Dak Prescott reveals his reaction to Jerry Jones' aggressive Cowboys strategy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that he believes his team has what it takes to compete for a Super Bowl in the 2026 season. He recently declared the Cowboys as legitimate title contenders and even revealed that he is willing to part with future draft picks if it helps strengthen the roster.Jones also disclosed that he spoke with another team the previous day regarding a potential trade. It is definitely a good thing for quarterback Dak Prescott, who is now entering his 11th NFL season.Prescott is once again chasing the accomplishment that eluded his predecessor, Tony Romo, which is leading the Cowboys to a Super Bowl. He also noted that the front office appears open to making another deal if the right opportunity arises before the regular season begins.Its amazing. to watch what's happened over the last couple years, and to see [Jerrys] mind and his urgency, Prescott said. Life is about urgency and nothing is promised.Jones also shared his long-term optimism about newly acquired wide receiver George Pickens, saying he could envision the talented pass catcher spending the rest of his career with the Cowboys. Pickens is coming off the best season of his career after recording 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, further fueling expectations for Dallas' offense.Pickens appreciated Jones' confidence and said the owner's comments meant a great deal to him.Super excited, Pickens said. Im always super happy when someone thinks highly of me, so shot out to Jerry.Pickens is entering the 2026 campaign on a fully guaranteed one-year franchise tag worth $27.3 million, but he insisted that contract discussions are not his priority. Instead, his focus remains on helping the Cowboys succeed on the field, and he expressed confidence that the Cowboys offense has the potential to reach another level this season.More NFL news:Cowboys QB Dak Prescott channels Super Bowl glory with bold shirt decisionWhy this ex-NFL star believes George Pickens is set for a 'gigantic mistake' with $27.3 million gambleMicah Parsons' projected return date lines up perfectly with Cowboys revenge matchupJerry Jones wants his 'most prolific' star to be NFL's top WR this seasonCowboys' Jerry Jones faces tough questions on $52 million decision as camp begins

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 29: Camilo Doval #75 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on June 29, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe New York Yankees officially put an end to the Camilo Doval Experiment and traded the righty reliever to the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to multiple outlets. They got two prospects in return, per Francys Romero: Double-A catcher Omar Alfonzo and outfielder Luis Cruz from the Bucs Dominican Summer League affiliate. Mark Feinsand also confirmed those names coming back to New York.Doval wraps up his Yankees tenure with a 4.63 ERA in 58.1 innings between 2025 and 2026. In contrast, he had put up a 3.29 ERA in five years with the San Francisco Giants before becoming one of the Yankees 2025 deadline acquisitions.Doval was having another subpar year in 2026, sporting a 4.54 ERA in 39.2 innings. He has to be one of the most frustrating cases in Matt Blakes tenure as the Yankees pitching coach, as he had elite velocity and ground-ball rates, in the 96th and 97th percentile, respectively. However, the results were rarely there, as the right-hander dealt with inconsistency and poor command most of the time. Doval could simply never generate the kinds of strikeouts and whiffs that are often associated with triple-digit velo.Doval, 29, goes to a Pirates team that is trying to contend this year and boasts a 55-56 record as of Saturday. As for the Yankees, they move on from one of their late-inning relievers, which signals that they might be on the market for another one.The New York Yankees are acquiring minor leaguers Omar Alfonzo and Luis Cruz from the Pirates Dominican Summer League affiliate in exchange for Camilo Doval, per sources. Francys Romero (@FrancysRomero) August 1, 2026Alfonzo was ranked 17th by MLB Pipeline in a strong Pirates system. A catcher who will turn 23 on August 3rd, hes hit a .238/.337/.419 line in 62 minor league games in 2026, 60 of them in Double-A. He has a 100 wRC+ and hits left-handed. He is the son of former MLB catcher Eliezer Alfonzo and the brother of Dodgers rookie backstop Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. The Yankees catching depth in the system has taken a toll with trades in recent years, so Alfonzo helps in that regard.Cruz is just 18 years old, so he is at least a few years away from the majors. Unranked among the Pirates top 30 prospects, he has hit a strong .318//.475/.364 with no homers, seven stolen bases, and a 135 wRC+ in the Pirates Dominican Summer League.

Astros have one question left amid Jeremy Pena trade rumors, per EPSN originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Houston Astros are expected to buy at the 2026 MLB trade deadline after their strong performances recently have them atop the AL West.But, despite likely buying this summer, there are still plenty of rumors floating around about Jeremy Pena and his trade availability. There's been enough buzz about a Pena trade that it can't completely be ruled out until the deadline passes.ESPN's Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel revealed the odds that Pena is traded are at 25%, but more importantly, revealed the one last question left for Houston about a potential trade of Pena.Astros have one last question to answer amid Jeremy Pena trade rumors"Replenishing a bad farm system with few players close to the big leagues takes a move like trading Pena, and the only question at this point is whether it will be before Aug. 3 or before the Dec. 1 lockout," Passan and McDaniel write.If the Astros follow the same route they did with Kyle Tucker with Pena, then the shortstop is likely to be traded in the next half-year.The only question for the Astros, as Passan and McDaniel noted, would be when that trade eventually happens.Of course, there's a non-zero chance they work out an extension, or maybe decide to keep him through 2027 regardless of an extension.MORE:Astros among teams calling Giants about Logan Webbs trade availabilityBut, more likely than not, it's going to be a similar situation as to what happened with Tucker ahead of the 2024 season, where they traded him to the Chicago Cubs for a solid haul.Pena has a real chance to be traded, albeit it's only at a 25% chance right now, according to ESPN. But, if it's not this summer, it could be over the offseason.He's under club control through the 2027 season, so the Astros don't have to make a decision just yet. With how this team is playing right now, and how red-hot Pena has been lately, it makes sense to hold onto him through the deadline.A trade of Pena might be inevitable, based on this report, but the odds of such a deal happening before the 2026 August 3 MLB trade deadline appear slim.More MLB news:Mets have no plan to offer contract extension to Freddy Peralta amid trade rumorsPhillies intrigued by Blue Jays trade idea for Jeff Hoffman and Daulton VarshoYankees linked to Padres for potential rotation for bullpen swapDiamondbacks linked to Nationals Luis Garcia Jr. as perfect trade fitRed Sox predicted to trade for Tigers Gleyber Torres at deadline

The NFL has a funny way of changing perspectives. Nearly six years ago, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith spent an entire week game-planning for Derrick Henry when both played with the Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans, respectively. Like every defense preparing to face the bruising running back, the objective was simple in theory and incredibly difficult in practice. Stop "The King." Now, instead of trying to slow Henry down, Smith gets to watch him terrorize opposing defenses every day. The Ravens' 2025 season didn't end the way anyone in Baltimore envisioned. A disappointing finish led to sweeping changes throughout the coaching staff, with Jesse Minter taking over as head coach alongside offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Even with those changes, one thing hasn't changed inside the locker room. Henry remains one of the cornerstones of Baltimore's championship aspirations. Smith reflected on one of his earliest meetings with Henry while speaking to reporters after training camp practice, recalling the respect the veteran running back commanded long before they became teammates.Roquan Smith remembers preparing for Derrick HenrySmith smiled as he described what it was like walking into a game knowing Henry was waiting on the other sideline. His answer was as you'd expect."Absolutely. I remember. We were going down there to Tennessee. It was a nice warm day, and 'The King'... that is all you think about every week. Like, hey... 6'3", 6'4", 260 pounds, whatever he weighs... He looks like a Greek god. So, you were definitely going down there making sure you had your chin strap maybe a little tight, a little extra air in your helmet and everything like that."Every great running back forces defenses to adjust. Henry has spent more than a decade doing exactly that. Defensive coordinators stack the box. Linebackers prepare for a physical afternoon. Safeties know they'll eventually have to step into the alley and help bring him down. Even then, Henry often wins.Roquan Smith says Henry's work ethic matches his reputationSmith's admiration extends well beyond Henry's physical gifts. He's as impressed by his teammate as anyone else."What this guy has been able to do, we all know. (He's a) first-ballot Hall of Famer. Who he is as a person... (I've) never seen the guy complain. (He) comes in day in, day out, grinds, never takes the easy route. I am just truly happy to have him on my team now and not have to worry about going against him, because even up in London, when I was here, we knew. Hey, you stop him, you have got a chance to win every time. Just pairing him with Lamar Jackson and the rest of the guys on the offense. It is truly special."Those comments carry weight coming from one of football's premier linebackers. Smith has built a career by studying offenses and chasing down elite runners, yet he speaks about Henry with the kind of respect normally reserved for generational players.That's perhaps the greatest compliment Henry can receive. One of the league's best defenders doesn't just appreciate his production. He remembers what it felt like trying to stop it. Now that they're wearing the same colors, the Ravens are hoping that fear and respect become someone else's problem this fall.This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Roquan Smith explains what makes Derrick Henry truly special

Aleksandar Rakic got his first win in more than five years at UFC Fight Night 283, and did so as a heavyweight for the first time.Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) made a successful transition up from 205 pounds on Saturday when he outworked divisional veteran Marcin Tybura (27-12 MMA, 14-11 UFC) en route to a unanimous decision win by scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27 at Belgrade Arena in Serbia.After Serbian fighters went 0-3 to start the main card, Rakic put his home country on the win column with a methodical striking performance.The Rocket @Rakic_UFC with the UD victory over Marcin Tybura! #UFCBelgradepic.twitter.com/e8PYVSJpvr UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) August 1, 2026Rakic, 34, came out throwing high volume against Tybura, who stayed and fought from inside the pocket. Rakic slowed down a bit as the contest wore on, but remained focused and stayed out of danger while delivering damage on his Polish foes legs and head.The result brought an end to a four-fight losing skid for Rakic and marked his first time getting his hand raised since March 2021. Tybura, meanwhile, has dropped his past three.After the win, a relieved Rakic expressed his relief of the difficult journey to the crowd."Everybody needs to feel this happiness once in their lives, but not many of them can feel it," Rakic told Michael Bisping in his post-fight interview. "I am so happy. Thank God. ... I've been preparing myself for a really long time. I've had a hard time coming from four losses and fighting for my job here. With this crowd, I knew that I cannot lose."Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 283 results:Aleksandar Rakic def. Marcin Tybura via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)Robert Valentin def. Dusko Todorovic via submission (guillotine choke) Round 1, 4:14Gilbert Urbina def. Vlasto Cepo via TKO (punches) Round 1, 1:01Noah Gugnon def. Milos Janicic via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 1:21Tofiq Musayev def. Ludovit Klein via TKO (punches) Round 2, 4:07Michael Oliveira def. Oban Elliott via knockout (punches) Round 1, 1:49Borislav Nikolic def. Mark Vologdin via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)Bogdan Grad def. Dennis Buzukja via submission (arm-triangle) Round 2, 4:33Mateusz Rebecki def. Kyle Prepolec via TKO (ground-and-pound) Round 1, 4:41Nina Milosevic def. Hailey Cowan via TKO (body shot) Round 1, 3:41Jovan Leka def. Alexander Poppeck via TKO (liver kick) Round 1, 2:22Stephanie Luciano def. Marina Spasic via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 3:20This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Belgrade results: Aleksandar Rakic outpoints Marcin Tybura in heavyweight debut

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Getting anything back for Doval should be considered a win for the Yankees after the disappointing 2025 trade

Yankees plan to promote 3.53 ERA reliever to replace Camilo Doval after trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Yankees made their first move of the MLB trade deadline, but it wasn't an acquisition of a big league talent. Instead, it was trading Camilo Doval to the Pittsburgh Pirates.In exchange, according to Francys Romero of beisbolfr.com, the Yankees got catcher prospect Omar Alfonzo and outfield prospect Luis Cruz. It was an interesting first trade, as it left a hole in the Yankees' bullpen.So, who is replacing Doval in the short-term? According to Joel Sherman of The New York Post, the Yankees are planning to bring reliever Yovanny Cruz, who has a 3.53 ERA in the minors this season, back up to the Majors for another stint.Yankees plan to replace Camilo Doval with Yovanny Cruz"The Yankees are planning to promote Yovanny Cruz to replace Camilo Doval in their bullpen," Sherman reports.Doval, after getting traded to the Pirates, is having his spot in the bullpen filled by Cruz, the 26-year-old right-handed reliever.This season, in 35.2 innings pitched in the minors, he has a 3.53 ERA with 52 strikeouts, a 1.26 WHIP, and a 7-3 record in 31 appearances.He was called up to the big leagues earlier this season, and in his initial stint in the Majors, he went 4.1 innings without giving up a run. He allowed just one hit and no walks with a hit-by-pitch and six strikeouts.MORE:Yankees predicted to trade for Marlins Liam Hicks by ESPNIt was a very promising first look in the Majors for Cruz, and now with Doval and his 4.54 ERA on its way to Pittsburgh, barring a physical, the Yankees are giving Cruz another chance in the big leagues.Cruz will take over a spot in the bullpen, assuming this Doval trade becomes official. But the Yankees will still likely be on the hunt for a high-leverage reliever for this year's trade deadline.Brian Cashman still has some work to do with this bullpen, but for now, with Doval headed to the Pirates in a trade a few days ahead of the deadline, the Yankees are planning to promote Yovanny Cruz to take his spot.More MLB news:Mets have no plan to offer contract extension to Freddy Peralta amid trade rumorsPhillies intrigued by Blue Jays trade idea for Jeff Hoffman and Daulton VarshoAstros among teams calling Giants about Logan Webbs trade availabilityYankees linked to Padres for potential rotation for bullpen swapDiamondbacks linked to Nationals Luis Garcia Jr. as perfect trade fit

AUDIO:View LinkVIDEO:On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Lucas Navarrete discuss Real Madrids 2 2 draw against Fiorentina, including:The Denzel Dumfries + Trent Alexander-Arnold comboEndricks performance + futureAlexis CiriaMario Rivas Joan Martinez and a discussion on centre-backs as a wholeThings that wouldve driven Jose Mourinho nuts in the 2nd halfA discussion about Eduardo CamavingaAnd more.Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content over on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid.The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and its podcasts, going.Hosts this week:Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo)Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM)

Andy Reid jokes one way Travis Kelce stayed in shape during offseason with Taylor Swift originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Andy Reid has jokes.Ahead of the 2026-2027 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs head coach shared how Travis Kelce is doing in training camp. The Chiefs tight end got married over the 2025-2026 offseason to pop star Taylor Swift. Reid was a part of the 1,000 wedding guests that watched Kelce and Swift say "I do." He even shared how the wedding might have been a part of how he kept up in practice."He looked pretty good. He stayed in shape; he did a lot of dancing at his wedding," Reid said of Kelce.Andy Reid says Travis Kelce looks pretty good out there, stayed in shape, did a lot of dancing at his wedding pic.twitter.com/zNffFyi8ca Lexi (@lexiosborne) July 29, 2026The Chiefs are holding their training camp, which began on Wednesday, July 29 atWestern State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.Andy Reid shares what Adam Sandler told Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift about marriage Swift and Kelce were surrounded by tons of celebrities at their Madison Square Garden last month. Tom Brady, Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and more came to support the couple on their big day.While a lot of celebrities and athletes were in the audience, many also were a part of the ceremony and reception. Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, and Avril Lavigne performed at their reception, and Adam Sandler officiated the couple. The actor and comedian also had some advice for the couple as they enter their next chapter.Adam Sandler conducted the service there and he told them, Keep kissing, Reid said, perThe Deseret Newslast month. So, in its simplest form. Thats a good thing.Sandler has been married to his wife, Jackie,since 2003. The couple sharestwo daughters: Sadie Madison (born in 2006) and Sunny Madeline (born in 2008).The "Happy Gilmore" creator has openly praised the couple and had nothing but nice things to say about Swift and Kelce leading up to their wedding.Travis is such a gentle, nice guy, and funny as hell, Sandler toldEntertainment Tonightat the time on he and Kelce's time working on the 'Happy Gilmore 2' film. Hes like the guys I grew up with. When I was with Travis, it reminded me of my buddies in high school and just being able to laugh and say the things you want to say.He also had nothing but nice things to say about Swift being a kind person."Taylor is so d--n nice to my family and has always been, Sandler said. My kids have met Taylor a bunch of times over the years, and shes ridiculously nice to them and warm."As of now, Kelce and Swift have not shared any official photos from their ceremony, but it's only a matter of time before fans can see their highly anticipated wedding looks.More lifestyle news:Erling Haaland poses with Michael Jordan after epic World Cup debutAlix Earle confronts family for supporting ex Braxton Berrios in reality show teaserCarlos Alcaraz debuts dramatic new hairstyle ahead of US OpenKylie Kelce slams baby No. 5 rumors with Jason KelceJordyn Woods gets real about 'credit' for Knicks win