Seattle Seahawks defensive star DeMarcus Lawrence has revealed that the 2026 NFL season will be the final year of his career.Lawrence told Jori Epstein that he plans to retire after the upcoming season, bringing an end to a remarkable 13-year NFL career. The decision comes just months after Lawrence finally accomplished something he had been chasing throughout his career: winning a Super Bowl.MORE: NFL top 5 richest teams in 2026From second-round pick to NFL starOctober 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY SportsLawrence entered the NFL after playing at Butler Community College before transferring to Boise State. The Dallas Cowboys selected him 34th overall in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.After a relatively quiet rookie season, Lawrence broke out in 2015 with 8.0 sacks. He then established himself as one of the leagues premier defensive linemen, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2018 after recording 14.5 sacks and 10.5 sacks, respectively.Over the course of his 11 seasons with Dallas, Lawrence became known for much more than getting to the quarterback. He developed into an elite run defender and one of the most dependable edge setters in football.He finished his Cowboys career with 61.5 sacks, ranking 10th in franchise history.MORE: Rating every NFL game on the Monday Night Football schedule in 2026Lawrence finally gets his Super Bowl ringFeb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesLawrence joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2025, looking for the championship that had eluded him during his time in Dallas.He didnt have to wait long. Lawrence helped Seattle win Super Bowl LX, producing six sacks, 11 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles during the regular season while earning his fifth Pro Bowl selection. He also made significant plays during Seattles postseason run.Now, Lawrence gets one final opportunity to defend that championship before walking away from the game.After 13 seasons, five Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl championship, Lawrence will have one last season to add to his legacy.And what better way to finish than by attempting to win another Lombardi Trophy?Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

The Lakers have undergone many changes over the last few seasons, but their recent blockbuster sale has shocked the entire sports world. Venture capitalist Joshua Kushner and former two-time Disney CEO Bob Iger have taken the reins.The Lakers New OwnersESPNs Ramona Shelburne offered some clarity in an article shortly after the sale.The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to American businessman Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record breaking price over $12 billion, multiple sources told ESPN.Kushner and Iger were involved in the expansion process in Las Vegas, but a stunning turn, they pivoted to make an Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) August 12, 2026Reports indicate that both Iger and Kushner share a deep love of basketball. Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin emphasized Igers passion for the sportduring a guest appearance on the ESPN Radio show Sedano & Kap.Dave McMenamin on new owner Bob Iger, a genuine basketball guy Lakers fans can gravitate towards (via Sedano & Kap):"He is a guy that fans will enjoy. He has a very genuine presence to him. He knows basketball. He spends a lot of his time with basketball. He even did it when he pic.twitter.com/j3r0Bq87v6 (@PurpGoldLakers) August 12, 2026While Iger was a fan from the sidelines, Joshua Kushner is a proven businessman among league circles. In 2019, He acquireda minority stake in the Memphis Grizzlies. Kushner followed sold his Grizzlies stake in 2025 to purchase aminority stake in the Miami Heatbefore finally partnering with Iger for their Wednesday morning blockbuster. His last name has been famously linked to political headlines through his older brother, Jared, the husband of Ivanka Trump.Although some fans will hesitate to embrace Kushner because of his familys allegiance to Donald Trump, they will see that Joshua is a true basketball lover in time.Finding a Reason For the MoveWhats still strange about this story is the fact that Mark Walter relinquished his majority stake. As part of the new swap in ownership, Jeanie Buss will keep her front-office role that she retained in the deal with Walker.Iger addressed the respect for Buss during his interview with Lakers reporter Khobi Price.New Lakers co-owner Bob Iger to @capostsports on Jeanie Buss: "We have every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie. If things change, theyll change, but were going into this with enormous respect and appreciation for who she is and what she https://t.co/q06Fwqx07c Khobi Price (@khobi_price) August 12, 2026The timing of the sale is certainly interesting, given reports of a looming FBI investigation into Walter. Bloomberg reported on the probe on July 20, 2026. Seven days later, Bloombergreported that the Bureau seized Walters electronics from his private plane at Midway International Airport in September 2025.He is accused of diverting unreported billion-dollar loans into other business ventures rather than for his insurance companies.There are reports that Walter owes at least $16 billion, and that he is using the $12 billion cash out on the sale of the Lakers to pay back the loans.Bloomberg is reporting that Mark Walter has been in talks with investors to raise money to pay down the loans he is being investigated for. That's why he sold the Lakers for $12.5B in a deal that came together in just 72 hours less than two years after he purchased the team. Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) August 12, 2026Lakers Preparing For the 2026-27 SeasonDespite all the unexpected changes in team ownership, the Lakers must prepare for a pivotal third year under Luka Doni. The 6x All-Star welcomed his new owners with open arms via X.Being a Laker means everything to me, and Im excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA, saidDoni. Ive gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together.The front office is going all in on Doni after revamping the entire roster with new signings. A media circus would be a massive distraction at a pivotal moment in the franchises trajectory. Hopefully this transfer of ownership and a separation from Walker avoids all disturbances by the time the season starts.Fans have a lot to look forward to this year, including a cinematic Christmas Day matchup against LeBron James and the stacked Philadelphia 76ers.There are still many questions that Lakers can only answer over time, such as whether Walter is guilty of potential loan fraud and disclosure failures involving billions of dollars. Hopefully now Lakers fans can look towards a bright future in LA.The post How Will the Lakers Move Forward After $12.5B Blockbuster Sale? appeared first on The Lead.

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) German sprinter Owen Ansah won the 200-meter final at the European championships Friday despite facing a potential ban at home for allegedly failing to comply with a doping test.Ansah crossed the line in 19.95 seconds for the gold medal at Alexander Stadium three nights after taking the bronze in the 100 meters.I hope everyone will know my name now, Ansah said. This was the goal, to leave the Europeans with two medals. A bronze and gold is amazing for me.The 200 was was always the main goal, he added. This race was just more for me. At a championship you never know what can happen.Last week, the National Anti Doping Agency of Germany alleged Ansah committed a violation of Article 2.3 of the National Anti-Doping Code ... (refusal or failure to submit to sample collection).There was no provisional suspension, however, so Ansah remains eligible to compete.NADA Germanys letter of charge calls for a four-year ban. Ansah had 20 days to either accept the findings or request the initiation of disciplinary proceedings before the German Court of Arbitration for Sport.Ansah told German site sport1 that an anti-doping official came to his house for an out-of-competition test last month as he was leaving to travel to Monaco. Ansah reportedly said he couldn't immediately give a urine sample and wasn't aware of the consequences.Athletes across multiple sports have received lengthy bans under such rules. In June, former Wimbledon tennis champion Marketa Vondrousova was given the maximum four-year ban for refusing a test.___See full AP coverage of European sports here

NEW YORK (AP) Butch Huskey, who played seven major league seasons and was one of the last players to wear No. 42 before it was permanently retired, has died. He was 54.The New York Mets said Huskey died because of a blood clot in his lung. We are saddened to learn about the passing of former Met Butch Huskey, the Mets said in a statement on Friday.Huskey, who was born and raised in Anadarko, Oklahoma, continued to wear No. 42 after Major League Baseball retired it in honor of Jackie Robinson in 1997. Players who wore the number at the time were permitted to continue wearing it until they stopped playing.Huskey wore No. 10 during his rookie season in 1993, No. 44 in 1998 with the Boston Red Sox and No. 35 with the Colorado Rockies in 2000. Otherwise, he wore No. 42. The Mets selected Huskey in the seventh round of the 1989 amateur draft, and he played parts of five seasons in New York.In 1997, Huskey set career highs with 24 home runs and 81 RBIs in 142 games for New York. He also played for Seattle and Minnesota.Huskey is the penultimate Met to wear No. 42. Mo Vaughn wore the number from 2002 to 2003.Huskey hit .267 with 86 homers and 336 RBIs in 642 career games.Just want to acknowledge a solemn day with the passing of Butch Huskey this morning, said Mets interim manager Andy Green said Friday. Just want to send prayers and thoughts to his family. I know all of our Mets family is thinking of him, and the people who love him today.___See APs full MLB coverage here

The New York Jets are going to start the preseason without their top pilot.Geno Smith will not play in the team's preseason opener on Aug. 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The quarterback is dealing with foot soreness, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. It is just a precaution for the veteran signal-caller, who would play through the injury if it were during the regular season.Smith was expected to play alongside many of the Jets starters, which would've represented his first game action with the team since his departure after the 2016 season. Cade Klubnik will start instead as Smith's replacement.It will mark the former Clemson star's pro debut after he was selected by the Jets with the 110th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.Klubnik is considered a developmental quarterback by the Jets, who are hoping to tap into the talent that once made him one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. His play during the 2025 season saw his draft stock drop from a first-round pick to the fourth round.As it stands, the rookie is considered the Jets' insurance plan if Smith falters or falls victim to injury.Now Aaron Glenn's team will get an extended look at the early returns on their investment while protecting the 35-year-old Smith from further injuring his foot.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why isn't Geno Smith playing in Jets preseason game tonight? Injury update

The Chicago White Sox are making a significant pitching change at an important point of the 2026 MLB season, bringing a familiar postseason name back to the major leagues.Chicago announced that right-hander Jos Urquidy has been recalled, giving the White Sox a veteran pitcher with plenty of postseason experience. The timing couldnt be better, as Chicago is preparing to open a weekend series against the Detroit Tigers, one of its biggest competitors in the American League Central.MORE: MLB awards predictions for the 2026 seasonUrquidy returns to the majorsOct 23, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) throws during the seventh inning of game seven in the ALCS against the Texas Rangers for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY SportsUrquidy is best known for his time with the Houston Astros, where he emerged as a reliable postseason pitcher and helped the organization during its championship runs.Now, the White Sox are hoping he can provide quality innings while adding some much-needed experience to their pitching staff.To make room for Urquidy, Chicago optioned right-hander Tanner McDougal to the minors. The White Sox also placed right-hander Davis Martin on the 15-day injured list because of a right middle finger blister.Martins injury comes after an inconsistent stretch. Through the end of May, Martin had thrown 67 2/3 innings with a 2.00 ERA. Since the calendar turned to June, however, his ERA has ballooned to 7.06 over 57 1/3 innings, pushing his season ERA to 4.32.The White Sox are hoping Urquidy can replicate some of the quality innings Martin provided earlier this year.MORE: Scene at Yankee Stadium turns dangerous as 3 fans ran onto the field at the same timeWhite Sox fighting for a playoff spotThe roster move comes with Chicago firmly in the playoff hunt.The White Sox are 62-58 and currently hold a 2.5-game lead over the Tigers in the AL Central. Theyre attempting to reach the postseason for the first time since 2021, making every game down the stretch increasingly important.Martin will be unavailable for at least a couple of weeks, leaving Chicago without one of its rotation options during a critical portion of the schedule.Thats why adding someone with Urquidys experience could prove valuable.The White Sox now have a veteran pitcher joining the team just as they begin a crucial weekend series against Detroit. If Urquidy can deliver the type of innings Chicago needs, this could end up being an important move as the White Sox attempt to finish their season with a playoff berth.Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

The Chicago Bears haven't had an MVP winner in nearly 50 years, but maybe 2026 will be the season that they'll have someone crowned as the year's top player. On a recent edition of "The Herd," FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd gave five bold predictions for the upcoming season, including who he thinks will win MVP. He also made bold projections on a pair of playoff teams from last season finishing outside the postseason picture, along with a star quarterback finally breaking through in the playoffs. Here are Cowherd's five bold predictions for the 2026 NFL season. Cowherd first addressed the Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts, who will lead the offense without a big target from years prior. Despite concerns about the offense adapting without wide receiver A.J. Brown as the focal point, Cowherd believes Hurts will not only succeed, but surpass his previous level with Brown by spreading the ball around. "If you go back to last season, when he didn't target A.J. Brown, he completed 71% of his throws, 18 touchdowns, and three picks," Cowherd said. "Over the last two years, when he targeted A.J. Brown, when A.J. Brown had eight or more targets, the Eagles were 9-6. When he wasn't a focus of the game plan, and he had fewer than seven or fewer targets last two years, 13-0. "This is Dez Bryant to Dak [Prescott]. Jalen Hurts will flourish despite losing a great number one receiver." In the AFC West, Cowherd projected a postseason run for Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, citing improved offensive line play as the primary factor. "The last two years in the playoffs, he went in with the 30th offensive line and the 21st," Cowherd said. "This appears to be the first offensive line. Remember, he has been hit, sacked, and rushed more than any quarterback in the sport since he entered the league in 2020." Cowherd added that frontline health and coaching continuity will unlock Herbert's postseason potential. "They have three new features, both tackles back. This will be his best offensive line, in my opinion, his best offensive coordinator. At least two playoff wins, and I right now this morning think they could be a co-favorite to get to the AFC Championship." In the NFC North, Cowherd predicted a shift in standings, projecting the Green Bay Packers to finish in fourth place in a competitive division. "First of all, Ben Johnson is in Year 2 [as the Chicago Bears' head coach]. Kyler Murray, I think, is going to be a hit [for the Minnesota Vikings], and Detroit to me easily has the best entire roster [in the division]," Cowherd said. "This is not the same NFC North the Packers dominated. All four teams had winning records last year." Cowherd highlighted Green Bay's defensive struggles down the stretch last season once edge rusher Micah Parsons got hurt. "The Packers, without Micah last year, went 0-5 and allowed 29 points a game. He's not going to be playing, we presume, until October. Packers may be the best fourth-place team in the NFL by a long shot. They finish last." Cowherd also projected that the Denver Broncos will miss the postseason after appearing in the AFC Championship last year. After a season heavily reliant on winning tight contests, Cowherd expects regression for Sean Payton's team as rival AFC contenders improve. "NFL-best 11-2 in one-score games. I mean that's not going to happen again," Cowherd said. "They also trailed in 15 games. Bo Nix is coming off two surgeries on his right ankle." Cowherd explained that rival roster upgrades across the AFC, coupled with new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, will make a repeat postseason berth difficult. "They have a new play caller, and remember the Ravens, the Bengals, the Chiefs, the Chargers are all going to be better in the AFC," Cowherd said. "I think that we all know that if [Joe] Burrow's upright, Cincinnati's going to be a better team. I mean, Herbert's got his best offensive line and his best offensive coordinator. "You can't go 11-2 in one-score games and not regress. I think Denver's good. I think they have a special coach and special players. I think they're going to narrowly miss the playoffs." Finally, Cowherd backed Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to win the Most Valuable Player award, comparing his outlook in a second-year system to previous breakout seasons under head coach Ben Johnson. "First of all, he's got the seventh-best odds currently," Cowherd said. "Second year in Ben Johnson's offense. Go look at Jared Goff's second year in Ben Johnson's offense, and he's not nearly the athlete. Jared Goff popped in year two. He literally has the lowest interception percentage in league history [he's thrown] 13 in 34 career starts, and this is the beginning of it. He'll probably throw fewer as a veteran quarterback, second in the NFL in big plays." Cowherd added that Chicago's offensive talent gives Williams an ideal supporting cast. "He also has tremendous offensive weapons," Cowherd said. "A lot of people thought they should draft an edge. They went and got another good tight end. They've got three receivers I like. They've got two running backs. I worry a little bit about left tackle, but Caleb also has the ability, as you're watching, he doesn't just make plays; he makes spectacular plays. "It'll be easy to root for a guy who's not a stat patter, who's in a great division. He's winning close games. He's winning them with dramatic plays late. That's the kind of story the media likes."

Megan LaMont has been hired as the SUNY Oneonta softball coach, the school announced Friday, Aug. 14."SUNY Oneonta Athletics is excited to announce the addition of Megan LaMont as our Head Softball Coach," Athletic Director Ryan Hooper said in a media release. "Megan has a wealth of experience and success that she brings with her. She has a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field. She also has a strong connection with the SUNYAC, having coached within the conference for several years. We're confident that Coach LaMont will be a tremendous asset for our programs and an outstanding representative of our athletic department."LaMont joins Oneonta after serving as an assistant coach at SUNY Cortland from 2023 to 2026. During her time at Cortland, she assisted with practice planning, player development, recruiting, scouting, game preparation, fundraising, community engagement and team operations."I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunity to become the next head coach at SUNY Oneonta," LaMont said in the release. "This is a special opportunity, and I'm excited to get to know our student-athletes, build a strong team culture, and help them grow both on and off the field. I can't wait to get to campus, get to work, and be part of the Oneonta community."LaMont earned her bachelor's degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland in December 2023 and is pursuing a master's degree in Recreation Management and Leisure Services, with an anticipated graduation in May.

Angharad Evans finished behind Evgeniia Chikunova but ahead of Mona McSharry [Getty Images]Angharad Evans added 200m breastroke silver to Sunday's 100m gold at the European Aquatics Championships.The 23-year-old finished second behind world record holder Evgeniia Chikunova of Russia at the Paris Aquatic Centre, with Ireland's Mona McSharry in third.Evans had been looking to repeat her double victory for Scotland at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.But she had to make do with silver - just as she had a year ago in the European short-course final in Lublin - behind last year's world silver medallist.Meanwhile, compatriot Keanna Macinnes finished fifth in the women's 100m butterfly final won by world silver medallist Roos Vanotterdijk of Belgium.