For budding star forward Joey Cullen, Gophers hockey isnt just the future, its the family business.On Sunday afternoon Cullen, 16, made his commitment to Minnesota, where he eventually will join his father and two older brothers. The much-anticipated announcement came from western Canada, where he is playing for Team USA in an international tournament this week.He was recently listed as the top American in his age group by college hockey expert Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald. Those accolades came after Cullen was an offensive catalyst for his state champion high school team last season despite missing more than a dozen games with a broken wrist.His skill level is obvious, but we were really impressed with how hard of a worker he is and kind of quiet leader, said Moorhead coach John Ammerman, after the youngest Cullen brother posted 40 points in an injury-shortened sophomore season, playing 18 games as the Spuds won a second consecutive state Class AA title.The skill speaks for itself. I was super impressed with his work ethic and how much fun he has around the rink. Hes a student of the game, and a little bit of a goofball.On Saturday afternoon in Edmonton, Cullen scored one of Team USAs three third-period goals to spark a 4-2 win over Slovakia in a pre-tournament game in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which features the worlds top 16-year-olds.Cullens older brothers Wyatt and Brooks will join the Gophers this season, as their father, Matt, takes over as the programs director of player development under new coach Brett Larson. Wyatt was picked 10th overall by the Nashville Predators in the June NHL draft. Hockey-watchers say Joey is even better and may be a top five pick in the future.Per the Cullen family patriarch, who won the Stanley Cup three times in a 1,500-game NHL career, Joeys path to stardom began while playing mini-sticks with his brothers in the locker rooms of the Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota Wild.He grew up at the rink. Hes the third of three, and he was following his brothers around, Matt Cullen recalled. Hed be running around the rink with a (mini-stick) and a whiffle ball and stickhandling and playing hockey with anyone who would play with him.With two bigger, older brothers, Joey would also return from the ice with a bloody nose on more than one occasion, per his father, but quickly learned how to do what they did.A lot of battles back there, but he grew up around it with the big brothers, watching their games and analyzing them, then playing with them in the basement or the backyard or wherever he could, Matt said.Joey Cullen will spend the coming season in Michigan with USA Hockeys National Team Development Program and is expected to join the Gophers for the 2028-29 campaign as a freshman.

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever continued their 2026 WNBA regular season lost 108-100 to the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, Aug. 2.Clark, a former Iowa women's basketball star, and the Fever are 19-11 after the first 30 games of the regular season.Here's a look at how Clark fared on Sunday in Minneapolis:Caitlin Clark stats today in Indiana Fever vs Minnesota LynxMinutes: 34Points: 19FG shooting: 8-183-point shooting: 2-9Free throws: 1-1Rebounds: 1Assists: 10Blocks: 0Steals: 1Turnovers: 4Fouls: 1Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever upcoming gamesAug6vs Las Vegas Aces, 6 p.m. CT,Prime VideoAug8at Chicago Sky, 2:30 p.m. CT, ABC, Local 5, WQADThis article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Caitlin Clark's stats Sunday in Indiana Fever vs Minnesota Lynx game

SportsLine simulated the NFL season 10,000 times and revealed its 2026 Fantasy football breakouts for 2026 Fantasy football draft prep

Alfred Johansson appeared to have walked into an incredibly difficult job at Motherwell this summer.Motherwell finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership last season, playing some of the best football you could wish to see, and all on one of the top-flight's lowest budgets.Not only was Johansson following in Jens Berthel Askou's sizeable footsteps after the Danish manager left for Toulouse, he was also dealing with the departures of key players in Elijah Just, Elliot Watt and Calum Ward, who have joined Swansea City, Samsunspor and QPR, respectively.And yet, the Swede has started in fine style.Sunday's 2-1 win at Hibernian was a third victory on the spin after a 5-0 aggregate success against Faroese outfit HB Torshavn and they showed two very different sides of themselves at Easter Road.Amid a second-half onslaught from the hosts, Motherwell stood firm, led defensively by summer recruit Martin Moormann, before Ibrahim Said scored a brilliant winner on the break."It was a game of ups and downs for both teams and obviously I'm really pleased to come out with the three points," Johansson said."In the first half we showed some good stuff on the ball, but more than tactics, we have to praise the spirit of the team because at time we had to ride out storms."We have Martin Moormann throwing himself to make blocks, the front three dropping deep to help and Alex Paulsen making exceptional saves."When we hit it off, the good periods look really good, but we want those periods to be longer, but even months from now when we are better we will have to suffer and the guys showed they are ready to do that."Superb Said goal earns Motherwell late win at HibsMotherwell's good periods at Easter Road got no better than the decisive goal, as they sliced Hibs open with slick one-touch passing.Alex Lowry played a neat one-two with Said, released Dylan Williams down the left and he squared it to the Nigerian attacking midfielder, who slotted into the bottom corner and wheeled away towards a jubilant away end.Johansson has continued to play a similar possession-based style to Askou, implementing small tweaks rather than significant change.More than the performance though, it was the mentality of Johansson's side that impressed former St Johnstone and Queen's Park manager Callum Davidson."Hibs were the better team in the second half, but then Motherwell get the goal on the counter-attack," he said on BBC Sportsound."Hibs will be so disappointed in how they lose the second goal. Motherwell took their chances and defended really well. It was a gritty display."Johansson fosters 'family' atmosphere built by AskouJohansson pointed out eight players were making their Motherwell league debuts in Sunday's win - five of them from the start."To show that kind of commitment and team spirit this early, all the credit to the players. It shows we have got the right characters in the door," the Motherwell boss said.The recruitment done so far certainly appears to be astute, with Moormann and fellow centre-back Jake Girdwood-Reich particularly impressive.Those new players have plugged the gaps left, while combining with proven performers like Said and academy talents such as Mikey Booth, who started both legs against HB.Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the fast start to the new season, Motherwell are clearly enjoying these early weeks under the 35-year-old."The group was so together, it still feels the same. It feels like a family," said Regan Charles-Cook before the trip to Easter Road."The manager has brought in his own methods and stamped his authority on the team. We're all really enjoying it," midfielder Oscar Priestman told Sky Sports.Yes, sterner games are still to come - starting at HJK Helsinki in the third qualifying round of the Conference League on Thursday - but Johansson and his new-look side have passed every test to date with flying colours.Visit our Motherwell page for all the latest news, analysis and fan viewsGet Motherwell news notifications in the BBC Sport app

Wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk is walking away from football ahead of his third NFL season. The Saints announced that they placed Polk on the reserve/retired list on Sunday. Polk entered the league as a 2024 second-round pick in New England and played 15 games for the team during his rookie season. He had 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots traded Polk and a seventh-round pick to the Saints last September for a sixth-round pick. Polk did not appear in any games due to a shoulder injury and Sunday's move means that he won't be playing in any games for the NFC South team in the future either.

LSU football's 2027 recruiting class is close to complete. With early signing day, the modern-day recruiting class comes together quicker than it used to. Now, most blue-chip recruits want to be committed before their senior year of high school football.With 16 commits, LSU has a top-five class in the SEC, sitting right at No. 5, per the Rivals Industry Rankings. The four SEC schools ahead of LSU are Texas A&M, Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida. Texas A&M owns the top-ranked class in the nation. LSU's class ranks No. 10 in the nation. While LSU's class is already top five in the SEC, the Tigers aren't finished. LSU is pushing for two massive five-star flips. LSU wants to pluck defensive tackle Jalen Brewster from Texas A&M and flip wide receiver Easton Royal from Texas. Royal is a Louisiana recruit, playing his high school football in New Orleans, and LSU doesn't like to see recruits of Royal's caliber leave the state. If LSU can add Brewster and Royal, the Tigers likely finish with a top-five class nationally and a top-two class in the SEC. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has been dubbed the "portal king" but Kiffin and staff are making the most of high school recruiting at LSU. Still, LSU will only spend significant NIL resources on a high school recruit if the prospect can make an immediate contribution. LSU doesn't want to pay millions for a freshman to ride the bench. This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Where LSU football's recruiting class ranks among SEC teams

Chelsea Are In Talks To Sign This La Liga Defender: What Will He Add To Alonsos Side?In a recent post on X, journalist Fabrizio Romano mentioned that Chelsea are in talks to sign Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria this summer. It is believed that the Blues are set to make an improved bid to secure the services of the Spanish left-back this off-season.Chavarrias Decent Season In La LigaChavarria enjoyed a solid campaign at Rayo Vallecano recently after he produced a run of impressive performances for them in La Liga. The 28-year-old netted one goal and picked up three assists in 44 appearances for the Spanish club last season across all competitions.The Spanish talent is currently one of the most talented full-backs in La Liga. Thus, it is no wonder that the Blues are eyeing a move to bring him to Stamford Bridge this off-season.His current contract at the Spanish club will expire in the summer of 2030. Hence, Chelsea would have to launch a convincing offer if they are serious about signing him in this transfer window.VALENCIA, SPAIN OCTOBER 19: Pep Chavarria of Rayo Vallecano passes the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Levante UD and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Ciutat de Valencia on October 19, 2025 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)What Will Chavarria Add To Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonsos Team?Chavarria is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to make a few important interceptions for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and is a decent crosser as well from the left flank.The Spanish sensation can even chip in by scoring and creating the odd goal for his team. However, there are some concerns over whether he can maintain his good form in the Premier League if the Blues manage to snap him up later this year.We can expect Chavaria to add more quality and depth to Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonsos defence. He is capable of competing for a regular first-team spot at Stamford Bridge in the coming seasons.At 28, Chavarria is playing in his prime and could serve as an ideal replacement for Marc Cucurella at the West London club. He will also help the Blues challenge across all fronts over the next few years. Therefore, Alonso would be wise to go all out to bring Chavarria on board before the end of this summer transfer window. However, Chelsea would have to give him some time to adjust to life in England.

West Ham United interested in AZ Alkmaar striker Troy ParrottWest Ham United are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott this summer, according to Sky Sports. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is desperate for new signings at the London Stadium club and the former Spurs star is a target. Parrott bagged 16 league goals in 28 games last term for the Eredivisie club and the Hammers are not the only ones keen on him. The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international is also wanted by Como, PSV Eindhoven, Real Betis and Ajax.However, Ajax and PSV could be out of the race as Alkmaar are reluctant to sell the West Ham to a rival Dutch club. Parrott has three years to run on his current contract and will not come cheap. The former Tottenham academy graduate also bagged 15 goals across other competitions last term and could be a huge signing for the Hammers. It is believed that around 25 million could be enough to sign him, and his club will be desperate to get top dollar for him as Spurs inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause in his contract.The Irishman has Championship experience having played on loan for the likes of Millwall and Preston North End while at Tottenham. He has 51 goals in 95 appearances since joining Alkmaar two years ago, and West Ham could do with his prolific form as they eye an immediate return to the Premier League. However, Fulham are also offering Parrott top-flight football right now, which could work against the Hammers.

India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has revealed his picks for the five best Indian bowlers, placing veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the top of his list. The left-arm pacer shared his rankings during an appearance on Krishnank Atrey's YouTube channel, explaining that his admiration for Bhuvneshwar influenced his choice.The ranking drew attention as Jasprit Bumrah, widely regarded as India's premier fast bowler across formats, did not feature in Arshdeep's top five.Bhuvneshwar gets top billingExplaining why he ranked Bhuvneshwar first, Arshdeep admitted there was a personal bias behind the selection, while also praising the veteran's ability to control the new ball."Bhuvi bhai is at the top because he is my personal favourite as well. I really like him, so Im a little biased. Ill rate all the fast bowlers first. At number two, Id go with Shami bhai because, as you know, he can seam the ball on any wicket. His bowling is excellent, and he presents the seam perfectly," Arshdeep said. Arshdeep placed Mohammed Shami second, highlighting the experienced pacer's ability to generate seam movement in any conditions.Kuldeep, Chahal and Ashwin complete the listThe Indian pacer ranked Kuldeep Yadav third, crediting the left-arm wrist spinner's unique bowling style before naming Yuzvendra Chahal in fourth place."Third would be Kuldeep Yadav because he has a very rare skill set, a left-arm chinaman. Then theres Yuzi bhai, as we are teammates in the Punjab team, and his record is also excellent. He has taken so many wickets," Arshdeep admitted. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin completed the top five. Arshdeep jokingly apologised for placing the former India spinner last, insisting it was only because the other spots had already been filled."I wouldnt want to rate Ash bhai last, but there were no positions left, so he comes in at number five. He is great, but Ash bhai was also my first captain in the IPL, Punjab. Sorry, Ash bhai, Ill personally message you," he added.Arshdeep explains why he wiped his Instagram feedDuring the same interaction, Arshdeep also addressed the buzz surrounding his Instagram account after fans noticed that he had deleted all of his posts following the IPL season.The left-arm pacer, who endured a difficult campaign with the Punjab Kings and faced criticism on social media over his performances, dismissed speculation that the move was linked to the trolling. He clarified that he simply wanted to refresh his profile after the tournament and insisted there was no hidden reason behind the decision.IPL had ended and I felt like cleaning things up, so I was properly clearing everything out. I mean, people make an issue out of it, asking why I removed the videos and what happened to Arshdeeps Instagram account, why he changed it overnight. But its nothing like that, bro. I just felt like removing them, so I did. If I feel like it, Ill put them back. Its just about my mood. Whenever I feel like it, I post something, Arshdeep Singh concluded.

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 02: Robert Stock #89 of the New York Mets looks on during the game between the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Sunday, August 2, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Phebe Grosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty ImagesOn Sunday afternoon the Mets took on the Marlins at Citi Field, the last game before the trade deadline, one that would most likely see massive changes to the Mets. There were several Mets who would be on other teams by Monday evening, as the Mets looked to try and recoup some sort of future from a failed season. The Mets had called Robert Stock up to make the start, after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in March, his first appearance in the majors since 2021. Theyd be facing Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, who had a 2.96 ERA against the Mets in 118.2 innings.It was a relatively quiet game for both sides, with nothing of real note happening during the first four innings. Both teams got a few baserunners, but neither were able to cash in. Robert Stock went five innings for the first time in his major league career. The only earned run he allowed in the game was on a fifth inning solo home run by Marlins catcher Joe Mack, and he struck out four while only giving up three hits.The most exciting moment for the Mets during the first half of the game was when news broke during the first inning that Freddy Peralta was being traded to the Rays, netting three prospects in return. Carson Benge made a couple of spectacular plays in the outfield as well, robbing the Marlins of a few hits with his defense.In the bottom of the seventh, the Mets started showing some signs of life. Luis Robert Jr. hit a single to lead off the inning, and Jared Young followed that with a double to put two runners in scoring position with no outs and driving Alcantara from the game in favor of reliever Michael Petersen. Marcus Semien drew a walk that loaded the bases, but back-to-back strikeouts and a groundout kept any runs from scoring.The three relievers brought in after Stock all kept the Marlins scoreless (and hitless) through the eighth inning. All three of them, Brooks Raley, Luke Weaver, and Huascar Brazobn, have figured heavily into the multitude of Mets trade rumors and could have thrown their final pitches as New York Mets. Devin Williams, brought in for the ninth, gave up a single to Otto Lopez that hit off his leg and made it unplayable for Semien. Then Lopez stole second, and was driven in on an RBI single by Xavier Edwards. After Griffin Conine popped out for the second out, Francisco Alvarez threw out Edwards on an attempt to steal second, ending the Marlins ninth inning scoring at the one run.Despite the Mets having two runners on with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, neither came in to score and the Mets lost both the game and the series. The deadline is tomorrow, and even though some big names have already departed this team, this team will probably look a lot different the next time they take the field in Cleveland on Tuesday, with Sean Manaea currently expected to get the start in the opener against the Guardians.SB Nation GameThreadsAmazin AvenueBox scoresMLB.comESPNWin Probability AddedWhats WPA?Big Mets winner: Jared Young, +26% WPABig Mets loser: A.J. Ewing, -35% WPAMets pitchers: +19% WPAMets hitters: -69% WPATeh aw3s0mest play: Jared Youngs seventh inning double, +22.7% WPATeh sux0rest play: Francisco Alvarezs base loaded strikeout in the seventh, -15.6% WPA