The Green Bay Packers are using last season’s tough ending as motivation for the upcoming year. Wide receiver Christian Watson, who recently signed a $110.5 million contract, said the team wants to improve on finishing critical moments in games to avoid recent late-game losses.
Key Facts
The Packers started last season with a 9-3-1 record but lost their last five games.
Star pass-rusher Micah Parsons tore his ACL in Week 15 and missed the rest of the season.
The Packers lost in the Wild-Card Round to the Chicago Bears by a close score of 31-27.
Christian Watson missed part of last season due to an ACL injury but finished with 35 catches, 611 yards, and six touchdowns in 10 games.
Watson signed a four-year deal worth $110.5 million with the Packers in June.
The team traded Dontayvion Wicks and lost Romeo Doubs in free agency, increasing the importance of Watson.
Parsons is expected to start the new season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Watson said the team is focusing on “finishing” better in games, practices, and drills this season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Croatia won their first match at the 2026 World Cup by beating Panama 1-0. The only goal was scored by substitute Ante Budimir in the second half, which eliminated Panama from advancing in the tournament.
Key Facts
Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in a Group L match at the 2026 World Cup.
Ante Budimir scored the only goal in the 54th minute after coming on as a substitute.
The win gave Croatia their first points in the tournament.
Panama was eliminated from the group stage with this loss.
Croatia captain Luka Modric played his 200th international match during the game.
Both teams needed a win because a 0-0 draw between England and Ghana meant the losing team would be out of the knockout round.
Croatia nearly scored another goal but missed a chance shortly after Budimir’s goal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
England played a goalless draw against Ghana in their second World Cup group match, after an exciting win over Croatia. Despite controlling most of the game, England struggled to break through Ghana’s strong defense but remain in a good position to qualify for the next round.
Key Facts
England held Ghana to a 0-0 draw in their second World Cup group game.
England had 78.2% of possession but could not score against Ghana’s strong defense.
Ghana’s coach, Carlos Queiroz, praised his team for making it hard for England to find solutions.
England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel said it was tough to break down Ghana’s deep defensive setup.
England leads Group L and are likely to advance to the last 32 of the tournament.
Players Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford may soon take important wide positions for England.
Captain Harry Kane was closely marked and had limited impact in the first half.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney suggested changes for the upcoming game against Panama to improve crossing and attacking options.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa as the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. Dybantsa played one season at BYU, where he was the top scorer in the country.
Key Facts
AJ Dybantsa was chosen first overall by the Washington Wizards in the NBA draft.
He scored an average of 25.5 points per game at BYU.
Dybantsa set a BYU freshman scoring record with 43 points in one game.
He is 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 217 pounds.
People compare him to Kevin Durant, a star player from the Washington area.
Dybantsa was chosen over Darryn Peterson, who went No. 2 to Utah.
Cameron Boozer was picked No. 3 by Memphis.
Dybantsa appeared to pray briefly before going on stage to meet NBA commissioner Adam Silver and put on a Wizards hat.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Washington Wizards picked AJ Dybantsa as the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Wizards hope Dybantsa will help improve the team, which has only made the playoffs once in eight years.
Key Facts
AJ Dybantsa, a small forward from BYU, was chosen first overall by the Washington Wizards.
The Utah Jazz selected Darryn Peterson, a combo guard from Kansas, with the second pick.
Cameron Boozer from Duke was picked third by the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Chicago Bulls took Caleb Wilson, a forward from North Carolina, with the fourth pick.
The Wizards' top players include Trae Young, who recently signed a $212 million contract, and Anthony Davis, acquired via trade.
The Wizards have struggled recently and are counting on Dybantsa to help make them competitive again.
The last time the Wizards had the first overall pick was in 2010 when they chose John Wall.
The Eastern Conference is competitive, with recent events such as the Knicks winning a title and Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to the Miami Heat.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts signed a three-year contract worth $54 million, making it the biggest three-year deal ever for a tight end in the NFL. Pitts performed well last season with 928 yards and five touchdowns, which helped secure the deal. The Falcons also face questions about their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
Key Facts
Kyle Pitts was the 4th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Falcons.
He had a 1,000-yard receiving season as a rookie in 2021.
Pitts recorded 928 yards and 5 touchdowns on 88 catches in 17 games in 2023.
His new contract is three years long, worth $54 million, with $36 million fully guaranteed.
This contract is the largest three-year deal ever signed by a tight end.
Wide receiver Drake London recently signed a four-year, $141 million extension with the Falcons.
Running back Bijan Robinson is expected to get an even bigger contract extension soon.
The Falcons are deciding between quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job. Penix is recovering from knee surgery, while Tagovailoa recently joined the team.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jalen Brunson’s mom, Sandra, has kept a habit of texting him before every basketball game since he was in high school to offer encouragement. She and Jalen started a nonprofit to support mental health and help young people succeed through sports and education.
Key Facts
Sandra Brunson texts her son, NBA player Jalen Brunson, before every game with encouraging messages.
This tradition began when Jalen was in high school and continues even though he plays many professional games each season.
Jalen told his mom she can just say "I love you" if she wants, but she still sends messages.
Jalen and Sandra Brunson co-founded The Second Round Foundation, a nonprofit focused on mental health and youth empowerment.
Sandra emphasizes the importance of mental health for young athletes to do well on and off the court.
She taught Jalen that being a leader means helping teammates feel confident and comfortable in their roles.
Sandra advised that one play doesn’t decide a game; it’s how a player responds that matters.
The interview with Sandra Brunson aired on CBS Mornings on June 26.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Athletics player Zack Gelof left a game in the second inning after hurting his right hand. The injury happened when Giants player Matt Chapman stepped on Gelof's hand during a play at second base.
Key Facts
Zack Gelof is an infielder for the Athletics baseball team.
The injury occurred during a game against the San Francisco Giants.
Matt Chapman, a Giants player, stepped on Gelof's right hand.
The play happened at second base during a tag attempt.
Gelof left the game immediately because of the injury.
The injury appeared serious or painful.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Becky Hammon, coach of the Aces basketball team, said she was wrong to criticize Knicks player Jalen Brunson before but will not apologize for her opinion. She also described Brunson as an unusual case in her view.
Key Facts
Becky Hammon is the coach of the Aces basketball team.
She previously criticized Jalen Brunson, a Knicks player.
On Tuesday night, she said her previous opinion about Brunson was wrong.
Hammon chose not to apologize for expressing her opinion.
She referred to Brunson as an "outlier," meaning he is different or unusual compared to others.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jalen Brunson’s mother, Sandra Brunson, says she sends him encouraging text messages before every basketball game. She has done this since he was in high school, and Jalen still appreciates these messages.
Key Facts
Sandra Brunson is Jalen Brunson’s mother.
She has sent him encouraging texts before every game since high school.
Jalen Brunson is a star player for the New York Knicks.
Jalen looks forward to receiving these messages.
The interview was featured on CBS Mornings with Dr. Jon LaPook.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sandra Brunson, mother of NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, shared advice she gave him about leadership. She told him that a good leader understands that every teammate has a specific job and should feel confident and comfortable in their role.
Key Facts
Sandra Brunson is the mother of Jalen Brunson, the NBA Finals MVP.
She spoke about the leadership advice she gave her son.
She emphasized the importance of recognizing that every teammate has a job to do.
She said a leader should make sure teammates feel comfortable and believe in their roles.
The interview with Sandra Brunson aired on "CBS Mornings" with Dr. Jon LaPook.
The advice reflects on teamwork and leadership in basketball.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
England and Ghana played a 0-0 draw in their second match of the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup group stage. Jude Bellingham was named Player of the Match but said he did not deserve it and praised Ghana’s defense.
Key Facts
England won their first game 4-2 against Croatia, with goals from Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Marcus Rashford.
England and Ghana drew 0-0 in their second group match at Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts.
Jude Bellingham received Player of the Match but said the award should have gone to a Ghana player who defended well.
Ghana played for a draw because it was enough for them to advance in the tournament.
England is ranked 4th and Ghana is ranked 73rd in the FIFA Men's World Rankings.
Ghana has not conceded any goals yet and has faced 30 shots without conceding, the most in the tournament so far.
Both England and Ghana have 4 points in Group L; England leads the group by goal difference.
England will play Panama, and Ghana will face Croatia next; the top two teams from the group will move on to the knockout stage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The NCAA approved a new rule allowing Division I athletes five seasons of play within five years starting from either full-time enrollment or the academic year after their 19th birthday. This change replaces the old rule giving athletes five years to play four seasons and aims to simplify eligibility and reduce legal disputes.
Key Facts
Division I athletes can now compete in five seasons over five years, starting from full-time enrollment or after turning 19.
The previous rule allowed five years to complete four playing seasons, starting at enrollment regardless of age.
Exceptions for extending eligibility now only apply to religious missions, maternity leave, or active military service. Injuries no longer qualify for extra eligibility.
The NCAA hopes the new age-based model will make rules easier to manage and help coaches plan their rosters better.
The rule passed unanimously by the Division I Cabinet and will take effect starting in the fall of 2027.
Current athletes and some incoming freshmen can choose to use the new rule or the old one until 2026-27.
The change comes as part of broader legislation addressing college sports issues, including lawsuits over eligibility and athlete compensation.
Legal experts say the new rule could reduce eligibility lawsuits but athletes might still challenge NCAA rules through courts on other grounds.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Colombia and DR Congo are playing a Group K match at the World Cup 2026 in Estadio Guadalajara. Colombia seeks another win to secure top place in their group, while DR Congo aims for a win or draw to strengthen their chances of advancing to the next round.
Key Facts
The match is part of Group K in the 2026 World Cup.
Colombia won their first game against Uzbekistan with goals from Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz, and Jaminton Campaz.
DR Congo earned their first-ever World Cup point by drawing with Portugal.
DR Congo’s goal against Portugal was scored by Yoane Wissa before halftime.
Colombia and DR Congo both want to advance to the round of 32 in the tournament.
The match is being played at Estadio Guadalajara.
A Colombia win today would give them control of Group K before facing Portugal next.
DR Congo’s veteran player Cédric Bakambu played strongly in their draw against Portugal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals for Portugal in their 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, marking his first World Cup goals in this tournament. With these goals, he became the first player to score in six World Cups and Portugal’s top scorer in World Cup history.
Key Facts
Ronaldo scored twice in the first half against Uzbekistan.
Portugal won the match 5-0.
Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments.
He passed Eusebio as Portugal’s leading World Cup goal scorer.
Ronaldo’s coach, Roberto Martinez, praised his attitude and influence on the team.
Uzbekistan’s coach Fabio Cannavaro highlighted Ronaldo’s skill and professionalism.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulated Ronaldo on his achievement.
Ronaldo had not scored in the earlier matches but was able to make an important impact in this game.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
England and Ghana played a World Cup match that ended 0-0. Near the end, Ghana's Prince Adu was brought down in the penalty area by England's Ezri Konsa, but the referee did not award a penalty and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not review the play.
Key Facts
The potential penalty happened late in the match when Ghana was attacking.
Ezri Konsa appeared to bring down Prince Adu without touching the ball.
Some former players and experts said it should have been a penalty for Ghana.
VAR did not review the incident because FIFA wants fewer video reviews unless it is very clear.
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of referees, has set stricter rules for when VAR can intervene.
Darren Cann, a former World Cup assistant referee, said the decision not to award a penalty was wrong.
England played safely without the penalty and the match ended in a goalless draw.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses three surprising possibilities for the 2026 NBA Draft involving major team trades. It suggests that the Washington Wizards might trade the first pick, the Los Angeles Clippers could exchange their fifth pick for a star player, and the San Antonio Spurs may trade De'Aaron Fox to the Milwaukee Bucks to get a promising center.
Key Facts
The NBA Draft is expected to be very talent-rich and full of surprising moves.
The Washington Wizards might trade the No. 1 draft pick to the Utah Jazz for a slightly lower pick and other assets.
The Los Angeles Clippers hold the No. 5 pick and could trade it for an established star like Jaylen Brown or Kevin Durant.
Milwaukee Bucks recently traded Giannis Antetokounmpo but need a point guard.
The Spurs might trade point guard De'Aaron Fox to the Bucks for a draft pick.
Aday Mara, a tall center with shooting skills, is a player that Spurs might want to develop.
These moves could change team futures and impact playoff chances significantly.
The article highlights how trades and draft picks can reshape the NBA landscape quickly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jim Mitchell, who played eight seasons as a defensive lineman for the Detroit Lions in the NFL, died on June 20 at age 77. After his football career, he became a successful car dealer in Virginia and served on a state motor vehicle board.
Key Facts
Jim Mitchell played for the Detroit Lions from 1970 to 1977.
He appeared in 102 games and made 18 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.
Mitchell was born in Danville, Virginia, and attended Virginia State University, a historically Black college.
He was drafted in the third round of the 1970 NFL draft by the Lions.
He played both defensive end and defensive tackle positions.
Mitchell started in the Lions’ only playoff game during his rookie season in 1970.
After retiring from football, Mitchell owned several car dealerships, including Jim Mitchell Hyundai.
He served on Virginia’s Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, appointed by the governor.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The San Francisco 49ers will start their 2026 training camp in late July, preparing for the upcoming NFL preseason games in August. A key focus will be the competition for the second wide receiver spot, with players Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Christian Kirk competing to join top receiver Mike Evans.
Key Facts
The 49ers rookies begin training camp on July 18, and veterans on July 25.
The NFL preseason starts August 6 with the Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals game.
Mike Evans is expected to be the leading wide receiver when healthy, known for 75 catches and 1,000 yards.
Ricky Pearsall is a former first-round pick but has struggled with injuries and consistency.
Christian Kirk has had two strong past seasons but has been inconsistent recently due to injuries.
De’Zhaun Stribling was the 49ers’ 33rd overall draft pick in 2026 and is viewed as a promising, physical, and fast player.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is optimistic about Stribling’s potential to earn the WR2 job.
The wide receiver position battle is important as the team builds its depth chart for the 2026 season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Marvin Mims, a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, says the 2026 season might be his last with the team before he becomes a free agent in 2027. He has been a strong player on special teams and has received awards like Pro Bowl nominations and All-Pro honors.
Key Facts
Marvin Mims was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft.
He has scored two touchdowns as a kick and punt returner.
Mims earned Pro Bowl nominations in 2023 and 2024 and got All-Pro honors twice.
He said the 2026 season could be his last with the Broncos before free agency in 2027.
Mims enjoys playing for Denver and appreciates the city, fans, teammates, and coaches.
He has caught 98 passes for 1,202 yards and eight touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons.
The Broncos reached the AFC Championship Game last season and aim for another strong run.
With quarterback Bo Nix recovering from injury, Mims might have an important role in 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
