New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave an update on player Giancarlo Stanton, saying Stanton is now outside and moving during his rehab. Stanton has struggled with injuries and has not played many games recently, but the Yankees need his power hitting as they compete in their division.
Key Facts
Aaron Boone reported that Giancarlo Stanton has started taking swings and is now outside and moving in his recovery.
Stanton has been frequently injured and has not played 115 games in a season since 2021.
This season, Stanton has played only 24 games; last season, he played 77.
Stanton is primarily a designated hitter, a role focused on batting.
The Yankees are competing for position in the AL East, trying to catch the Tampa Bay Rays and stay ahead of the Boston Red Sox.
Stanton's return, along with teammate Aaron Judge, is important for the Yankees' power offense.
Boone’s choice of words ("outdoors and moving") to describe Stanton’s condition is usually used for very serious health recoveries.
The update gives cautious hope that Stanton is progressing but still has recovery steps to take.
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The Atlanta Falcons signed running back Bijan Robinson to a three-year contract extension, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The deal is worth up to $75 million, with $51 million guaranteed.
Key Facts
Bijan Robinson plays for the Atlanta Falcons and was drafted in 2023 as the 8th overall pick.
The contract extension is for three years and worth up to $75 million.
Robinson will earn $51 million guaranteed and $37 million upon signing.
He will make $22.25 million per year, surpassing the previous highest-paid running back, Saquon Barkley's $20.6 million per year.
Robinson led the NFL in scrimmage yards with 2,298 and had 1,478 rushing yards last season.
He scored the longest touchdown last season, a 93-yard rush.
Over three seasons, Robinson has 3,910 rushing yards, 1,738 receiving yards, and 34 total touchdowns.
The Detroit Lions are negotiating a contract extension for Jahmyr Gibbs that could become the highest-paid running back deal.
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Larry Fitzgerald played for the Arizona Cardinals for 17 years as a top NFL wide receiver. He is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, celebrated for his records and loyalty to one team throughout his career.
Key Facts
Larry Fitzgerald was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2004 as the third overall pick.
He played his entire 17-year career with the Cardinals.
Fitzgerald holds the NFL record for most receiving yards in a single postseason with 546 yards in 2008.
In Super Bowl XLIII, he caught two touchdowns and 127 yards, but the Cardinals lost to the Steelers 27-23.
He is known for his size (6-foot-3, 218 pounds) and speed.
Fitzgerald values the relationships he built with Cardinals staff, including learning life skills like doing laundry.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Canton, Ohio.
He considers his long-term commitment to one team a special part of his career.
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The Boston Red Sox traded their top prospect, Marcelo Mayer, to the San Francisco Giants. Mayer, who struggled to perform at the Major League level despite many chances, expressed excitement about his new opportunity rather than disappointment.
Key Facts
Marcelo Mayer was once the No. 1 prospect in the Red Sox system.
He was traded to the San Francisco Giants as the Red Sox pursue a playoff spot.
Mayer spent parts of five seasons in the minor leagues before reaching the majors.
His batting performance in the MLB has been below expectations, with a low batting average and on-base percentages.
The Red Sox gave Mayer playing time at shortstop and second base but he did not stand out.
Mayer’s reaction to the trade was positive, saying he was excited for a fresh start.
The trade did not attract much attention or controversy among baseball fans and experts.
Mayer was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and played high school baseball in California.
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The Miami Marlins decided not to trade their top pitcher, Sandy Alcantara, at the MLB trade deadline. Although they traded some other players, Alcantara will stay with the Marlins through this season as they try to reach the playoffs.
Key Facts
The Marlins traded Liam Hicks but kept their best pitcher, Sandy Alcantara.
Alcantara is 30 years old and is considered the team's ace, meaning their top pitcher.
The Marlins are close to qualifying for the National League Wild Card spot.
Alcantara led the league with 24 starts and over 156 innings pitched this season.
He won the Cy Young Award in 2022, an important prize for the best pitchers.
Alcantara’s contract ends after this season unless the Marlins decide to keep him with a $21 million option.
The Marlins have refused to trade Alcantara for years despite offers.
If the team doesn’t pick up his contract option, Alcantara might leave after this season.
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The Detroit Tigers decided very late to stop trying for the playoffs this season and began trading away key players. This decision came after the team showed some recent good performances but still faced tough competition in their division and the wild card race.
Key Facts
The Tigers were close to first place in the AL Central and near a wild card spot with almost two months left in the season.
The team decided to sell players just five days before the MLB trade deadline.
Pitcher Tarik Skubal made his last start for the Tigers the day they decided to sell and was traded shortly after to the Dodgers.
The Tigers had a strong performance in July with a 15-9 record.
Skubal is leaving because he is a free agent and was unlikely to sign again with Detroit.
Despite being close in the standings, the Tigers felt their chances to make the playoffs were too low due to needing to pass many teams.
Last year, the Tigers were one win away from the AL Championship Series but are now unlikely to compete in the postseason.
The team’s change in strategy happened suddenly, disappointing fans who had hoped for a playoff run.
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Jaylen Brown feels disrespected after being traded from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers and is motivated to win in the upcoming NBA season. The 76ers, now with several star players including Brown and LeBron James, are seen as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Key Facts
Jaylen Brown was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Brown said he feels disrespected by how the trade happened but wants to use that feeling to motivate himself.
Brown received an official 76ers jersey and plans to help the team win.
The 76ers now have four players who each averaged over 20 points per game last season.
LeBron James joined the 76ers with a two-year contract.
Brown won the NBA championship and Finals MVP with the Celtics in 2024.
The 76ers have not won an NBA championship since 1983.
The 76ers and Celtics will play preseason games in October, which may show Brown playing against his former team.
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FIFA has denied reports that its President Gianni Infantino tried to get support from US President Donald Trump’s administration after a failed plan to sell part of the World Cup commercial rights. The plan to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial assets faced strong opposition and was dropped.
Key Facts
FIFA said Infantino did not call President Trump or his administration recently.
A report claimed Infantino tried to reach Trump by phone but failed.
Infantino’s idea was to sell about 20% of a new company managing World Cup events to private investors.
This plan could have raised up to $4.2 billion but was stopped due to resistance.
The failed plan has increased doubts about Infantino’s chances to stay FIFA President after 2027.
Infantino and Trump have a history of attending football events together and have a friendly relationship.
The proposed deal involved Thrive Capital, linked to a relative of Trump’s family.
FIFA member countries like Sri Lanka and Qatar showed support for Infantino after the controversy.
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Women’s flag football is growing quickly in colleges across the U.S. It is expected to become an official NCAA championship sport as soon as 2028, with more than 120 schools starting teams this year. The sport will also appear in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Key Facts
Women’s flag football is currently an NCAA “emerging sport” with over 120 schools planning teams this academic year.
A vote to make it an official NCAA championship sport will take place in January for all divisions (I, II, and III).
Flag football already has championship status in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), with a title game scheduled for May.
The first NCAA Division I championship could feature schools without a strong tackle football history, like Cal Poly, which has recruited top players.
Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.
Coaches and players are currently preparing for the sport’s growth, including organizing schedules and recruiting.
Some programs are led by experienced coaches, like Nebraska’s coach Liz Sowers, who has won five NAIA titles.
The sport is gaining more respect and popularity, partly due to support from USA Football and connections to youth and national teams.
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Top football leaders in Africa have shown support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he dropped a controversial plan to sell future World Cup revenue. While other regions have lost confidence in Infantino, African officials remain hopeful he can keep his job and continue funding football development in their countries.
Key Facts
Five influential African football leaders publicly support FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino abandoned a plan to raise $4.2 billion from selling a stake in future World Cup earnings due to pressure.
African football officials will discuss this abandoned plan at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) meeting.
CAF has not taken a clear position on Infantino's future yet but has not withdrawn support.
African countries rely heavily on FIFA funding to develop football infrastructure and compete internationally.
Each FIFA member receives $8 million over four years, plus African members get extra annual grants from CAF.
Infantino was first elected in 2016 with strong support from African nations due to his promises to increase development money.
African football leaders emphasize the financial challenges they face compared to wealthier countries with better resources.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox made major moves at the baseball trade deadline, acquiring top players like pitcher Tarik Skubal and catcher Adley Rutschman. Other teams made smaller trades or stayed quiet as they position themselves for the playoffs.
Key Facts
The Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal, considered one of the best pitchers in baseball.
The Red Sox traded several prospects to get catcher Adley Rutschman and others.
Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies commented that many teams could afford to make such trades, not just the Dodgers.
The New York Yankees added infielder Luis García Jr. and outfielder Heliot Ramos but failed to acquire Skubal or Rutschman.
The Milwaukee Brewers added pitcher Dustin May.
The Detroit Tigers traded away Skubal and Casey Mize despite being close to playoff spots.
Baltimore Orioles traded Rutschman and others but got top prospects from Boston in return, focusing more on the future.
Teams like the Miami Marlins traded players for prospects but remained in playoff contention.
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Several NFL players who showed promise in their rookie year are expected to have breakout seasons in their second year. These players include defensive tackle Walter Nolen, running back Omarion Hampton, and wide receiver Luther Burden, who each had strong moments despite injuries or limited playtime.
Key Facts
Walter Nolen, a defensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals, missed much of his rookie season due to injuries but showed potential with two sacks and a fumble recovery touchdown in limited games.
Running back Omarion Hampton of the Los Angeles Chargers rushed for 545 yards in nine games despite an injured offensive line and ankle issues. He is expected to perform well with a healthier line and a new offensive coordinator.
Wide receiver Luther Burden from the Chicago Bears caught 47 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, with impressive late-season games hinting at his potential.
The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku had modest rookie stats but is expected to improve with stronger teammates around him.
Several rookies had major impacts in 2025, including Tetairoa McMillan, Carson Schwesinger, Nick Emmanwori, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Tyler Warren, and Emeka Ebuka.
The article highlights how second-year players often take time to fully adjust to the NFL but can become stars with more experience.
Offensive line injuries affected the performance of some key players during their first year.
Coaching changes, such as the Chargers' new coordinator Mike McDaniel, can create better opportunities for young players to succeed.
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Alexandra Eala, a 21-year-old Filipino tennis player, won the Washington Open by defeating top players including world number three Jessica Pegula. She became the first Filipina to win a WTA title and has gained strong support from the Filipino community worldwide.
Key Facts
Alexandra Eala won the Washington Open, overcoming players like Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, and Jessica Pegula.
She is the first Filipina to win a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) title.
Eala began playing tennis at age four and trained at Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy.
She reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, the first Filipino to do so in the Open era.
Eala has been praised as "the future of the tour" and "the most exciting player" on the women’s tour.
Her strong Filipino fanbase includes more than 75,000 in Washington and millions across the U.S.
Former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao called her "our new champion" and highlighted her Filipino spirit.
Experts note she needs to improve her serve to compete for major titles but already shows great skill and mental strength.
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A man from Wigan got a large tattoo saying "England World Cup Winner 2026" after England won a game in the tournament. When England lost in the semi-final, he went back to add "just joking!" to the tattoo.
Key Facts
Sean Carrington spent £550 on a big tattoo celebrating England winning the 2026 World Cup.
He got the tattoo after England beat DR Congo in the Round of 32.
England lost in the semi-final to Argentina about a month later.
Carrington returned to the tattoo studio to add "just joking!" to the original tattoo.
He said he does not regret the original tattoo and is happy with the new addition.
The tattoo was done at Holy Trinity Tattoo Studio in Standish.
Carrington works as a roofer and does not plan tattoos in advance.
He might get more football-related tattoos in the future.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced growing criticism and opposition over his plan to open the World Cup to private investment. The plan was quickly withdrawn after strong backlash, including threats of legal action from UEFA and criticism from key FIFA officials like Arsene Wenger and Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom.
Key Facts
Infantino proposed a plan to allow private investment in the World Cup through a new commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
The plan could have raised up to $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation of FFE.
FIFA abandoned the plan after widespread condemnation and UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, said withdrawing the project was necessary.
Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom publicly criticized the handling of the plan and distanced himself from Infantino.
UEFA sent a legal notice threatening action over what they called a "shabby, backroom, opaque deal."
Several UEFA member associations withdrew their support for Infantino’s presidency.
Some countries including Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, and Lebanon continued to support Infantino.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced growing criticism both inside FIFA and from outside groups after proposing, then dropping, a plan to allow private investment in the World Cup. Key FIFA insiders including Arsene Wenger and Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom criticized the plan and Infantino’s leadership, while UEFA threatened legal action over the rejected proposal.
Key Facts
Infantino proposed a plan to open the World Cup to private investment through a new commercial branch called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
The plan was expected to raise up to $4.2 billion from a valuation of $20 billion.
FIFA withdrew the plan after harsh criticism and threats from UEFA, who warned they might boycott FIFA competitions.
Arsene Wenger, formerly appointed by Infantino as FIFA’s head of global football development, said withdrawing the plan was necessary.
Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom expressed regret over the whole episode and distanced himself from Infantino’s plan.
UEFA sent a formal legal notice threatening lawsuits and regulatory complaints about the FFE plan.
The controversy has damaged Infantino’s reputation and put his planned unopposed re-election for a fourth term at risk.
FIFA’s leadership style and decision-making process have faced increased scrutiny because of this incident.
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Two top FIFA leaders, Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström, said they did not support FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell part of the World Cup profits to private investors. The plan, which aimed to raise $4.2 billion by selling shares in a new company, was dropped after strong opposition from global soccer officials.
Key Facts
FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed selling stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors through a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
The plan valued FFE at $20 billion and aimed to raise $4.2 billion by selling about 20% of the company.
Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, said he did not know about the plan until he saw media reports and agreed it was right to cancel it.
Mattias Grafström, FIFA’s Secretary General, described the recent events as “sad” and reassured staff they would be protected from political problems.
Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, said FIFA staff felt “deceived” by the plan and called it a “project of one person.”
The “anchor investor” in the plan was Thrive Eternal, a company started by Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared Kushner is related to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The proposal caused strong backlash, including threats of boycotts from the European soccer body UEFA.
FIFA’s 211 member federations, which own FIFA as a nonprofit, were offered $20 million each to join but had to decide by September 19.
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Two top FIFA officials, Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström, publicly said they were not involved in FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s rejected plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. The plan faced strong criticism and was withdrawn after causing unrest among global soccer organizations and staff.
Key Facts
FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed selling parts of FIFA’s future World Cup earnings to investors in a $20 billion deal.
Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, said he did not know about the plan and supported dropping it.
Mattias Grafström, FIFA’s general secretary, called recent events “sad and reproachable” and said staff were upset and confused.
Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, criticized the plan as the “project of one person” and said staff felt deceived.
Infantino withdrew the proposal after a strong backlash, including threats of boycotts by UEFA, Europe’s soccer governing body.
The plan involved creating a new company to manage FIFA’s money-making activities, including organizing tournaments and selling TV rights.
Wenger, Grafström, and Lamour are trusted by FIFA’s member countries, which now influence Infantino’s presidency.
UEFA’s lawyers requested the retention of data from several FIFA executives as part of an investigation linked to the controversy.
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Mykhailo Mudryk, a Ukrainian football player for Chelsea, may play again after 20 months away from the game. He was suspended due to a positive drug test but was recently cleared to play and has been included in Chelsea's squad for a friendly match against Juventus.
Key Facts
Mudryk has not played since November 2024 due to a provisional suspension.
The suspension was because he tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.
He was cleared to return to playing after resolving his case with the Football Association.
Chelsea's new coach, Xabi Alonso, said Mudryk could play but might not last the full 90 minutes yet.
Mudryk recently joined Chelsea training after flying to Hong Kong.
The friendly match against Juventus in Hong Kong is planned for this Wednesday.
Mudryk is 25 years old and plays as a Ukraine international.
The return marks the end of a 20-month absence from competitive matches.
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FIFA executive Arsene Wenger said he did not know about President Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors, a proposal that was later dropped. The plan faced strong opposition from football groups, including UEFA, which sent a legal letter to FIFA about the issue.
Key Facts
Arsene Wenger is FIFA’s chief of global football development and said he only learned of the plan from news reports.
President Gianni Infantino proposed selling about 20% of a FIFA subsidiary to raise $4.2 billion from investors.
The plan included creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage money-making parts like tournaments and sponsorships.
Investors were offered stakes based on a $20 billion valuation of FFE.
One main investor was Thrive Eternal, linked to Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared Kushner is President Trump’s son-in-law.
FIFA’s 211 member federations were offered $20 million each and a promise to double their funding through 2030.
UEFA opposed the plan and sent a legal warning to FIFA, threatening to boycott FIFA events if it went ahead.
Wenger said his role at FIFA focuses on youth programs, training, and football development, not financial strategies.
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