Indiana University's football team has transformed from one of the worst programs in college football into a top contender, winning its first national championship. The team, led by coach and star quarterback Fernando Mendoza, has overcome a history of losing and low recruitment to achieve great success.
Key Facts
Indiana University football had more than 700 losses and was considered a losing program before this change.
The Hoosiers won their first national championship after an undefeated regular season and several postseason victories.
Fernando Mendoza, the team's quarterback, was once a middling player but recently won the Heisman Trophy and became the top NFL draft pick.
Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana, is 65 years old but now hosts a highly successful football team.
Historically, Indiana was known more for basketball than football and struggled to recruit offensive and defensive linemen.
The team defeated the then-defending national champion Ohio State to win the Big Ten title, their first conference championship since 1967.
The transformation was led by a new coach who was previously overlooked and worked with players not highly recruited.
Don Fischer, the longtime radio voice for Indiana football, describes the recent success as greater than a simple turnaround.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Indiana University's football team had a long history of losing but recently changed that by winning a national championship. Head coach Curt Cignetti and quarterback Fernando Mendoza played key roles in the team’s success during this historic season.
Key Facts
Indiana University’s football team was previously known for losing games.
The team recently had a historic season.
They won a national championship this season.
Curt Cignetti is the head coach of the team.
Fernando Mendoza is the team’s quarterback.
Both Cignetti and Mendoza were important to the team’s winning streak.
This success marks a big change for Indiana University football.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Las Vegas Raiders picked Fernando Mendoza as their new quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. Mendoza is learning from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is helping him understand the team’s plays and strategies during practice.
Key Facts
Fernando Mendoza was the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Raiders.
Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Indiana Hoosiers in college.
Kirk Cousins, a veteran quarterback, joined the Raiders to support Mendoza’s transition to the NFL.
Mendoza learns from Cousins’ experience, especially with their shared coach Klint Kubiak.
Mendoza listens carefully to Cousins to understand the offense and game plans better.
The Raiders’ coaches helping Mendoza include offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan.
Kirk Cousins was the starting quarterback for the Raiders after a minor practice scuffle incident.
The Raiders’ preseason games start with a match against the Arizona Cardinals on August 13.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Kansas City Royals are likely to try to sign San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King this offseason if he chooses to leave his current team. A report predicts King could get a four-year, $104 million contract with the Royals, which would improve their pitching lineup.
Key Facts
Michael King is a pitcher for the San Diego Padres.
He may become a free agent if he opts out of his current contract.
Bleacher Report predicts King will sign a four-year, $104 million deal with the Kansas City Royals.
The Royals recently traded pitcher Kris Bubic to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
King has a 3.37 earned run average (ERA) and 120 strikeouts in 24 starts this season.
King would become one of the Royals’ top starting pitchers if signed.
The Royals are looking to improve their pitching rotation going into the new season.
King is a 6-foot-3 right-handed pitcher.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Don Nelson, a famous basketball coach and player, died at the age of 86. He was well-known for coaching four NBA teams and playing for the Boston Celtics.
Key Facts
Don Nelson was 86 years old when he died.
He was a Hall of Fame basketball coach.
Nelson coached four different NBA teams during his career.
He also played for the Boston Celtics.
Nelson was recognized as one of the greats in basketball history.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Dillon Radunz tore his ACL during training camp, ending his season early. Radunz had been expected to be a key player on the offensive line but will now miss the year due to injury.
Key Facts
Dillon Radunz suffered a torn ACL during Saints training camp.
Radunz joined the Saints last year on a one-year contract and started 10 games in the previous season.
He signed a new two-year deal with New Orleans before the current season.
Radunz was expected to be the starting right guard for the Saints in 2024.
Other players like David Edwards, Easton Kilty, Cesar Ruiz, and Jeremiah Wright will fill his position.
Radunz was drafted in 2021 by the Tennessee Titans as the 53rd overall pick.
He tore his ACL once before in December 2022, which cut his previous season short.
Radunz played college football at North Dakota State and earned honors as a top player there.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham and Chicago Sky player DiJonai Carrington were involved in a heated incident during a basketball game where Carrington hit Cunningham in the face and was ejected. After the game, Carrington made a comment about "white privilege" on social media, which Cunningham addressed by saying the situation was not about race and that the league is handling it.
Key Facts
The incident happened during a WNBA game between Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky.
Carrington was ejected after hitting Cunningham in the face during a play.
Officials separated the two players after a heated exchange on the court.
Cunningham said Carrington’s action was intentional and unnecessary.
Carrington posted "White privilege" on social media while tagging Cunningham after the ejection.
Cunningham responded by saying the issue was not about race and that she had also been ejected in the past for similar actions.
Fans and analysts debated whether Carrington’s foul deserved an ejection, with opinions divided.
Cunningham believes the league will deal with the situation properly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
At the New York Yankees' 78th Old-Timers' Day, catcher Austin Wells honored former Yankees star Thurman Munson by dressing and looking like him. Munson’s wife, Diana, attended the event and was moved to tears by the tribute, which she said was one of the most beautiful she had seen in baseball.
Key Facts
Austin Wells dressed in old-fashioned gear and shaved his mustache to look like Thurman Munson.
Thurman Munson died in a plane crash on August 2, 1979, at age 32.
The tribute happened six days after the 47th anniversary of Munson’s death.
Diana Munson, Thurman’s wife, was present and deeply touched by the tribute.
Wells walked Diana Munson onto the field during introductions.
Munson played 11 seasons with the Yankees after being drafted fourth overall in 1968.
Munson was the 1970 AL Rookie of the Year and 1976 AL Most Valuable Player.
Munson helped the Yankees win World Series titles in 1977 and 1978, and his No.15 jersey was retired in 1979.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Las Vegas Aces rested their top three players for a game against the New York Liberty due to a tough schedule with back-to-back games less than 24 hours apart. Head coach Becky Hammon criticized the WNBA schedule, saying it is harder than the NBA's. The Aces lost the previous game to Minnesota and are fighting for a playoff spot.
Key Facts
The Las Vegas Aces rested star players A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray for the game against the New York Liberty.
The Aces played two games in less than 24 hours, traveling from Minnesota to New York.
Becky Hammon said the WNBA schedule is very tough and suggested the NBA does not have such short rest between games.
A’ja Wilson leads the WNBA in scoring (26.3 points per game) and blocks (2 per game), also ranking third in rebounds (9.7 per game).
Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray rank fourth and fifth in assists per game in the WNBA.
The New York Liberty had rested longer and had their top players available for the game.
The Aces are currently in third place in the WNBA playoff standings but are closely followed by the Indiana Fever.
Without their top scorers in the game, the Aces’ chances of winning were reduced, but they still have other strong players like NaLyssa Smith and Jewell Lloyd.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Caitlin Clark’s eighth technical foul in the WNBA was taken back after review, so she will not be suspended and can play in the upcoming game against the New York Liberty. The foul was given because an official thought Clark made intentional contact, but Clark and the Fever’s coach said the contact was accidental after a bump from an opponent.
Key Facts
Caitlin Clark got her eighth technical foul during a game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky.
This foul normally leads to a one-game suspension and a $1,500 fine.
The WNBA took back the foul less than two hours after the game ended.
Clark was considered eligible to play in the next game on Tuesday against the New York Liberty.
The technical foul was called because an official thought Clark intentionally touched a referee.
Clark said the contact was accidental, caused by a bump from a Chicago Sky player.
Fever coach Stephanie White also got a technical foul for reacting to the call against Clark.
The coach said officials need to be more aware and that similar incidents happen regularly in games.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kayla McBride, a guard for the Minnesota Lynx, set a new WNBA record by making 10 three-point shots in a single game. She scored 43 points in total, helping the Lynx win 103-90 against the Dallas Wings.
Key Facts
Kayla McBride made 10 three-pointers in one game, the most ever in the WNBA.
She made 10 out of 14 three-point attempts.
McBride scored a career-high 43 points in the game.
The previous WNBA record for three-pointers in a game was nine.
The old record had been reached eight times before, including twice this season by Marina Mabrey.
McBride broke the record with 2 minutes and 23 seconds left in the game.
The Minnesota Lynx won the game against the Dallas Wings with a score of 103-90.
The game took place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Minneapolis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Joaquin Niemann won the LIV Golf New York event, marking his ninth LIV victory. Jon Rahm secured his third straight season title, even though he finished tied for 41st in the event.
Key Facts
Joaquin Niemann led all 72 holes and finished 16 under par to win by three strokes.
Niemann has won nine LIV Golf events overall, more than any other player.
The LIV Golf New York event took place at Trump National Bedminster in New Jersey.
Jon Rahm finished with a round of 76 and tied for 41st place in the tournament.
Rahm has a 219-point lead over Bryson DeChambeau, making his season title secure before the final event.
Rahm has won two events this season and had four second-place finishes.
The LIV Golf season will end with a team championship in Michigan from August 27-30.
President Donald Trump met with Niemann after his win.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Monique Akoa Makani recently joined the Los Angeles Sparks basketball team and is expected to possibly become a starting player soon. She has impressed her coach and teammates with her defense, quick learning, and leadership despite being early in her WNBA career.
Key Facts
Monique Akoa Makani was traded from the Phoenix Mercury to the Los Angeles Sparks, with the Sparks also receiving future draft picks.
She made her debut for the Sparks against the Chicago Sky and played as a reserve in the following game.
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said Akoa Makani could become a starter in the future due to her strong defense and quick understanding of team strategies.
Akoa Makani was selected for the 2025 WNBA All-Rookie Team and has professional playing experience in France.
Her teammates appreciate her leadership, energy, and positive influence on the team.
She has won titles in the French basketball leagues and earned several individual honors.
Akoa Makani’s attitude is to support her team in any way to help them win games.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
During a recent WNBA game, DiJonai Carrington committed a hard foul on Sophie Cunningham, which led to Carrington’s ejection. Cunningham spoke openly about the incident, saying the foul was unnecessary, while the league is reviewing the foul and Carrington’s controversial social media post that followed.
Key Facts
The foul happened during the first quarter of the Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky game.
Carrington hit Cunningham’s face and neck while Cunningham was making a fast-break layup.
The referees upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2, which resulted in Carrington’s ejection.
Cunningham said she has no personal issues with Carrington despite the hard foul.
Carrington posted a controversial message about "white privilege" on social media after the game.
Cunningham said the foul and ejection had nothing to do with race and expects the league to respond.
Cunningham was previously ejected last year for a Flagrant 2 foul during a different game.
The league will likely fine Carrington for the foul and possibly for the social media post as well.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for the new NFL season while focusing on their own high standards instead of outside opinions. The team aims to improve after winning their division and making the playoffs last year, with Lawrence playing all games and performing strongly.
Key Facts
The Jaguars won the AFC South last season with a 13-4 record.
They reached the playoffs for the first time since 2022 but lost in the Wild Card Round to the Buffalo Bills, 27-24.
Trevor Lawrence played in all 17 games last season, throwing for 4,007 yards, 29 touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Lawrence also had career highs in rushing with 359 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Lawrence says the team focuses on internal expectations rather than outside opinions or criticism.
The Jaguars practice at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville during August.
Their first preseason game is on August 15 against the New Orleans Saints.
The regular season starts on September 13, when the Jaguars face the Cleveland Browns.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The New York Yankees are being considered a top team interested in trading for Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras during the baseball offseason. Contreras is expected to become a free agent soon, and the Brewers may trade him before that, with the Yankees aiming to strengthen their catcher position.
Key Facts
William Contreras is a star catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Contreras will enter free agency after the upcoming season.
The Brewers often trade top players before they reach free agency.
The Brewers have a replacement catcher, Bo Naylor, who was acquired recently.
The New York Yankees showed a need to improve their catcher spot this year.
Contreras is a three-time All-Star player with solid batting stats this season.
If traded, Contreras would improve the Yankees’ offense and catching lineup.
Other teams interested in Contreras include the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The San Diego Padres are expected to sign pitcher Freddy Peralta as a free agent this offseason. Peralta, who had a strong 2025 season but a weaker 2026 season, could strengthen the Padres’ pitching lineup.
Key Facts
Freddy Peralta is a pitcher currently linked to the San Diego Padres.
He is a pending unrestricted free agent, meaning he can sign with any team.
Kerry Miller predicts Peralta will get a four-year contract worth $84 million with the Padres.
The Padres need new pitchers as many of their current starters will leave in free agency.
Peralta had a good 2025 season with a 17-6 win-loss record and an earned run average (ERA) of 2.70.
His 2026 season was less successful, with a 5-9 record and a 5.37 ERA over 23 games.
Peralta has been selected twice as an All-Star, recognizing him as one of the better players in the league.
The Padres see him as a good fit to improve their starting pitching rotation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rangers football team has started the new season poorly under their coach Derek McInnes, losing their first three games and conceding five goals. The team is struggling with poor defense and inconsistency in player selection, raising concerns ahead of important upcoming matches.
Key Facts
Rangers have played three games in nine days without a win.
They conceded five goals and fell behind in the first half in all three matches.
Coach Derek McInnes has used three different defensive lineups in the three matches.
The team is struggling to score goals and break down strong defenses.
A recent home defeat to Hibernian included a penalty against Rangers.
McInnes has expressed frustration and called for better defense and more effort.
Former players and analysts have noted a lack of consistency and poor performance.
Upcoming Europa League qualification matches are seen as critical for the team.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Don Nelson, the NBA’s second-winningest coach, has died at age 86. He was known for his innovative coaching style and significant impact on teams like the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Dallas Mavericks.
Key Facts
Don Nelson ranks second in NBA history for most coaching wins.
He coached the Golden State Warriors during two important periods, including the 2007 playoff upset over the Dallas Mavericks.
Nelson helped develop the idea of the "point forward," a player who handles the ball and passes like a point guard but plays forward.
He won three NBA Coach of the Year awards and led the Milwaukee Bucks to seven straight division titles.
Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
He was well-known for his personality and often wore distinctive fish-themed ties on the sidelines.
Nelson played a key role in shaping basketball strategies used by many coaches and players today.
The Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks both issued statements mourning his death and praising his legacy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Don Nelson, a former NBA player and coach, died at age 86. He won five NBA championships as a player and became the NBA’s winningest coach, known for his innovative coaching style.
Key Facts
Don Nelson played 14 NBA seasons, mostly with the Boston Celtics, winning five championships.
He coached in the NBA for 30 years with four teams: Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors.
Nelson was named NBA Coach of the Year three times.
He introduced new strategies like the "point forward" position and a fast-paced offense.
Nelson coached Stephen Curry and helped build the Golden State Warriors into a strong team.
He also served as general manager for three teams during his career.
Nelson was known for his creativity and bold approach to basketball.
He battled prostate cancer and was declared cancer-free after surgery.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
