Olympic bronze medalist Asher Hong will miss this week's Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships after winning the national all-around title in 2025.Hong wasn't on the early list of registered gymnasts published last Monday and also did not register before the deadline last Friday (registered athletes list as of Monday is here). Hong has not announced publicly why he will miss nationals.Last year, Hong crushed the U.S. Championships field by 7.465 points over two days of competition, a record margin under a two-decade-old scoring system.2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships: How to watch, schedule, field, previewThe nations top gymnasts compete in Phoenix, live on NBC Sports and Peacock. Nick Zaccardi,Then at last October's World Championships, Hong injured an ankle while warming on floor exercise before qualifying, ruling him out of the competition.He returned for his senior season at Stanford early this year, helping the Cardinal to a third NCAA men's team title in his four years in Palo Alto.Fellow 2024 Olympic team bronze medalist Brody Malone will also miss nationals as he takes a break from competition this year with an eye on returning in 2027. Hong and Malone combined to win the last five U.S. all-around titles.One man in this week's field has won a national all-around title Tokyo Olympian Yul Moldauer, who did so in 2017. The field also includes 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Frederick Richard, who won the 2024 Olympic Trials all-around.Brody Malone to miss Xfinity U.S. Championships during break from gymnasticsBrody Malone is a three-time U.S. all-around champion and two-time Olympian. Nick Zaccardi,

Dean Wade was just like everybody else when the Philadelphia 76ers signed LeBron James. He was enjoying the offseason with his family as he was outside with his daughter and nephews. He didn't even have his phone near him when the news broke. He found out when he went back inside."I think I was at my sister's house, actually," Wade marveled as he told Sixers Wire. "I took my daughter and my nephews were playing outside, and I didn't really have my phone, but I checked my phone, and everyone was just like, 'Dude, what do you think? What do you think?' Im like, 'What are you talking about?' And then, yeah, I looked at my phone. I was like, 'Wow.' It was crazy. It really was. It, like, doesn't even feel real, really."James will enter his 24th season still playing at such a high level. Wade, 29, was six years old when James made his NBA debut back in October of 2003. Playing next to a guy like James is an interesting moment for somebody like him at this stage of his career."Yeah, absolutely," Wade smiled. "Playing with somebody that's considered the greatest of all time is definitely a surreal thing. I mean, it's awesome. The opportunity is going to be amazing, and I'm excited for it, but yeah, it does feel kind of surreal and kind of different."Wade is among the new additions to a Sixers roster that has gone through a complete overhaul in the 2026 offseason. After seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers after going undrafted out of Kansas State, the Wichita, KS native is joining the Sixers and looking to make an impact alongside James and Co. He sat down with Sixers Wire and reflected on his journey to Philadelphia:Editor's note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.Q: How do you expect your style of play to fit next to a guy like James?Wade: I think my biggest impact on the game is on the defensive end, and just communicating, talking through switches and stuff like that is probably the best way I could fit in on that side. Then on the offensive end, just kind of space, give those guys space to do what theyve always done, and make open shots when the opportunity presents itself, but other than that, most of it is on the defensive end, but offensively, just give them space, and kind of read off what they do.Q: I know you grew up in Kansas, but I'm curious. How did the hoop dreams come to fruition for you?Wade: Man, it's a different kind of story, for sure. I grew up in Kansas, you know, small, small town. 1200 people in my town. My graduating class had 18. So, I didn't really, like nobody really played high major basketball out of my high school before. So, I didn't really know how far basketball was going to take me. I was just like, Man, I'm just going to keep playing until the wheels fall off. and luckily, the wheels are still on. I never really thought about being a professional basketball player was in my cards really until I got to college. Like, I really didn't know. That was never really like, for me, an attainable dream in my mind because I knew the statistics. I knew the percentages of people that come from anywhere and make the NBA is is very low so it was a dream of mine. I didn't think it was going to actually happen to me and then I go to K-State, and for my first year, I had a good year, but I still didn't really think about it. In my sophomore year, after my sophomore year, I was like, Man, maybe, maybe I can actually make this work. And that's kind of the first time I really-I don't know if it was me being naive or what, but, that was, I think I was like 20 years old when I figured out that maybe this basketball thing could make me a lot of money in my life. So, that was kind of the first time I thought that this basketball dream was going to really pan out, but other than that, before that, I was just playing to play. I was just whatever happens that day happens. I was just happy to be playing basketball.Q: Where did you learn to shoot the way you do then? Did you have a shooting coach or some type of trainer?Wade: No, I never had a trainer. I never had really likeI played for probably one of the best high school basketball coaches in Kansas, and he had us in the gym all the time. It was just me and my friends running around town all the time. Like, he always got us in the gym, little kids camps or fundamentals. I mean, I played with the same guys I graduated with high school. Same guys I won my sophomore year state championship with, and then the rest of my high school years were the same people I played my second grade basketball every year. Played with them all the way up. So, we were doing basketball camps a couple times the summer. We were always playing basketball. So, our fundamentals were good from the jump, and then also having my mom and dad, both athletes and played in college. My dad played football in college, but was a good basketball player. So, they taught me the fundamentals early, and they pushed me to be a competitor and a basketball player. So, I had good basics, good foundation from a basketball game from a young age, and that obviously helped me to now. That's where I kind of learned to shoot and play team basketball was with definitely in the camps and through my mom and dad. My sister beating me up all the time was also a big motivator in basketball games.Q: I remember you mentioning competition was important to you. Has that competitive level fueled you throughout your entire career getting to this point?Wade: Yeah, I think I wouldn't be at this point if I didn't have that kind of competitive fire. I just love to compete. Like, it was anything, you know? It's tough for me to play like a casual card game or board game. I can't do it. I cannot casually do. Like, I'm gonna really try to win every time. I think that's the kind of the fire. Like without that, I don't think I would've been at this point in my life, and it's not the best thing to have when you're not competing on the basketball floor, you know, when you're trying to play games with like your nephews and stuff, you know, get a little like, Oh, OK, we got to tone this down a little bit, but that competitive spirit is definitely what has pushed me this far. Like, by a long shot. I think that's the most important thing in my game.Q: A thing I really love about your game is really your defensive versatility. How important is your size and length and quickness really been on the defensive side of the floor?Wade: Yeah, I think it's big. Like, having good enough quickness and foot speed to stay in front of guards and also being big enough to guard forwards and some smaller centers is definitely a big help. Especially, you can switch everything, keep everything in front. You don't have to worry about trying to get 2-on-1 situations. Especially with the guys we got. I mean, we're all, you know, big, athletic, fast, strong, and that goes a long ways. But definitely the defensive versatility is the biggest thing, and I learned it from, you know, when I was a two-way my rookie year in Cleveland. They were like, Man, you got to show something different than everyone else. Everyone else is worried about the offensive end. I had a coach who worked with me, Chris Darnell. He was like, Man, just like the only thing that's going to separate you is your shooting and your defense. Like you got to go out there and just compete on the defensive end every possession and show them that you don't mind taking a little sacrifice on the offensive end if you can get out there and just battle on the defensive end. I took that to heart, and luckily I had the opportunity to show it a few times, and they believed in me over there. So that was awesome, but yeah, it was just defense is such a big thing I focus on the basketball side that it always goes back to my rookie year. Definitely, that's where, obviously, like I said, that's the biggest impact I have on the game. I take that to heart. Really go out there and just try to do my job.Q: You mentioned you were on a two-way after going undrafted at Kansas State. How did the opportunity come along with Cleveland?Wade: Yeah, it's different, man. So, I broke my foot my senior year of college, and so I missed the tournament. We got bounced first round, anyways, but I was then out for a couple weeks already, and so I wasn't playing. So I knew the draft probably wasn't gonnaI wasn't probably gonna get drafted just because I broke my foot twice in college, and so I was like, man, I don't know. You know, I'm going to go out there and try to do as many pre-draft workouts as I can. So the day I got cleared, I did a workout that day with a team, and that was not very fun, but I tried to push as many pre-draft workouts as I could. I didn't even actually have Cleveland as as a pre-draft workout until I went to Detroit two days before the draft, and I was supposed to fly home and be at home for the draft and all that stuff and kind of relax for a while, but then Cleveland called and wanted me in for a workout. So, I flew from Detroit to Cleveland. Well, my flight got canceled, so I flew in that next morning, the day before the draft. Got in, worked out there, had a great workout, flew home, and then the draft happened. I think they called me, like, very, very late, second round, and we're like, Yeah, we're offering you a full two-way. And so I was like, Best opportunity I had. So I took it and played really good. The G League, didn't get a lot of playing time during the year, and then when they were going to play a lot of the two ways, COVID happened and shut the season down. So, we didn't get to play, but they converted me still, and then that next year after that, I was on a non-guaranteed contract, but got a little opportunity. Had some injuries, unfortunately for the team, but luckily for me, I got to go out there and play, and show at least a few things that they liked, and they kept me around. So its been a pretty crazy journey.Q: Your playoff run with the Cavs. You had to guard some of the top players in the game from Cade Cunningham to Jalen Brunson to Scottie Barnes. What was that like and how important can that be in a playoff series?Wade: Man, it's so fun. I love those matchups. It's the playoffs. It's full speed, full throttle, whatever you want to say. It's almost like a different game. You go out there in the playoffs. It's a little more physical. Tempos a little faster. Intensity is way higher, and so, being able to go out and be in those environments and be an important part of the defense and have to guard most of the best players was, you know, it was very fun. It was exciting. Our defense, we switch a lot. So, it wasn't like I was just stuck on them the whole game, except for Toronto. The first three games, I was guarding BI (Brandon Ingram). I was face guarding him, and then I was chasing off everything. So, we didn't switch anything there, but then later on that series, I got moved to Scottie, and then it was just kind of a different scheme there. Then, we just switched everything, but man, starting on those guys, and being trusted by the team and the coaching staff to go out and do your job and have your hands full on defense, especially with those guys. The best in the game is, you know, it's tough, but it is so fun, man. Something I reallyI'm proud of. I definitely take that as serious as I can, but it is fun, man. You get to the playoffs; it's like a different atmosphere, different game, but being trusted to do that and guard the best players is also, it's a great feeling, and I appreciated it. Wish we could have kept going for a couple more weeks, but we had a good run.Q: What was the biggest lesson you took from that run to the Eastern Conference finals?Wade: Yeah, I think my biggest lesson through that was, man, when you when you have a chance to really like shut down a series, you got to take full advantage of it. We were up 2-0 against Toronto, and that series went to seven, and then we had to fight back against Detroit and take it to seven. When you play every other day for, I think it was like 38 days straight, by the time you get to those Eastern Conference finals, they've had a week off and they've been rested. You're tired. I mean, I think the biggest lesson is like, Man, you got to go out there and those games. That Game 3 and Game 4 are--they're going to be harder than any game you've played.' Like, those closeout games are so much harder, but you got to go out and battle because that next round, isI mean, it never stops going. It's every other day. You're flying after games to a new series. You're watching film on the flight, and then you're trying to watch film in the morning. You got to get rest. It's a monster, but biggest thing, man, is definitely when you have those chances to get rest, get opportunities, and do recoveries. Go in and do as much recovery as you can because man, those games are so physical, so taxing on your body. If you don't have time to rest and recover, it's going to really affect the way you play. I think we definitely a couple games let off the gas a little bit. Thought we had it, and it came back to bite us, bite us at the end, but that Knicks team is so good. With full rest, I'm not sure anyone could beat that team. Especially, the way that they're playing. So, in the end, I think the biggest thing, man, is just every game is do-or-die, no matter what the series is, and we let off the gas a little bit here and there, but overall, me was a great run. It was fun. Wish we could have got a few more days of rest before going to the last series, but we did that to ourselves. So, can't blame anybody but us, but yeah, I think that's the biggest lesson.Q: You played briefly with James Harden. Tyrese Maxey has always been vocal about saying James influences a lot he's done offensively. I know you guarded Tyrese a lot. Do you notice any similarities between Tyrese and James?Wade: I think there is similarities. I mean, they play different. Their styles are a little different, but I mean, James was so willing to get off the ball and make the right play every time last year. That was something I was like, Man, that's impressive. And, when you guard Tyreese, and when I had to guard him, we kind of trapped him off the ball screens. I mean, he had no problem getting off the ball and find the right guy. He made the right play every time, and then you get into his ISO world ishes so good. He's so fast, quick. I think that he has that same mentality that James has, we know in the ISO world that like it's is his time to shine. They're both unbelievably great at scoring in isolation, and so I think I don't know if James taught him any of that ISO stuff or if he just took the mentality that James had because man when I guarded him a couple years ago, and I was like, Man, in open space, he's so hard to stop him. He's so fast, quick. It's like, Man, I don't know how people do this without a little help side. But I don't know. Yeah, so I see it. I definitely saw it more when I'd say passing the ball. Like, him getting off. He's such a willing passer. Making the right play-like it really is impressive. Especially, for a guy that can score the way he scores. As good of an offensive player he is. He's just willing to just make the right play, get off the ball, get opportunities for his teammates. So, I think that's where I noticed like the similarities between those two.Q: This is a franchise that hasn't won a title since 1983. They haven't been past Round 2 since 2001. With you and all of the new additions, this is a brand new roster. What has to be done for you guys to get everything on the same page and get to where you want to go this year?Wade: It's always tough. Especially at the beginning. You bring all these new people in. It just takes a little time. A little time to mesh. A little time to understand each other's games, and like, what certain people like to do, how play defense, how communication-wise. We just got to get on the same page, but I think most of the new guys are vets. They've been through a lot of things, and seen a lot of basketball. So, I don't think the meshing is gonna take too long. It's a long season. I'm sure there'll be bumps and different things in the road all the way to the end, but I think overall, I mean, these guys are vets. Been through a lot, have different teammates, you know, been through it. So, I think it'll take a little time to get the mesh, but I think the more we play together, the more we are around each other. I think it'll kind of take care of itself and be a pretty good team before we know it.Sixers Wire: Dean, thank you so much for taking the time with me, man. I definitely appreciate you.Wade: Oh, yeah. Absolutely. No problem!This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Dean Wade reacts to LeBron James, reflects on journey to joining 76ers

After multiple days of sunshine, the New England Patriots were forced to move inside to WIN Waste Innovations Field House and closed practice to the public after downpours plagued the practice field on Monday, Aug. 3.A notable limited participant was receiver Kyle Williams, who left Saturdays practice with an injury. Williams missed a significant portion of practice on Monday, but did appear for the final four periods.Before team drills, head coach Mike Vrabel and some of his coaching staff put on pads for an offensive line blocking drill. While the staff was mostly used to simulate where defensive linemen and linebackers would be lined during run formations, Vrabel took one opportunity to show off the skills he learned during his 13-year career.Running back Jack Westover received the handoff and hit the gap as the drill intended, but out of nowhere, Vrabel came in and stopped Westover. Vrabel then pumped his fist and celebrated in front of the offense while the defense cheered him on.After Vrabel showed off his defensive prowess, the receivers and defensive secondary went against each other in a 1-on-1 drill. It was essentially a draw between the two groups, with each group making a play over the other. The play of the drill was on the first play when receiver A.J. Brown bobbled the ball to himself and made a one-handed grab for a touchdown over cornerback Christian Gonzalez as the two players continue to go against each other this summer.Linebackers were eventually brought in to the group as the drill transitioned to 7-on-7. Quarterback Drake Maye performed uncharacteristically poorly in the drill, going two-for-four in each of the two sessions. Some of the incompletions were due to drops from the receivers, but Maye also overthrew his teammates multiple times.Quarterback Tommy DeVito was almost perfect on the drill, finishing five-for-six, with his only incompletion coming on a pass breakup by linebacker Khalil Jacobs, who was covering receiver Mack Hollins.The themes for Monday's 11-on-11 drill were red zone and third downs. A majority of the offenses plays were either run in the red zone or in third-down situations. Duringthird-down situations, the team shut off the music playing over the loudspeakers and turned up the volume on the sirens. The sirens were most likely meant to simulate the offense's inability to communicate effectively in and out of the huddle at opposing stadiums.Brown and Maye connected twice, including a touchdown on a quick pass. Maye was solid on the day but didnt have his greatest day, as multiple passes were either broken up or just throwaways due to immediate pressure.DeVito, on the other hand, was very consistent on the day and seemed to have a strong connection with receiver Kayshon Boutte. During 7-on-7s, DeVito hit Boutte on a back-corner touchdown on a pass that was so beautifully placed that the entire offense erupted in cheers and Maye came over to high-five DeVito. In 11-on-11s, DeVito hit Boutte in the same spot for a touchdown over cornerback Channing Canada. Then, on the last play of the day, Boutte and DeVito connected for a touchdown once again. While Bouttes catch was most likely the play of the day, receiver Efton Chism III had a very close second. Chism was able to get just enough separation from cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr. to turn around mid-air and bring down the catch in the back-left corner of the end zone for a touchdown.While the offense had many notable plays, the defense also stepped up with multiple pass breakups from players like safety Dell Petus and Gonzalez. The defense also generated a lot of pressure against Maye and DeVito to force them to either throw passes away or scramble for minimal yardage.[The offense] has been making plays; it was a lot of touchdowns today, safety Kevin Byard III said about how the offense has been closing the gap between them and the defense in terms of practices won. I will say, with it being a red zone day, a 10-yard catch is going to be a touchdown. You know what I mean? But at the same time, as the defense, weve got to challenge more, and I think thats just what were working through. I dont get too bent out of shape by practice results sometimes because its never as good or bad as you think it is.The defense also had a strong showing in stifling the run game, with the most notable stop coming from the linebacker duo of DreMont Jones and Robert Spillane appearing almost immediately in the backfield on a TreVeyon Henderson rushing attempt.I think it was competitive, Byard said. [It was] a heavy emphasis on red zone. We got some really competitive periods one-on-one as a team. Its been a lot of back and forth, but its been fun. I think its just the competitive spirit of this team at every position and every level. [Both the] offense and defense are trying to get better, and I think were pushing each other. The Patriots will return to practice in front of the public on Tuesday at 10:15 a.m., with gates opening at 9:15 a.m. For updates on training camp, visitPatriots.com.This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Mike Vrabel gets physical at Patriots training camp

Barcelona makes decision that could pave way for Arsenal to sign AlvarezArsenal and Barcelona are the two main clubs competing to sign Julian Alvarez this summer, and both teams are determined to win the race for his signature.Alvarez prefers a move to Barcelona, but their approach has frustrated Atletico Madrid. Several reports suggest that Atletico would rather sell him to a club outside Spain if the Argentine pushes to leave the club.Barcelona face transfer complicationsAtletico Madrid are doing everything possible to keep Alvarez for another season, and it remains unclear whether the forward would take drastic action to force through a move away from the club.Since the end of last season, Barcelona have been working to add Alvarez to their squad and even saw an offer rejected. They have invested significant time in their pursuit, but their position could now change because they have identified another option.According to Fussball Daten, Barcelona would move for Vangelis Pavlidis if they fail to sign Alvarez this summer. The report claims that the Catalan club are close to stepping away from the race for the Argentine because they will not wait indefinitely for him.Arsenal could benefit from Barcelona decisionBarcelonas decision could provide positive news for Arsenal if they remain interested and continue their pursuit for longer than the Spanish side. The Gunners would have a stronger opportunity to secure Alvarezs signature if fewer teams remain involved.Arsenal have been monitoring the situation closely and could become the main destination for the striker if Barcelona decide to focus on another target. Their persistence could prove important as Atletico Madrid continue to deal with uncertainty surrounding the players future.The outcome now depends on whether Alvarez pushes for a move and whether Atletico are willing to negotiate with interested clubs. The Spanish side would prefer to keep him, but the situation could develop quickly during the transfer window.If Barcelona leave the race and Arsenal remain committed to signing Alvarez, the Gunners could have a major advantage. However, they would still need to reach an agreement with Atletico Madrid to complete the transfer._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow.You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, dont hesitate to get in touch with us through this linkMore Stories / Latest NewsBarcelona makes decision that could pave way for Arsenal to sign Alvarez 3 August 2026, 21:00Two German teams hold strong interest in Arsenal youngster 3 August 2026, 20:00All the trophies Havertz discusses their goal for the season 3 August 2026, 19:00

We're only in the opening days of NFL training camp. However, there are plenty of things observers around the league are keeping their eyes on as we're getting a peek at how teams might look in the 2026 season. So, we asked scouts and executives around the NFL what they're focused on as teams are starting to put on the pads in practice. While most are focused on on-field matters, there was one off-field story that's emerged that some around the league are keeping tabs on. Here's more on what NFL scouts and executives are following during the opening week of training camp. Eric D. Williams: A couple league sources I spoke with said theyre keeping a close watch on the contract impasse between Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and the front office. Mayfield publicly voiced his displeasure, saying he feels disrespected and undervalued by Tampa Bays contract offer sheet and that he deserves to be paid like a franchise quarterback. The 31-year-old Mayfield is entering the final season of a three-year, $100 million deal. However, the Bucs lost seven of their last nine games last season, missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Mayfields 27 interceptions over the last two seasons are second to only Geno Smith (32) over that time frame. But since Mayfields arrival, hes led Tampa Bay to NFC South division titles in two of the last three seasons he served as the teams starter, including throwing for 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024. "Its interesting that Tampa Bay and Mayfield have not been able to agree on an extension and Baker came out saying he feels disrespected," an NFL contract negotiator told me. "When I worked in NFL front offices, we never wanted a player in our locker room feeling like the team was getting over on them, especially at the quarterback position." However, a longtime NFL scout intimately involved in evaluating Mayfield as a prospect coming out of Oklahoma wasnt surprised by Mayfield's prideful stance. "Mayfield is being disrespected by the Bucs? What a crock," the longtime NFL scout told me. "Hes lucky they saved his career. Hes got a big ego and needs to get real. In the NFL, they only give you what you prove." Ralph Vacchiano: Trading away a No. 1 receiver for future draft picks isnt a good formula for making a team better. But somehow, that might be exactly what the Philadelphia Eagles did when they traded away A.J. Brown. At least thats what the Eagles are hoping. Theyll spend the summer making sure that Brown has been adequately replaced. "You cant argue that the deal made them better on the field. He was their most talented receiver," one NFL executive told me. "But we all saw that something looked off with them last year. They were always out of sync, [with] no chemistry. Their body language made them look almost unhappy at times. And nobody was more out of sync or unhappy looking than A.J. Brown. "Dealing him shows they thought he was the problem. If they were right, maybe they are going to be better without him." Of course, as one scout told me, "even if its addition by subtraction, they still have to replace him on the field," and this summer will show how they plan to do that. DeVonta Smith, who topped 1,000 receiving yards in three of the last four seasons, will slide seamlessly into Browns old No. 1 role. But beyond him, it could be an open competition with first-round pick Makai Lemon and the recently acquired duo of Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown. "Theyre deep enough to run their offense," the scout told me. "But it remains to be seen if any of them are as good as Brown used to be." *** Vacchiano: Jaxson Dart re-energized the New York Giants with his promising rookie. Now the NFL is waiting to see if John Harbaugh can turn him into a star. "Theres a lot to like about that kid," one NFL executive told me, "I think given what he had around him last year, his rookie year was even better than his numbers. He clearly can run. And he was pretty efficient as a passer. "What you need to see is whether he can take the next step. Having [receiver Malik] Nabers healthy would be a big part of that, no doubt. But hes still got a ways to go to prove he can be their guy for the next 10 years. Hes not a star yet." Actually, in some ways, the 23-year-old is already a star, which made one opposing coach worry a little. Dart was everywhere in the offseason, enjoying the trappings of celebrity. He was also a fixture on social media. And he got into a public rift with teammate Abdul Carter and angered more than a few people in the front office, not to mention parts of the fan base when he introduced the president at a political rally without informing the team. "Being a franchise quarterback is about more than play on the field," the NFL assistant told me. "Its about being the face of the franchise. Its about leading a team and projecting the right image. "I think that will be Harbaughs biggest challenge with him helping him mature. The kid is a star and he knows it. And he seems to love that part of it. Thats fine. But at the end of the day, everyone the front office, the coaches, teammates, fans everyone they all need to see that the work comes first. "Thats how you lead best: By example." *** Greg Auman: We had a good sense of this before the draft even, but 2026 looks to have as quiet a class of rookie quarterbacks as the NFL has seen in a long time. The Las Vegas Raiders will take it slow with Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, letting veteran Kirk Cousins open the year as their starter, and weve seen the Arizona Cardinals give Jacoby Brissett a nice bump as their 2026 starter, which makes it less likely to see much of third-round pick Carson Beck. NFL fans have come to expect a steady dose of rookie quarterbacks every year in the last 15 seasons, there have been at least 40 touchdown passes thrown by rookies in all but one season. That was 2022, when no quarterbacks went in the top half of the first round and the rookie class totaled just 29. Mendoza might end up being a fine NFL quarterback, but we might not see much of it this year, and it could take an injury for any other rookies to get real snaps in games this season. Las Vegas gave up an NFL-high 64 sacks last year, and while theyll be improved after bringing in center Tyler Linderbaum, they want Mendoza to be ready when he takes the field. The lack of rookies with clear paths to playing is also a function of teams knowing the 2027 draft will be loaded with promising quarterbacks perhaps in line with the elite 2024 class, which had 97 touchdown passes between Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams, among others. But dont worry 2026 wont be the worst year for rookie quarterbacks. In 2007, even with a No. 1overall pick in JaMarcus Russell, rookies combined for just 16 touchdown passes, and the all-time low was in 2000, when all the rookie quarterbacks combined for four touchdown passes all season. *** Williams: During the World Cup, NFL players made a plea on social media for the NFL to make grass fields mandatory for all NFL stadiums. Players pointed to NFL stadiums that usually have artificial turf converting to grass fields for the World Cup soccer games as evidence that the same thing can be done on NFL game days. Players believe practicing and playing on grass curbs injuries and is better for the longevity of players careers. However, NFL owners are still not fully on board. Currently, 15 NFL stadiums have grass fields. The NFLPA conducted a player survey, with the results stating that 92% of players prefer grass fields. "The thing Im hot about right now is that NFL owners refuse to look at uniform grass logistics for all 32 teams and take care of the players," a league source told me. "Just like the helmets and healthcare, theyll have to be required to be committed to it, all while going to the bank big time." With the league dangling the expansion to an 18-game season, the move to mandatory grass fields could be used as a bargaining chip by players. But one league source I spoke with doesnt see the push for grass fields as a galvanizing issue for NFL players. "I dont think a half-hearted NFLPA social media campaign will do much," the league source told me. "Elite players will need to lobby their respective teams, eye-to-eye and face-to-face, for change to actually happen. "And free agents will have to stay away from field turf teams/divisions for anything to really change."

Goodbye to Real Madrid: Gonzalo Garca signs for FulhamFulham FC officially announced the signing of 22-year-old forward Gonzalo Garca from Real Madrid. The deal was completed for a fixed fee of 40 million plus 2 million in add-ons. In addition, the Spanish club will retain 30% of any future sale and a right of first refusal.Long-term contract and reunion with ArbeloaThe Madrid academy graduate signed a five-season contract, until 2031, with the option of an additional year. The attacker will wear the No. 7 shirt and will reunite with coach lvaro Arbeloa, under whom he excelled in the youth ranks of La Fbrica.A goalscorer backed by his numbersGarca arrives in the Premier League after standing out at the FIFA Club World Cup where he finished as top scorer and scoring eight goals for the Real Madrid first team last season.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.

Kevin Diks urges Nico Elvedi to remain at Borussia MnchengladbachKevin Diks has publicly urged Borussia Mnchengladbach to retain defensive partner Nico Elvedi as uncertainty continues to surround the Bundesliga veterans future.Elvedi has rejoined Gladbachs preseason camp at Lake Tegernsee following his post-World Cup vacation. The 29-year-olds contract expires in 2027, leaving sporting director Rouven Schrder facing a choice between negotiating another extension and selling the defender this summer.Gladbach wish to avoid losing a long-serving first-team regular on a free transfer next year. Diks, however, has made his preferred outcome clear.I love Nico, the Indonesian international said. We work well together. Of course, I know its possible that he might still leave us, but Id love to keep playing alongside him. We make each other stronger.Diks and Elvedi developed into an increasingly reliable central-defensive partnership last season. Both are also expected to occupy important leadership roles under Eugen Polanski.The Gladbach head coach plans to move from a back three to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would leave Diks and Elvedi as the likely first-choice centre-back pairing.Well effectively have an extra man when we have possession, Diks said of the change. Its clear that well have to play very differently than we did last season.Elvedi joined Gladbach from FC Zrich in 2015 and has now spent 11 years at Borussia-Park.GGFN|Peter Weis

Official: Gonzalo Garca leaves Real Madrid for the Premier LeagueHe will reunite with his former coach...It had been in the works for several weeks, and it became official on Monday evening:Gonzalo Garca is leaving Real Madrid and joining Fulham in the Premier League!Transfer fee: 40 million!A real breakout star for Real Madrid at the 2025 Club World Cup,Gonzalo Garca is leaving his boyhood club after making 51 appearances and scoring 13 goals for the first team.He will reunite with Alvaro Arbeloa at Fulham, his coach last season in Madrid.The 22-year-old Spanish striker is set for his first experience outside Spain.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.

ToplinePittsburgh Steelers quarterback and noted COVID-19 vaccine skeptic Aaron Rodgers blasted Dr. Anthony Fauci on Monday, calling the infectious disease expert an absolute coward days after he repeatedly pleaded the Fifth during highly contentious Senate testimony last week.Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) participates in the team's NFL football practice in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, June 3, 2026.AP Photo/Gene J. PuskarKey FactsTalk show host and former NFL player Pat McAfee asked Rodgers about his mindset entering his last season in the league, to which Rodgers replied, I'm gonna plead the Fifth. Like that absolute coward Tony Fauci.Fauci testified in front of a Senate committee last week after Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., published his diary entries from 2019 to 2022, refusing to answer questions and invoking his Fifth Amendment rights.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Jahmyr Gibbs looks to remain with the Detroit Lions for the long term. However, he is focused on maximizing his value as a superstar running back in the NFL.Gibbs is preparing for the fourth season of his budding career in the league with the Lions. He quickly made his way up the ranks to become one of the top running backs around, torching opponents with his elite speed and athleticism to rack up yards and touchdowns.Gibbs is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, seeking better terms on his next deal. He has been holding out of the teams training camp as the 2026 season gets closer. Not participating with the team during Mondays session, he conversed with media about where he stands with the franchise.While leaving the field to enter the locker room alongside team security, Gibbs was briefly approached by reporters and stated that only time will tell when he returns in his first official comments on his absence from practice. Gibbs also stated, its not about that, when asked if he needs a new deal before he gets back on the field, but he wouldnt elaborate on much more, ESPN reporter Eric Woodyard wrote.What Im aiming towards? Ah, I dont know, Gibbs said.What Lies Ahead for Jahmyr Gibbs and LionsDetroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) practices a drill during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Jahmyr Gibbs certainly deserves a big contract with the star-level production he provides as a running back. As a key component in the Lions attack, his next deal will likely be hefty for the next couple of years.Gibbs shined as the top option in the rushing attack, pulling off his second season of recording over 1,000 yards on the ground. Playing the entire campaign, he racked up 243 carries for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was also active in the receiving game, making 77 catches for 616 yards and five touchdowns. His activity in the latter category are all career highs, showing off his explosiveness and versatility in the teams offense.The Lions will attempt to improve upon their 98 record from theprevious season. Not only that, but they also hopeto return to the playoffs after a one-year absence.Detroit has its 2026 campaign go underway at home, hosting the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. That matchup takes place on Sept. 13 as kickoff commences at 1 p.m. ET.