WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has sent a memo to teams that addresses ongoing discussions around transgender athletes in women's basketball.I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in womens basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention, Engelbert wrote in the memo, which was sent Friday and obtained by The Associated Press. I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.The memo said the topic will be discussed further by a task force of team presidents and general managers at a previously scheduled meeting next week.In an ESPN article published last month, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls and womens sports. Cunningham's comments sparked small rallies and protests in Seattle and Portland when the Fever were on the road last week.There was a lone protester at the Fever's home game against Las Vegas on Thursday night. Indiana visits Chicago on Saturday. Members of two conservative groups are planning a rally in support of Cunningham ahead of that game.The league hasnt made any public comments on the issue.Engelbert wrote that the league will always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league. Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the leagues highest priorities.The league's collective bargaining agreement states that only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA, but it does not include any more specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth. On Friday, two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, saying they identify as women.We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead, Engelbert said in the memo. We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.The WNBA players' association released a statement on social media Friday that emphasized diversity and inclusion while saying the group will not be used as political pawns.We embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion, the statement read. Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect womens sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.Some WNBA players and coaches have come out in support of transgender athletes, including Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve.We need to protect trans kids, Reeve said on Aug. 1. To me, its a human rights issue. Every kid has a right to sports.___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Jul 31, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) finishes a press conference before a game against the Portland Fire at Moda Center. Jaime Valdez-Imagn ImagesTheres a loophole sitting right in the middle of the WNBAs rulebook, and its currently being kicked wide open.Nowhere in writing does the league explicitly state that a transgender person cannot suit up and play. Former NBA players have caught on, and one by one, they are lining up to test it.Royce White Has Declared for the WNBA DraftRoyce White announced on X that he would be declaring for the WNBA Draft, after claiming that he identifies himself as a woman.I identify as sometimes-identifying as a woman for the purposes of professional basketball, so Ill be declaring for the WNBA Draft in 2027 as well.I mean, I think Id be unstoppable. But Im a team-first guy, a pass-first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five stat categories at Iowa State University. So I do whatever the coach needs me to do; I do whatever the girls need me to do, White said in the video.When asked what would actually make him reconsider, White said that a clear, public statement from the WNBA saying men cannot play in the league would stop him.I think the WNBA needs to make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of balls playing in the womens association. But hey, that would probably be too much, right? White added.It didnt take long for the clip to go viral, and once it did, the WNBA community didnt hold back.The WNBA Community Wasnt Happy With What White SaidBack in July, Sophie Cunningham told ESPN she allegedly didnt want transgender athletes in the WNBA, framing her stance as an effort to protect young girls in a locker room.Since that interview, a string of former NBA players have suddenly discovered theyre declaring for the WNBA draft, and plenty in the community think thats no coincidence and are pinning the whole saga squarely on her.This is 100% Sophie Cunninghams fault, an influencer wrote.First, it was Enes Kanter Freedom. Now its White. A large chunk of the WNBA community isnt buying these revelations at all. To them, this is exactly the kind of stunt a guy pulls when he wants attention, not a roster spot.These losers can declare for the draft all they want; it literally doesnt mean shit, go ask Sedona Prince, wrote one user, whereas a content marketer wrote, This is embarrassing, disrespectful, and loser behavior.Former sports columnist Jason Whitlock offered a different perspective, suggesting that the conversation could change dramatically if WNBA salaries reached a significantly higher level.Once the WNBA starts paying $3 million a year this gag is going to turn into the real thing. Royce and Enes are having fun. The jokes going to stop at $3 mil per. Blame the WNBA for making a joke of itself, Whitlock commented.With the 2027 WNBA Draft still some time away, it remains to be seen whether White will ultimately follow through with the declaration.This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

COLUMBIA South Carolina footballheld its second preseason practice on Aug. 8 at the Long Family Football Operations Center.Weekend practices tend to bring some visitors. CoachShane Beamerwas joined by his son, Hunter. Starting quarterbackLaNorris Sellers and wide receiver Jayden Sellers' dad, Norris, was watching practice from the sideline as well.Reporters were able to observe the first five periods of practice, which consisted of warmups and position drills. The players will not be in full pads until Aug. 14.South Carolina'sseason opener is Sept. 5 (12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network) against Kent State inWilliams-Brice Stadium.Here's what we saw at practice No. 2. South Carolina football injury report: Day 2 of 2026 preseason practiceJacarrius Peak was not visible at practice for the second straight day, but Dylan Stewartwas. Like Day 1, Stewart was wearing a jersey and shorts, off to the side and wasn't participating in any drills.Peak was projected as a key part of South Carolina's new offensive line when he transferred from NC State, but a month after he got to Columbia, he hurt his knee in a team-related basketball game in February.He missed the entire spring. Stewart used the spring to recover from a nagging back injury that started midway through last season. South Carolina kicking competition wide openThe last two years, Beamer has had a position battle for his starting kicker but in both those seasons, a fifth-year player who hadn't played before won the job.That could change this year, with players like Texas Tech transfer Upton Bellenfant in the mix. Bellenfant, Malik Orsan and Max Kelley were all splitting reps. Orsan is a Southeast Missouri State transfer but did not play during his freshman season. Kelley handled South Carolina kickoffs as a freshman 2025 but is now focusing on place-kicking.Based on practice so far, there's no clear indication of a front-runner. LaNorris Sellers building chemistry with many wide receiversSellers has plenty of options in the receiving room this year, led by Nyck Harbor. But when going through drills, it didn't look like there was a dropoff when Sellers was throwing to other options.Sellers had a nice pass to freshman Sequel Patterson, who could very well jump high in the depth chart if he has a good August.Oklahoma transfer Jayden Gibson has not played since the end of the 2023 season because of a knee injury but didn't look slow or behind during drills. He was moving well. Christian Clark looks like a leader in the running back room Texas transfer running back Christian Clark looked good going through drills. The junior caught passes from all four quarterbacks and showed his strength and speed. He hasn't been named the No. 1 option as that position battle is open, but he seemed like he was dialed in during the drills media watched.New running backs coach Stan Drayton said his players have two jobs, protect the football and protect the quarterback. Pro Football Focus graded Clark the fourth-highest on Texas for run blocking last year (71.7).Julian Walker grew. Could he start with or without Dylan Stewart?Freshman Julian Walker towers over many teammates in practice. Though he's listed as 6-foot-6 on the roster, he told reporters that he grew a half-an-inch over the summer.Walker has a chance to prove himself and potentially win that second edge rusher spot. He looked strong and focused when running through drills, and didn't appear to have any rookie jitters or lack of execution. Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her atLKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesinand Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.socialThis article originally appeared on Greenville News: What we saw at South Carolina football practice from LaNorris Sellers to potential RB1

Aug 2, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White talks with the media before the game between the Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever at Target Center. Matt Blewett-Imagn ImagesAfter careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, Im officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect. This one line from former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has sent the basketball community into a frenzy.The Minnesota Lynx currently sit atop the 2026 WNBA standings with a 25-7 record. But much of the conversation has shifted away from the court. It has shifted toward Freedoms declaration and a recent comment made by a former head coach.Dan Dakichs Recent Message Involving Stephanie WhiteFormer Indiana Hoosiers interim head coach Dan Dakich has appeared to challenge Stephanie Whites old statement by referencing her belief that exclusion should not be the answer.We have been lectured by [Indiana Fever] Head Coach and Players about inclusion this seems to put that to a test!!!Dakich wrote on X.Freedoms announcement specifically pointed toward the WNBAs current eligibility framework. He suggested that if eligibility can be determined through identity and the existing rules, then he should be able to present himself as a legitimate prospect for the 2027 WNBA Draft.That has added another layer to an already heated conversation surrounding the Indiana Fever.The controversy comes shortly after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham sparked significant discussion with her comments about transgender athletes competing in womens sports. Cunningham faced heavy criticism after expressing her concerns.She later clarified that her position was not rooted in hatred toward transgender people, saying she intended to protect women and young girls in sports.I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And Im like, I never once said that. I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldnt have to go against biological men,Cunningham said, per ESPN.White was subsequently asked about the broader issue during an interview. When questioned about transgender athletes competing in womens sports, the Fever coach said she was not sufficiently educated on the subject from a scientific standpoint.I dont know, when we talk about biological males scientifically where we are, I think its a totally different scenario.As I said, Im not educated enough in transgender and transitioning to give you a smart answer. I would say, though, that I just dont think that exclusion is an answer, and I think that we need to have deeper, more layered conversations, White said as per IndyStar.As for Freedom, his WNBA declaration remains surrounded by questions. He spent 11 seasons in the NBA before his final stint ended with the Houston Rockets, who waived him in February 2022. His sudden decision to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft has no confirmed explanation.It could simply be Freedom provoking a conversation around the leagues policies. It could also be connected to the Cunningham controversy that has dominated WNBA headlines in recent weeks. For now, however, any connection remains speculative.This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Florida football kicker Patrick Durkin was named to the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list, given annually to college football's top kicker. The list, which was announced on Friday, highlights 35 elite placekickers set to compete on the collegiate gridiron this fall.Durkin, who arrived in Gainesville via the transfer portal from Tulane, made 25 of his 28 field goal attempts for the Green Wave last season and went 41-for-42 on extra-point attempts. His 89.3% field goal accuracy is the second-best among returning FBS kickers who made at least 20 field goals last season, while his 25 field goals are tied for the secondmost among the same cohort.The redshirt sophomore originally from Chicago, Illinois, connected on three field goals during the Florida Gators spring game inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in April but missed a 49-yard attempt as time expired."Hes just getting comfortable and had a great season last year," Florida special teams coach Johnathan Galante said during his fall camp press conference. "He transitions now to a whole new town, a whole new city, a whole new environment, higher level. And he did well. He finished better than he started spring ball and in the position hes in right now, Im very excited where hes at."About the Lou Groza AwardThe Lou Groza Award is named for Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.In recognition of the 35th anniversary of the Lou Groza Award, this years watchlist was expanded to include 35 kickers, symbolizing 35 years of honoring college footballs premier placekicker. The selection committee evaluated returning kickers from across the nation based on career achievements, statistical performance, consistency, and projected impact for the upcoming season.Accomplishments are tabulated throughout the season and the Groza Award will announce its 20 semifinalists on Nov. 17. From that list, a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers select the top three finalists for the award, announced on Nov. 24. That same group then selects the national winner, who will be announced on Dec. 10 during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.Follow us@GatorsWireon X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football transfer kicker on preseason Groza Award watch list

DAYTON, OHIO - MARCH 17: Darrion Williams #1 of the NC State Wolfpack reacts against the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the First Four game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 17, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesAs more players pursue a fifth year of college eligibility following temporary court injunctions allowing certain athletes to compete for an additional season, schools are beginning to add experienced players to their rosters.That trend continued with former NC State transfer Darrion Williams, who recently committed to Texas Tech for his fifth and final season, provided the current eligibility ruling remains in place.Kentucky showed interest in Williams last month, according to Ben Roberts of the Lexington Herald-Leader, but the Wildcats ultimately missed out on the 6-foot-6, 225-pound wing.Williams spent last season at NC State, averaging 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 40.4% from the 3-point line.Before joining the Wolfpack, Williams spent two seasons at Texas Tech, where he started 67 games. He began his college career at Nevada, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game and earning Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors.Williams then averaged 7.5 rebounds per game during his first season at Texas Tech before transferring to NC State.For Kentucky, Williams would have provided valuable depth on the wing, particularly with Kam Williams missing summer workouts after undergoing a second foot surgery. Williams is expected to take his time recovering in hopes of returning at full strength for the upcoming season.Kentucky will now have to look elsewhere if Mark Pope wants to add another experienced player to his roster.The Wildcats will hope Braydon Hawthorne can take a significant step forward after redshirting last season, but there are still questions surrounding Kentuckys wing/forward depth and which players can emerge.Pope and his staff still have several potential targets to consider, including Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler, Missouri forward Mark Mitchell and Auburn forward Keyshawn Hall.With the eligibility situation continuing to develop, Kentucky could have more opportunities to add an experienced player before the 2026-27 season begins.

CENTENNIAL, CO - AUGUST 7: Offensive coordinator Davis Webb, center, talks with his quarterbacks during practice on Friday, August. 7, 2026, at Broncos Park in Centennial, Colo.(Photo by Timothy Hurst/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty ImagesWelcome to Day 8 of Denver Broncos training camp.It was great to see the Broncos running game finally get going in Fridays padded practice, but with the caveat that Malcolm Roach, Alex Singleton, and Brandon Jones were all on vet days. That might have played a factor in opening up the run game for the offense yesterday. Even so, both JK Dobbins and rookie Jonah Coleman had big runs during the session. It has been a grueling week of practice, so I am sure the players will be looking forward to Sundays day of rest after Saturdays practice.Scotty Payne will update this post from the live camp practice session today.Broncos training camp Day 8 live updatesNew wide receivers Kyrese Rowan and Kyree Duplessis are out here at #Broncos practice. Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) August 8, 2026.@Speedkills2k_ has style #KOABroncosCamppic.twitter.com/UhVUccK21O KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM (@KOAColorado) August 8, 2026No practice but also no sleeve and less limp for Jaylen Waddle today. pic.twitter.com/fEwr54gVU8 Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) August 8, 2026#Broncos not in uniform today: WR Jaylen Waddle WR Marvin Mims CB Sean Fresh TE Nate Adkins OLB Dasan McCullough C Luke Wattenberg TE Caleb Lohner K Wil Lutz (at HOF) DL Matt Henningsen (not here, Achilles) Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) August 8, 2026#Broncos WR Marvin Mims is out here in a jersey and hoodie today after pulling up in practice yesterday Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 8, 2026#Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle has had a big sleeve on his left leg past couple days, but isnt wearing it today, interestingly. Still not practicing but looks like hes moving around/jogging a lot easier Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 8, 2026Jaylen Waddle NOT wearing a sleeve on his leg and running better than he has since his injury. Great sign. pic.twitter.com/lTRcHlfvlf Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 8, 2026CB Pat Surtain, DT Zach Allen and RT Mike McGlinchey headed into the building after stretch. Looks like rest days for them. Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) August 8, 2026Vance Joseph is running today's practice while Sean Payton is at the Hall of Fame.The team should have a good practice today pic.twitter.com/RU2uHatZA5 MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) August 8, 2026

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 06: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits a solo home run in the eighth inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on August 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesDrake Baldwin leads off again, as Ronald Acuna gets a day off in the field, batting second and DHing. Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubon man the corner outfield spots around Michael Harris. Jim Jarvis returns to the starting lineup, batting ninth and playing shortstop.Sale on the mound!#BravesCountrypic.twitter.com/tfwCwrRCHJ Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 8, 2026Meanwhile, the Yankees lineup is as follows.Saturday Afternoon Baseball. #RepBXpic.twitter.com/XCwJZthp8I New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 8, 2026Join us as the teams face off in Yankee Stadium at 3:05 PM ET on BravesVision

Lorne Bickley was Jersey Bulls top scorer last season [BBC]Lorne Bickleys goal was enough to give Jersey Bulls victory in their opening game of their Isthmian League South Central campaign.Bickley finished well in the 40th minute to seal a 1-0 win at Harrow Borough.The goal came after Jack Lumsden had forced the home goalkeeper into a save midway through the first half. The islanders carried their good defensive form from last season into the new campaign as they kept out their opponents after the break. They were one of just two sides in the league to register a win on opening day, with most of the division involved in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.Jersey Bulls play their first home game next Saturday when they host Hayes and Yeading United at Springfield. Related internet links Jersey Bulls

The six-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion said he feels the pull of off-field responsibilities as he prepares for what could be his final NFL season