Panthers lose key pass rusher on first day of camp
The Carolina Panthers suffered a significant blow on the opening day of training camp when outside linebacker Nic Scourton tore the ACL in his right knee. According to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to the Associated Press under anonymity — because the team had not yet made an official announcement — Scourton will be placed on injured reserve. The injury is a major setback for Carolina, which had been relying on Scourton to serve as a primary pass rusher alongside newly signed free agent Jaelan Phillips.
Dodgers head to the White House
President Donald Trump welcomed Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House Thursday to celebrate the team’s back-to-back World Series titles. Trump praised Ohtani, calling him “just about the best pitcher in baseball and just about the best hitter in baseball.” The ceremony took place in the Rose Garden. The Dodgers previously visited the White House in April 2025 to mark their 2024 championship. The tradition of championship baseball teams visiting the White House dates back to 1869, when President Ulysses S. Grant hosted the Cincinnati Red Stockings.
Norway may file FIFA ethics complaint over Trump’s involvement in red-card ruling
President Trump’s involvement in overturning a World Cup suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun is drawing serious backlash. The Norway soccer federation announced its board of directors will consider filing a formal complaint with FIFA’s ethics investigators at its next meeting, likely scheduled for August 6. Norwegian federation president Lise Klaveness told London’s The Times, “We need our leader in FIFA to say that this was an error.” The controversy stems from a phone call Trump made to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, after which a mandatory one-game ban issued to Balogun for a red-card tackle against Bosnia-Herzegovina was deferred — allowing him to play against Belgium in the round of 16.
Lane Kiffin backs rule bearing his name
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin says he supports a proposed rule in Congress that would prevent college football coaches from leaving their teams mid-season — a rule that has been nicknamed after him. Kiffin’s departure from Mississippi last season to take the LSU job drew widespread attention across college football. Speaking at SEC Media Days in Tampa, Kiffin said he hopes the legislation helps future coaches avoid finding themselves in a similar situation. “I do hope for future people, that’s fixed so that you’re not in that same predicament,” he said.
Raiders sign No. 1 overall draft pick to $57 million deal
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top pick in this year’s NFL Draft, officially signed a four-year contract worth $57.27 million with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. The deal includes a fifth-year option held by the team. Mendoza was the last of the Raiders’ 10 draft picks to put pen to paper. He worked with the third-team offense during organized team activities and minicamp but is expected to take on a more prominent role when training camp opens Wednesday. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed a free-agent deal with $20 million guaranteed, enters camp as the starter.
Tyreek Hill says he still has no power in his left leg
Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill says his NFL comeback remains a work in progress. In a video posted to YouTube this week, the 32-year-old Hill said he still has “no power in my left leg” — nearly 10 months after suffering a torn ACL and a dislocated left knee during a September 29 game against the New York Jets. Hill was released by Miami on February 16 and made clear in his update that he is not yet ready to return to professional football.
Patrick Kane returns to Chicago on two-year deal
Hockey legend Patrick Kane is heading back to where it all started. The 37-year-old signed a two-year, $16 million contract to rejoin the Chicago Blackhawks — the franchise where he spent more than 15 seasons and helped win three Stanley Cup championships. Kane ranks among the team’s all-time leaders with 446 goals, 779 assists, and 1,225 points. While he’s no longer the player he once was, Kane posted 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season and has recorded at least 50 points in 18 of his 19 NHL seasons.
Royals manager absent due to personal matter
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro was not on the bench Thursday night when his team opened a series against the Detroit Tigers, citing a personal matter. The Royals did not elaborate but said they expect him to return soon. Bench coach Paul Hoover stepped in as acting manager for the series opener. Quatraro, who took over from Mike Matheny after the 2022 season, received a three-year contract extension during the offseason running through 2029, with a club option for 2030. He holds a 267-322 record over three-plus seasons with Kansas City.
Alex Bowman to retire from NASCAR after 2027
NASCAR driver Alex Bowman announced Thursday that he plans to retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2027 season. The 33-year-old Bowman, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports, was in the final year of his contract before agreeing to a one-year extension ahead of the announcement. Bowman has dealt with several health setbacks in recent years, including vertigo that sidelined him for four races this season, a concussion in 2022, and a back injury the following year. “The sport asks a lot of you, and I’ve learned it’s important to listen to your body and make the right choices for yourself,” he said.
Blue Jackets lock up goaltender Jet Greaves
The Columbus Blue Jackets have secured their goaltender of the future, signing 25-year-old Jet Greaves to a three-year, $15 million contract through the 2028-29 season. Last year, Greaves finished with a 26-19-9 record and a 2.60 goals-against average, making him the fifth goaltender in franchise history to win 25 games in a single season.
