mac Life, and he seemed to withhold judgment on Smith's situation."Well, he's one of those guys, too, you don't expect to see that happen," White said. "(From) personal experience, it can happen to anybody. I don't know enough about it. I don't know enough of the details. I've been on the road this whole time, but I just hope it works out for him and his family and his kids."This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Anthony Smith's manager issues statement after arrest, including comment from wife

CWG 2026: Former Sri Lanka fast bowler Rumesh Pathirage stuns IND-PAK duo Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem to win javelin gold originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage wins Sri Lanka's first-ever Commonwealth Games javelin gold medal.Former fast bowler beats Neeraj Chopra; Yashvir Singh takes bronze medal.Arshad Nadeem finishes ninth as anticipated India-Pakistan showdown fails to materialise.Ex-cricketer Rumesh Pathirage stuns Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem to claim historic javelin goldA former medium pacer turned javelin thrower has written his name into history, as Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage delivered Sri Lanka's maiden Commonwealth Games gold in the men's javelin throw by overcoming a heavyweight field at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow on Friday, July 31.Pathirage sealed victory with a massive 89.75m effort, finishing comfortably ahead of Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, who took silver with 85.83m. India secured a second podium spot too, with Yashvir Singh claiming bronze courtesy of an 85.41m throw.Paris 2024 bronze medallist Anderson Peters of Grenada narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth with 83.88m, while the much-hyped clash between defending Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan and his rivals never really got going, as the Pakistani thrower ended up ninth with a best effort of 77.41m.A double podium finish to remember! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for winning Silver and Yash Vir Singh for securing Bronze in the Men's Javelin Throw at the Commonwealth Games.Two Indians finishing on the podium is a historic first for this event. This is a truly pic.twitter.com/QmqnW2VJT1 Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 31, 2026From bowling pace to throwing gold: The Pathirage storyPathirage's journey to this podium began on a cricket field rather than an athletics track. The Sri Lankan now trains under coach Tony Prasanna, someone he credits with shaping both his technique and his outlook on life.It was coach Tony who introduced me to javelin. He always tells me that if I master the basics and do them the right way, I will eventually reap the rewards. He is more than a coach. He doesnt just teach me the sport but about life as well, Rumesh had told The Indian Express in an earlier interview.As a teenager, Pathirage was genuinely quick with the ball in hand, clocking speeds around 130 kph and once touching 134 kph at the Under-18 level, a tally that placed him second behind Eshan Malinga, who currently represents Sri Lanka and plays IPL cricket for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Even now, cricket remains a source of relaxation for him."I love playing cricket in my free time," he told Olympics.com. "Whenever I'm back home I love playing softball cricket with my friends in our village - it helps me relax; take my mind off my professional javelin."Where some Sri Lankan throwers before him showed flashes of brilliance without lasting results, most notably Sumedha Ranasinghe, the first Sri Lankan to breach the 85m mark before fading, Pathirage has built his reputation on reliability. He crossed the 82m mark on 13 separate occasions during the 2025 season alone, a level of consistency that sets him apart from past national talents in the event.Pathirage also spoke about how his success is shifting attention in Sri Lanka, a country where cricketers have traditionally dominated public fascination."Cricketers are the most popular characters in Sri Lanka, though the fame is slowly shifting to athletics," Pathirage said."After my massive throw and recent results, people are watching athletics again. It makes me very happy.Javelin throw has not been very popular in Sri Lanka - our athletes are mostly focused on 100m or 200m sprints.But now kids are trying their hands at the art of throwing - not just a javelin but anything they can find."Beating THREE Olympic champs, to take your country's first gold in 20 years. Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage puts Sri Lankan athletics on the map, securing the win in the men's javelin, and his nations first Commonwealth gold medal since 2006.#RoadToLA28pic.twitter.com/JIfxVfw459 The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 31, 2026Rumesh Pathirage x Neeraj Chopra: A bond beyond tracksPathirage holds deep respect for Chopra, who ironically played a role in giving him his first taste of top-tier competition.Back in July 2025, he was invited to the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru, India's first javelin-specific meet. Chopra won that event, while Pathirage claimed bronze, finishing just behind former world champion Julius Yego of Kenya."Neeraj Chopra is a massive character in South Asia," Pathirage said."I am very close to him, and when we meet in competitions, we talk about javelin and other day-to-day things.India lined up a big long-term plan with Neeraj, and he has achieved it. The Olympic gold was a really proud moment for him and his country, and I'm happy for him."The young athlete will lock horns with Chopra again in LA 2028! The Indian poster boy was on a comeback trail in Glasgow after finally exorcising his lower back problems. At the Games in Los Angeles, he should be fit and firing on all cylinders. Athletic fans can't wait for that match-up!For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to ourFacebook,Instagram,andX (Twitter)pages.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 02: Colston Loveland #84 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the game at Paycor Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)Getty ImagesChicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland is entering his second season with the franchise and has momentum heading into this fall. Loveland had a strong rookie season, totaling 58 receptions for 713 yards with six touchdowns. Loveland was particularly dangerous in the playoffs, including a massive performance over the Green Bay Packers in a 31-27 win in the wild card round. Loveland had eight receptions for 137 yards and was the first rookie tight end to have eight or more receptions and over 100 receiving yards in a playoff game in NFL history.Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams Gives High Praise To TE Colston LovelandLoveland and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams developed a strong rapport in 2025, and the chemistry the duo exhibits has Williams believing Loveland can be the best at his position. He can become the best tight end in the league, Williams said on Wednesday. But stats, and us going out there and proving it, is what it is going to take. And to be able to do that, weve got to put in work. Weve got to build a connection, hang out inside and outside the building, have tough conversations or have open communication throughout the year and throughout camp. So, its going to be exciting. Its going to be fun. Hes a target to throw to.Williams said Loveland can do everything and run every route. Williams had a lot of success throwing to Loveland in 2025. Per Luis C. Medina of Bleacher Nation, Williams had a 123.6 passer rating and 71.6%completion rate when targeting Loveland.Hes such a big target, easy target, Williams explained. Runs the right routes, nice routes. And then other than that he can run block and disguise things. Hes an all-encompassing tight end."Loveland was drafted by the Bears with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and seems likely to be paired with Williams, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Bears in 2024, for years to come. Chris Emma of 670 The Score reported that the two have their connection going early in camp.While the Bears have talented receivers in Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, Loveland will receive an ample amount of targets in the Bears offense. Williams, after all, thinks Loveland can be the best tight end in the NFL. This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Buying land or a home is one of the biggest decisions most people make in their lifetime. But the excitement of finding the right property often fades a little when buyers realize how many steps stand between signing the sale agreement and actually owning the property on paper. One question that almost every buyer asks at this stage is simple: how long does land registration actually take? The...

SEATTLE The Minnesota Twins acquired right-handed pitcher Dean Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night in exchange for minor league outfielder Jhomnardo Reyes.Kremer, 30, has a 6.50 ERA in seven starts this season. The seventh year right-hander has gone 42-44 with a career 4.37 ERA in 133 games, all with the Orioles.To clear room for Kremer on the 40-man roster, the Twins transferred right-handed pitcher Mike Paredes to the 60-day injured list. A corresponding 26-man roster move will be announced at a later date.Kremer opened the 2026 season in the minors, one year after he led the Orioles in wins, innings and strikeouts. Kremer went 11-10 with a 4.19 ERA while striking out 142 batters over 171 2/3 innings last season. He also dealt with a quad injury that sidelined him from mid-April until July.Reyes, 18, is hitting .275 with seven home runs, 46 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 216 plate appearances between the Twins Rookie League affiliate and Single-A Fort Myers. The Dominican Republic native spent all of the 2025 season in the Dominican Summer League, and was originally signed by the Twins in January 2025.

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James is due to miss time in training camp with a fractured rib. The nature of the injury was a little strange because it happened before pads were on and contact really begins in camp. Offensive line coach and acting head coach Chris Foerster shed light on the situation after Friday's practice, and indicated an overaggressive 49ers defense was at fault for the injury. "I don't know. We haven't given the time on it yet," Foerster said. "So, he'll be back as soon as he can with the rib. A lot of times it's tolerate. Sometimes it heals faster or slower. So, I think it's hard to put a definite time frame on. It was a combination of the punch out. Its the punch out with the spin. It's one of those perfect storms. You punch out, you hit the ball. They don't miss the ball very much. But if all of a sudden when he goes to the ball, you move, all of a sudden something else is there. And I think he saw the punch coming. There was time to see it and so he tried to do something to make him miss. I think that's what caused it to happen.James suffered the injury in Monday's session to begin the week. Brad Graham from the SF Niners YouTube channel was in the stands for Wednesday's practice and astutely pointed out that Fred Warner wasn't punching at the ball anymore, and instead making a show of not punching the ball. That may be a sign that Warner or another linebacker who punches at the ball knew they caused the injury.For James the injury could wind up costing him the RB2 job as rookie Kaelon Black slides into a bigger role. However it doesn't sound like the 2025 fifth-round pick will miss an extended period of time, so he should have opportunities to stay in the mix once he's able to get back on the field. More 49ers: Potential 49ers reunions to watch following return of 2 fan favoritesThis article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers RB had ribs fractured by his own teammate, coach confirms

Aaron Donalds return continues to feel like a strong possibility for the Los Angeles Rams, who are viewed as the favorite to win Super Bowl 61.Head coach Sean McVay provided another reason for the fan base to be hopeful about Donalds return, stating that its trending upward.The coach also offered up a timeline for Donald to make a decision. McVay said the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl 56 champion is not likely to make his decision until the team returns to Woodland Hills, California, as it's currently practicing at Loyola Marymount through Aug. 7."There won't be any news on that front until we get back to Woodland Hills," McVay told reporters Friday, July 31, per ESPN. "We've loosely had some different timelines that are kind of temporary. I want to keep those between us just if something unforeseen happens, out of respect for him and the situation. But I know this: Things are going in the right direction. And if there's an arrow, it's trending upwards."Rams CEO Kevin Demoff and COO Tony Pastoors had previously spoken about Donald during a team event on July 23, and mentioned that Donald would be welcomed back with "open arms."The return of Donald became even more appealing when the Rams traded for pass rusher Myles Garrett, who would be lined up alongside him.Donald has remained in the Los Angeles area since stepping away from the team after the 2023 season and has occasionally worked with members of the USC football team.When is Rams' season opener?The Rams will start the regular season at home against the San Francisco 49ers. The NFC West showdown will take place Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5:35 p.m. PT at SoFi Stadium and will be broadcast on Netflix.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rams' Sean McVay offers Aaron Donald update, possible timeline for return decision

One of the most polarizing topics in sports media is sports betting. Advertisements for sportsbooks are everywhere. NFL, NBA, MLB, and even NCAA broadcasts all seem to have not-so-secret relationships with betting companies.There is a fine line, however, between partnering with sportsbooks and creating potential conflicts of interest. A prominent NFL insider is now facing scrutiny for his involvement in the sports betting industry.MORE: Tony Romo placed on leave; CBS names temporary replacement for NFL gamesReports indicate that ESPNs Adam Schefter was an early-stage investor in Underdog, which began as a daily fantasy sports brand and has since evolved into a sports-focused prediction market. Underdog confirmed Schefters investment to Front Office Sports after the company reached a reported $1.3 billion valuation.Oct 18, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) talks with ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn ImagesFront Office Sports also reported that Schefters investment was relatively small. However, it reportedly could generate return of approximately 300%.Too close for comfort?Schefter is likely not the only prominent sports figure to invest in an online sportsbook or daily fantasy company. Still, it is understandable why he is receiving particular scrutiny following the news.Schefter is one of the NFLs most recognizable insiders at ESPN and is arguably the face of NFL insider reporting. Many fans dont fully believe reports or rumors until Schefter confirms them.MORE: ESPN veteran, fired by NBAs Trail Blazers, still hasnt heard from teamBecause of his role, Schefters financial ties to a sports betting company could be viewed as a potential conflict of interest. As one of the leagues most connected insiders, he has access to information that, at least hypothetically, could influence betting markets before it becomes public.Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; ESPN personalities Suzy Kolber (left) and Booger McFarland (center) and Adam Schefter (right) talk after the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. The AFC won 41-35. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesTo be clear, Schefter has not been accused of any wrongdoing. This is simply one example of how an influential insider could face perceived conflicts of interest by investing in a sports betting company.It remains unclear how Schefter was approached or what investment opportunity he was presented. When daily fantasy sports first emerged, they were generally treated differently from traditional sports betting before companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel expanded into sportsbooks during the 2010s.What is clear is that Schefter benefited financially from an investment in a sports betting company. Given his prominent role in NFL media, that is likely to draw additional attention as more details emerge.