Fernando Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders' top draft pick, played his first NFL preseason game in a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown but acknowledged he made mistakes and wants to improve.
Key Facts
Fernando Mendoza is the No. 1 overall pick for the Las Vegas Raiders.
He completed 10 out of 16 pass attempts for 97 yards and one touchdown in his debut.
Mendoza came into the game after veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins started with a touchdown drive.
He felt nervous early on but improved as the game continued.
Mendoza was sacked once for an eight-yard loss.
He praised his teammates for good blocking and route running.
Mendoza admitted he let his teammates down and said he needs to grow and learn from mistakes.
The Raiders will next play the Houston Texans and then the San Francisco 49ers in preseason games.
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Jadon Sancho, a free agent after his Manchester United contract ended, prefers to join a club outside England. He is considering offers, including from Borussia Dortmund, where he previously played.
Key Facts
Jadon Sancho's contract with Manchester United ended six weeks ago.
He is 26 years old and plays as a winger.
Sancho previously played 158 games for Borussia Dortmund in two periods.
He joined Manchester United from Dortmund in 2021 for £73 million.
Last season, Sancho was loaned to Aston Villa, playing 39 games and helping them qualify for the Champions League.
In the 2024-25 season, he played on loan at Chelsea, with 41 appearances.
Chelsea had an obligation to buy him but paid a £5 million penalty to cancel the deal.
Sancho is training at Flixton, a non-league club, to stay fit for the next season.
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Katarina Johnson-Thompson improved her chances for a medal in the heptathlon at the European Athletics Championships by jumping 1.83 meters in the high jump. She is currently in 10th place after the first day, with more events to come over the weekend.
Key Facts
Katarina Johnson-Thompson is a two-time world champion but has never won the European heptathlon title.
She competed only once this year before the championships due to injury problems.
Johnson-Thompson jumped 1.83 meters in the high jump, placing her behind only two competitors in that event.
She started the competition in 15th place after the 100m hurdles but moved up to 10th overall after the high jump.
British teammate Jade O'Dowda is just behind her in 12th place.
Johnson-Thompson withdrew from the Commonwealth Games recently to focus on being fit for the European Championships.
The heptathlon includes seven events: 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin, and 800m.
Johnson-Thompson will try to improve in the shot put, one of her weaker events, to close the points gap to the leaders.
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Skip Bertman, the former LSU baseball coach who led the team to five national championships and built a strong college baseball program, died at age 88. He coached LSU from 1983 to 2001 and later served as the university’s athletic director.
Key Facts
Skip Bertman died early Friday morning in a Baton Rouge hospital at age 88.
He was LSU’s baseball coach from 1983 to 2001 and won five national College World Series titles.
Bertman helped make LSU a top college baseball program with many players going on to Major League Baseball.
The LSU baseball stadium’s field is named after him, and the stadium opened in 2009.
He won the Skip Bertman Coach of the Year Award six times between 1986 and 2000; the award was named after him in 2013.
Bertman coached the U.S. Olympic baseball team in 1996, earning a bronze medal.
After coaching, he was LSU’s athletic director until 2008 and continued supporting LSU until his death.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy, and daughter, Lisa. Funeral plans were pending.
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World Athletics President Sebastian Coe will defend the federation’s ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in court. The ban was set after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but Russia’s athletics federation is now challenging it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Key Facts
World Athletics imposed a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in March 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Russia’s athletics federation argues the ban is unfair and politicized.
The ban stops Russian athletes from fully representing themselves internationally.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) allows Russian athletes to compete in some team events for the 2028 Olympics.
World Athletics, led by Sebastian Coe, continues to enforce the ban and will defend it legally.
Coe says the ban is about fair competition, not politics.
Other sports federations like World Gymnastics and the International Skating Union have eased restrictions on Russian athletes.
Ukraine criticized the IOC’s decision to allow Russian athletes at the 2028 Olympics as premature.
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Chelsea has set a deadline for offers to buy midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who is valued at £120 million and wanted by Manchester City. Manchester City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, was Fernandez’s coach at Chelsea, and a deal may depend on City selling midfielder Rodri to Barcelona.
Key Facts
Chelsea wants offers for Enzo Fernandez by Friday at 17:00 BST.
Manchester City is interested in signing Fernandez for £120 million.
Enzo Maresca, City’s new manager, previously managed Fernandez at Chelsea.
Manchester City already signed midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer for £116 million.
Manchester City may only sign Fernandez if Rodri is sold to Barcelona.
Rodri has been key for City and wants to return to Spain; City values him at about £68.4 million.
Barcelona’s initial offer for Rodri was much lower than City’s asking price.
Fernandez was made captain at Chelsea under Maresca but had a difficult relationship with Chelsea after Maresca left.
Chelsea’s deadline is just a target; the actual transfer window closes on 1 September at 23:00 BST.
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Jessica Bang, an 18-year-old Australian golfer, died from a brain hemorrhage while preparing for a tournament in Thailand. She collapsed on August 1, had emergency brain surgery, but did not recover and passed away on Thursday.
Key Facts
Jessica Bang was a promising young golfer from Australia.
She won her first professional event earlier this year in only her fifth tournament.
She collapsed on August 1 in Bangkok, Thailand.
She had emergency brain surgery but did not recover.
Jessica was in Thailand for the International Qualifying Tournament for the Korean women's professional golf tour.
The WPGA Tour of Australasia described her as an outstanding young talent.
A GoFundMe page was created to help her family with medical expenses.
The Australian golf community expressed deep sadness and offered support to her family and friends.
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British sprinter Amy Hunt says that dressing up and having stylish nails helps her feel confident when competing. Many athletes, including Olympic champions, use fashion and personal style, like nail art and jewelry, to boost their mindset and performance in sports.
Key Facts
Amy Hunt won two gold medals at the European Athletics Championships and aims to win four.
She customizes her nail art with Birmingham landmarks to feel connected to the event location.
Nail artist Jess Young says designing nails helps athletes express themselves and feel more confident.
Famous athletes like Sha'Carri Richardson and Florence Griffith Joyner are known for their bold nail styles.
Athletes use fashion, such as jewelry and hairstyles, to improve their performance by feeling good about themselves.
Feeling confident can give athletes an extra boost during competition, according to former sprinter Adam Gemili.
Nail art and personal style offer a sense of individuality even when athletes wear matching team uniforms.
Taking time for self-care through things like nail design can also be calming and therapeutic for athletes.
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Southampton’s head coach Tonda Eckert faces a Football Association (FA) misconduct charge related to the Spygate scandal, which involved spying on other clubs. The FA hearing will likely take place in mid-September, and the outcome could affect Eckert’s role during the Championship season.
Key Facts
Southampton was punished last season for spying on three clubs, leading to their exclusion from the Championship play-offs and a points deduction.
Head coach Tonda Eckert was charged with misconduct by the FA on July 22 for his involvement in the spying.
The FA hearing is expected around mid-September, with possible appeals extending the process into the season.
Southampton’s Championship campaign begins Sunday, before the FA decision is made.
Intern Will Salt, involved in the spying controversy, is set to be given a permanent analyst job at Southampton.
Club owner Dragan Solak stated in June that Eckert deserves a second chance and would not be sacked by him.
Eckert's contract runs until the end of the season; a long ban could force Southampton to find a new head coach.
The club is preparing for different scenarios depending on FA’s ruling, but currently focuses on the team’s immediate performance.
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Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca spoke cautiously about Rodri’s future amid rumors linking the player to Barcelona and Real Madrid. Rodri recently returned to training after back surgery, and Maresca said the team is focused on preparing for an upcoming match, with transfer decisions still uncertain.
Key Facts
Rodri, a key midfielder for Manchester City, has been linked to a possible transfer to Barcelona.
A photo circulated showing Rodri on a budget flight from Madrid to Liverpool, fueling transfer rumors.
Real Madrid has reportedly cooled interest in Rodri due to the high financial cost.
Rodri recently underwent back surgery but is now fit to return to training.
Manager Enzo Maresca declined to confirm any immediate player transfers and emphasized focusing on the upcoming Community Shield match.
Maresca said the Community Shield is an important trophy and not just a friendly match.
Maresca wants to win the Community Shield as his first trophy as Manchester City manager after Pep Guardiola’s departure.
Manchester City will not make any new signings on the Friday before the match.
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New rules will be introduced in English football for the 2026-27 season to reduce timewasting and speed up the game. These rules include time limits on goal-kicks, throw-ins, substitutions, and player injuries, aiming to keep the ball in play longer and reduce added stoppage time.
Key Facts
The new rules were first tested at the 2022 World Cup and will apply in English football from community matches to the Premier League.
Referees will use a visible countdown of five seconds for goal-kicks and throw-ins, and will penalize teams that delay restarts.
Goalkeepers taking too long on goal-kicks near the end of games can now concede a corner to the opposing team.
Substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds; if not, the replacement player can be delayed for at least one minute, and the team plays with 10 players until then.
Players who cause stoppages for injury treatment must leave the field for one minute to avoid timewasting, even if they do not request treatment.
The time the ball is in play increased at the 2022 World Cup from about 57% to over 60% of match time with similar rules.
The rules focus on changing player behavior rather than harsh punishments, and officials will actively signal countdowns to speed up play.
Some exceptions exist for players leaving the field due to injury or security reasons.
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Tanzid Hasan Tamim became the first Bangladeshi player to score a century in a Test match in Australia. On day two of the first Test in Darwin, Bangladesh scored 351 runs for six wickets, leading Australia by 153 runs.
Key Facts
Tanzid Hasan Tamim scored 101 runs off 197 balls.
This was his second Test match.
Bangladesh was 351 runs for six wickets at the end of day two.
Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 runs on day one.
Tanzid Hasan put on 102 runs with Mominul Haque and 93 runs with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Australia has never lost a home Test match against Bangladesh.
The match is taking place at Marrara Oval in Darwin.
This is the first Test in a two-Test series between Australia and Bangladesh.
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Arsenal Football Club is interested in signing Jarell Quansah, a 23-year-old defender currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen. Talks are at an early stage, and the club is also in discussions to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
Key Facts
Arsenal is exploring a possible transfer for Jarell Quansah, a defender who can play center-back and right-back.
Quansah played for England at this summer’s World Cup and made 44 appearances for Leverkusen last season, scoring five goals.
Liverpool has a right to match any offer for Quansah due to a clause from his previous transfer but currently does not plan to use it.
Arsenal is also negotiating with Aston Villa over Ezri Konsa, but the two clubs disagree on his transfer fee (Villa wants about £60 million, Arsenal values him at around £40 million).
Arsenal's current defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are dealing with injuries.
The interest in Quansah might be part of Arsenal’s strategy to strengthen their defense amid ongoing transfer talks.
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Jimmy Rimmer, a former goalkeeper who won the European Cup with Manchester United and played for Aston Villa, has died at the age of 78. He was part of Manchester United’s 1968 European Cup win and played a key role in Aston Villa’s 1982 European Cup victory.
Key Facts
Jimmy Rimmer was born in Southport and died aged 78.
He was a goalkeeper for Manchester United, Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Swansea City.
Rimmer was on the bench when Manchester United won the 1968 European Cup.
He started the 1982 European Cup final for Aston Villa but left after nine minutes due to a neck injury.
Rimmer played every game during Aston Villa’s run to the 1982 European Cup final and their 1980-81 league title win.
He made 229 league appearances for Aston Villa.
Rimmer won Arsenal’s Player of the Season award in 1974-75.
He played once for England in a friendly match against Italy in 1976.
Aston Villa, Manchester United, Arsenal, and former teammates expressed sadness at his death.
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Prichard Colon, a professional boxer who suffered a severe brain injury during a 2015 fight, has died at age 33. He was in a coma and later a vegetative state for 11 years before passing away, after which his family asked for prayers.
Key Facts
Colon collapsed after a 2015 fight with Terrell Williams where he took repeated illegal punches to the back of his head.
He had brain surgery and was in a coma for 221 days, then lived unable to walk or talk, needing full-time care.
Colon’s parents filed a lawsuit seeking over $50 million against the fight’s doctor and promoters, which is still unresolved.
He was undefeated in 16 professional fights before the injury and had 13 wins by knockout.
Colon won national boxing titles as a teenager and competed in pre-Olympic events.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) honored him after his injury.
Colon was born in Florida and moved to Puerto Rico at age 10.
His family shared the news of his death on social media and thanked supporters for their love and prayers.
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Iga Swiatek won the Canadian Open tennis title by defeating Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3. This victory marked Swiatek’s first title of the season and will boost her confidence before the US Open.
Key Facts
Swiatek won the Canadian Open final in straight sets against Rybakina.
The match took place in Toronto with fans cheering for Swiatek.
Swiatek faced criticism earlier in the season but stayed focused and composed.
Rybakina made many errors and struggled with fatigue during the match.
Swiatek broke Rybakina’s serve multiple times to secure the win.
The win ended Swiatek’s title drought this season.
Swiatek will move back into the top five in world tennis rankings.
Rybakina played longer matches in the tournament, which may have affected her performance.
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Barcelona has dominated Real Madrid in the last two La Liga football seasons and aims to continue this success in the 2026-27 season. With many key players contributing to Spain’s recent World Cup win and a young but strong team, Barcelona looks well-positioned to possibly win the league title again.
Key Facts
Barcelona has won two La Liga titles in a row and hopes to win three in a row.
Real Madrid has changed managers four times in the last year, recently hiring Jose Mourinho again.
Barcelona players played a big part in Spain’s recent World Cup win, unlike Real Madrid players.
Barcelona’s team is young, with only one player over 30 years old.
Defender Pau Cubarsi and midfielder Lamine Yamal are both talented 19-year-olds from Barcelona’s youth academy.
Robert Lewandowski, former Barcelona striker, left for the U.S., but Ferran Torres, who scored 21 goals last season, is expected to lead the attack.
Barcelona has won 13 of the last 25 La Liga titles, while Real Madrid has won 7 in that period.
The last time Barcelona won three La Liga titles in a row was under coach Pep Guardiola, ending with a Champions League win in 2011.
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The Seattle Seahawks aim to repeat as Super Bowl champions while keeping most of their key players and adjusting their coaching staff. The Los Angeles Rams have made big player trades to improve their defense and hope these changes lead to another Super Bowl run. The Los Angeles Chargers look for their new coach to help quarterback Justin Herbert reach his full potential.
Key Facts
The Seahawks won the Super Bowl in February and kept 21 of 22 starters from the championship team.
Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III left the Seahawks and joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
Seahawks hired Brian Fleury as offensive coordinator to maintain passing strategies with new running game ideas.
The Rams traded to strengthen their defense, including acquiring Myles Garrett, a top pass rusher.
The Rams consider adding Aaron Donald, who might end his retirement to play again.
Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford, 38 years old, needs to stay healthy for their success.
The Chargers have talented quarterback Justin Herbert but seek better coaching to unlock his skills.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh aims to support Herbert’s development this season.
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Tanzid Hasan became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test century in Australia during the first Test match against Australia in Darwin. Bangladesh ended the second day leading by 153 runs with six batsmen still not out.
Key Facts
Tanzid Hasan scored 101 runs in his second Test match, marking a milestone for Bangladesh cricket in Australia.
Bangladesh reached 351 runs for 6 wickets at the end of the second day.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 84 runs.
Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 runs on the first day.
Australian fielder Steve Smith took three catches in the second innings, tying the record for most catches by a fielder in Tests.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained not out with 32 runs at stumps.
Bangladesh is aiming for its first-ever Test win in Australia, their third attempt.
The match is played in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
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South Korea’s Pro Footballers Association wants to change the K League football season from spring-fall to fall-spring to avoid the hot summer months. Players are concerned about extreme heat causing health problems and want better protection during matches.
Key Facts
The KPFA suggests moving the K League season to align with other Asian and European leagues to avoid summer heat.
August temperatures reached record highs, with Yangsan hitting 42.5°C (108.5°F), causing health warnings.
Extreme heat led to suspending a Korean baseball league for a week.
A player survey showed 86.2% felt the heat caused physical problems like dizziness and dehydration during matches.
Players want more cooling breaks and better heat-response rules during games.
Winter cold (below freezing) in South Korea makes changing the schedule difficult, but a winter break could help.
Suggestions include improving stadium heating and installing hybrid grass to deal with weather changes.
A rugby player in Japan recently died from severe heatstroke, highlighting risks of training in extreme heat.
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