FOXBOROUGH, MA - JUNE 09: David Blay Jr. #96 of the New England Patriots in warmups during New England Patriots Minicamp on June 9, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Summer Lamont/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe New England Patriots closed the busiest week of this years training camp so far by making a change to the backend of their roster. In a rookie-for-rookie transaction, they signed safety Eric Butler and placed defensive tackle David Blay Jr. on waivers.Lets assess what the moves mean for the team from a big-picture perspective.Added versatilityButler spent his entire four-year college career at San Diego State, appearing in 48 games with 23 starts. While not a particularly noteworthy athlete as evidenced by his 5.86 Relative Athletic Score, he managed to make a positive impact on the Aztecs defense throughout his tenure.That is in large part because of his versatility. He primarily lined up as a box safety/linebacker hybrid his first two season. While offering solid length at 6-foot-2, he didnt have the bulk to necessarily flourish in that role and was moved around the formation from his sophomore campaign on: he added slot duties, and later also saw regular action as a free safety. Per Pro Football Focus, he eventually ended his stint at San Diego State with 648 slot snaps, 474 box snaps, 294 free safety snaps as well as 21 split out wide and 14 on the line of scrimmage.He also has five-units special teams experience, with most of his action coming on the punt return unit, where he mostly served as a rusher, as well as on kickoff coverage and field goal/extra point block. He blocked two punts during his college career and registered five tackles in the games third phase.Given his versatile skillset, it would not be a surprise if Butler was eventually used as a rotational safety and multi-unit special teamer in preseason. With Brenden Schooler remaining on the NFI list, that would give the club some extra depth in two areas.Improved safety depthSpeaking of Brenden Schooler, he and Butler are now two of eight total safeties on New Englands roster. The full group looks as follows, per our regularly updated Patriots depth chart:Safety (8):Kevin Byard (31), Craig Woodson (4), Mike Brown (33), Dell Pettus (24), Brenden Schooler (41), John Saunders Jr. (23), Peter Manuma (34), Eric Butler ()Out of those eight safeties, three are locks to make the team. Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson are the starting duo, with Schooler a team captain on special teams. According to head coach Mike Vrabel, he remains a large part of the teams plans but there is no reason to rush him back now until hes as close to 100% as he possibly can be.As for the other safeties on the roster, including Butler, they will compete for what realistically will be no more than two if not just one spot. Needless to say, the newest addition to the group is likely facing the longest odds.Unsurprising outcomeTo make room for Butler, the Patriots parted ways with fellow undrafted free agent David Blay Jr. Waiving the 23-year-old reduces the defensive tackle group to nine players, which is still sufficient depth considering that New England recently signed veteran free agent Casey Rogers.The Rogers addition already seemed to mark the end of Blays journey; the new signing was present at practice wearing the same jersey number while the youngster was nowhere to be seen. That eventually turned out not to be the case, and Blay was back at practice the next day. Still, given that he did not make any noticeable contributions in training camp so far, the writing very much remained on the wall.Blay will now get a chance to go through waivers and get claimed by another team. If not, he will become a free agent.Minor cap impactButlers three-year UDFA deal with the Patriots is unlikely to include a signing bonus, which means that his addition has no immediate impact on the Patriots current salary cap space. The same is not true for waiving Blay.Blays own rookie pact featured a $10,000 signing bonus prorated over three years. Its impact on the 2026 books remains the same regardless of his status: it was $3,333 before he was cut, and it remains $3,333 now, albeit in dead cap. The entire rest of that bonus, however, will now hit the 2027 books for a combined sum of $6,667.In addition, Blays $50,000 salary guarantee might also become relevant soon. If he goes unclaimed through the waiver wire, it too would hit the Patriots 2026 books as dead cap to increase his potential combined salary cap impact for this season to $53,333.

NEWS: Villanova transfer Duke Brennan has narrowed his focus to five schools, his agent Earl Flaggs of @og6sportsmanagement tells @247SportsBrennan averaged averaged 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.Story: https://t.co/yU4QjBBgQCpic.twitter.com/ddll4zEkGm Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) August 7, 2026Per Duke Brennans agency, OG6 Sports Management, the former Villanova center has narrowed his list of potential landing spots to five teams: Ole Miss, USC, Oregon, Oklahoma and the aforementioned Villanova.Brennan would be an embarrassment of riches for the Wildcats, as Kwame Evans Jr. and Luigi Suigo are already on board to man the middle. If the 610 senior does indeed return, it would be interesting to see if he gets his old starting role back. The other teams remaining, outside of potentially USC, could likely offer a starting gig.Regardless, you can never have enough talent. And Brennan, if hes a backup, would be one of the very best in the entire country. Big Duke would be welcomed back with open arms.

The Warrior Games will return to Walt Disney World Resort in August 2027.The annual adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans will once again be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It marks the third time the event has been hosted at Walt Disney World, following the 2022 and 2024 games.Nearly 200 competitors will take part in 12 adaptive sports, including archery, cycling, indoor rowing, pickleball, powerlifting, swimming, track, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. Athletes will represent the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard, Air Force and Space Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command.Disney announced the event during a press conference and pickleball demonstration at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Officials said additional details about the 2027 Warrior Games will be announced at a later date.Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Argentine football star Diego Maradona (Dominique FAGET)The soccer ball that Diego Maradona used to score his notorious "Hand of God" goal during Argentina's win over England in the1986 World Cup is expected to sell for $10 million at a US auction this month.Maradona's goal in the quarter-final match saw him illegally punch the ball into the net -- a foul missed by the referee.After the match, the Argentine star said his goal was scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." His nation went on to win the World Cup.Heritage Auctions, based in Texas, expects the ball will sell for eight figures when it goes under the hammer from August 21 to 23, with a $2.5 million opening bid.The jersey that Maradona, who died in November 2020, wore during the Argentina-England clash currently holds the record for the most expensive soccer shirt -- standing at $9.3 million.Tensions between old foes Argentina and England flared again in a semi-final at this year's World Cup, where the South American side prevailed before losing the final.Politically, the two sides have a long-standing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.bjt-pel/md

Los Angeles Dodgers minor-league outfielder Kendall George announced on social media that he underwent surgery on his left knee that was injured in a mishap with their Double-A affiliates bat dog. George posted a picture from his hospital bed on an Instagram story with text saying, New knee for the kidddd and adding Bat dog: 1, KG: 0Dodgers prospect Kendall George posted on Instagram that he is having knee surgery.More: https://t.co/yxoSZGGBO3pic.twitter.com/WhWYL9MMOk Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 7, 2026The injury was sustained in late May during a May 25 game between the Dodgers Tulsa Drillers affiliate and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. In the second inning, George came in to score on a Josue De Paula single. As George crossed home plate and began to slow down, the Drillers bat dog bolted out of the dugout to retrieve De Paulas bat. But the dog ran close enough to George that he jumped away to avoid a collision. In doing so, he landed awkwardly and appeared to injure his left knee. Cameras caught George limping toward the dugout steps and throwing down his helmet in anger over what happened. The Dodgers fear Kendall George suffered a significant left knee injury on Monday night while trying to avoid the bat dog, per @TheAthletic.George ranks No. 9 in Los Angeles system.(@ChadMoriyama) pic.twitter.com/inTUB2rdXg Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) May 27, 2026George underwent an MRI following the game and no ligament damage was discovered. But a second opinion on the results was solicited with the hope that George wouldnt need surgery. In light of the incident, the Drillers suspended their bat dog program.The 21-year-old center fielder returned to play after missing a month and registered 10 stolen bases in 17 games, according to The Athletic.Last Saturday, with the MLB trade deadline three days away, George was scratched from the lineup which fueled speculation that he could be part of a deal involving pitcher Tarik Skubal. As it turns out, teammate Zyhir Hope, who was also pulled from the Drillers lineup, went to the Detroit Tigers with two other prospects in a trade going through that night.The Drillers initially told The Athletics Fabian Ardaya that George was out of the lineup due to soreness. But on Tuesday, George was placed on the injured list. George was the Dodgers 2023 first-round pick (No. 36 overall) out of Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas. Ranked by MLB.com as the organizations No. 11 prospect, he began this season with the organizations Single-A affiliate briefly before being promoted to Tulsa. In 55 games, George recorded a .332/.418/.399 slash average with 33 stolen bases. Last year, he totaled 100 steals for the Dodgers high Single-A affiliate and came into this season ranked No. 13 among the teams prospects by The Athletics Keith Law.

Joe Ofahengaue scored Leighs second try [SwPix]Betfred Super LeagueLeigh (12) 22Tries: Charnley, Ofahengaue, Badrock, Armstrong Goals: Cook 3York (10) 14Tries: Bennison 3 Goals: BennisonLeigh scored four tries to beat York and boost their Super League play-off hopes despite Joe Bennisons hat-trick for the Knights.First-half tries from Josh Charnley and Joe Ofahengaue helped the home side into a 12-10 half-time lead, with Bennison going over twice for York. Further scores from Andy Badrock and David Armstrong stretched the lead to 22-10. Bennison completed his hat-trick with eight minutes remaining, but Leigh comfortably saw out victory. Leeds fight back to beat Wakefield in thrillerHull KR go fourth with huge win at troubled TigersA 14th win of the season keeps Leigh in sixth place, level on points with both Warrington and Hull KR above them, and with a four-point buffer in the play-off spots to seventh-placed St Helens. York stay in 10th having failed to build on last weeks impressive victory over Saints.They took the lead after just four minutes when a break from Ata Hingano led to Bennisons first try of the night, but Leigh quickly responded as they worked Charnley into the right corner. Ofahengaue powered his way over to put Leigh in front and the goal, followed by a penalty from Adam Cook, pushed the hosts out to a 12-6 lead. But York replied before the break as Bennison took Cody Hunters long pass to score his second try. Seven minutes into the second half, Leigh extended their lead as Umyla Hanley almost found the line before Badrock found a soft shoulder to barge over. Lachlan Lam then stepped off his left foot to break the line and send Armstrong under the posts with 16 minutes remaining. York did manage a third try as they worked the ball left from their head and feet and Bennison dived spectacularly to score his hat-trick try. But the missed goal from out wide kept the visitors two scores behind and they never threatened again in the closing minutes. Leigh were there for the taking - reactionLeigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam told BBC Radio Manchester:"We just did enough tonight. We were probably on a bit of a downer after last week."No disrespect to York but I felt the performance was a bit flat and we need to get up for next week."But we've got the two points in the bag, it puts us four points clear in the top six and now we can focus on trying to climb that ladder."York Knights head coach Mark Applegarth told BBC Radio York:"It's a frustrating night. I thought we played very tough but ultimately we lacked a bit of game management and you invite a team like Leigh on, something is going to give."The start of the second half cost us in the end, we were a little bit loose and invited them back on easy field position."I thought Leigh were there for the taking today. I didn't think they were at their best but how they managed that game is a great lesson for us."Leigh: Armstrong, Senior, Badrock, Hanley, Charnley, Cook, Lam, Ofahengaue, Horne, Mulhern, Trout, Alick-Wiencke, BroganInterchanges: Lui, Davis, OBrien, IpapeYork: Mataafa, Galeano, Wood, Williams, Bennison, Hunter, McShane, Martin, Inman, Vaa, Foster, Field, HinganoInterchanges: Balmforth, Vaughan, Thompson, DeeReferee: James Vella.

Betfred Super LeagueCastleford (0) 0Hull KR (10) 44Tries: Davies 2, May 2, Litten, Burgess, Hiku, Martin Goals: Martin 5, HampshireHull KR ran in six second-half tries to rise to fourth in Super League and condemn Castleford Tigers to defeat in their first match without head coach Ryan Carr at OneBore Stadium.Jez Litten's skilful flourish and Tom Davies' impressive finish put the reigning champions 10-0 ahead at the break, having run 235 metres more than their opponents by that point.Tyrone May scored either side of tries by Joe Burgess and Peta Hiku during the second half before Davies and Rhyse Martin completed a commanding win for Willie Peters' team.Hull KR leapfrogged Warrington Wolves, who visit second-bottom Bradford Bulls on Saturday, while Castleford's 15th defeat of the campaign leaves them 11th.Castleford have been led by director of rugby Chris Chester and coaches Rob Nickolay and Scott Murrell since Carr's absence for "personal reasons" was announced on Thursday.Leeds fight back to beat Wakefield in thrillerLeigh beat York despite Bennison hat-trickA visit from the defending champions would not have been Castleford's ideal way to end a tumultuous week and the considerable underdogs showed spirit during the first period against a Hull KR side who were initially functional rather than flowing.Hooker Litten collected his own grubber kick to open the scoring in a flash of individual brilliance before Castleford prop Joe Stimson's masterful tackle denied Dean Hadley a near-certain try.Wing Davies made amends by narrowly evading Krystian Mapapalangi's challenge to score as part of a scrappy half that ended with confusion when a long video review denied Jai Whitbread a try because May's kick was knocked forward.Elliot Minchella, who was making his 300th career appearance, appeared deep in conversation at half-time with referee Marcus Griffiths, who awarded a penalty for a challenge by Burgess on Castleford's Jordan Lane, but there was less contention over the visitors' dominance after the break.May charged clear five minutes after the restart and Burgess cut out a ball to Louis Senior to hurtle 90 metres as part of a set of four tries in 15 minutes for Hull KR.Hiku tricked his way past Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e from 30 metres out, May charged down a kick to go over again, and Davies collected Hiku's pass to complete a superb move launched by a kick from May.Martin, who replaced Oli Gildart at half-time, added five of Hull KR's six goals and a try when the forward capitalised on Burgess' grubber kick to cap a memorable display.With seventh-placed St Helens four points behind them following their home defeat by Hull FC on Thursday, Hull KR are chasing a four-point gap on third-placed Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity, who have played a game more, in second.Jack Brown made his 100th Super League appearance against his former side for Castleford, who could be overtaken by the second-bottom Bradford on Saturday.Castleford: Laulu-Togaga'e; Senior, Mellor, Mapapalangi, Sharpe; Asi, Windley; Dupree, Hood, Stimson, Lane, Hirst, Brown.Interchanges: Atoni, Lawler, Hall, Robb.Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess; Hampshire, May; Sue, Litten, Hadley, Whitbread, Batchelor, Minchella.Interchanges: Luckley, Martin, Lawton, Amone.Referee: Marcus Griffiths.

PFL keeps the action going Friday in North Carolina, and MMA Junkie has you covered with live results and highlights throughout the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT).PFL Charlotte takes place at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C., featuring thirteen fights. The main event is a middleweight bout between UFC veteran Bryan Battle and Dalton Rosta. In the co-feature at lightheavyweight, Simeon Powell faces Dovlet Yagshimuradov.Check out live results and highlights below.PFL Charlotte results:MAIN CARD (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET)Bryan Battle vs. Dalton RostaSimeon Powell vs. Dovlet YagshimuradovAaron Jeffery vs. Josh SilveiraBrandon Lewis vs. Lewis McGrillenJosh Fremd vs. Jhony GregoryPRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN App, 6:30 p.m. ET)Denis Goltsov vs. Hasan MezhievCheyden Leialoha vs. Robbie RingCheyanne Bowers vs. Elora DanaMichael Boylan vs. Landry WardBruno Cappelozza vs. Valentin MoldavskyWilson Lopshire vs. Jonathan MartinMaxwell Djantou Nana vs. Eduardo NevesTrukon Carson vs. Trey WatersThis article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL Charlotte: Battle vs. Rosta live results, highlights

Can Chaires-Capitola Little League follow up their strong debut in the 2026 Little League World Series Southeast regional? On the schedule today for the Florida team is Irmo, South Carolina, which earned the region's spot in Williamsport last year."The Green Machine" from Tallahassee soared to a 16-1 win in their first game against Columbus, Georgia, over just four inning. South Carolina broke out with a three-run fifth inning to beat Shady Spring, West Virginia. This is a matchup of the last two teams to beat 2024 LLWS champion Lake Mary on a big stage; Irmo did so in the regional final last year, while Chaires took them down in the Florida state championship.Today's winner gets a day off with the loser facing elimination in a showdown Saturday, Aug. 8. Follow along live with us as Chaires continues its Southeast regional run.Watch Little League World Series regionals on ESPN appFlorida vs South Carolina in LLWS 2026: Chaires Little League score updatesChaires 0, Irmo 0 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN+FL | - | - | - | - | - | - |x | x | xSC | - | - | - | - | - | - |x | x | xFlorida game time today in Little League World Series 2026 regionalsDate:Friday, Aug. 7Start time:8 p.m. ETLocation:Little League Southeast Park (Warner Robins, Georgia)Florida vs South Carolina channel today in LLWS regionalsTV:Not on traditional TV.Streaming:ESPN app(Select plan)Chaires Little League lineupAll players on the Little League roster get a spot in the batting order, regardless of whether they are playing in the field. Starting lineups for Tallahassee, Florida and Irmo, South Carolina will be posted later.Little League World Series regionals scheduleHere are the games on the schedule today at the LLWS Southeast regional. Check out thecomplete schedule. All times Eastern:9 a.m.: Tennessee 10, Virginia 2 (continuation of suspended game)11 a.m.: Alabama 8, North Carolina 5 2 p.m.:Georgia 5, West Virginia 45 p.m.:Virginia vs. North Carolina |ESPN+8 p.m.:South Carolina vs. Florida |ESPN+Updated LLWS bracket, scheduleHere's an updated look at Chaires Little League's potential path to Williamsport at the start of the Southeast regional. The regional championship game is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. All times Eastern.Thursday, Aug. 6:Florida 16, Georgia 1 (4 innings)Friday, Aug. 7:South Carolina vs. Florida | 8 p.m. |ESPN+Saturday, Aug. 8 (if FL loses): TBD vs. Florida | 1 p.m. | ESPN+Sunday, Aug. 9 (if FL wins): Florida vs. TBD | 2 p.m. | ESPNTallahassee Little League rosterHere's a look at the players for Chaires-Capitola Little League:No. 2 Preston Bikus: Second base, pitcherNo. 3 Everett Fiore: Catcher, pitcher, infieldNo. 9 Jordan Murray: Infield, pitcherNo. 10 Jacob Ross: Catcher, outfield, pitcherNo. 19 Xavier Schenck: Outfield, pitcherNo. 22 Harrison Pawelczyk: Utility, pitcherNo. 26 Hayden Butler: Utility, pitcherNo. 27 Landon Del Prado: Infield, pitcherNo. 30 Kenny Chen: Outfield, pitcherNo. 34 Oliver Prowant: Utility, pitcherNo. 50 Kai Stephens: Infield, pitcherNo. 52 Camden Arnold: Infield, pitcherAleck Del Prado: ManagerMatt Prowant: CoachKyle Pawelczyk: CoachWhere is Chaires-Capitola Little League from?Chaires Little League plays primarily at Daniel B. Chaires Community Park in Tallahassee, the capital of Florida. The city is located on the Florida Panhandle. Their home park is close to 15 miles east of Doak Campbell Stadium, home of the Florida State football team.Little League World Series 2026 Southeast regional teamsChaires is representing Florida for the first time at the Little League World Series Southeast regional. To advance to the LLWS, they'll have to advance through the double-elimination regional tournament. Here are the teams they're up against for a spot in Williamsport:Alabama:Phenix City Youth Baseball Little LeagueFlorida:Chaires-Capitola Little League(Tallahassee)Georgia:Columbus American Little LeagueNorth Carolina:Lake Norman Little League(Huntersville)South Carolina:Irmo Little LeagueTennessee:Nolensville Little LeagueVirginia:SYA Little League(Clifton)West Virginia:Shady Spring Little LeagueWhen does the 2026 Little League World Series start?Once all regional tournaments are completed, 20 teams will gather in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the 2026 Little League World Series. Games begin Wednesday, Aug. 19, culminating with the 2026 LLWS championship Sunday, Aug. 30.This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Chaires LLWS live updates: Florida vs South Carolina regionals start time