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Fever flex Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell amid MVP race

Paolo Songco — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 03:03:35 +0000

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell have been incredible for the Indiana Fever this season, to say the least. The superstar backcourt duo have set new WNBA records as they continue to play at MVP levels.

Clark is third in scoring while leading the league in assists per game. She made history by becoming the player with the most 30-plus point, 10-plus assist games, one more than all players in WNBA history. The three-time All-Star also recorded the single-game franchise record for points with her 45-point performance against the Seattle Storm on July 17.

Mitchell, on the other hand, has scored 20-plus points in 23 consecutive regular-season games and counting. She owns the longest such streak in a single season and is not showing signs of slowing down any time soon. The 30-year-old is second in the league in scoring and is also one of the favorites to win the MVP award.

Caitlin Clark (22) talks to Kelsey Mitchell (0) during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs.

Fever features Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell’s feats this season

The Fever posted a clip on X featuring Clark and Mitchell. They listed the records they have broken this season as a duo, reminding everyone about them.

all eyes on our backcourt duo

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, that’s our MVP². pic.twitter.com/TAk52SPOWh

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 27, 2026

The teammates have the most combined points in 17 WNBA games and most 30-plus points scored each in the same outing. Clark and Mitchell captured Players of the Month honors in July and August. They are also the highest scoring duo in league history.

Their dominant ways have led Indiana to a huge turnaround this season. The team is now fifth in the standings with a 25-14 record after starting 5-5. Clark, Mitchell and Co. are battling for a top-three seed with the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream. They are one game behind for third place with five games remaining on their schedule. Indiana returns to action on Friday to take on the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

‘It’s Really Freaking Hard’: Bears’ Caleb Williams gets honest on one aspect of NFL

Paolo Songco — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 01:04:18 +0000

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears enter the new season looking to surpass their achievements in 2025. The quarterback recorded strong performances last year, leading the franchise to an NFC North title and reaching the Divisional Round. However, it wasn’t easy and he had to speed up his development in the NFL.

Williams 330-of-568 passes for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He added 77 rushing attempts for 388 yards and three scores. Chicago went 11-6 in the regular-season before losing 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.

His leadership and growth will be key to the team having more success in the upcoming season. The good news is he appears ready to prove that his 2025 production was not a fluke.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams discusses what’s hard to to in the NFL

Williams stressed on Thursday how hard it is to score in the league. He added that he wants the whole team to celebrate when they do and emphasized what it means.

“One, it’s really freaking hard to score in the NFL,” Williams said. “You get into games and things like that, it’s really freaking hard. And so let’s go celebrate when we do it. Two, it shows a sense of love and care for your teammates because you didn’t get in the end zone.

“You weren’t the one getting in the end zone. So you got to go down there and celebrate and have fun and dance and do all these things. Come back to the sideline, focus up and get ready to go do it again.”

Caleb Williams says he’s made an emphasis to make sure the whole offense is celebrating when they score.

He mentioned the Tony Parker led Spurs and how they would “slap hands” the most and how it translates to camaraderie and winning. pic.twitter.com/XRrcR8mgpt

— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) August 27, 2026

Williams and the Bears will wrap up their preseason with a game versus the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. They will then open their regular season with a road matchup with the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13. The team’s home opener is set for Week 2 on Sept. 20 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Angel Reese had no words over big Atlanta Dream news

Paolo Songco — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:35:40 +0000

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream are on a hot streak. The team has won four consecutive games, while the star forward recently made history and earned WNBA Player of the Week honors. However, the front office still made a move to further strengthen the roster, which she appeared to be excited about.

Reese is averaging 20.8 points,15.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals during the streak. She also set the record for most rebounds in a game and most in a single campaign in league history. The three-time All-Star is peaking at the right time with only six games left on Atlanta’s regular-season schedule and the team already secured of a playoff spot.

Reese and Co. will return to action on Friday to take on the Portland Fire at Gateway Center Arena. They are battling for a top three seed with the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever. They received a big boost on Wednesday.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reacts against the Toronto Tempo.

Angel Reese reposts the Dream’s announcement on her Instagram story

The Dream signed veteran forward DeWanna Bonner on Wednesday. Her addition gives them another capable player who could contribute immediately. She has championship experience, chasing her third ring in what many believe is her last season before retiring. The team announced the news on Instagram and Reese reposted it on her story without a caption.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atlanta Dream (@atlantadream)

Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury agreed to part ways to give her another chance of winning a title. She is averaging 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists this season through 37 games. However, the Mercury have been eliminated from playoff contention with a 13-25 record and 12th in the standings.

Reese will benefit from a veteran teammate who could impart valuable learnings to her. Bonner will also further bolster the frontcourt as the Dream battle to win the championship this year.

Caitlin Clark shares special detail about her signature shoes

Angelo Guinhawa — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:18:31 +0000

Caitlin Clark has given fans another reason to pay attention to her signature footwear, with the latest Nike Caitlin 1 design carrying a personal connection beyond basketball. The special colorway draws inspiration from friendship bracelets and Taylor Swift, adding a pop culture element to one of the WNBA’s most recognizable signature shoes.

The design reflects the growing influence Clark has outside the basketball court, where her interests have become part of the identity surrounding her signature line. The latest version incorporates details associated with friendship bracelets, a familiar symbol among Swift’s fan base, giving the shoe a more personal feel than a standard performance release.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates a 3-pointer.
© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Clark’s connection to Swift has been a recurring point of interest among fans, making the inspiration behind the footwear especially notable. Rather than simply relying on team colors or traditional basketball themes, the design uses a cultural reference that connects with another major fan community.

The friendship bracelet concept also gives the shoe a visual identity that can appeal beyond basketball enthusiasts. The combination of athletic footwear and elements associated with Swift’s fandom creates a crossover that could attract consumers who may not typically follow signature basketball releases.

Indiana Fever Star Caitlin Clark Reveals Special Detail About Her Signature Kicks

ndiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) returned to Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City for a WNBA preseason game against the Brazil national team on May 4, 2025.
© Grace Smith / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Clark shared a very special detail about her new signature pair from Nike. This can be seen in a post shared by Kit Espina on X.

Caitlin Clark shares an awesome detail about her Caitlin 1 Friendship Bracelet. pic.twitter.com/Uo4pvyfmll

— Kit Espina (@KeithEspino22) August 27, 2026

Interest in the colorway has already generated significant attention, with fans reacting strongly to the possibility of owning a pair. The enthusiasm surrounding the release reflects how Clark’s popularity has helped turn her signature footwear into more than performance equipment, with each new design capable of becoming part of a larger conversation.

The latest Nike Caitlin 1 colorway demonstrates how personal details can make a signature shoe stand out in an increasingly competitive market. By connecting basketball with an interest shared by millions of fans, Clark has helped create a design that carries significance both on the court and beyond it.

Why Caitlin Clark needs to be more like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, according to Skip Bayless

Angelo Guinhawa — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:18:21 +0000

Caitlin Clark has become one of the WNBA’s most influential players, but Skip Bayless believes she could take another step by adopting an aggressive mentality similar to LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The sports commentator’s argument centers on Clark becoming more willing to take control of games with her scoring, particularly as the playoffs approach.

Bayless pointed to the approach of elite NBA stars who consistently look for opportunities to attack rather than allowing themselves to become secondary options. For Clark, that could mean taking more shots when defenses give her openings instead of immediately looking to create opportunities for teammates.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) passes against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Clark has already produced the most efficient shooting stretch of her professional career, making the criticism less about her effectiveness and more about how often she chooses to assert herself offensively. Her ability to shoot from distance, create off the dribble and make plays for teammates gives her multiple ways to influence a game.

The comparison to James and Doncic focuses largely on their willingness to remain aggressive regardless of how opponents defend them. Both stars routinely command the ball in important moments and understand that their scoring pressure can create opportunities for everyone else on the floor.

Skip Bayless Urges Indiana Fever Star Caitlin Clark To Be More Like LeBron James and Luka Doncic

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half against the New York Liberty. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Bayless revealed the reason why Clark should be more like James and Doncic. This can be seen in a video he shared on his official X account.

Why Caitlin Clark, the W’s best player, NEEDS TO SHOOT MORE, like LeBron & Luka. pic.twitter.com/VzIKTj0rhh

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 25, 2026

For Clark, increasing her scoring volume could make defenses pay a greater price for concentrating on her passing ability. If opponents have to consistently account for her as a scorer, it could open additional space for teammates while making Indiana’s offense more difficult to predict during high-pressure situations.

The suggestion comes as Clark continues to develop her game and prepare for the biggest moments of the season. Whether she follows that approach remains her decision, but the broader message is clear: greater offensive aggression could add another dimension to an already versatile game.

Angel Reese gets new teammate with former Fever player

Angelo Guinhawa — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:13:48 +0000

Angel Reese is set to gain another experienced teammate as DeWanna Bonner joins the Atlanta Dream following her departure from the Phoenix Mercury. The addition gives the Dream another proven veteran as they look to strengthen their roster for a potential postseason run.

Bonner brings extensive WNBA experience and a long track record of production to an Atlanta team that has emerged as a competitive force. Her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor should provide the Dream with another dependable option as the season enters its most important stretch.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese reacts to a flagrant foul from Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
© Grace Smith / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The move also adds another layer of experience around Reese, who has quickly established herself as a major presence in Atlanta. Bonner has spent years competing in high-pressure games, giving the younger roster a veteran presence capable of helping guide the team through difficult stretches.

Her arrival could also change the way opposing teams approach the Dream. With Reese providing an inside presence and Bonner capable of creating offense from the perimeter, Atlanta has another player defenses must account for when planning how to slow down the team’s attack.

Former Indiana Fever Star DeWanna Bonner Joins Angel Reese and Atlanta Dream

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) warms up before a WNBA preseason game against the Chicago Sky. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Bonner signed with the Dream to join Reese for the rest of the season. This can be seen in a post shared by Alexa Philippou on X.

Breaking: Free agent DeWanna Bonner is signing with the Atlanta Dream, sources told ESPN. A huge addition for the championship-hopeful Dream, who will now be incorporating a two-time WNBA champion and 6x All-Star into the mix pic.twitter.com/2AzUfnQ3qU

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) August 26, 2026

Bonner’s personality could be just as valuable as her production. Her competitive nature and willingness to engage with opponents add another edge to a Dream roster that has developed a reputation for playing with confidence and intensity, potentially making Atlanta even more difficult to handle during the postseason.

The addition represents an aggressive move for a team with legitimate playoff ambitions. If Bonner can quickly settle into her role and complement Reese and the rest of Atlanta’s core, the Dream could enter the postseason with the depth and veteran experience needed to make a serious run.

Paige Bueckers joins Caitlin Clark in WNBA history

Angelo Guinhawa — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:13:38 +0000

Paige Bueckers has joined Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Plum in an exclusive group in WNBA history after helping the Dallas Wings secure a playoff berth. The milestone adds another accomplishment to an impressive rookie season and highlights the immediate impact of one of the league’s newest stars.

Bueckers reached the mark during a season in which she has quickly established herself as a major contributor for Dallas. Her scoring ability, playmaking and overall offensive control have allowed her to make an impact well beyond the expectations normally placed on a first-year player.

Aug 6, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the first half against the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The achievement places Bueckers alongside Clark and Plum, two players who also reached significant milestones early in their WNBA careers. Their inclusion in the same group reflects the rapid transition each guard made from highly regarded college players to influential professional stars.

The timing of Bueckers’ accomplishment makes it even more significant because it coincides with Dallas securing its place in the postseason. The Wings have benefited from her ability to create offense and maintain pressure on opposing defenses, giving the team an important weapon as it prepares for playoff competition.

Dallas Wings Star Paige Bueckers Joins Caitlin Clark in WNBA Record

Dallas Wings guards Azzi Fudd (35) and Paige Bueckers (5) at the start of the second half against the Las Vegas Aces. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Bueckers’ recent performance has placed the Wings star in the orbit of Clark. This can be seen in a post shared by the league’s official Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WNBA (@wnba)

Bueckers has also demonstrated an ability to produce in a variety of situations throughout her first professional campaign. Her combination of scoring and playmaking has helped establish her as one of the league’s most promising young players, while the playoff berth gives her an opportunity to add another chapter to her rookie season.

The historic milestone is another indication of how quickly Bueckers has adapted to the WNBA level. With Dallas now preparing for the postseason, she will have an opportunity to build on the achievement and potentially join the league’s rising stars in making an even deeper impact.

Chicago Bears slammed by Titans HC for ‘cheap’ shot hurting WR

Jordan Sigler — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:15:11 +0000

The Chicago Bears made headlines last summer when they went after their opponents hard during joint practices. One notable joint practice came against the Miami Dolphins when the Bears were called out for “dirty” tactics.

On Tuesday, first-year Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh complained about a hit Chicago newcomer Xavier Woods made on Titans wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson during Thursday’s joint practice.

Robinson was checked out for a concussion after the hit.

“We’re checking Wan’Dale for a concussion,” Saleh said.

A reporter asked Saleh what he thought of the hit by Woods.

“Cheap,” Saleh said.

Per Adam Jahns of CHGO Bears, Titans players “went after” Woods for a hit on Robinson that prompted a flag to be thrown.

“Bears safety Xavier Woods just laid out Titans WR Wan’Dale Robinson,” Jahns posted on X. “Hard high hit over the middle. Flag thrown. Titans players went after Woods.”

More News: Bears: 2 pass-rushers suffer significant injuries

Chicago Bears defense making hits again

Jul 29, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen speaks during Chicago Bears Training Camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

More News: Bears actively trying to shop pass-rusher: Report

Last year, Dolphins beat writer Omar Kelly thought the Bears defense took cheap shots at Miami players during last year’s joint practice. He accused the Bears of making dirty hits on key players for the Dolphins.

“In my opinion, a couple of Bears defenders should have been thrown out of practice hours ago,” Kelly posted on X. “They were playing dirty. But if you’re Miami, are you gonna cry about it? You can’t. Waddle, Achane, and Tua all got hit, if not slammed, to grown in a non-contact practice. It was dirty.”

The Bears appear to be bringing a similar mentality to the practice field this year.

The intensity didn’t help the Bears defense become one of the top units in the league last year, though they did force a lot of turnovers.

Many of Chicago’s starters were out of the practice due to injury. Woods is expected to play a key role at safety for much of the season with Coby Bryant set to miss months due to a knee injury.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Would the Chicago Cubs consider grabbing at waived Eugenio Suarez?

Paul Magno — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:55:47 +0000

The Chicago Cubs are not in such a comfortable position anymore.

Being 6.5 games behind the first place Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central Division is pretty much a death sentence for their chance of winning the division, even with seven games remaining against their rivals.

More News: Chicago Cubs, Crow-Armstrong still raging after missed balk call

Chicago currently has the top NL Wild Card spot, but their lead over the Phildelphia Phillies, which was as much as five games at one point, has now been whittled down to just two. The San Diego Padres, meanwhile, are just four games behind the Cubs, holding the third NL Wild Card seed.

After a pair of tough losses and a 2-4 road trip, some legitimate concern has to be floating through the team’s collective brain trust.

Maybe a big, late-season shakeup is needed—something that could rattle the cage a bit and give the team a jolt of energy?

Eugenio Suarez off waivers?

Aug 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suarez (28) is congratulated by teammates at home plate after hitting a grand slam during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

More News: Chicago Cubs: Michael Conforto over Kyle Tucker was a low-key MVP-level decision

Could Eugenio Suarez provide that jolt of energy?

On Wednesday, it was reported by MLB insider Ken Rosenthal that the Cincinnati Reds had placed power-hitting third baseman Eugenio Suarez on waivers, along with outfielder TJ Friedl.

It looks to be a move entirely motivated by money issues, as another team claiming Suarez would be on the line for the remaining $3 million on his contract this season.

The 35-year-old veteran, however, hasn’t exactly been killing it this season amid a run of nagging injuries that’s kept him at DH for much of the year. He’s hitting just .208 over 103 games, but does have 19 home runs in 361 at bats.

Given his history, Suarez would clearly bring pop and long-ball threat to any team that snatches him up. In Chicago’s case, specifically, Suarez has been a long-time Cubs killer. Over the course of his career, he has 16 home runs and 40 RBIs in 242 at bats at Wrigley Field.

So, would the Cubs be interested in Suarez?

Could the Cubs be interested?

Aug 20, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds pinch hitter Eugenio Suarez (28) high fives teammate after scoring on a two-run single hit by second baseman Sal Stewart (not pictured) in the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

It might be intriguing to consider a bat as potentially impactful as Suarez’s somewhere in the already-potent Cubs’ lineup. With Alex Bregman at third, his time would mostly be spent at DH, although he did play three games at first base last season with the Mariners and Diamondbacks. Maybe he could be slated in after Michael Busch but before Ian Happ in the lineup.

Picking up a veteran so late in the season, during a pennant race, is not unheard of. Just last season, the Cubs acquired first baseman Carlos Santana for the tail end of the push to the playoffs. When rosters expand on September 1, there’s definitely a case to be made for having Suarez around in a postseason push over a Triple-A prospect or a fringe role player.

But the Cubs grabbing at the right-handed bat seems pretty unlikely at this point, despite buzz over the last couple seasons that had them showing interest in what he brings to the plate. Matt Shaw is doing well in his minor league rehab assignment and is expected back fairly soon. The Cubs also hope to have Dansby Swanson back from his oblique issue by the postseason.

So, as interesting as it would be for the Cubs to add Suarez, it’s probably not going to happen. As a matter of fact, given the $3 million still owed him for this year, he’s expected to clear waivers and stay put in Cincinnati.

The post Would the Chicago Cubs consider grabbing at waived Eugenio Suarez? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Air Jordan 41 officially unveiled by Jordan Brand

Zack Pearson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:19:59 +0000

A new era for Jordan Brand in design is officially here with the unveiling of the Air Jordan 41 shoe. The latest shoe in the signature Air Jordan line was officially introduced on August 27th in China, showcasing a new sleek design and the path that Jordan Brand wants to take on moving forward.

Coming off a successful launch of the Air Jordan 40 last year, the 41 model takes some elements from that shoe but introduces its own style as well. The 41 takes the full-length Zoom Strobel and ZoomX midsole combination and adds another Zoom Air unit beneath the heel. The thought? More comfort on the court while maintaining a sleek look as well.

The silhouette’s introduction marks an evolution of Jordan Brand heritage design, blazing a new path to greatness that prioritizes performance innovation and modern style — redefining what it means to be a leader in basketball footwear and challenging opponents to keep pace.

“The Air Jordan 41 is a statement about where Jordan Brand is headed. It carries forward a legacy built on greatness, but it was created for the athletes, whose culture and style of play are defining the future of the game,” says Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand. “This silhouette reflects our commitment to pushing performance innovation with purpose — delivering bold design, elite function and a point of view that only Jordan Brand can bring. It is more than the next Air Jordan. It is a signal of the next chapter of Jordan performance.”

The 41 is a testament to innovation, dominance and driving the future of the game — engineered for end-to-end dominance on the court, just like MJ himself.

At the foundation of the Air Jordan 41 is the new-to-Jordan nano print mesh upper, engineered to deliver the lightweight containment and breathability demanded by today’s game.

The advanced woven construction helps reduce weight while creating targeted structure throughout the shoe, allowing athletes to move with confidence, precision and speed. By balancing airflow with support, the nano print mesh upper provides a secure, adaptive fit that helps players stay locked in through every cut, drive and defensive possession, reinforcing the Air Jordan 41’s focus on modern performance without compromising comfort.

Jordan Brand uses feedback from athletes for the Air Jordan 41

When designing the new shoe, Jordan Brand wanted as much feedback as they could from athletes. Not only was Jordan involved, but the brand used Jordan Brand’s professional and collegiate roster, and players from Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League, informed the design of a lighter and more responsive Air Jordan silhouette.

That helped them create the perfect sneaker for consistency and comfort on the court.

The 41 also features a full-length Zoom Strobel for underfoot responsiveness; a ZoomX midsole for industry-leading lightness and speed; and, in an evolution from the 40, adds an Air Zoom heel unit for enhanced impact protection. The addition of the Zoom air bag in the heel was inspired by Michael Jordan’s insights on the importance of defense and staying on your toes, and its cushioning ensures players can stay prepared to rock forward.

“The Air Jordan 41 prepares me for every movement; it gives me confidence in every cut, read and possession,” says Jordan Brand athlete Napheesa Collier. “When you trust your shoes like that, it makes all the difference.”

Air Jordan 41 release info

The shoe was introduced in China and is available for a limited purchase there on August 28th. A global release for the shoe is expected to follow sometime this Fall. So far, six sleek colorways have been seen:

AIR JORDAN 41 UNVEILED: First look at six upcoming colorways, inspired by gemstones.

Some incredible tech in here. Full-length Zoom strobel, extra Zoom bag at the heel, ZoomX foam, carbon fiber mid-foot, TPU shank.

Learn more about the AJ41 >> https://t.co/QOy7oO8eqZ pic.twitter.com/rUapjntgUU

— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) August 27, 2026

While retros dominate the market, this Air Jordan 41 appears to be a hit early on. Let us know if you’re going to pick up this shoe when it releases. What colorway you’re looking forward to the most?

The post Air Jordan 41 officially unveiled by Jordan Brand appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Sophie Cunningham gets sweet message from Fever rookie

Paolo Songco — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:03:26 +0000

Sophie Cunningham shares strong relationships with her Indiana Fever teammates. They often send her sweet messages, particularly on Instagram, including rookie guard Raven Johnson.

The Fever are coming off a 113-90 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday. It was exactly what they needed after previously losing back-to-back games. The win also gave Indiana. a 3-2 record during its five-game road trip. Caitlin Clark scored a game-high 37 points and added three rebounds, 10 assists and a career-high eight three-pointers. Kelsey Mitchell supplied 30 points on six triples made; however, Cunningham was limited to just three points and two rebounds.

Cunningham and Co. will play their next game on Friday against the Connecticut. Sweeping their last five games is crucial as they’re battling for a top three seed along with the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts after being fouled by Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington.

Indiana Fever: Sophie Cunningham receives a heartfelt message from rookie teammate

Cunningham uploaded a carousel of photos and videos on Instagram on Wednesday. Her post has received thousands of comments, and Raven Johnson dropped a heartfelt message for her in the comments section.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sophie Cunningham (@sophie_cham)

“Love you ,” Johnson wrote.

The first-year guard entered the league as the No. 10 overall pick out of South Carolina. She played an instrumental role in the Gamecocks capturing two national championships during her tenure with the program. The 23-year-old also earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors last year. Johnson has appeared in 34 games this season, averaging 3.1 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

The Fever will rely heavily on Cunningham for her bench production in the playoffs. They hope to have a deeper run this year after the Las Vegas Aces eliminated them in the second round in 2025. Cunningham missed the entire postseason due to a torn right ACL. She has since fully recovered and playing a key role in the team’s rotation.

Chicago Cubs, Crow-Armstrong still raging after missed balk call

Paul Magno — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:30:37 +0000

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong showed his fiery side Wednesday afternoon after a missed balk call stopped him from coming home from third base and cost the Cubs a crucial run in what was a 0-0 game at the time.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Michael Conforto over Kyle Tucker was a low-key MVP-level decision

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez was lights out, taking a shutout into the sixth inning against a stymied Cubs team, but the Cubs had a real chance to bring home a tie-breaking run with Crow-Armstrong on third.

A fake break home from the Cubs star seemed to distract Rodriguez, who stepped off the rubber mid-wind-up in a clear and obvious balk.

But a balk wasn’t called.

Crow-Armstrong goes ballistic

Aug 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after striking out against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

More News: The Chicago Cubs’ Webb of late-inning concern grows after brutal loss

The non-call sent the Cubs into a frenzy with Crow-Armstrong charging at the umps and third base coach Quintin Berry having to hold him back. Manager Craig Counsell also rushed on to the field to make the case for the balk, to no avail.

“They flat-out missed it,” Counsell said. “It’s obvious to everybody on TV. It’s obvious to anybody. They missed it.”

After the game, crew chief Alfonso Marquez admitted to the mistake.

“We just didn’t see it,” Marquez told reporters. “After looking at the video, it looked like he stepped off.”

Rodriguez clearly did step off and the missed call seemed to change the dynamic of the game. In the bottom half of the sixth, the Diamondbacks scored a run to go ahead 1-0 and then added an insurance run in the eighth on the 2-0 loss for Chicago.

PCA had plenty to say

Aug 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) has to be held back by third base coach Quintin Berry (0) after a non balk call in the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

After the game, Crow-Armstrong still had plenty to say:

“I saw four umpires miss a pretty obvious play. They’re out there every day just like we are. Their one job is to get calls right, and if they get it wrong, they’re supposed to talk about it, figure it out, and get it right. And they didn’t ….

I get it from [the home plate umpire’s] point of view at home plate. Tough to see with two people standing in front of you, and all you’re trying to do is call the right pitch. But I don’t know how you miss somebody starting their motion, then stopping it and stepping off ….

I think you guys just saw my frustration from the last three days come out. And I’m going to stick by it and say rightfully so, because I didn’t appreciate the other umpire coming up to me after Q had already calmed the situation down.

It’s just – I think they find new ways to screw something up every day. So there you go.”

It was a frustrating turn of events in a frustrating loss that capped off a similarly frustrating two-game skid for the Cubs, who now find themselves in a real fight to keep their top NL Wild Card spot from the surging Philadelphia Phillies. There are now only two games separating the teams.

Debate has been stirred regarding whether balk calls should be reviewable. And when seeing an obviously botched call of a crucial play in the midst of a pennant race, like on Wednesday, it’s hard to make the case against it.

The post Chicago Cubs, Crow-Armstrong still raging after missed balk call appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Tyler Davis Stats, Bio & Profile | Chicago White Sox RP | ChiCitySports

Christian Lance — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:59:38 +0000

#63RP

Chicago White Sox

Tyler Davis

Relief Pitcher

Active

2026 Season Stats

2026 pitching

STATS	GP	GS	W	L	W%	WAR	ERA	WHIP	IP	K	BB	K/BB	H	R	ER	SV	HLD	BLSV
Regular Season	24	0	2	3	.400	0.2	4.10	1.22	26.1	22	15	1.5	17	14	12	1	0	1

2026 Opponent Batting

STATS	P	TBF	P-TBF	OBA	OOBP	OSLUG	OOPS	2B	3B	HR	TB	RBI	BH	SH	SF	IBB
Regular Season	394	106	3.717	.191	.302	.281	.583	2	0	2	25	18	0	0	2	2

2026 Expanded Pitching

STATS	P/S	P/I	K/9	QS	CG	SHO	GSC	GB	FB	G/F	IR	IRS	WP	BK	SB	CS	RSUP
Regular Season	0.0	15.0	7.5	0	0	0	0.0	28	41	0.7	12	5	0	0	2	1	0.0

pitching

SEASON	GP	GS	W	L	W%	WAR	ERA	WHIP	IP	K	BB	K/BB	H	R	ER	SV	HLD	BLSV
2026	24	0	2	3	.400	0.2	4.10	1.22	26.1	22	15	1.5	17	14	12	1	0	1
Career	24	0	2	3	.400	—	4.10	1.22	26.1	22	15	1.5	17	14	12	1	0	1

Opponent Batting

SEASON	P	TBF	P-TBF	OBA	OOBP	OSLUG	OOPS	2B	3B	HR	TB	RBI	BH	SH	SF	IBB
2026	394	106	3.717	.191	.302	.281	.583	2	0	2	25	18	0	0	2	2
Career	394	106	3.717	.191	.302	.281	.583	2	0	2	25	18	0	0	2	2

Expanded Pitching

SEASON	P/S	P/I	K/9	QS	CG	SHO	GSC	GB	FB	G/F	IR	IRS	WP	BK	SB	CS	RSUP
2026	0.0	15.0	7.5	0	0	0	0.0	28	41	0.7	12	5	0	0	2	1	0.0
Career	0.0	15.0	7.5	0	0	0	0.0	28	41	0.7	12	5	0	0	2	1	0.0

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Rookie Dillon Thieneman draws high praise from Bears veteran

Paolo Songco — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:00:25 +0000

Dillon Thieneman is entering his rookie season with the Chicago Bears. However, he’s already receiving praise from the coaching staff and his veteran teammates, including T.J. Edwards.

The safety was drafted at No. 25 overall and will be tasked to play a big role to start his pro career. Injuries to the secondary have forced head coach Ben Johnson to rely heavily on their first-year players. Along with Malik Muhammad, Thieneman will likely participate in more snaps than the team initially planned.

Coby Bryant is out for the next four to six months, but Thieneman showed in college that he’s ready for the NFL’s bright lights. He earned first-team All-American honors last year with the Oregon Ducks after recording 96 combined tackles and two interceptions.

Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.

T.J. Edwards speaks highly of Dillon Thieneman

Edwards praised Thieneman’s skill set and work ethic. The linebacker also highlighted his physicality, seeing him and Muhammad contributing heavily to the Bears in 2026.

“Dillon’s been a sponge, man, a guy who came in and just worked,” Edwards said. “He’s got all the tools and physical traits they talked about coming out, and you can see his speed and physicality. Same with Malik, you can tell he likes to be around the football and makes plays when they come to him. Now it’s about getting everyone on the same page, seeing and saying the right things, but they’re progressing like we need them to.”

Edwards joined Chicago in 2023. He previously spent the first four years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 30-year-old has established himself as a reliable player at his position despite going undrafted in 2019.

The Bears will face the Tennessee Titans on Saturday to wrap up their preseason schedule. They won their first assignment versus the Cleveland Browns before losing last week to the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL has set their first game of the regular season for Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.

Chicago Bears: 2 pass-rushers suffer significant injuries

Jordan Sigler — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:52:11 +0000

The Chicago Bears will be entering their joint practice with the Tennessee Titans shorthanded as two key players on the defensive line battle injuries late in training camp this week.

Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is reportedly being shopped by the team, taking phone calls on potential trades for the 2023 second-round pick set to play on the final contract of his rookie deal. Dexter finished second on the Bears in sacks, taking the quarterback down six times in 2025.

Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Dexter did not travel with the team to Tennessee due to a hamstring issue. In addition to Dexter, defensive end Austin Booker is week-to-week with a groin injury.

More News: Mayor Brandon Johnson claims ‘best idea’ to keep stadium

Chicago Bears have two pass-rushers battling injury

Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; An NFL emblem celebrating Salute to Service month is seen on the helmet of Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

More News: Bears rookie as coaching staff’s attention

“Bears DE Austin Booker is week-to-week with a groin injury,” Biggs posted on X. “DT Gervon Dexter did not make the trip to Nashville. He has a hamstring issue.”

The Bears did not make any splashy moves to improve a defensive line that was one of the worst in rushing the quarterback last season. Chicago was counting on Booker to take a leap in his third season in the league along with the hope that a motivated Dayo Odeyingbo would show improvement this fall.

The troubling status of Booker comes as second-year defensive lineman Shemar Turner is not expected to return from an ACL he suffered last season until around October.

The Bears were hoping that improved coverage in the secondary would help to mask issues with the defensive line this season. However, cornerback Kyler Gordon has not practiced in training camp due to a soft-tissue injury and the biggest signing of free agency, safety Coby Bryant, will miss much of the upcoming season after needing surgery for a knee injury he sustained early in camp.

The Bears will play their final preseason game of the year on Saturday against the Titans, the last time for the coaching staff to decide how to deal with depth issues on defense via players already on the roster.

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Enes Kanter Freedom makes Natasha Cloud demand after heated incident

Paolo Songco — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:01:21 +0000

Enes Kanter Freedom continues to grab WNBA headlines. He declared for the 2027 draft on Aug. 7, claiming that he’s eligible for meeting the eligibility guidelines through self identification. The former NBA player also made headlines following a heated exchange with Natasha Cloud at WinTrust Arena on Sunday.

Kanter Freedom watched the Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever showdown courtside and his exchange with Cloud delayed the game. It happened during the third quarter and he resulted to him getting escorted out of the venue.

The Fever won 113-90, ending their two-game skid. Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell combined for 67 points and 14 three-pointers, while Cloud registered 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists. It was Indiana’s last matchup of its five-game road trip, recording a 3-2 record. Chicago, on the other hand, lost its second straight game and dropped to 15-24 for the season.

Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) sets the play against the Golden State Valkyries during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Chicago Sky: Enes Kanter Freedom sends letter to WNBA about Natasha Cloud incident

Kanter Freedom wrote a letter addressed to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. He requested an explanation for why security asked him to leave WinTrust Arena. The 34-year-old also demanded that the league fine or suspend Cloud. He sent the letter one day after the Sky announced that they had banned him from their home court.

“According to the WNBA, any physical or verbal altercation with a fan is treated as conduct detrimental to the game,” Freedom wrote. “The WNBA Office holds the authority to issue heavy fines or multi-game suspensions for players who cross the line into berating or cursing at spectators. Yet Ms. Cloud’s conduct of yelling, swearing, and pointing at a spectator (me) appears to have escaped any accountability and was, in fact, defended by her coach.”

He entered the NBA as the No. 3 overall pick in 2011. Kanter Freedom played 11 seasons, suiting up for five different teams, including two stints each with the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics. He last played in the league in the 2021-22 season.

Bears’ Cole Kmet sends strong message on TE Colston Loveland

Paolo Songco — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:01:09 +0000

Many expect the Chicago Bears to give Cole Kmet fewer targets in the upcoming season in favor of Colston Loveland. The second-year tight end emerged as a capable starter as the 2025 campaign progressed, earning more minutes from the coaching staff. While the veteran may see him as competition, he instead expressed belief in Loveland.

Kmet appeared in 16 regular-season games last year, including 15 starts. He recorded 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns. Despite Loveland’s development, he has received praise for remaining professional during training camp.

Meanwhile, Loveland started 11 of the 16 regular-season games he played in 2025. The 22-year-old amassed 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns. His connection with Caleb Williams will be key for Chicago in its quest to surpass last year’s achievements.

Cole Kmet at Chicago Bears training camp

Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet looks forward to Colston Loveland’s 2026 performances

Reporters asked Kmet about his thoughts on how defenses will cover Loveland this coming season. He stressed that he is looking forward to it as the Michigan product is not easy to defend.

“It’s tough because those DVB bodies are not big enough to cover him,” Kmet said. “He’s definitely elusive and and faster than a lot of linebackers you’re gonna see in the NFL, so it’s going to be tough. I’m going to be interested to see how teams go about it, especially if we got 13 out there.

“You got 12 or 13 personnel, you for sure don’t want the backer on them. You don’t want the safety. They go small on us, we’re going to run it down your throat. So he’s definitely a weapon that opens up a lot of things for the offense. And I’ll be interested to see how defensive coordinators handle that throughout the season.”

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Kmet, Loveland and the Bears will open their regular season on Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers. However, they still have one preseason game left that they will play on Saturday versus the Tennessee Titans.

Fever-Sky receive massive update after WNBA showdown

Paolo Songco — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:02:10 +0000

The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky clashed in a highly anticipated matchup on Sunday. Many circled the date on their calendars following their heated meeting on Aug. 8. While the visiting team won convincingly, a massive update about the game was reported on Wednesday.

Caitlin Clark torched Chicago with a game-high 37 points, with three rebounds, 10 assists and a career-high eight three-pointers. Kelsey Mitchell also had a huge game, finishing with 30 points built on six three-pointer, along with four assists. Lexie Hull and Makayla Timpson scored in double digits with 14 and 12, respectively.

The Sky, on the other hand, were led by Natasha Cloud’s 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Azura Stevens backed her with 14 points and eight assists in the 113-90 defeat.

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the first half against the Chicago Sky.

Fever-Sky game sets viewership record

Sunday’s matchup drew a massive TV viewership, averaging 3.1 million viewers on NBC. It became the third most-watched game in WNBA history.

Another Fever game, another massive TV #

Fever at Sky on Sunday averaged 3.31 million viewers on NBC — the most-watched regular-season game since the league’s opening weekend in 1997!

All-Time:
Liberty-Sparks: 5.04M
Sting-Mercury: 3.59M

— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) August 26, 2026

The Indiana-Chicago game is also the fourth fixture this season that’s part of the top 10 most watched in league history. All four feature the Fever, proving further that they are the most popular team in the WNBA today.

They currently sit fifth in the standings with a 25-14 record and five games left on their schedule. Indiana battles the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream for a top three seed. The good news for the team is it will play three of its remaining games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Meanwhile, the Sky have been eliminated from playoff contention with a 15-24 record. However, they have a chance to finish the campaign strong and build momentum for 2027. The last time they reached the postseason was in 2023, losing in the first round to the Aces. Chicago will return to action on Saturday when it visits the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.

White Sox Tristan Peters continues to build impressive 2026 resume

Tyler Koerth — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:21:44 +0000

Tristan Peters has emerged as one of the best stories in baseball this season. Acquired by the Chicago White Sox in December after being designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays, Peters earned his way onto the Opening Day roster with an impressive spring training and hasn’t looked back since.

His 2026 season has been filled with memorable moments. Peters recorded the first of what are now three walk-offs on April 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays, then delivered a six-RBI performance against the Kansas City Royals on June 26. He hit for the cycle against the Athletics on July 10, earned his first All-Star selection, and hit a walk-off home run last weekend.

Now, on August 25, Peters nearly added another cycle to his resume, falling just a triple short. He still reached base five times however. Then on August 26 he extended his home run streak to five consecutive games, adding yet another impressive chapter to what has become a remarkable breakout season.

Chicago White Sox Tristan Peters continues to build impressive 2026 season resume

Aug 25, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Tristan Peters (29) points after he hits a home run during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Taking all of that into account, Peters has joined an exclusive group in MLB history. According to OptaSTATS, he is just the third player ever to record a six-RBI game, reach base five times in a game, hit a grand slam, hit a walk-off home run and homer in at least four consecutive games. The only other players to accomplish all five feats are Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx and Joe DiMaggio.

Feats for Tristan Peters in 2026:

6 RBI in a game
5 times on base in a game (H/BB/HBP)
4 straight games with a HR
cycle
grand slam
walkoff HR

Only 2 others in MLB history have done all of that in one season: Jimmie Foxx (1933) & Joe DiMaggio (1937). pic.twitter.com/W1zE4LVaw6

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) August 26, 2026

Furthermore, Peters joins teammates Munetaka Murakami as a White Sox player to homer in five consecutive games this season. That is a franchise record, a mark currently shared with Peteres, Murakami, A.J. Pierzynski, Paul Konerko, and Frank Thomas.

Peters’ latest surge is more than just another hot streak, it is the latest chapter in what has become one of the most remarkable breakout seasons in baseball. Overall this year he is now slashing .282/.346/.475 with 11 home runs and 52 RBI’s.

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1 unbelievable stat from rehabbing Cubs’ arm, 1 disappointing, but believable, development from another

Tyler Koerth — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:21:21 +0000

The Chicago Cubs’ pitching injuries this season have been well documented. That said, the outlook has started to trend in the right direction lately, with Ben Brown, Justin Steele and Shelby Miller all making progress in their respective recoveries. With each pitcher working toward a return this season, there was growing optimism for the possibility to all return in relief roles before seasons end.

That said, Wednesday, Aug. 26, brought significant updates on both Brown and Miller. Unfortunately for Brown, his recovery from a stress fracture in his neck has hit a snag after he experienced a return of the pain. Miller, meanwhile, provided some encouraging news on the mound, reaching a velocity he hasn’t seen since 2019.

Chicago Cubs injury updates: Ben Brown suffers a setback, Shelby Miller hits 98 MPH during an injury rehab outing

Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Ben Brown (32) reacts in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

According to the Cubs, Brown has unfortunately started experiencing symptoms in his neck again after recently throwing in bridge games in Arizona. He will now return to Chicago to meet with doctors and determine the next steps in his recovery.

Miller, meanwhile, provided a much more encouraging update in his latest appearance, topping out at 98.0 mph. That’s a velocity he hasn’t reached since 2019, making it impressive on its own, but even more notable considering he is just 11 months removed from Tommy John surgery.

For the Cubs, Wednesday’s updates offered a reminder of just how unpredictable the road back from injury can be. Brown’s setback is certainly discouraging, particularly with the postseason approaching, but Miller’s velocity provides a major reason for optimism. If Miller can continue building on his recent progress, he could give Chicago another valuable option down the stretch, while Brown’s next round of evaluations should provide a clearer picture of his chances to return this season.

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Fever star Sophie Cunningham celebrated special day with ‘my baby boy’

Paolo Songco — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:03:09 +0000

Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever are amid a four-day break after a grueling five-game road trip. She and the team went 3-2, capped off by a 113-90 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday. The veteran guard is making the most out of the days off, and celebrated National Dogs Day on Wednesday.

Cunningham posted only three points, two rebounds and one assist versus Chicago. However, Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell stepped up to lead Indiana to victory. The superstar backcourt duo combined for 67 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and 14 three-pointers. Lexie Hull and Makayla Timpson chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Cunningham and Co. will return to action on Friday. They will face the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to start the first of their final five games of the regular season. Three of those matchups will be played at home.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts during warmups before a game against the Portland Fire at Moda Center.

Indiana Fever: Sophie Cunningham spends National Dog Day with her ‘baby boy’

Cunningham posted a photo of her “baby boy” on her Instagram story on Wednesday. She also uploaded a short clip and another snap of her dogs in other stories.

Sophie shared a pic of her good boy for National Dog Day.

Let’s see yours! Drop a pic and share your goodest good dogs. pic.twitter.com/vrZzkwfVPE

— Sophie Cunningham FAN CLUB (@SophieC_FanClub) August 26, 2026

The 30-year-old is averaging 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists through 38 games. She started the season as a starter but was moved to bench to provide the reserves with more offensive firepower. Cunningham is amid an up-and-down season, struggling with consistency. The good news is she continues to provide the Fever with energy and hustle despite her lack of scoring during games. She has also converted on timely baskets, particularly from beyond the arc, when the team needs them the most.

Cunningham and Indiana are battling for a top three seed with the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta. They are currently fifth in the standings with a 25-14 record, one game back of third place in the standings.

Chicago Bears: Mayor Brandon Johnson claims ‘best idea’ to keep stadium

Jordan Sigler — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:06:24 +0000

The league had a special meeting of owners on Wednesday. While a lot of business was discussed and there was fanfare around certain owners, the status of the new stadium for the Chicago Bears did not make headlines.

The NFL stadium committee is eagerly awaiting the Bears to make a decision on the only two viable options deemed permissible, the site at Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana.

Earlier this month, the Bears said they were putting their sole focus on a move to Northwest Indiana, doing due diligence on a second location. Amid the team’s talks with Indiana, the Bears hired new lobbyists to help put together votes for a megaprojects bill.

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson has been adamant throughout the year that the Bears need to stay in the city. The Bears reportedly kept backchannel conversations open with officials in Chicago this year (at the same time they wanted a megaprojects bill to pass the Illinois General Assembly).

On Wednesday, Johnson said the “best idea” would be for the Bears to stay in the city. He doesn’t believe Hammond or Arlington Heights have a real plan for the team.

The best idea for the people of Chicago is for the Bears to remain in Chicago,” Johnson said, via NBC Chicago. “No one has produced a plan except for me. Everything else is just speculation.”

More News: Bears rookie as coaching staff’s attention

Chicago Bears planning on moving from city

Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

More News: Bears 2025 2nd-round pick not expected to return soon

While the NFL has made it clear that only Hammond and Arlington Heights are viable options at this point, Governor JB Pritzker recently made comments suggesting Chicago would still be in play to keep the Bears.

Johnson wants to build a new stadium to the south of Soldier Field. He wants to make infrastructure changes in the location for traffic purposes, noting Lollapalooza caused logistics issues for the city.

“The ingress-egress is a problem over there,” Johnson said. “400,000 people came to Chicago for Lollapalooza, and the Museum Campus doesn’t benefit because the people are cut off from being able to wander off, even if they just accidentally stumble upon the museum.”

Johnson may have a plan, but it’s not in the cards for the NFL at this point.

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Luther Burden news causes a stir among Bears fans

Paolo Songco — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:04:08 +0000

Luther Burden sustained a groin injury on Aug. 8. The Chicago Bears faced several setbacks during training camp, causing a stir among their fans. Many felt saddened about it, while others expressed optimism that he will return to action soon.

Analysts expect the wide receiver to play a bigger role in the upcoming season. With D.J. Moore now with the Buffalo Bills, Rome Odunze and Burden headline Chicago’s WR corps. The second-year wideout enjoyed a solid rookie season, recording 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games, including five starts. He added six rushing attempts for 37 yards and also featured in special teams as a kick returner.

Luther Burden making a tricky catch

A Luther Burden development draws Bears fans’ attention

Burden returned to practice on Wednesday, drawing a lot of attention from Bears fans. He missed just over two weeks and has a chance to play some snaps in the preseason finale on Saturday.

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Fans dropped mixed reactions to the news in the comments section.

“Ya that rivalries jersey gonna be ina #10 for me,” a fan said.

“Thank god,” one reaction read.

“Sit him till week 1,” a user wrote.

“Burst gone… groins no joke,” another fan commented.

“groins never only 2 weeks… we shall see,” posted another.

“when you dealing with a groin injury you’re usually gonna be dealing with it all year, let’s hope he’s healthy all year tho,” a comment read.

Chicago will face the Tennessee Titans to wrap up its preseason slate. While it’s unclear if Burden will play, it’s a good sign that he was able to participate in individual drills. However, he’s on track to see action in the regular-season opener on Sept. 13. The Bears will visit the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Week 1. Their home opener is set for the following week versus the Minnesota Vikings.

Caitlin Clark turns heads with attention-grabbing move on Wednesday

Paolo Songco — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:18:42 +0000

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has debuted several pairs on her Nike Caitlin 1s and has drawn attention for them. Fans are anticipating the release of her first signature shoes, and she showed off a new colorway on Wednesday.

She and the Indiana are off for four days after winning the final game of their five-game road trip on Sunday. They defeated the Chicago Sky 113-90 to snap a two-game skid and finish their series of away games with a 3-2 record. Clark dominated with a game-high 37 points, along with three rebounds, 10 assists and a career-high eight three-pointers. Kelsey Mitchell backed her with 30 points, two rebounds, four assists and six three-pointers.

Fever posts about new colorway of Caitlin Clark’s signature shoes

The Fever posted photos of the Friendship bracelet Caitlin 1s on X. The design features pop superstar Taylor Swift’s influence on the design.

a closer look at the Friendship Bracelet Caitlin 1’s pic.twitter.com/O945HPihE0

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 26, 2026

Clark wore them during practice, and fans expressed excitement in the comments section.

“MY SWIFTIE ,” a fan commented.

“Ummm how many colours and style we getting when this first launches? I do not think my pocket book can handle this,” one reaction read.

“Her best colorway so far. They fit her perfectly,” a fan wrote.

“They look like birthday cake confetti ,” posted another.

“Genius idea! I’m 63 and I want those!” another fan said.

“So gorgeous. Caitlin eat all my money bcos every pair is a heat,” one comment read.

The three-time All-Star also posted three stories about it on her Instagram story. The pair has an off-white mesh upper accented with pastel pastel undertones throughout. It comes with fur-style laces designed to mimic handcrafted material and friendship bracelet beads threaded onto the lace.

FIRST LOOK: Nike Caitlin 1 Friendship Bracelet 2⃣2⃣

Caitlin Clark recently said she had “a couple versions” of her shoe that she thinks Taylor Swift would like pic.twitter.com/foqYLSM2ga

— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) August 26, 2026

The Nike Caitlin 1s will be released on Oct. 1. Fans can’t wait to purchase them, making Clark’s first signature shoe one of the most anticipated in recent memory.

NBA on NBC likely to be without Michael Jordan for upcoming season

Zack Pearson — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 21:24:19 +0000

When the NBA on NBC returned last year, it brought a certain wave of nostalgia back to our TV. From the theme song to primetime matchups, it felt normal to see the NBA on NBC again. It even had a special addition with Michael Jordan joining coverage.

For years, Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were featured on NBC mostly battling Eastern Conference rivals. But since then, Jordan has been away from the game except for a few special appearances. So when NBC announced that Jordan would be joining as a special contributor, the excitement was at a high. Then the interviews happened.

While Jordan offered a lot of insight into the game from his perspective, the special contributions were basically one interview filmed with Mike Tirico before the season and cut into special segments. It was disappointing to say the least. Now, NBC is pulling the plug on that.

Michael Jordan wont appear on NBA on NBC anymore

Feb 20, 2022; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; Michael Jordan greets crew members of NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports

As the NBA on NBC prepares for its second season here in a few months, Jordan isn’t expected to be a contributor again. Per Front Office Sports, Jordan is not expected back as a special contributor for this upcoming season.

Michael Jordan is not expected to return to NBC Sports’s NBA coverage, Front Office Sports has learned.

NBC scored a major coup when it landed His Airness as a “special on-air contributor” before the 2025–26 season. It was the first time Air Jordan really talked basketball on TV since 2020’s The Last Dance documentary, which focused on his Bulls dynasty. NBC aired all six of Jordan’s NBA titles during the network’s golden era of 1990s basketball coverage.

It’s disappointing to see the news that Jordan wont return, however after seeing what they did for his segments last season, it’s really not surprising. This idea should have been a lot more than just one interview. But are we really surprised?

Jordan’s focus has been on his NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, not allowing for a lot of time to be a contributor on a weekly basis. Fans got to hear from Jordan for five total segments last season, split up into three-four minutes during halftime.

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Chicago Cubs: Michael Conforto over Kyle Tucker was a low-key MVP-level decision

Paul Magno — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 19:19:46 +0000

The Chicago Cubs seem to have dodged a bullet when they essentially passed on pursuing a continued relationship with right fielder Kyle Tucker.

More News: The Chicago Cubs’ Webb of late-inning concern grows after brutal loss

Although they never would’ve offered Tucker the 4-year, $260 million contract that the Los Angeles Dodgers did, there was still real talk about a deal in the area of $400 million over ten years. Looking back, it would’ve been a deal that not only hobbled the franchise, but one which also would’ve likely crushed the positive vibe of this current squad.

Instead, the Cubs opted to return Seiya Suzuki to full-time right field duty and then sign veteran Michael Conforto as a capable fourth outfielder for insurance.

As things would turn out, the Conforto decision was one of the low-key important moves of the offseason.

Conforto is clutch; Tucker, not so much

May 8, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Michael Conforto (20) is greeted in the dugout by teammates after scoring during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

More News: Chicago Cubs staring down brutal turn of pitching events ahead of playoff chase

The 33-year-old has come through repeatedly for this team and has become the linchpin for a much improved bench this season. Coming into Tuesday’s game, the veteran had a 1.202 OPS as a pinch hitter and is boasting a franchise-record four home runs in that role. All in all, he’s batting .232, but has 12 home runs and 33 RBIs, with a .794 OPS in 240 plate appearances—on a one-year, $2 million contract.

Tucker, meanwhile, is hitting .231 with 11 home runs and 57 RBIs, posting a .687 OPS as a full-time starter with 510 plate appearances.

For Conforto, taking a bench job had to be a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. He came into the 2026 season after having made $17 million in a season with the Dodgers last year and $18 million a year for two years with the San Francisco Giants as an every day player. However, a brutal 2025—where he hit .199 on the season and was kept off the Dodgers’ playoff roster—forced him to reassess his options.

“When you sign a player of his stature and they come in and they accept a role that’s not something they’ve done before, it builds things around the room,” manager Craig Counsell said of Conforto. “Mike’s been a real connector for this group. His production and his leadership from that perspective has been really important.”

A focus on winning

May 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Michael Conforto (20) is greeted by center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) after hitting a three-run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The former Dodger, Giant, and Met claims that his focus now is just on winning and adding on to his career legacy after 11 years in the game.

“I’ve felt more like I’ve come in here and kind of joined the party,” Conforto recently told the Chicago Sun-Times. “The big thing is coming in here and being honest: At this point in my career, I just want to win games. That was just a great fit from the beginning.

“A lot of these guys, maybe it resonated with them that you can get to a place in your career where, maybe, it’s not so much about the money and the playing time and all that stuff but it’s about being a part of something special.

The Cubs are absolutely not having buyer’s remorse when it comes to their signing of Conforto. Now, the question is whether they’ll make any moves in the offseason to keep him in Chicago.

The post Chicago Cubs: Michael Conforto over Kyle Tucker was a low-key MVP-level decision appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Bears veteran tells the truth on Caleb Williams-Ben Johnson relationship

Paolo Songco — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 19:00:40 +0000

Ben Johnson played a significant role in helping bring out the best from Caleb Williams last season. Their relationship has continued to grow stronger in the build up the 2026 campaign. Many have noticed how their forged an even stronger bond, including Cole Kmet.

The veteran tight end is entering the season likely set for a smaller role than he had last year. Analysts expect Colston Loveland to start, with Kmet serving as the TE2. However, he also has a connection with the starting quarterback, which the team will utilize at different points of 2026.

Johnson and Williams will be the key to Chicago maintaining or surpassing its success last year. The Bears turned doubters into believers by winning the NFC North and reaching the Divisional Round with a rookie head coach and third-year quarterback.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks with quarterback Caleb Williams (18) against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Soldier Field.

Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet discusses Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson’s relationship

Kmet highlighted that the relationship of the head coach-quarterback duo has worked well for the rest of the team. He also emphasized that it has translated to better communication during huddles.

“I think it’s things I’ve said in the past, like operation, the huddle, is just continuing to get better and better,” Kmet said. “And you can tell his rapport with coach has just grown so much since really a year ago. So you’re just seeing that growth in the huddle each and every day.”

Cole Kmet on Caleb Williams’ Growth:

“The operation in ‘The Huddle’ has just continued to get better and better, and you can tell his rapport with Coach has just grown so much since really a year ago. So you’re just seeing that growth in the huddle each and every day.”

Cole… pic.twitter.com/gVAvIir1DF

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) August 26, 2026

The Bears are relying heavily on a mostly-intact roster and the continuous development of Williams. However, the teams veterans, including Kmet, will need to guide the younger players to ensure that everyone is on the same page. They will play their third and final preseason game on Saturday against the Tennessee Titans. Only two will remain after the matchup before the team opens its regular season campaign on Sept. 13 versus the Carolina Panthers.

Angel Reese has simple reaction to major WNBA award

Angelo Guinhawa — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:57:38 +0000

Angel Reese had a simple response after receiving one of the WNBA’s biggest weekly honors, allowing her performance to speak louder than her reaction. The Atlanta Dream forward was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after a dominant stretch that continued to raise expectations around her rapidly developing season.

Reese acknowledged the recognition with a brief social media reaction after the league announced the award. Her understated response stood in contrast to the significance of the honor, which recognized a stretch of strong performances that helped the Dream make progress during an important part of the regular season.

Sep 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) walks on the court during the second half of a WNBA game against the Connecticut Sun at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The award came after Reese delivered impressive production across the Dream’s recent games, continuing a stretch in which she has consistently impacted contests in multiple areas. Her rebounding has remained one of her biggest strengths, while her ability to score around the basket and create second-chance opportunities has made her increasingly difficult for opposing teams to contain.

Reese has also continued to establish herself as one of Atlanta’s most important players despite being relatively early in her WNBA career. Her physical style, relentless work on the boards and willingness to compete for every possession have provided the Dream with an interior presence capable of changing the momentum of a game.

Atlanta Dream Star Angel Reese Reacts to Major WNBA Award

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) and rapper Latto interact after a victory against the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Reese shared a simple reaction to winning a major award recently. This can be seen in a post she shared on her official X account.

https://t.co/AO8WbTBuge

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) August 25, 2026

Winning the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award adds another accomplishment to a season that has featured several notable moments for Reese. The recognition also reflects how her individual production has translated into a larger role for Atlanta as the team looks to position itself strongly for the postseason.

For Reese, the response to the honor remained remarkably straightforward, but the award itself carried considerably more weight. As the Dream continue their push toward the playoffs, maintaining that level of production could make her one of the most important players on Atlanta’s roster and keep her firmly in the conversation among the league’s top performers.

WNBA fans notice the same thing about Angel Reese during major announcement

Angelo Guinhawa — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:56:07 +0000

Angel Reese drew plenty of attention after the Atlanta Dream made a major announcement, but fans were especially focused on her reaction. The response quickly became part of the conversation as supporters celebrated another major milestone during her breakout 2026 campaign.

The Dream announced that Reese had been named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week following a dominant stretch on the road. The recognition marked another significant achievement for the forward, whose production has continued to rise as Atlanta pushes toward the postseason.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) in the first half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Reese’s recent performances have strengthened her standing as one of the league’s most productive young stars. Her impact has been especially noticeable on the glass, where her relentless pursuit of rebounds has become a defining part of her game and a major advantage for the Dream.

Her offensive contributions have also helped elevate Atlanta during an important portion of the schedule. By combining interior scoring, rebounding and physical defense, Reese has given the Dream a versatile frontcourt presence capable of influencing games in several different ways.

WNBA Fans React to Angel Reese During Major Announcement

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the second half of a WNBA pre-season game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Fans have shared their thoughts about how Reese acted while being announced for a major honor. These reactions can be seen in a post made by the Dream on X.

The moment

Congrats Angel on Eastern Conference Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/ByFboRuZDc

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) August 25, 2026

“She so shy when she gets accolades. Sweet, angel baby has been working so hard,” a fan said. “my humble queen,” another added.

A supporter mentioned, “She always looks so shy when receiving praise BAHAHAHA”

“I love how shy Angel gets when she gets accolades or when someone highlights her accomplishments,” a follower remarked.

“She’s still so shy abt being praised. Baby girl, it’s urs to bask in!!! Love this for her!” a commenter posted.

“I’m smiling so big. She’s so humble and deserves it so much,” a sixth social media user reacted.

Fans quickly noticed how Reese responded to the announcement, with many viewing her reaction as another reflection of her competitive personality. Rather than the award itself being the only focus, supporters paid close attention to her demeanor and the way she appeared to embrace the recognition after helping Atlanta produce a strong road trip.

The honor adds another chapter to Reese’s rapidly developing WNBA career and provides further evidence of her growing influence in Atlanta. With the Dream entering a crucial stage of the season, her continued production could play a major role in determining how far the team advances and whether she remains part of the league’s broader individual awards conversation.

Legendary ESPN announcer has strong MVP take about Caitlin Clark

Angelo Guinhawa — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:54:53 +0000

Dick Vitale has weighed in on the WNBA MVP race, giving Caitlin Clark a strong endorsement as the league’s top individual player. The longtime ESPN broadcaster’s stance adds another prominent voice to the growing debate surrounding Clark’s place among the WNBA’s elite.

Vitale’s position reflects the continued attention surrounding Clark as she works to establish herself as one of the league’s most influential players. Her combination of scoring, playmaking and ability to create opportunities for teammates has kept her firmly within the conversation whenever the league’s premier performers are discussed.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Valkyries.
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The MVP debate remains competitive, with several established stars producing outstanding seasons and making compelling cases of their own. A’ja Wilson has remained a dominant force, while other leading candidates have continued to put together impressive campaigns that make the race difficult to separate.

Clark’s case, however, extends beyond traditional scoring numbers. Her ability to control the pace of a game, generate open looks for teammates and consistently attract defensive attention has made her presence significant even when her individual scoring totals are not the highest on the floor.

ESPN Announcer Dick Vitale Drops MVP Take About Indiana Fever Star Caitlin Clark

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) puts her arm around forward Aliyah Boston (7). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Vitale shared his thoughts on who should win the MVP award this season. This can be seen in a post he made on his official X account.

Yes @CaitlinClark22 must be in the conversation about the MVP of the @WNBA as she has been sensational! @IndianaFever @ESPNPR https://t.co/tF8GcF74ZQ

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) August 24, 2026

Vitale’s endorsement also underscores the broader expectations surrounding Clark entering the season. After making an immediate impact in the WNBA, she has continued to draw enormous attention while facing the challenge of maintaining elite production against increasingly familiar opponents and defensive schemes.

The MVP conversation will ultimately be determined by the full body of work throughout the season, but the endorsement from such a recognizable basketball voice keeps Clark at the center of the discussion. With the race still developing, her performances in the coming weeks could determine whether the early support translates into a serious push for the league’s highest individual honor.

Kyle Kuzma defends Chicago Sky star after heated moment with Enes Kanter Freedom

Angelo Guinhawa — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:48:38 +0000

Kyle Kuzma defended Chicago Sky star Natasha Cloud following a heated exchange involving Enes Kanter Freedom during a WNBA game. The confrontation quickly drew attention after the incident resulted in an ejection and sparked discussion about the boundaries of sideline behavior.

The situation unfolded during a matchup involving the Sky and Indiana Fever, with tensions escalating before Freedom was removed from the game. Cloud became involved in the exchange, and the incident continued to attract attention after the ejection as the former NBA player moved toward the court area before eventually leaving.

Aug 21, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard DiJonai Carrington (3) dribbles towards the basket against Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Kuzma later weighed in on the situation, criticizing Freedom’s actions and making it clear that he believed Cloud deserved support. His reaction added an NBA perspective to an incident that had already generated significant discussion among basketball fans and players.

The episode centered on the intensity that can develop during competitive games, particularly when emotions rise between players and people on the sidelines. Cloud has established herself as one of the more vocal and experienced figures in the WNBA, while her competitive approach has occasionally placed her at the center of heated exchanges.

Kyle Kuzma Reacts to Chicago Sky Star Natasha Cloud’s Encounter With Enes Kanter

Phantom BC wing Natasha Cloud (15) celebrates after defeating Vinyl BC. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Kuzma shared his thoughts about the former NBA star after he beefed with Cloud and the Sky. This can be seen in a post he made on his official X account.

Look at the drama queen….. no not Natasha. Grown man stepping over the baseline at a woman https://t.co/kPDrm5EJZX

— kuz (@kylekuzma) August 24, 2026

Freedom’s ejection became an important part of the controversy because the situation did not simply end when officials removed him from the game. His subsequent movement near the court drew additional scrutiny, while Kuzma’s public response demonstrated how the incident had reached beyond the players directly involved.

The confrontation ultimately became another example of how quickly moments of tension can become major talking points in professional basketball. For the Sky, the attention surrounding the incident was secondary to the game itself, but the exchange involving Cloud and Freedom continued to resonate after the final whistle.

The Chicago Cubs’ Webb of late-inning concern grows after brutal loss

Paul Magno — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:04:22 +0000

The Chicago Cubs took a real gut punch on Tuesday at Chase Field when the Arizona Diamondbacks came back from a 0-4 deficit coming into the eighth inning to walk-off the game in the bottom of the ninth and end the evening on top 5-to-4.

More News: Chicago Cubs staring down brutal turn of pitching events ahead of playoff chase

To be extra specific, Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell took a gut punch now that the balancing act he’s managed in addressing the team’s closer situation has seemingly fallen apart.

When Daniel Palencia returned from the IL last Friday, the talk was about how great things would be with two legit closers on-staff now.

With Jacob Webb having established himself as the team’s high-leverage late-inning guy in Palencia’s absence—riding high on a 24 scoreless inning streak—the Cubs seemed set with the 1-2 closer tandem.

But things definitely haven’t worked out as planned.

Webb’s struggles

Aug 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jacob Webb reacts after giving up a walk off home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

More News: Chicago Cubs: Counsell’s not messing around—win or get out of the way

Webb blew his first save in a long time that Saturday, allowing 3 earned runs in two-thirds of an inning in a walk-off win for the Seattle Mariners. Still, Counsell held firm in his belief in the veteran.

“He’s kind of held this whole thing together for most of the year,” Counsell told reporters after that tough loss. “He’s been great. He’s having a heck of a season. [Saturday] doesn’t change that. He’s going to be out there the next time there’s an opportunity.”

In his very next appearance, however, Webb failed to close the show and again presided over a walk-off ninth inning loss. This time, he had a tag team partner in facilitating the fail—Palencia.

The hard-throwing righty would come into the game in the eighth inning and give up 3 earned runs in two-thirds of an inning before being replaced by Webb.

“I was trying to do my job. It wasn’t my night,” Palencia told media after the game. “They beat me today.”

From concern to a full-blown issue

Apr 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) delivers against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The closer situation has now progressed beyond being just a one-time thing that still allows for positivity the rest of the way. It’s now a full-blown issue.

Throw in the struggles of trade deadline acquisition Ryan Zeferjhan, who was brought in because of his strong late-inning potential, and now there’s real cause for concern.

Since the August 3 deadline, the late-inning trio of Webb, Palencia, and Zeferjahn have posted an ugly combined ERA of 6.27—and that’s with Zeferjahn having already fallen out of Counsell’s circle of trust, relegated to more low-intensity appearances.

The Webb and Palencia situation is especially troubling for the Cubs, who have strong postseason aspirations and face a tightening race in the NL Wild Card race. Some chatter has already begun about a returning Ben Brown and how he might be used in the closer role when cleared for a full-time comeback. Hoby Milner is also expected back soon to help with the bullpen issues.

In the time being, though, Counsell and the Cubs will have to rely on the longstanding Cubs bullpen strategy of doing the best with what they’ve got and hoping like crazy that it all works out.

The post The Chicago Cubs’ Webb of late-inning concern grows after brutal loss appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Bears TE Cole Kmet comments on ‘annoying’ practice development

Paolo Songco — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:01:26 +0000

Cole Kmet and the Chicago Bears are just more than two weeks away from opening their 2026 season. They are deep in preparations for the campaign and are set to play their final preseason game on Saturday. The veteran tight end also experienced something new during practice, which he talked about on Tuesday.

Kmet will likely take on a smaller role in the upcoming campaign. The emergence of Colston Loveland as a capable tight end cut into his minutes, and the second-year will start in his place in 2026. He also became one of Caleb Williams’ favorite targets, catching passes when they the team needed them the most.

However, Kmet will be ready when they call his name. He showed last year that he can still deliver, recording 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Cole Kmet shares his experience with fake noise during Bears practice

The Bears used fake noise during practice to recreate a game-day scenario. Kmet admitted that it made huddles more challenging but he knows that it will help them prepare better.

“It’s like the most annoying noise there is,” Kmet said. “I don’t know if any fans sound like that in any other stadium I’ve been in, but it definitely bugs you in the huddle when you’re communicating on a scrimmage. So it’s good work for us.”

Cole Kmet on practicing through fake crowd noise:

“It’s like the most annoying noise there is. I don’t know if any fans sound like that in any other stadium I’ve been in, but it definitely bugs you in the huddle and when you’re communicating at the line of scrimmage, so it… pic.twitter.com/RZiptnvelx

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) August 26, 2026

While fake noise is still different to sounds heard during actual games, it still forces the team to communicate better. Chicago head coach Ben Johnson and his staff are doing their best to help the players focus even more.

Kmet and the Bears will feature in seven primetime games in the 2026 season, and a lot of eyes will be focused on them. Their campaign starts on Sept. 13 with a visit to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.

NFL announces update on Bears-Packers Week 16 matchup

Paolo Songco — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:02:18 +0000

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers are one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL. They faced each other thrice last season, including the Wild Card Round which the Bears won 31-27 at Soldier Field. The rivals will meet again twice in the upcoming campaign, with the first in Week 5 and the second in Week 16.

Chicago is coming off an 11-6 season and earned an NFC North Crown. Caleb Williams shined and led the team to the Divisional Round, where it lost 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams.

Green Bay, on the other hand, finished second in the division with a 9-7-1 record. They are aiming for a deeper playoff run in 2026 and dethrone the Bears.

Isaiah McDuffie (58) and Xavier McKinney (29) tackleColston Loveland (84) during an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field.

NFL releases a uniform update for Bears’ Week 16 game against the Packers

The NFL posted photos of Chicago’s Rivalries uniform in collaboration with Nike. It features a dark navy base with orange drop-shadowed classic block numbering. The sleeve details include stripes framed with thin orange borders, along with custom shoulder patch emblems.

It also has a navy jersey collar with orange accents near the V-neck split. The overall vibe is a retro-inspired throwback design, paying homage to traditional franchise aesthetics.

The @ChicagoBears‘ NFL x Nike Rivalries uniforms. @usnikefootball

Week 16 vs. Green Bay pic.twitter.com/I2jc3CoVL6

— NFL (@NFL) August 25, 2026

Many players likely circled Weeks 5 and 16 in their calendars, as they expect the games to be both intense. Last year’s meetings featured tightly contested matches, with the teams splitting the results. Green Bay won 28-21 in Week 14 before Chicago returned the favor with a 22-16 victory two weeks later.

The Bears bolstered their roster in the offseason with key veteran additions to address positional needs. Meanwhile, the Packers’ moves are headlined by the addition of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. Chicago will open its regular season on Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers. Green Bay will commence its slate with a road game versus the Minnesota Vikings on the same day.

DiJonai Carrington’s ab-baring outfit for Sky game turns heads

Paolo Songco — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 03:04:33 +0000

DiJonai Carrington and the Chicago Sky continued their regular season on Tuesday. They have been eliminated from playoff contention but are looking to end the campaign strong. The veteran guard arrived at Mohegan Sun Arena looking relaxed and turned heads with her pregame outfit.

Chicago is coming off a 113-90 loss at home to the Indiana Fever. Natasha Cloud led the team with 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while Carrington contributed seven points and three rebounds. However, they couldn’t stop Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell’s barrage, as the duo combined for 67 points built on 14 three-pointers.

The Sky dropped their second straight game, losing 87-81 to the Sun. Kamilla Cardoso scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, but Carrington managed zero points and only one rebound in four minutes of action.

Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington (7) poses for a photo with Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) after the game at the American Airlines Center.

Chicago Sky: DiJonai Carrington draws attention for outfit ahead of Sun game

Carrington entered the venue wearing a light grey strapless tube top under an open, light pink zip-up hooded jacket. She paired it with matching light pink drawstring sweatpants and completed her look with a pendant necklace.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chicago Sky (@chicagosky)

Fans reacted to her attire in the comments section.

“Damn girl ya loook good ,” a fan wrote.

“I can’t wait to run into dijonai I’m shooting from half court like curry she so sexy ,” one reaction read.

“Dijonai know she fine as hell,” a user said.

“how come you look pretty before the game!” posted another.

“Nai so prettyyyyy,” another fan commented.

“your so fine MAMI,” one comment read.

Carrington and the Sky remain 10th in the standings with a 15-24 record. They have five games remaining on their schedule, with a chance to gain some momentum for 2027. Chicago’s next game is set for Saturday at Barclays Center against the New York Liberty. The FIBA World Cup break follows before the team returns to action on Sept. 17 to host the Washington Mystics.

Bears HC Ben Johnson addresses Caleb Williams’ behavior at practice

Paolo Songco — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 01:16:06 +0000

Caleb Williams has received a lot of praise for his 2025 performances, as well as for the growth he showed in the offseason. Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was one of them, who also spoke highly of his development during practices.

The quarterback was instrumental in the team winning the NFC North last season with an 11-6 record. He also led the team to the Divisional Round before losing 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Chargers. Williams completed 330-of-568 passes for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interception in 17 regular-season games.

He looks to surpass his totals in 2026 and help the team reach greater heights. The Bears will rely heavily on his playmaking and cool demeanor under pressure in a crucial season, where they aim to continue silencing their critics.

Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson will play crucial role in developing Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson opens up on how Caleb Williams has been at practices

Johnson once again commended Williams on Tuesday. He addressed reporters and highlighted ow good the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner has been during practices.

“I’m happy with where he’s at right now,” Johnson said. “I love the approach that he takes coming into work every day. I love his demeanor on the field right now. There’s a level of professionalism that I think radiates from him. Everything he’s doing from warming up, all the way until the end of practice, there’s a mission in mind. And so I appreciate that about him.”

Ben Johnson on Caleb Williams’ Growth and Leadership:

“I love the approach that he takes coming into work every day. I love his demeanor on the field right now. There’s a level of professionalism that radiates from him. It’s been a little bit of a mixed bag over the last few… pic.twitter.com/mNMpRYwbox

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) August 25, 2026

Williams played in the first series of Chicago’s second preseason game on Saturday. Case Keenum replaced him until halftime, and Miller Moss took over in the second half. The team lost 29-7 to the Cincinnati Bengals.

However, the Bears expect Williams to continue as their QB1 in the regular season. They will open their slate on Sept. 13 with a road game versus the Carolina Panthers. They will host their first home game in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Chicago Sky make announcement after Indiana Fever incident

Paolo Songco — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:12:42 +0000

On Sunday, the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever faced each other for the third and final time this season. Fans highly anticipated the matchup following their heated meeting on Aug. 8. Sophie Cunningham received a Flagrant 2 foul from DiJonai Carrington then, leading to online debates in WNBA circles. The visiting team dominated and won 113-90 in Sunday’s one-sided game. However, a third quarter incident grabbed a lot of attention, prompting an announcement on Tuesday.

Natasha Cloud engaged in an exchange with Enes Kanter Freedom. The former NBA player sat courtside, and the moment quickly became heated. Security eventually escorted him out of WinTrust Arena, while some fans heckled him. The game was delayed for a few minutes but eventually pushed through.

Chicago Sky logo is seen on the court before Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs between the Chicago Sky and New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena.

Chicago Sky decide on Enes Kanter Freedom’s future at WinTrust Arena

Sky owner Michael Alter informed the media that the they have banned Kanter Freedom at the venue moving forward. The team views him as a threat and will not allow him inside its home court anymore.

“He has demonstrated to us, unequivocally, that he has the potential to be a threat,” Alter said.

The Chicago Sky have decided to ban Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena moving forward, owner Michael Alter said when speaking to local Chicago media.
“He has demonstrated to us, unequivocally, that he has the potential to be a threat.”

— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) August 25, 2026

The No. 3 overall pick of the 2011 NBA draft grabbed headlines on Aug. 7. He declared for next year’s WNBA draft, claiming that he meets the eligibility guidelines through self identification. Kanter Freedom created significant controversy, with some supporting his decision, while others criticized him.

Meanwhile, Cloud led Chicago’s charge with 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Azura Stevens backed her with 14 points and eight rebounds, but their efforts weren’t enough to secure a victory.

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell powered the Fever with 67 combined points, along with five rebounds and 14 assists. The superstar backcourt duo also knocked down 14 three-pointers on 14-of-21 shooting from beyond the arc. Lexie Hull and Makayla Timpson contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Rikuu Nishida Stats, Bio & Profile | Chicago White Sox RF | ChiCitySports

Christian Lance — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:59:22 +0000

#51RF

Chicago White Sox

Rikuu Nishida

Right Fielder

Active

2026 Season Stats

STATS	GP	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	HBP	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	WAR
Regular Season	12	29	3	7	0	0	0	2	0	0	5	0	0	.241	.241	.241	.483	0.1

STATS	PA	P	P/PA	XBH	TB	IBB	HBP	GIDP	SH	SF	SB	CS	SB%
Regular Season	30	97	3.23	0	7	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0.00

STATS	WAR	OWAR	RC	RC/27	ISOP	SECA	AB/HR	BB/PA	BB/K	GO	FO	GO/FO
Regular Season	0.1	-0.2	1.5	1.8	.000	.000	0.0	.000	0.00	16	9	1.8

Career Batting

SEASON	GP	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	HBP	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	WAR
2026	12	29	3	7	0	0	0	2	0	0	5	0	0	.241	.241	.241	.483	0.1
Career	12	29	3	7	0	0	0	2	0	0	5	0	0	.241	.241	.241	.483	—

Expanded Batting

SEASON	PA	P	P/PA	XBH	TB	IBB	HBP	GIDP	SH	SF	SB	CS	SB%
2026	30	97	3.23	0	7	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0.00
Career	30	97	3.23	0	7	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0.00

Advanced Batting

SEASON	WAR	OWAR	RC	RC/27	ISOP	SECA	AB/HR	BB/PA	BB/K	GO	FO	GO/FO
2026	0.1	-0.2	1.5	1.8	.000	.000	0.0	.000	0.00	16	9	1.8
Career	—	—	1.5	1.8	.000	.000	0.0	.000	0.00	16	9	1.8

The post Rikuu Nishida Stats, Bio & Profile | Chicago White Sox RF | ChiCitySports appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears actively trying to shop pass-rusher: Report

Jordan Sigler — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:07:00 +0000

In a bizarre turn of events, the Chicago Bears are trying to shop a pass-rusher before the start of the regular season.

The Bears were reportedly interested in trading for Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea this summer before he signed a new deal to stay with the Buccaneers. It made sense for Chicago to be aggressive in finding help for the defensive line, something that was in issue for the team last season.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears have had trade discussions with other league teams over defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, who finished second in sacks on Chicago’s defense last season with six sacks.

“Sources: The Bears have had trade discussions involving DT Gervon Dexter, and there are multiple scenarios where a deal could get done sending him to a new team,” Shultz posted on X.

“Dexter, still just 24 years old, started all 17 games last season and has 13.5 career sacks and 42 QB hits. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract.”

More News: Bears 2025 2nd-round pick not expected to return soon

Chicago Bears shopping Gervon Dexter

Chicago Bears Gervon Dexter makes a play against the Patriots

More News: Bears All-Pro exits practice with painful injury

Any team looking to trade for Dexter would need to have a deal in place to avoid making the defensive tackle a one-year loaner. He’s been a key part of the Bears interior defensive line, which head coach Ben Johnson praised on Tuesday.

“I think our interior defensive line is better than the outside world is giving them credit for,” Johnson said.

Losing Dexter would certainly hurt the depth of the defensive line before the regular season. The Bears didn’t add enough help at defensive end this offseason, and the defense needs the interior part of the line to do the heavy lifting when Week 1 starts in September.

Dexter, a 2023 second-round pick, is expected to start alongside veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who had an off-season in 2025.

The Bears lost Andrew Billings in free agency to the Arizona Cardinals. Chicago signed Kentavius Street and Neville Gallimore for depth at the position and drafted Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round. Van den Berg has had a strong camp.

Chicago would ideally like to get something in return for Dexter if they cannot re-sign him during the next offseason. But that could mean parting with one of the best hopes defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has for rushing the passer this season.

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Antonio Grier Jr. Stats, Bio & Profile | Chicago Bears LB | ChiCitySports

Christian Lance — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:59:22 +0000

#30LB

Chicago Bears

Antonio Grier Jr.

Linebacker

Active

2026 Season Stats

SEASON	GP	TOT	SOLO	AST	SACK	FF	FR	YDS	INT	YDS	AVG	TD	LNG	PD	STF	STFYDS	KB
2024	7	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Career	7	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0

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Chicago Bears All-Pro exits practice with painful injury

Jordan Sigler — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:53:43 +0000

The Chicago Bears are trying to find their starting left tackle for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers as Ozzy Trapilo works his way back from an injury in the playoffs last season.

Now the Bears have to keep an eye on the right tackle spot.

Per multiple reports, Darnell Wright had to exit practice after suffering a painful injury to his right arm.

“Darnell Wright is going back to Halas Hall with trainer Andre Tucker,” posted Nicholas Moreano of Bears Roundtable on X. “He was getting his right arm looked at. He kept his helmet on the entire time. He walked off under his own power. Wright was flexing his right arm, moving it while he was being looked at by Tucker.”

More News: Bears rookie as coaching staff’s attention

Chicago Bears need Darnell Wright healthy

Chicago Bears Darnell Wright blocking against the Packers – Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

More News: Bears 2025 2nd-round pick not expected to return soon

Wright earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. The 2023 first-round pick signed a four-year, $116 million contract extension this summer, with $93 million guaranteed. He appeared and started in 49 games for the Bears in his first three seasons.

“As we continue to build our team and develop our culture, we are excited that Darnell will remain a cornerstone of our franchise as we work toward creating sustained success,” Poles said in a statement after the Bears agreed to the deal.

“Darnell has consistently elevated his play and the performance of his teammates since joining our team, and we look forward to his continued growth and leadership for years to come.”

The Bears need Wright to be healthy and starting in Week 1. He’s become one of Chicago’s best offensive linemen, if not the best. Defensive end Montez Sweat said last week he hasn’t been able to beat Wright in a rep during training camp.

The Bears are set to play in a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday before playing their final preseason game on Saturday. It remains to be seen if Wright will be able to participate in the joint practice.

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In a blowout win on Sunday, Craig Counsell showed he is not messing around

Steven Negishi — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:47:06 +0000

After losing the first two games to the Seattle Mariners, both ending in walk-off fashion, the Chicago Cubs took out their frustration in a 19–2 demolition to avoid being swept. It was a reminder that their offense can still overwhelm teams in waves even though it has struggled with RISP in recent games.

But beneath the fireworks and the sigh of relief in the dugout, manager Craig Counsell managed the game like they are in playoff mode.

Starter Shota Imanaga struggled as he gave up a leadoff home run to Randy Arozarena and worked through extensive traffic on the basepaths. The Cubs took a 5-2 lead in the top of the 3rd after a solo home run by Michael Conforto followed by a grand slam by Ian Happ. However, after allowing two quick singles to begin the third inning, manager Craig Counsell pulled the left-hander at 72 pitches without recording an out.

Reliever Aaron Civale came in and saved the day for the Cubs. He gave them four innings, then Trent Thornton and Caleb Thielbar each took an inning after him. Catcher Carson Kelly pitched the ninth to put a finishing touch on a blowout.

Shota Imanaga is officially put on notice after Sunday

May 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) looks on before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With so many pitchers returning from injuries, the Cubs suddenly have options at rotation and bullpen. High‑leverage options. And when a team is fighting for playoff positioning, every start becomes a referendum.

And Imanaga’s performance on Sunday, which was the shortest start of his career, puts him on notice now. His command wavered and pitch count ballooned as a result. And in a game where the Cubs’ offense just took the lead, Imanaga couldn’t take advantage of the cushion.

The Cubs don’t need “good enough” anymore. They need October‑ready pitching. And yesterday’s short outing will stick in Craig Counsell’s mind.

Many Cubs pitchers face survival mode now

Jul 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) stands in the dugout before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

If you watched Counsell on Sunday, he managed aggressively and with intention. The roster is tightening, and he knows tough decisions are coming. With every Cubs pitcher returning from the IL, the margin for error for other pitchers keeps shrinking.

The Cubs had only three quality starts over their last 10 games. One of them was Imanaga against the Chicago White Sox on August 17th. The others are Clay Holmes against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 14th, and Kevin Gausman against the Washington Nationals on August 12th.

Matthew Boyd, billed as the Cubs’ No. 1 starter, has struggled in each of his last two starts. He has to show Counsell he is capable of carrying the team come October. If you also include David Peterson and Javier Assad, every starting pitcher has something to prove.

Edwin Cabrera’s disastrous outing before returning to the IL again for blisters complicates things for Counsell. But he can’t afford to have Cabrera work his way back anymore this late in the season. And don’t forget Ben Brown and Justin Steele could also return in September. All of them will work from the bullpen the rest of the season. If they’re not up to the task, somebody’s going to miss the postseason.

Daniel Palencia came off the IL and immediately jumped back into action on Friday. And several relievers, such as Hoby Milner and Shelby Miller, are ramping up their rehab assignment and could be activated soon. Civale, Thornton, and Thielbar all helped their case to remain with the Cubs with their performance last Sunday. Even Ryan Zeferjahn, who hasn’t looked sharp since arriving from the Los Angeles Angels, could find himself off the postseason roster.

A 19–2 win was fun. But Counsell is now managing with postseason on his mind. He is operating under pressure and urgency the rest of the season. These moments will help them prepare and determine who is capable of handling the postseason.

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White Sox proactively planning for future with late-season Caleb Bonemer position change

Tyler Koerth — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:46:38 +0000

The Chicago White Sox have plenty to be excited about when it comes to both the present day and their future. The organization has struck a golden balance between winning at the Major League level and developing a talented group of prospects who could soon factor into its long-term plans. One of those players is Caleb Bonemer, the team’s second-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

At just 20 years old, Bonemer has turned heads this season, belting 33 home runs across the High-A and Double-A levels, including 18 with High-A and 15 with Double-A. However, his power is not the only thing drawing attention late in the season. The White Sox recently approached him about a position change, a move that suggests the organization is proactively preparing for the future.

Chicago White Sox prospect Caleb Bonemer will play center field during the final stretch of the Double-A season and Arizona Fall League

Winston-Salem’s Caleb Bonemer rounds third base after hitting a home run during their game versus the Hudson Valley Renegades on May 5, 2026.

Originally drafted as a shortstop, as several great athletes out of High School are, Bonemer has played both short and third base throughout his professional career. However, he now will be getting live game action in center field as Chicago approached him about adding this tool to his arsenal.

White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield told MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, “By no means is he no longer an infielder. We see this as adding another tool in his bag. And he’s super athletic. He’s capable of doing it.”

With an infield featuring Chase Meidroth at second base, Colson Montgomery at shortstop and Miguel Vargas at third base, all of whom are under team control for several years, the White Sox are taking a proactive approach with Bonemer by getting him meaningful reps in the outfield for the remainder of the minor league season as well as Arizona Fall League.

Expanding his defensive versatility could give him a clearer path to consistent playing time once he reaches the Major Leagues. That becomes even more important considering Chicago also has top prospects such as Roch Cholowsky and Billy Carlson, who are both infielders.

For Bonemer, the move to center field is about much more than simply learning a new position. The White Sox are giving one of their most promising young players another tool that could ultimately make him more valuable and easier to fit into the Major League roster. With plenty of talented infielders also in the organization, developing the ability to play center field now could give him more opportunities down the road and ensure Chicago has as many options as possible when his time to reach the big leagues arrives.

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Caitlin Clark’s moment with fan caught on camera

Angelo Guinhawa — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:15:06 +0000

Caitlin Clark created another memorable moment away from the action when she stopped to interact with a young fan following an Indiana Fever game. The brief exchange was captured on camera and quickly resonated with fans because of the genuine emotion surrounding the interaction.

The moment showed the growing connection between Clark and the younger generation of basketball fans who have followed her rise into the WNBA. While her performances on the court continue to attract attention, her interactions with supporters have become another important part of her influence.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center.
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The young fan appeared visibly overwhelmed by the encounter, highlighting how significant even a short interaction can be for children who look up to professional athletes. For many young fans, meeting a favorite player can become a lasting memory, particularly when the player takes the time to acknowledge them personally.

Clark has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to connect with supporters in settings beyond the game itself. Her popularity has helped bring increased attention to women’s basketball, while moments such as this show the personal impact that can accompany that broader growth.

Indiana Fever Star Caitlin Clark Shares Special Moment With Young Fan

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates in the second half against the Dallas Wings. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Clark had a heartwarming moment with a young fan recently. This can be seen in a post shared by the Fever’s official Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Indiana Fever (@indianafever)

The interaction also reflects the unique position Clark occupies as one of the most recognizable young athletes in the sport. Her presence has helped inspire a new generation of players and fans, many of whom see her as someone who has helped make professional women’s basketball more visible.

For the young supporter involved, the encounter was about much more than basketball statistics or a memorable performance. It was a personal experience with a player who has become an inspiration to countless young athletes, and the emotional reaction captured on camera demonstrated just how meaningful those moments can be.

Angel Reese gets real on her mindset after making WNBA history

Angelo Guinhawa — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:14:15 +0000

Angel Reese has turned rebounding into an identity, and her latest historic performance showed exactly why she has become one of the WNBA’s most dominant players on the glass. After setting league records with 26 rebounds in a win over the Los Angeles Sparks, the Atlanta Dream star offered a glimpse into the mentality behind her relentless pursuit of the ball.

Reese’s approach to rebounding is remarkably straightforward, built around the belief that every missed shot represents an opportunity she should control. That mindset helped her produce one of the most remarkable rebounding performances in WNBA history while providing Atlanta with a major boost during its push toward the postseason.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) warms up before a WNBA preseason game against the Chicago Sky. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The 26-rebound outing broke the previous WNBA single-game record of 24, giving Reese another milestone in a rapidly developing professional career. She also surpassed the league’s previous single-season rebounding record, further establishing herself as one of the most productive rebounders the sport has seen.

What makes the accomplishment particularly impressive is that Reese did not need a prolific scoring night to dominate the game. Her ability to create extra possessions, secure defensive rebounds and give her teammates additional opportunities allowed her to influence the outcome even when her shooting was not at its best.

WNBA Star Angel Reese Talks About Her Mindset After Making League History

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese reacts to a flagrant foul from Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
© Grace Smith / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Reese recently talked with Charles about the former’s mindset heading into the playoffs. This can be seen in a post shared by WNBA on NBC’s official Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WNBA on NBC and Peacock (@wnbaonnbc)

“Anything that goes up is mine,” Reese said when asked about rebounding.

Her mentality has become a defining characteristic of her game since entering the WNBA, with physicality, positioning and anticipation allowing her to consistently compete for rebounds against bigger and more experienced players. Rather than waiting for the ball to come to her, Reese attacks the glass with the expectation that she should be the one finishing every possession.

That confidence could prove especially valuable as Atlanta prepares for the playoffs and looks to make a deeper run. With Reese controlling the boards at a historic rate, the Dream have a player whose impact can extend far beyond scoring and potentially become one of their biggest advantages when the stakes rise.

WNBA reacts to Angel Reese’s historic night

Angelo Guinhawa — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:13:15 +0000

Angel Reese delivered a performance that immediately entered WNBA history, setting two rebounding records while helping the Atlanta Dream complete a perfect West Coast road trip. Her dominant night against the Los Angeles Sparks further highlighted the impact she has made during her first season with Atlanta and gave the Dream another reason for optimism heading into the playoffs.

Reese grabbed 26 rebounds in Atlanta’s 78-71 victory Monday, breaking the previous single-game league record of 24 set by Chamique Holdsclaw in 2003. The performance also pushed her season total to 458 rebounds, surpassing A’ja Wilson’s previous WNBA record of 451 set in 2024.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the second half of a WNBA pre-season game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The historic effort came despite an inconsistent shooting night, as Reese finished with 11 points while going 4 of 14 from the field. She made her impact elsewhere, adding three assists and three steals while recording her 27th double-double of the season, extending her league-leading total.

The rebounding display helped Atlanta overcome a competitive Los Angeles team and finish its four-game road trip undefeated. Allisha Gray led the Dream with 20 points, Rhyne Howard scored 18 and Naz Hillmon added 12 as Atlanta improved to 25-13 with six regular-season games remaining.

WNBA Reacts to Atlanta Dream Star Angel Reese’s Historic Performance

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) looks on during the first half of a WNBA pre-season game against the Minnesota Lynx at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Reese’s performance for the Dream turned a lot of heads lately. One such reaction can be seen from a post shared by the league’s official Instagram account.

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A post shared by WNBA (@wnba)

Reese’s achievement also came at an important point in Atlanta’s season, with the Dream already having secured a playoff berth and positioning themselves near the top of the Eastern Conference. Her ability to dominate the glass has become one of the team’s defining strengths, while her continued offensive development has made her an increasingly complete contributor.

The records provide another milestone in a breakout season, but the Dream’s larger objective remains the postseason. With Atlanta carrying a four-game winning streak and Reese playing at an elite level, the team enters the final stretch with momentum and a player capable of changing games through sheer control of the boards.

Angel Reese talks about WNBA playoffs after leaving Sky

Angelo Guinhawa — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:12:28 +0000

Angel Reese is embracing a new postseason opportunity after leaving the Chicago Sky, with the Atlanta Dream securing a place in the WNBA playoffs. After enduring the disappointment of missing the postseason in Chicago, the forward now has a chance to pursue a championship with her new team.

The Dream’s playoff berth represents a significant milestone for a team that has built momentum throughout the season. The opportunity also gives the young star a chance to compete in meaningful games after spending her previous professional season outside the postseason picture.

Angel Reese (5) of the Rose takes a moment against the Vinyl during a timeout in the first half of the Unrivaled women’s professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The forward has made it clear that simply reaching the playoffs is not enough. She entered the season with ambitions of competing for a championship, and Atlanta’s progress has brought that goal closer to reality as the regular season approaches its final stretch.

That mindset was evident in her reaction to clinching a playoff spot. Rather than treating the achievement as the finish line, she viewed it as the beginning of a larger challenge, with the Dream needing to maintain their form and prepare for the intensity of postseason basketball.

Former Chicago Sky Star Angel Reese Talks About WNBA Playoffs

Angel Reese (5) of the Rose takes a shot against the Vinyl in the first half of the Unrivaled women’s professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Reese made her thoughts about the playoffs known recently. This can be seen in a post shared by the Dream’s official Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atlanta Dream (@atlantadream)

“Yeah, I mean, obviously it feels good to finally get here because you want to play postseason,” Reese said. “You working your whole offseason to get to where, to get to here. When you’re playing for something, and I want more than just be playing in the playoffs. First round, second round. I want to walk away as a champ. And that’s why I came to Atlanta. So I’m super excited for it. Obviously, we have a lot more games to go until we get there but it’s a good feeling to look forward to something in the postseason and playing with this group.”

Her individual development has also played a major role in Atlanta’s surge. She recently delivered a career-best 31-point performance, demonstrating the offensive growth that has helped make her increasingly influential while giving the Dream another reliable weapon heading into the playoffs.

For the Atlanta forward, the postseason represents an opportunity to turn a promising season into something much bigger. With the Dream officially in the playoff field, Reese can now pursue the championship goal that motivated her move to Atlanta and test herself against the league’s best teams.

Angel Reese-Nikola Jokic news emerges after Dream game

Paolo Songco — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:00:20 +0000

Angel Reese delivered an impressive performance on Thursday against the Los Angeles Sparks. The Atlanta Dream star helped her team to a 124-88 win and kept in step with the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever for third place in the standings. She finished with 20 points on 9-of-9 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. Reese added 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals, matching numbers only Nikola Jokic has posted in the NBA.

Reese and the Dream have secured a playoff spot this season. However, they have no time to relax as they are competing for a top three seed with the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever. The three-time All-Star has also made it clear that she’s not satisfied with qualifying for the postseason and wants to win a title.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) celebrates a basket against the Minnesota Lynx.

Angel Reese sets WNBA record, matches Nikola Jokic’s feat

Reese joined Jokic as the only players from the WNBA and NBA to record 20-plus points on 100% field-goal shooting, 10-plus rebounds, five-plus assists and three-plus steals.

ELITE COMPANY ONLY.

Angel Reese and Nikola Jokić are in a league of their own with this historic stat line. #NBAonPrimeVideoPH #WNBAonPrimeVideoPH pic.twitter.com/TNNeTwp5bG

— NBA on Prime Video Philippines (@NBAPrimeVideoPH) August 24, 2026

The LSU product’s historic game is even more impressive as she doesn’t have a reputation for her efficiency. Critics often target her low field-goal percentage and accuse her of stat-padding to increase her rebounding totals. However, she proved that she can dominate without needing plenty of attempts. If Reese can maintain similar numbers moving forward, her performance will greatly help the Dream. The team will continue to rely heavily on her as the regular season ends, and especially in the playoffs. Atlanta reached the postseason in 2025 but lost in the first round to the Fever.

Reese joined the team in April via a blockbuster trade from the Chicago Sky. This year marks the first time she will see action in the playoffs. With the momentum she and the Dream have, they may make a lot of noise.

Chicago Bears rookie as coaching staff’s attention

Jordan Sigler — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:50:33 +0000

The Chicago Bears are in their final week of training camp, making the next few days critical for the 90-man roster to impress the coaching staff before the roster gets trimmed to 53 players on Sunday.

In the meantime, the Bears will have a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday before the two teams play in their preseason finale on Saturday.

During his news conference on Tuesday, Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised sixth-round pick Jordan van den Berg, suggesting the rookie defensive tackle could receive significant playing time early in the season based on his performance in camp and during the preseason.

“He’s a beast,” Johnson said of van den Berg, via CHGO Sports. “He’s an incredible athlete. He has been the same guy every single day. It’s a good thing to see right now. He’s firmly in the mix.”

More News: Bears 2025 2nd-round pick not expected to return soon

Chicago Bears need improvement from their DTs

Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Grady Jarrett (50) celebrates after a sack against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

More News: Bears projected to cut 2023 draft pick

Van den Berg could see his role grow as a rookie. It will be interesting to see if the Georgia Tech standout can fight for a starting spot before the end of the regular season. He’s been the most physical defensive lineman during the preseason.

The Bears lost Andrew Billings, now with the Arizona Cardinals, in free agency. Chicago signed Kentavius Street and Neville Gallimore to boost the interior defensive line behind Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett.

Johnson praised the interior defensive line on Tuesday, arguing he thinks it’s better than the Bears are getting credit for, despite Chicago trying to trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea this summer.

“I think our interior defensive line is better than the outside world is giving them credit for,” Johnson said.

Van den Berg could become a key part of that unit’s rotation. The Bears were underwhelmed by Jarrett’s performance last season. Dexter, a 2023 second-round pick, is on a contract year.

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Bears coach Ben Johnson hints at veteran’s potential role for NFL season

Paolo Songco — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:01:17 +0000

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears have one preseason game left before they start their regular-season schedule. He and his staff have seen some players step up their games, competing for a spot in the 53-man roster. One of them is Roschon Johnson, who has emerged as a capable starter amid Kyle Monangai’s injury.

Johnson has played significant minutes during the team’s first two preseason matchups. He has carried the football 12 times for 42 yards and has additional value as he also sees action with special teams. The 25-year-old entered the league as the No. 115 overall pick in the fourth round in 2023. He has since appeared in 36 regular-season games, recording 138 rushing attempts for 519 yards and eight touchdowns.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during minicamp at Halas Hall.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson discusses Roschon Johnson’s potential role

The second-year head coach hinted that Johnson could be a lock for team’s RB3 role. Johnson added that he is excited to see what the veteran running back brings to the table once the regular season starts.

“He flashed the other day, in particular on special teams,” Johnson said. “And we keep talking about the importance of being the number 3 running back or depth in the running back room and being able to bring that to the table. He had a couple really nice plays in practice, can’t wait to see what it looked like on game tape, because we talked about wanting to see players stack good performances back-to-back, and he’s a candidate that may have done that tonight.”

Johnson is entering his fourth season and could play a bigger role with Monangai reportedly set to miss multiple weeks. He sustained an hyperextended knee, leaving a gaping hole at the position and adding to the Bears’ injury woes. The good news is Johnson is proving his worth and could take on Monangai’s role until he returns to 100%. No clear timeline has been set for the seventh-round pick in 2025.

Fever guard Sophie Cunningham draws support from NBA star

Paolo Songco — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:03:52 +0000

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham dominated WNBA headlines following her controversial comments about transgender athletes. Some expressed support, while others criticized her. However, she drew the backing of NBA star Kyle Kuzma on Monday.

Cunningham and Indiana are coming off a 113-90 win over the Chicago Sky. The victory halted their two-game skid and ended their five-game road trip on a high note. They have five games remaining on their schedule, including three at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Fever are amid a tightly-contested battle with the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream for third place.

Cunningham is averaging 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists through 38 games this season. She started the campaign as a starter but was replaced by Lexie Hull to provide the bench with more scoring.

Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates during a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream.

Indiana Fever: Kyle Kuzma expresses support for Sophie Cunningham

Kuzma reposted Chris Williamson’s X post. The sportscaster criticized the WNBA for not disciplining Cunningham for her comments, which the Milwaukee Bucks forward did not agree with.

“What was transphobic about her comment? She said she wants to protect women and young girls in sports and that they should not play against biological men… yeah let’s go ahead and discipline her ,” Kuzma wrote.

What was transphobic about her comment? She said she wants to protect women and young girls in sports and that they should not play against biological men… yeah let’s go ahead and discipline her https://t.co/MgA9FmhUGV

— kuz (@kylekuzma) August 24, 2026

Cunningham remains one of the most talked about players in the league today. From her on-court performances to activities off of it, fans continue to pay close attention of them. She has also provides the Fever with a lot of energy, hustle and timely baskets throughout the season. Meanwhile, Kuzma is coming off his second season with the Bucks and will play a bigger role next season for them.

With the end of the regular season nearing, Indiana will rely on Cunningham more for her production. She missed last year’s postseason due to a torn right MCL. The good news is she is back to 100% this year and will look to play significant role as the Fever aim to win a title. They are currently fifth in the standings with a 25-14 record.

Merrill Kelly calls out Cubs coach for stealing signs, calls it ‘bush league’

Zack Pearson — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:57:25 +0000

The Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks opened up a very important series on Monday night in Phoenix. With the regular season winding down, the Cubs are still chasing the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are hoping to catch up in the Wild Card race.

So as you can imagine, things are getting intense here in August.

As the Cubs took down the Diamondbacks 7-0, they opened up the series with a big win. However, there was a big accusation following the game regarding a member of the Cubs’ coaching staff and Arizona’s starter, Merill Kelly.

Merrill Kelly calls out Chicago Cubs for stealing signs?

Aug 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) celebrates with designated hitter Michael Conforto (20) after scoring in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Kelly struggled in the series opener, going 5.2 innings, giving up five hits, three runs, and walking three while striking out four. His ERA on the season moved to 5.35 as the struggles continued. But Kelly believes the Cubs had a read on his pitching, particularly the changeup.

Midway through the fifth inning, the two dugouts started chirping at each other over whether Cubs third-base coach Quintin Berry was relaying signs to his team. Kelly, nor the Diamondbacks coaching staff appreciated that.

“Stealing signs is as old as baseball,” Kelly said. “I think it’s a little bulls— when it comes from a coach. I think if it’s a guy on second base and they see the grip in your glove or if the hitters can see something that you’re doing with your glove, I think that’s fair game.

“I think guys have been doing that since the beginning of baseball. I think it’s a little bush league when it comes from outside that.”

The Cubs and Diamondbacks dugouts had some words for each other. pic.twitter.com/qleOIaAUZX

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) August 25, 2026

The shouting got intense but as you can imagine with playoff hopes on the line, things are going to get heated. After the game, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that.

“We were barking at their third-base coach and he was barking back,” Lovullo said. “And what’s funny in April is not funny in August, everybody’s edgy. And they’re protecting their side, we’re protecting our side. And that’s as far as I wanna go with that.”

For the Diamondbacks, it felt like frustrations from their recent play and falling behind in the Wild Card race. But as game two looms on Tuesday, it’s something to watch for both sides.

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Exciting Bears update emerges before NFL season

Paolo Songco — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:02:20 +0000

The Chicago Bears are coming off a 27-9 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. They also saw Coby Bryant suffer a knee injury that will sideline him for the next four to six months. The team badly needed some exciting news, which came on Monday.

Chicago won the NFC North last year with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round. It is aiming for more success in the upcoming campaign, with many eyes focused on Caleb Williams and his teammates. The Bears will play seven primetime games, giving fans around the country more chances to see them play live.

They will wrap up their preseason schedule on Saturday against the Tennessee Titans. Williams and Co. will then commence their 2026 regular season on Sept. 13 with a road game versus the Carolina Panthers.

Chicago Bears defensive back Coby Bryant (2) runs with the ball during Training Camp at Halas Hall.

Bears’ Disney collab has been revealed

Disney unveiled its NFL character pairings for all NFL teams on Monday. Chicago’s features Baloo from “The Jungle Book.”

@fanatics this is a Win for the Bears X Disney Collab pic.twitter.com/Ysc5coOfxY

— Claws (@clawsupbeardown) August 24, 2026

Hannah Porto and London Detrick from Disney Parks Blog explained why the company chose Baloo for the team. The bear’s character perfectly fits Chicago’s vibe.

“A bear’s bear. Fun-loving, loyal, and always up for the good times, Baloo feels right at home in Chicago,” Porto and Detrick wrote.

Baloo, a wise, sleepy brown bear, serves as a strict teacher of the Law of the Jungle for the wolf pack. He instructs the wolf cubs and the human child Mowgli on jungle rules. Williams, who often smiles during interviews and practices, resembles the bear. However, he maintains a no nonsense demeanor on the field and showcased his calmness under pressure last season.

The Disney store is sold out of the Baloo and Bears shirts but will restock them soon. Fans can purchase them via the Disney store for $39.99 each.

Caitlin Clark’s behavior around Hollywood star turns heads

Paolo Songco — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:01:48 +0000

Caitlin Clark has been drawing praise from fans for her on-court performances and how she conducts herself outside of it. She remains humble despite the success she’s had in the WNBA, and many admire her for it. The Indiana Fever superstar remains the same regardless of who she’s around, including Hollywood stars.

She made history on Sunday with her stat line against the Chicago Sky. Clark posted 37 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and a career-high eight three-pointers. It was the fifth game of her career with 30-plus points and 10-plus assists, one more than all players in league history combined.

More importantly, the Fever snapped their two-game losing skid and ended their five-game road trip 3-2. Clark and Co. have four days off before they return to action on Friday to host the Connecticut Sun.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center.

Fans react to how Caitlin Clark approached Hollywood star’s group

Clark approached Jason Sudeikis and her group after the game. They sat courtside and applauded the three-time All-Star for her huge performance. Sudeikis is best known for playing the title role “Ted Lasso” and for being a cast member of “Saturday Night Live.” Clark politely introduced herself before hugging them, and the moment was captured on camera.

***insert: https://x.com/LaurenJBH1/status/2091834247690465700

Fans reacted to her behavior in the comments section.

“Yes I find it a nice quality to have in who ever it is …… its like you remain humble. And yes thank you. Im not on about Jason, its was at the end – why I said his group . I know Caitlin and Jason go back many years now,” one user commented.

“Shaking hands “hi. Caitlin.” Why is this so endearing?? ,” a reaction read.

“This is why people love her (of course her play also). They want to meet her and obviously know who she is, but she introduced herself to them like anybody would. No ego. The CC haters dont get this. Shes not thirsty for the attention. She just wants to be great at basketball,” one fan said.

“She’s always going to be polite ,” posted another.

“People with class always introduce themselves regardless of their fame. Others could take a lesson,” one comment read.

“That’s what polite people do…..introduce themselves,” another fan wrote.

Clark and the Fever are currently 25-14 and fifth in the standings. They have five games left, including three at home, to secure a top three seed. They are battling with the Las Vegas and the Atlanta Dream for the spot.

Ex-Fever star facing backlash after quitting on her team

Paolo Songco — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 03:04:41 +0000

DeWanna Bonner signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever in February 2025. The team viewed her as someone who would provide a strong locker room presence and championship experience, having won two rings in her stellar career. The six-time All-Star started the first three games of last season before coming off the bench in the next six. However, she quit on the team, saying it “felt the fit did not work out.”

Bonner then joined the Phoenix Mercury, and she appeared in 11 games, including one start. She helped the team reach the WNBA Finals but they lost via a sweep to the Las Vegas Aces. Phoenix re-signed her in April, but this season did not go according to plan.

The Mercury have been eliminated from playoff contention with a 13-24 record and 12th in the standings. Bonner is already 39 years old and this year could be her last in the league.

Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) against the Las Vegas Aces.

Fans criticize former Fever forward DeWanna Bonner for recent move

Bonner and Phoenix agreed to a contract buyout on Monday. The move allows her to sign with a playoff-bound team and giving her a chance to chase another championship before she retires.

Breaking: DeWanna Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury have agreed to a contract buyout, the team announced.

GM Nick U’Ren: “We worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.”

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) August 24, 2026

Fans had a lot to say about her for quitting on the Mercury.

“DeQuitter Bonus,” one fan wrote.

“So she gets to play with a playoff team when she had NOTHING to do with getting them there,” a reaction read.

“Quit on 2 teams, eh?” one user commented.

“nobody sign her …second year in a row quit on her teammates,” posted another.

“Quitting on another team again,” a comment read.

“Quit on the Fever, and is now taking a buyout to ring chase. All-time selfish piece of trash,” another fan said.

It remains to be seen which team will sign Bonner. However, many believe that she will take her talents to Las Vegas, especially after NaLyssa Smith’s non-contact knee injury on Sunday.

Bears fans react to retirement announcement

Paolo Songco — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 01:27:19 +0000

Allen Robinson announced his retirement on Monday. The former Chicago Bears wide receiver starred for the team from 2018 to 2021, helping the franchise qualify for the playoffs twice.

He entered the NFL as the No. 61 overall pick in the second round in 2014by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Robinson played for them for four seasons, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, before joining Chicago. The Penn State product also suited up for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions, and was part of the New York Giants’ practice squad in 2024.

Robinson played some of his best football with the Bears. He established himself as an underrated wideout who caught clutch passes when the team needed it the most. The team’s fans have fond memories of the 33-year-old and will remember his stint with the Bears for years to come.

Allen Robinson

Bears fans wish Allen Robinson a happy retirement

Bears fans reacted to Robinson’s retirement news on Instagram. Many wished him well, while others shared what they’ll remember most about him.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bearsszn (@bearsszn)

“One of my favorite Bears WRs enjoy you’re retirement man ,” a fan said.

“AR cooked in Chicago forever a Bear ,” one comment read.

“First Bears Jersey I bought ,” a user wrote.

“Some of my favorite Bears memories were our family cheering for Allen Robinson!” posted another.

“HOF in my heart,” another fan commented.

“Happy retirement, AR!” one reaction read.

Robinson played a total of 11 seasons in the NFL. He amassed 565 receptions for 7,058 yards and 43 touchdowns in 139 career regular-season games. The Michigan native was the league’s receiving touchdowns co-leader in 2015 with 14.

He last appeared in the NFL in 2024 with the Lions but was not re-signed after the season. Robinson has since been a free agent, and with the start of the 2026 campaign around the corner, he decided to hang his cleats up for good.

Indiana Fever announce new Caitlin Clark record after Sky game

Paolo Songco — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:44 +0000

Caitlin Clark etched her name in the history books once again. She did it following the Indiana Fever’s 113-90 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday. The team announced the superstar guard’s feat on social media.

Clark produced a game-high 37 points, along with three rebounds, 10 assists and a career-high eight three-pointers. She was efficient from the field, converting 13-of-24 field goal attempts, including 8-of-12 from beyond the arc. Kelsey Mitchell also had another huge game, finishing with 30 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. It was the end to the road trip the team needed, especially after losing back-to-back games.

The Sky, on the other hand, were led by Natasha Cloud’s 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists. She was backed by Azura Stevens’ 14 points and eight rebounds, and Aicha Coulibaly’s 12 points and six rebounds.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the first half against the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark leads sets a new WNBA mark

Clark posted her fifth career game with 30-plus points and 10-plus assists. She now has more such games than all players combined in WNBA history.

HER.

Caitlin Clark has FIVE career games with 30+ PTS and 10+ AST, more than the rest of the WNBA has combined in league history (4) pic.twitter.com/U3AT4UIdWP

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 24, 2026

The 24-year-old continues to electrify crowds around the country with her historic performances. She also has 12 double-doubles this season, which has helped the Indiana turn its season around after a 5-5 start. The Fever are now 25-14 and fifth in the standings. They are battling the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream for a top three seed with five games left on their schedule.

Next up for Clark and Co. is a showdown with the Connecticut Sun on Friday. The four days before the matchup will give them much-needed rest following a grueling five-game road trip. The team is one game behind the Aces for third place and only trail the Dream by half-a-game. Three of Indiana’s last three fixtures will be at home, giving them a stronger chance of stringing more wins together.

Chicago Bears 2025 2nd-round pick not expected to return soon

Jordan Sigler — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:41:50 +0000

The Chicago Bears‘ rival, the Green Bay Packers, are hoping to get star defensive end Micah Parsons back sometime in October.

The Packers defense will have to hold on until they can get their best player. In contrast, the Bears will grasp at straws for pass-rushers this season, and a 2025 second-round pick isn’t expected to return to boost the defensive line until around the same time as Parsons returns.

Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Shemar Turner, who the Bears drafted in 2025 while knowing about his shin injury history and rod in his leg, is not expected to return to play for Chicago until “sometime” in October after suffering an ACL injury against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8 last season.

“But if the Bears have to lean on him, that means they’re not getting what they need from Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo, and eventually Shemar Turner,” Biggs wrote. “It sounds like Turner might not be back in the mix until sometime in October.”

More News: Bears projected to cut 2023 draft pick

Chicago Bears moving Shemar Turner to defensive end?

NFL: Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Shemar Turner (95) warms up during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

More News: Bears’ Cairo Santos not looking to boost kicking range

Biggs is putting Turner firmly in the defensive end category, something the Bears talked about moving Turner to earlier this offseason. Chicago initially drafted him as a defensive tackle.

It’s curious how the Bears expect Turner to compete at defensive end after gaining no reps at the position during OTAs and training camp. He played at six-foot-three, 293 pounds as a rookie. He’ll have to lose weight to play the defensive end position.

Turner made second-team All-SEC honors at Texas A&M in 2023. He played through an injury in his final season with the Aggies.

The Bears’ prospects at defensive end aren’t promising before the season. Turner cannot be relied upon to make much of an impact at the position even if he does return in October.

But Chicago doesn’t have many options at this point after neglecting the defensive line early in the 2026 draft.

For More Chicago Sports:

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Stephanie White reveals Kelsey Mitchell mindset amid Caitlin Clark’s big game

Paolo Songco — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:00:56 +0000

Caitlin Clark stole the spotlight during the Indiana Fever’s 113-90 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday. However, Kelsey Mitchell also had a strong performance, and Stephanie White shared her mindset about the four-time All-Star.

Clark finished with 37 points on 13-of-24 shooting, including 8-of-12 from beyond the arc. She added three rebounds, 10 assists and one steal. Mitchell, on the other hand, produced 30 points, four assists and six three-pointers. Aliyah Boston missed the game due to a lower right leg injury, but Lexie Hull and Makayla Timpson stepped up with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Sky were led by Natasha Cloud’s 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Azura Stevens backed her with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Kamilla Cardoso supplied 11 points and six rebounds.

Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center.

Stephanie White emphasizes Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell’s roles

The veteran head coach highlighted that Clark and Mitchell thrive while playing alongside each other. She also shared that Mitchell does her job and the stat sheet shows just that.

“I think C does a good job of finding ways to get Kelsey involved,” White said. “Every once in a while if we if we call a play, we we know we want to get her touches. Kelsey’s one of those that sneaks up on you sometimes. It’s like you look at the end of the game, it’s like, ‘Holy s***, she had 30 or whatever.’ And but we we know that she’s going to find a way to get hot.

“I mean, between the two of them, it doesn’t matter what the shooting percentage is in in a half or in a quarter because they can always find it, and it’s a luxury for us to have that.”

White will continue to rely heavily on Clark and Mitchell to carry majority of the Fever’s offensive load. The team has five games remaining and continue to battle with the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream for the No. 3 seed.

The post Stephanie White reveals Kelsey Mitchell mindset amid Caitlin Clark’s big game appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Cubs staring down brutal turn of pitching events ahead of playoff chase

Paul Magno — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:15:18 +0000

What do the Chicago Cubs do if Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga continue on their downward trajectory? That’s a big question facing the North Siders as they work their way towards a playoff run.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Counsell’s not messing around—win or get out of the way

Boyd, who’s had two stints on the IL this season and has been limited to just 91 total innings pitched, has a 6.12 ERA through his four starts in August and was lit up on Friday against the Mariners.

Imanaga, meanwhile, is posting a 5.68 ERA over his last three starts and got the early hook on Sunday versus the Mariners after just two struggle-heavy innings.

The Cubs rotation has been a roller coaster all season. Initially lauded for its depth, injuries removed key pieces and created concerns about whether there’d even be enough starters to have a 5-man rotation. Starters Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes were then acquired at the trade deadline and, paired with the return of Edward Cabrera, the rotation was again lauded for its depth.

However, Cabrera got battered in his first outing back from the IL and was placed right back on the IL and, now, Boyd and Imanaga are on an extended run of poor performances.

Matthew Boyd’s downward trajectory

Aug 21, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

More News: Chicago Cubs: Two aces in the hole for postseason success

Boyd’s fall, as the de facto ace of the staff, is especially troubling.

Per Alex Patt from right here at ChiCity Sports:

“He sports a 4.68 FIP and 1.24 WHIP. That is well off the 3.65 FIP and 1.09 WHIP marks from his All Star 2025 campaign. His xERA (expected ERA) is way up at 5.01 right now; compare that to 3.75 last year.

What really stands out is the home runs. While Boyd’s flyball rate is down, 39.3% this year vs. 44.9% last year, his HR/9 has jumped from 0.95 to 1.38. That’s 14 homers in 91 innings this year vs. 19 homers in 179.2 innings all of last year. Not surprising that more flyballs are being pulled this year (22.9%) vs. last year (17.7%) based on those home run totals.”

And as Evan Altman of Cubs Insider pointed out:

“…They’ll have a puncher’s chance to make some noise. As we saw Friday night, however, their glass jaw could make that knockout power irrelevant. Matthew Boyd had been (and may still be) the presumed No. 1 starter, but he’s given up at least four earned runs in three of his last four starts.

That includes eight home runs with just 11 strikeouts and nine walks over 25 innings. Boyd’s fastball has been particularly bad during that stretch, with a -2.5 run value. Statcast has his heater at -5 runs on the season, putting him in the 17th percentile. He generated 10 runs of value to fall in the 86th percentile last season. Even with the slider and curve being much better, his fastball and middling changeup have dragged him down.”

Hoping for the best

Aug 7, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (12) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Now, when you throw in the fact that Gausman has also not been pitching all that well (6.19 ERA as a Cub through three starts), some real concerns start bubbling up.

What will the Cubs’ four-man postseason rotation look like? At this point, they have little choice but to go with the obvious picks—Boyd, Gausman, Holmes, Imanaga—and just hope for the best. They also may want to have swingmen Colin Rea, Javier Assad, and David Peterson ready to go at the drop of a hat, just in case.

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Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays to face off in 2027 Little League Classic

Zack Pearson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 19:00:43 +0000

One of the cooler events each MLB season is the Little League Classic. The event, which takes place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania during the Little League World Series, is a fun one all around. And next year it’s going to be the Chicago Cubs turn to participate.

It allows current players to go back to their roots of playing baseball while also giving Little League players the chance to hang out with actual MLB players for at least a day. The event is a fun one and this year it saw the Atlanta Braves take down the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday Night Baseball.

But next season, there will be a Chicago flavor to it.

Rob Manfred joined the ESPN broadcast during the 2026 Little League Classic on Sunday to announce that the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays will meet on Thursday, August 19, 2027 for the next edition of the Little League Classic. The game will air exclusively on ESPN.

In keeping with the tradition of this annual event, Major Leaguers from both the Blue Jays and the Cubs will attend Little League World Series games earlier in the day on August 19, demonstrating their commitment to helping grow the game at the youth level and engage with young fans. Later that evening, Little League World Series players and their families will fill Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field for the Little League Classic game. It will mark the first time that the contest will be played on Thursday, headlining ESPN’s slate of baseball that day, which will spotlight Little League all the way up to the Majors. The Blue Jays will be the home team in the matchup.

For the Cubs, this will be the second time they have appeared in the game. They played the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018 at Bowman Field in Williamsport, which was the third edition of the event.

The post Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays to face off in 2027 Little League Classic appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Sky out of playoffs again, while Angel Reese thrives in Atlanta

Angelo Guinhawa — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:56:28 +0000

The Chicago Sky’s playoff hopes officially ended, while Angel Reese delivered the defining performance of her first season with the Atlanta Dream as the franchise secured its own postseason berth. The contrasting outcomes underscored how dramatically the fortunes of Reese and her former team have changed since the offseason.Chicago was eliminated from playoff contention after falling to the Indiana Fever, ending another difficult campaign for a franchise that has struggled to establish consistency since Reese entered the league. The Sky’s season has been marked by uneven results, and their latest loss left them unable to remain in the postseason race with the regular season nearing its conclusion.

Jun 18, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) in the second half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Reese, meanwhile, has helped Atlanta reach the playoffs in her first season with the franchise. The Dream clinched their postseason spot with a 99-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, with the All-Star producing the finest scoring performance of her WNBA career in the process.

The former Sky forward erupted for a career-high 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, recording her 25th double-double of the season. Reese shot 14 of 21 from the field and scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, allowing Atlanta to withstand a late Phoenix push and secure one of the league’s most important wins of its season.

Chicago Sky Miss the Playoffs While Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream Make the Postseason

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) celebrates a basket against the Minnesota Lynx. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Reese continues to thrive in Atlanta as she leads the Dream to the playoffs while Chicago got eliminated by Clark and the Fever. The latter can be seen in a post shared by Yahoo Sports on X.

The Chicago Sky are officially eliminated from WNBA playoff contention. pic.twitter.com/IXEiMctzmQ

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 24, 2026

Her breakthrough performance capped a remarkable stretch for Atlanta, which has won five of its last six games while positioning itself among the league’s top teams. Reese had already produced a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double against Los Angeles while shooting a perfect 9 for 9 from the field, demonstrating the broader impact she has brought to the Dream beyond her scoring.

For Chicago, the end of the playoff chase represents another offseason filled with questions, while Atlanta can turn its attention toward postseason preparation with Reese playing some of her best basketball. The Sky will watch the playoffs from home, but Reese and the Dream have earned the opportunity to compete for a championship, creating a striking divide between the former team and its one-time centerpiece.

WNBA broadcast has perfect reaction to Caitlin Clark’s 35-foot triple

Angelo Guinhawa — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:56:24 +0000

Caitlin Clark’s 35-foot triple gave the WNBA broadcast an ideal opportunity for a memorable reaction during the Indiana Fever’s emphatic victory over the Chicago Sky. The deep shot was her sixth 3-pointer of the night and added another highlight to an explosive performance.

Clark connected from well beyond the 3-point line, pulling up from roughly 35 feet and leaving the defense with little chance to contest the attempt. The broadcast immediately recognized the distance of the shot, with the reaction highlighting just how far she had stepped behind the arc.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after losing againt the Dallas Wings.
© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The long-range basket came during a night when Clark repeatedly found ways to stretch Chicago’s defense. Her ability to shoot comfortably from distances that would normally be considered difficult has become one of the defining features of her offensive game, forcing defenders to pick her up much farther from the basket.

The 3-pointer was Clark’s sixth of the game, adding to an already dominant shooting display against the Sky. She finished with 37 points and eight 3-pointers while also recording 10 assists, helping Indiana cruise to a 113-90 victory and officially eliminate Chicago from playoff contention.

WNBA Broadcast Reacts to Indiana Fever Star Caitlin Clark’s 35-Foot Three-Pointer

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center.
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Clark’s insane triple 35 feet from the basket garnered a lot of attention. This can be seen in a video shared by WNBA on NBC and Peacock’s official Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Indiana Fever (@indianafever)

The performance also highlighted Clark’s growing collection of statistical milestones during her young WNBA career. Her combination of deep shooting, playmaking and scoring production continues to make her one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players, particularly when she gets into rhythm from beyond the arc.

For the Fever, the victory provided another strong finish to a crucial stretch of the season, while Clark’s deep 3 became one of the night’s signature moments. A shot from 35 feet is difficult under any circumstances, but making it look routine is exactly what made the broadcast reaction so fitting.

Caitlin Clark’s pregame moment with soccer star turns heads

Angelo Guinhawa — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:55:11 +0000

Caitlin Clark’s pregame moment with soccer star Robert Lewandowski drew attention before the Indiana Fever’s latest matchup, giving fans an unexpected meeting between two elite athletes. The brief interaction quickly became a talking point as Clark continues to command attention both on and off the basketball court.Clark has become one of the WNBA’s biggest stars since entering the league, while Lewandowski has built a decorated career as one of soccer’s most prolific forwards. Their meeting offered a glimpse into the crossover appeal surrounding her, whose popularity has extended well beyond basketball and attracted recognition from athletes across the global sports landscape.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half against the Connecticut Sun. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The encounter took place ahead of Indiana’s game, with Clark spending time with Lewandowski before taking the court. The soccer star’s presence created an unusual scene around the Fever, particularly because of his standing in international soccer and his history of competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Lewandowski is widely regarded as one of the premier strikers of his generation, having enjoyed an accomplished career in European soccer and represented Poland on the international stage. His meeting with Clark therefore brought together two athletes whose careers have been defined by scoring, consistency and the ability to perform under intense attention.

Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark Shares a Pregame Moment With Soccer Star Robert Lewandowski

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) listens to the National Anthem.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Clark and Lewandowksi had a special moment before Indiana faced off against the Sky recently. This can be seen in a post shared by the Fever’s official Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Indiana Fever (@indianafever)

For Clark, the moment was another example of how her profile has grown since she became a professional basketball player. Her performances have made her a major attraction across the WNBA, while her connections with prominent figures from other sports continue to highlight the broader cultural reach she has developed.

The meeting ultimately lasted only a short time, but it generated plenty of interest among fans who recognized the significance of two high-profile athletes crossing paths. As Clark continues her WNBA career, moments like this demonstrate how her influence increasingly extends beyond basketball and into the wider world of sports.

Dave Portnoy fires back after DiJonai Carrington mocks Caitlin Clark

Angelo Guinhawa — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:53:12 +0000

Dave Portnoy fires back after DiJonai Carrington mocks Caitlin Clark following a heated WNBA matchup that reignited tensions between two of the league’s most recognizable figures. The latest exchange unfolded after the Indiana Fever secured a convincing victory, giving Portnoy another opportunity to criticize Carrington’s actions toward Clark.

The Fever defeated the Chicago Sky 113-90 on Sunday, with Clark delivering one of the strongest performances of her professional career. She finished with 37 points, eight 3-pointers and 10 assists, helping Indiana pull away decisively while eliminating Chicago from playoff contention.

Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard-forward DiJonai Carrington (7) celebrates after scoring against the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The game also featured another tense moment between Clark and Carrington, who appeared to challenge a foul call and gesture that Clark had exaggerated the contact. The interaction added another chapter to their increasingly familiar on-court rivalry, which has included contentious moments dating back to their meetings during Clark’s rookie season.

Portnoy responded on social media after the game, using Clark’s dominant performance to ridicule Carrington and argue that the matchup had gone decisively in the Fever star’s favor. His response also referenced Carrington’s recent controversy surrounding a social media post after she was ejected for a flagrant foul against Fever guard Sophie Cunningham earlier this month.

Dave Portnoy Reacts to Dijonai Carrington Mocking Caitlin Clark

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) gets the crowd excited.
© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Portnoy shared his thoughts about Carrington mocking Clark during their game against each other. This can be seen in a post he shared on his official X account.

DiJonai Carrington’s entire existence is making a fool out of herself at the hands of Caitlin and the Fever. Caitlin popped her head off and dribbled her like a basketball tonight to the tune of 37 and 10 White privilege indeed pic.twitter.com/qUqbUd6MzL

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) August 24, 2026

That previous incident intensified the attention surrounding Sunday’s meeting because Carrington had appeared to anticipate another matchup with Indiana after the earlier ejection. Her subsequent criticism of the officiating and social media activity had already generated considerable discussion, making the latest exchange particularly combustible as the teams met again.

Clark ultimately had the last word where it mattered most, producing a career-high eight 3-pointers while leading Indiana to a 23-point victory. The performance gave the Fever another important win while turning an already heated rivalry into one of the league’s most closely watched storylines.

Fever star Caitlin Clark makes WNBA history against Sky

Paolo Songco — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:01:57 +0000

Caitlin Clark never ceases to amaze WNBA fans from around the world. She recorded another impressive stat line on Sunday during the Indiana Fever’s 113-90 win over the Chicago Sky at WinTrust Arena. The superstar guard made history again with her 37 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and eight three reporters.

Clark’s MVP-level of play has been instrumental to the Fever’s success this season. They are currently fifth in the standings with a 25-14 record but are only one game behind the Las Vegas Aces for third place. She is averaging a career-high 21.7 points, along with 3.9 rebounds and 8.2 assists through 34 games.

The 24-year-old continues to deal with a lingering back issue. However, she has shown no signs of being hampered by it in recent games. Her huge performance on Sunday helped snapped Indiana’s two-game skid.

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the first half against the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark sets new WNBA record during Sky game

Clark produced another 15-plus point, five-plus assist half. It was her eighth of the season, beating her previous record of seven from her rookie season.

Clark has 8 halves this season with at least 15 points, 5 assists. That’s the most in a single season in WNBA history, breaking her own 2024 record.

— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) August 24, 2026

The Iowa product is also on pace to be the first player in league history to lead in assists and finish in the top three in scoring. Along with Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, the Fever are living up to expectations and strengthening their case as championship contenders.

Clark and Co. have five games left on their regular-season schedule. Winning all of them will push their record to 30-14 and add more pressure to the Aces and Atlanta Dream, who they are competing against for a top three seed,.

Indiana will return home after a five-game road trip where it went 3-2. The team’s next game is on Friday versus the Connecticut Sun. Three of its last three games will be played at Gainbirdge Fieldhouse. Fever fans will cheer even louder for their team to end up at No. 3 after the regular season.

Caleb Williams is hyped after latest Chicago Bears injury update

Paolo Songco — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:14:48 +0000

Caleb Williams enjoyed a lot of success with the Chicago Bears last season. He led the team to an 11-6 record, winning the NFC North and reaching the Divisional Round. His teammates, including Ozzy Trapilo, made his job easier.

The left tackle emerged as Chicago’s starter, but he tore his patellar tendon in the Wild Card Round against the Green Bay Packers. He was slated to miss the majority of the 2026 season. However, his timeline changed as the team activated him from the Physically Unable to Play list. The news hyped Williams ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Trapilo was instrumental in helping Williams record impressive numbers last year. The quarterback finished with 330-of-568 completions for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams reacts to Ozzy Trapilo development

The Bears and Williams will benefit from Trapilo’s timeline getting pushed. The quarterback expressed excitement for his potential availability in the coming weeks.

“Excited,” Williams said. “Obviously, he played a lot for us last year being the left tackle for me, and so I’m excited for him, especially being able to recover, so fast with a pretty bad injury. So I’m excited for him, excited for us, and excited for him to get back on the field whenever that happens, whenever he’s healthy and ready.”

The Bears will end their postseason schedule on Saturday against the Tennessee Titans. Trapilo is unlikely to see action in the game, but if he continues to progress, he has a chance to return to action early in the regular season. Chicago will open its regular season on Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The team will host its home opener on Sept. 20 versus the Minnesota Vikings. Trapilo will play a key role in surpassing last year’s achievements given his strength and experience from last season.

Chicago Cubs: Counsell’s not messing around—win or get out of the way

Paul Magno — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:07:56 +0000

The Chicago Cubs are on full-time “go time,” per manager Craig Counsell. And that means that there’s little time to consider egos, hang-ups, or to give someone time to work through a poor performance.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Two aces in the hole for postseason success

Coming into Sunday’s game with the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, the Cubs had lost two in a row and had seen the first place Milwaukee Brewers lengthen their division lead over them by seven games. The Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres had also climbed to within two and four games, respectively, of overtaking them atop the NL Wild Card standings.

Imanaga gets early hook

Apr 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) reacts after the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

More News: Chicago Cubs bullpen is in a happy place, despite Saturday’s collapse

So, with that in mind, Counsell was quick to pull starter Shota Imanaga from the game after he showed that he clearly didn’t have his best stuff. The southpaw had given up two runs on five hits and two walks in two innings and 72 pitches—including a leadoff home run to Randy Arozarena—and was struggling uncharacteristically with control.

When Ian Happ hit a grand slam in the top of the third to put the Cubs ahead 5-to-2, Counsell made the move to go with swingman Aaron Civale. Rather than take the sudden lead as breathing room to give Imanaga more of a chance to get things together, he moved on to try and secure the win. It was clearly the right move to make as Civale would deliver four shutout innings and the Cubs would go on to thump the Mariners 19-to-2.

“It was just a bad day [for Imanaga],” Counsell told reporters, pointing out the lefty’s solid last outing against the White Sox. “You could just tell the misses were far bigger than normal. The velocity was down a little bit from the beginning. We’ll just have to regroup.

“This was kind of isolated right now, and obviously, he gets to prove it the next time out.”

The reason behind the quick hook

Jul 12, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) walks off the field during a pitching change in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

There may be a little bit more to Counsell’s decision than simply getting out the hook for a pitcher who just didn’t have it, though. Last season, Imanaga’s late-season dip in velocity came just ahead of a full-on collapse that eventually saw the Japanese star scratched from his last playoff start.

In 2025, Counsell and the Cubs had no choice but to ride with Imanaga for as long as they could before removing him from the starting pitching circle of trust. They just didn’t have many replacement options. In 2026, however, the team does have a plan B, C, and D.

Civale and Colin Rea can both do multiple innings in relief as well as spot start if necessary. Javier Assad, who can do the same, is just one phone call away in Iowa.

“This is why we have some length in the bullpen,” Counsell said. “As soon as Ian hit the home run, honestly, my thought was, ‘If Shota’s in trouble, we’re going to go.’”

Come playoff time, when the Cubs go with a four-man rotation, there will be even more depth in the bullpen with David Peterson likely moving there and maybe an Edward Cabrera option floating about.

For Imanaga—and everyone else—the message is clear. Counsell is going for the wins and if you can’t help with that, you will kindly step aside.

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Is Angel Reese the new double-double queen?

Angelo Guinhawa — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:53:06 +0000

Angel Reese has built a reputation as one of the WNBA’s premier rebounders, but her latest performance has sparked a new conversation about her place among the league’s greatest all-around players. Following another dominant outing for the Atlanta Dream, Reese’s remarkable consistency has fueled growing speculation that she may be emerging as the WNBA’s next true double-double queen.

Reese strengthened that argument with a flawless offensive performance against the Los Angeles Sparks while once again controlling the boards. She finished the game without missing a shot and paired her efficient scoring with another double-double, helping Atlanta cruise to a convincing victory. The performance extended an already impressive stretch in which Reese has consistently impacted games through both scoring and rebounding, regardless of the opponent.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) controls the ball against the Atlanta Dream during the first half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The achievement also placed Reese in elite company within league history. Only a select group of players have combined perfect shooting performances with double-doubles at the level she displayed, highlighting the efficiency and versatility that continue to define her rapid development. Her ability to dominate around the basket while maximizing every offensive opportunity has become one of the Dream’s greatest strengths as they continue their postseason push.

Beyond the historic milestone, Reese continues to separate herself through consistency. Recording double-doubles has become almost routine for the young forward, who has established herself as one of the league’s most dependable interior players. Her relentless rebounding, physical play and improving offensive decision-making have allowed her to produce at a remarkably high level throughout the season, making her one of the WNBA’s most productive frontcourt players.

WNBA Star Angel Reese Posts 25th Double-Double This Season

Jun 18, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) shoots against Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Reese’s performance against Los Angeles gave her a new double-double this season. This is explained more in a post shared by ESPN Insights on X.

WNBA players with 25 double-doubles in a season:

Alyssa Thomas (2023)
Angel Reese (2024 & 2026)

End of list pic.twitter.com/BiXtjndNi9

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) August 21, 2026

The discussion surrounding Reese now extends beyond individual games and into the record books. Her sustained production has created the possibility of accomplishing feats that few, if any, players have achieved over the course of a career. As her offensive game continues to expand alongside her elite rebounding ability, Reese has positioned herself among the league’s brightest young stars and one of the most difficult matchups for opposing defenses.

Whether Reese ultimately earns the unofficial title of the WNBA’s new double-double queen will depend on maintaining this extraordinary level of production over multiple seasons. However, her recent performances suggest she is well on her way toward establishing that legacy. With every dominant outing, Reese continues to strengthen her case as one of the league’s premier talents while helping transform the Dream into a legitimate championship contender.

Angel Reese does not hold back on strong WNBA statement

Paolo Songco — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:01:22 +0000

Angel Reese is coming off a career-best performance on Saturday against the Phoenix Mercury. She posted a career-high 31 points on 14-of-21 shooting, along with 14 rebounds and four steals in the 99-89 win. It came just two after she recorded 20 points on 9-of-9 shooting with 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals versus the Los Angeles Sparks. The Atlanta Dream forward has showcased her elite skill set on both ends of the floor and gave a strong statement about who deserves to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Reese is averaging a career-high 16.3 points, with 12.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals through 36 games. More importantly, the Dream have clinched a playoff spot. They are currently fourth in the standings with a 24-13 record, and the three-time All-Star has played a significant role in the team’s success.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) warms up before a WNBA preseason game against the Chicago Sky.

Angel Reese makes it clear which team the DPOY winner should come from

Reese addressed reporters after Saturday’s with Jordin Canada. She said that the DPOY winner is an Atlanta player, which her teammate agreed with.

“I think the Defensive Player of the Year is in Atlanta,” Reese said. “One to three, one of us. You can check the stats, too.”

Oh, Angel Reese and Jordin Canada are not playing about this DPOY award. Love it. #wnba pic.twitter.com/tR0lSrho3d

— Zande (@KongoZande) August 23, 2026

Many consider Reese one of the frontrunners to win it, along with A’ja Wilson and Shakira Austin. However, Rhyne Howard, Canada and Reese lead the league in steals per game.

It remains to be seen who will be named DPOY by the end of the season. Reese and her teammates have been worthy contenders for the honor, but Wilson and Austin’s efforts can’t be ignored. Atlanta has seven games left on its schedule. Dominating on the defensive end during the stretch could be the difference between having the DPOY in Atlanta or in Las Vegas or Minnesota.

Chicago Bears projected to cut 2023 draft pick

Jordan Sigler — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:27:24 +0000

The Chicago Bears have until Sunday to decide who will make the 53-man roster before Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson said he’d meet with his staff early this week to make sure they were on the same page about who was likely to make the team on Sunday. He praised the 90-man roster for being competitive during training camp, saying some spots would go down to the wire.

Running back Roschon Johnson is one of those players on the bubble. The fourth-round pick in 2023 hasn’t taken the next step during his first three years in the league. His best season came as a rookie when he had 81 carries for 352 yards and two touchdowns while adding 209 receiving yards.

Johnson played in just seven games last season. He suffered a thumb injury in November before finishing the season with 17 yards on two carries.

More News: Bears’ Cairo Santos not looking to boost kicking range

Chicago Bears projected to cut Roschon Johnson

Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams (33) stops Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) short of the goal line during the second quarter of their game Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Solider Field in Chicago, Illinois.

More News: Bears HC Ben Johnson upset with penalties against Bengals

Courtney Cronin of ESPN is projecting running backs D’Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, and Salvon Ahmed to make the 53-man roster, with Johnson failing to make the cut.

“Swift had arguably the best training camp of any offensive skill player,” Cronin wrote. “He and Monangai will continue to power a rushing attack that ranked third in 2025. Ahmed edges out former fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson for the role of RB3.”

Johnson was highly praised coming out of Texas, where he served as a backup to Bijan Robinson. However, he lost the RB2 battle to Monangai last season, and he doesn’t appear to have made enough progress as a runner during training camp and preseason this summer.

Ahmed recorded 593 yards on 163 carries during his four seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He has recorded no stats since the 2023 season. He spent time on the Indianapolis Colts last year.

The Bears have a strong 1-2 punch with Swift and Monangai. Ahmed would provide depth for the backfield, but the team doesn’t have another strong option for the passing game at running back.

For More Chicago Sports:

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Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman, girlfriend Greta Segert turn heads on Sunday

Paolo Songco — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:02:09 +0000

Dillon Thieneman is all set for his rookie season with the Chicago Bears. He fully participated in training camp and saw some action during team’s first two postseason games. However, he took time off work and celebrated a relationship milestone on Sunday with her girlfriend, Greta Segert.

The Bears selected Thieneman at No. 25 overall out of Oregon. He shined with the Ducks in 2025, earning first-team All-American honors. The safety recorded 96 combined tackles consisting of 52 assisted and 44 solo efforts. He added 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks in 15 regular-season games.

Thieneman will play a bigger role to start his professional career following Coby Bryant’s injury. The veteran suffered a knee injury on Aug. 3 and has since undergone surgery. He will be out for four to six months.

New Chicago Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman meets with the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman celebrates 2nd anniversary with Greta Segert

Thieneman posted photos of him and Seger during different moments of their relationship. It featured snaps from date nights, her graduation and from Oregon games, among others. The 22-year-old added a message for his girlfriend.

“Happy 2 year Anniversary! Amazing memories, can’t wait to make more. Love you,” Thieneman wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dillon Thieneman (@dillonthieneman)

Fans wished them well and reacted to the pictures in the comments section.

“Love this ,” a user wrote.

“Beautiful Couple! ,” one comment read.

“Great to see new couples may God Bless with matrimony,” a fan said.

“Happy Anniversary you two ,” posted another.

“Happy Anniversary Boiler Makers,” a reaction read.

“Big Greta and Dillion fan! So sweet,” another fan commented.

Thieneman and the Bears will play their third preseason game on Saturday against the Tennessee Titans. He could see some action in the matchup as the team prepares for the start of the 2026 campaign. Chicago will open its slate with a road game versus the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13, and Thieneman will likely play a significant role in the fixture.

Sky star DiJonai Carrington stuns in all-leather outfit for Fever game

Paolo Songco — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:04:11 +0000

DiJonai Carrington and the Chicago Sky faced the Indiana Fever in a highly-anticipated matchup. She has been one of the most talked about players in the league following her Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham on Aug. 8. The veteran guard once again drew a lot of attention, this time for her outfit ahead of Sunday’s game

Carrington and Co. lost 113-90 as they couldn’t stop Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell’s barrage. The star backcourt duo combined for 67 points on 23-of-43 shooting, along with five rebounds, 14 assists and 14 three-pointers. Lexie Hull supplied 13 points, while Makayla Timpson chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds. Aliyah Boston missed the game due to a lower right leg injury.

Carrington finished with seven points and three rebounds. Natasha Cloud led the charge for Chicago with 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists, and Azura Stevens contributed 14 points and eight rebounds.

Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington (7) poses for a photo with Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) after the game at the American Airlines Center.

Chicago Sky: DiJonai Carrington turns heads with pregame outfit for Fever game

Carrington arrived at WinTrust Arena wearing an all-black sleeveless jumpsuit. It featured a high halter-style neckline and cropped, calf-length legs. She completed her look with a top-handle red leather handbag and red open-toe slide heels.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chicago Sky (@chicagosky)

Fans dropped their reactions in the comments section.

“dijonai is stunning,” one user wrote.

“god damn dijonai,” a comment read.

“Dijonai in that catsuit ,” one fan said.

“Here comes Dijonai ,” posted another.

“Nai ,” another fan commented.

“Dijonai ,” a reaction read.

Sunday’s defeat snapped Carrington and Chicago’s three-game winning streak. They have their sights set on returning to their winning ways on Tuesday against the Connecticut Sun. While the Sky will miss the playoffs for the third straight year, they aim to end the regular season strong and string as many victories as possible. Three of their last five games will be played at home, giving them a better chance of ending the campaign on a high note.

Cubs’ Josiah Hartshorn cements himself in franchise lore with 20th Home Run

Tyler Koerth — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:34:33 +0000

Chicago Cubs 2025 sixth round draft pick Josiah Hartshorn is having a breakout season. The 19 year old 1B/OF from Orange Lutheran High School has propelled up prospect rankings this year, including becoming the organization’s No.1 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No.39.

This year, Hartshorn has dominated the Low-A and High-A ranks. As of August 24, he is slashing a combined .285/.404/.515 with an incredible 20 home runs, 99 RBI’s, 22 doubles, 12 stolen bases, and 76 walks to 92 strikeouts. His 99 RBI’s are currently the most of any player drafted last summer who made their professional debut in 2026.

Over the weekend, Hartshorn launched home run No. 20, which put him in some elite territory as a Cubs teenage minor league prospect.

Josiah Hartshorn becomes the first teenage prospect in 27 years to reach 20 home runs in a season

South Bend infielder Josiah Hartshorn walks up to bat during a Minor League Baseball game between the South Bend Cubs and the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Four Winds Field on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, in South Bend.

On Saturday, Hartshorn hit his 15th home run of the season with the South Bend Cubs, adding to the five he hit earlier this year with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, where he spent just 39 games. That brings his season total to 20 home runs, making him the first Cubs teenage prospect since Corey Patterson in 1999 to reach the milestone.

Josiah Hartshorn blasts his 20th home run of the season!

He is the first teenage Cubs prospect to hit this mark in 27 years. His High-A OPS now stands at .933 and he’s driven in 98 runs. pic.twitter.com/lDTqia46DF

— Carson Wolf (@TheWrigleyWire) August 23, 2026

Furthermore, Hartshorn’s 15 home runs with the South Bend Cubs have him tied with Jordan Nwogu and Yonathan Perlaza for the most in a single season by a South Bend player since 2015. If he can hit one more before the minor league season concludes on September 6, Hartshorn will become the new record holder.

At just 19 years old, Hartshorn is already putting his name alongside some of the more notable prospects in Cubs history. His 20 home runs are impressive on their own, but the fact that he has reached that mark while setting himself up to break South Bend’s single-season home run record makes his season even more notable. With several games still remaining, Hartshorn has a chance to add another chapter to what has quickly become a historic year.

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Tristan Peters’ third walk-off, a home run, ties White Sox record

Tyler Koerth — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 03:11:48 +0000

Tristan Peters, an All-Star for the Chicago White Sox this season, is now responsible for three of the team’s 11 walk-off wins. His latest came during Players’ Weekend and was his first walk-off home run of the year. Peters launched a game-ending shot off Kodai Senga of the New York Mets while using a Savannah Bananas bat, paying homage to a time with the team a few years ago. His previous walk-offs came on April 3, when he delivered a walk-off hit, and July 30, when he drew a game-winning walk.

TRISTAN. PETERS. WALK-OFF. HOME RUN. pic.twitter.com/WCYuSvE6kQ

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 23, 2026

Peter’s shot came just two days after his teammate Jake Rogers hit a walk-off home run in extra innings that plated two runs in the process. It also marked the White Sox fifth walk-off long ball of the year, with Braden Montgomery, Miguel Vargas, and Edgar Quero having the others. This total not only is the most in the Majors this year, but it ties a White Sox franchise record.

Tristan Peters’ walk-off home run ties a Chicago White Sox franchise record

Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Tristan Peters (29) hits a single during the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

According to Sarah Langs, five walk-off home runs hit by five different players is tied for the most in White Sox franchise history. Chicago has accomplished the feat in three other seasons: 2014, 2008 and 1988. All of the players who helped make history during those seasons are listed in the post below.

5 different players with a walk-off HR ties the most in a season in White Sox history:

2026 Miguel Vargas, Edgar Quero, Tristan Peters, Braden Montgomery, Jake Rogers
2014 Adam Dunn, Tyler Flowers, Dayan Viciedo, Alexei Ramirez, Jose Abreu
2008 Jim Thome, Nick Swisher, A.J.… https://t.co/PyZ7JfjyYd

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 24, 2026

Peters’ latest heroics add another memorable moment to what has already been a very fun season for the White Sox. With his third walk-off of the year, and the latest finally coming via a home run, he not only helped Chicago secure another dramatic win but also tied a franchise record.

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‘We don’t have time for that’: Stephanie White dismisses fatigue factor for Fever

Paolo Songco — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 03:03:58 +0000

Stephanie White and the Indiana Fever bounced back from two straight losses with a win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday. It was the fifth and final game of their road trip that has been grueling to say the least. The team played five matchups in seven days, which tested their conditioning and mentality. Fatigue may have played a big factor in their results, but the head coach dismissed the idea.

Indiana went 3-2 during the stretch, starting with consecutive wins versus the Atlanta Dream and Toronto Tempo. A two-game skid followed at the hands of the Dallas Wings and New York Liberty before Sunday’s 113-90 victory. The win was even more impressive as the team played without Aliyah Boston due to a lower right leg injury.

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center.

Indiana Fever: Stephanie White downplays effect of fatigue in recent road trip

White focused on Indiana having a deep roster ahead of the Sky game. She also stressed on the team’s areas for improvement.

“I think that obviously, there’s probably a little bit of fatigue, but we don’t have time for that,” White said. “We talk often about standard over feelings, (so) we don’t have time for that. I think the biggest thing is we’ve got to rely on our depth. We’re going to use our bench more. We’ll probably have shorter stints and everybody’s got to be ready to go.

“I think where you see it the most is offensively when we settle. I don’t think we’ve had nearly as many trips to the free throw line as we’d like to have. Maybe settle a little bit. Our rotations might be a little slower on the defensive end of the floor, but we’ve got have some urgency about us.”

The Fever will have four days off before they face the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Three of their last five games will be played at home, giving them more rest and a stronger chance to string more wins together.

Ben Johnson speaks out on Caleb Williams’ mistake in loss to Bengals

Paolo Songco — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 01:04:53 +0000

Caleb Williams threw back-to-back incompletions during his limited run in the 27-9 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chicago Bears quarterback failed to connect with a wide-open Colston Loveland inside the 10-yard line, resulting to a field goal instead of a touchdown. During his postgame availability, head coach Ben Johnson spoke about the play.

Williams only played in Chicago’s first series before Case Keenum replaced him until halftime. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner completed 2-of-5 passes for 28 yards. Keenum recorded 9-of-17 completions for 113 yards, while Miller Moss went 13-of-21 for 103 yards.

Next up for Williams, Johnson and Co. is a matchup with the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. It’s the last of the preseason slate, giving them a chance to finish with a 2-1 record.

Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams’ relationship will be crucial for Chicago Bears. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson gives his take on Caleb Williams’ mistake

Johnson emphasized that he believes Williams did not make the right call. He said that the 24-year-old should’ve opted for another option.

“I would probably go somewhere else with the ball on that one,” Johnson said.

Ben Johnson on Caleb Williams’ incomplete pass to Colston Loveland in the middle of the field.

“I would probably go somewhere else with the ball on that one.”

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 23, 2026

The Bears did not score a touchdown all game long, only converting three field goals. While it’s still the preseason, there’s could be some cause of concern for Johnson and his staff.

The good news is they have been able to rest majority of the starters to keep them fresh for the regular season. Johnson’s team will wrap up its preseason on Saturday when it visits the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.

Chicago will open its schedule on Sept. 13 on the road versus the Carolina Panthers. The team’s home opener is set for Week 2 on Sept. 20 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears are aiming to surpass their achievements last year. They won the NFC North with an 11-6 record and lost 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Fever star Sophie Cunningham goes viral with stunning pregame outfit

Paolo Songco — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:02:59 +0000

Sophie Cunningham has done it again. The Indiana Fever star posted a video of her pregame outfit on Sunday and went viral on TikTok. She and her team are facing the Chicago Sky, which is the fifth and final matchup of their current five-game road trip.

Cunningham is coming off a 10-point, two-rebound, five-assist and two steals performance on Saturday against the New York Liberty. However, her solid production was not enough to prevent a two-game losing skid. Indiana’s three-headed monster of Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah led the charge. They combined for 67 points, seven rebounds and 17 assists in the 109-102 defeat.

The Fever are looking to bounce back strong before heading back home. Cunningham’s production is crucial, especially with Boston out due to a right leg injury.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) smiles before a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.

Sophie Cunningham turns heads with outfit ahead of Fever-Sky game

Cunningham’s post has since been viewed more than one million times and has received north of 100,000 views. She wore a sleeveless draped top with a deep V-neckline and a collar panel around the neck. The 30-year-old paired it with matching white tailored high-waisted shorts and with her hair styled half-up with loose front layers.

@sophiechamgame day

♬ Boot Scootin’ Boogie – Brooks & Dunn

Fans reacted to her attire in the comments section.

“awesome you go girl,” a fan commented.

“This is one dangerous outfit,” one reaction read.

“I love it!!” a user said.

“Sophie the GOAT,” posted another.

“love that outfit” another fan wrote.

“Greek Goddess!” one comment read.

Cunningham and Co. are 24-14 for the season and currently half-a-game behind the Las Vegas Aces for third place. They’ll have five games remaining after Sunday and will play three of them at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Bears QB Caleb Williams speaks out on Ben Johnson’s preseason decision

Paolo Songco — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 22:00:37 +0000

Caleb Williams played for the first time during Saturday’ 27-9 loss. He saw action in the Chicago Bears’ first series against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. While the lack of playing may be frustrating for others, the star quarterback trusts Ben Johnson’s decision.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner completed 2-of-5 passes for 28 yards. Case Keenum took after until halftime and went 9-of-17 for 119 yards. Meanwhile, Miller Moss received ample playing time, finishing the game and going 13-of-21 for 103 yards.

Johnson and his staff are likely keeping Williams as fresh as possible for the start of the regular season. The Bears are coming off a grueling 2025 campaign, with Williams leading the franchise to an NFC North crown and reaching the Divisional Round.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Caleb Williams weighs in Bears HC Ben Johnson limiting his playing time

Williams addressed the media after the game. He opened up on Johnson’s decision to pull him out early and also shared that they have had a lot of conversations.

“Whatever coach decides is good for me,” Williams said. “I would say a lot of good conversations and talks with coach, a lot of good conversations and talks with wide receivers and (Chicago center) Garrett (Bradbury) and all of that. Just find ways to be on the same page so that when September 13th comes around that we’re rolling and yeah, I think we are.

“And then, there’s times where you’ll have a down day or times where you’ll lose a game like today, and you’ve got to go back and look at the tape and be truth-tellers about yourselves and look in the mirror first.”

Caleb Williams on readiness for the Regular Season:

“Whatever coach decides is good for me. I’m trending the right way to being ready for the season, a lot of good conversations with coach, the receivers, and Garrett to make sure we’re on the same page so when September 13th… pic.twitter.com/DzFQNiU7Ic

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) August 23, 2026

Analysts expect Johnson to stick with his rotation in the first two preseason games. The Bears will take on the Tennessee Titans on Saturday to wrap up their slate, and Williams will once again likely see limited minutes. Their regular season will commence on Sept. 13 on the road versus the Carolina Panthers.

Chicago Bears’ Cairo Santos not looking to boost kicking range

Jordan Sigler — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:36:49 +0000

The Chicago Bears can’t have it all.

Cairo Santos is one of the most accurate kickers in the history of the Bears, entering the 2026 season making 88.3 percent of his attempts. That puts him above legendary kicker Robbie Gould, who made 85.4 percent of his kicks.

Jake Moody made 88.9 percent of his nine attempts last season, though he never attempted an attempt more than 50 yards.

The one knock against Santos is that he doesn’t have the range as many of his peers in the league. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is known for making 60+ yard attempts. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made a 69-yard attempt on Saturday.

More News: Bears HC Ben Johnson upset with penalties against Bengals

Chicago Bears K Cairo Santos not worried about distance

Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) reacts after kicking a game-winning field goal against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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In an interview with Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, Santos said he’s tried to work on his range somewhat this offseason. However, he doesn’t want to change his technique to do what Aubery and other kickers do to make 55+ attempts, noting it would take away from his accuracy.

“When I see guys come into Soldier Field, it’s really all about making them from 53 yards and in, and not every good kicker has done that,” Santos said. “If I push for distance, it’s going to sacrifice my consistency inside where I need to be automatic.

“I try not to kick how these guys are kicking because I know what works for me is something more consistent and true.”

Given the wind and the elements at Soldier Field, it makes sense for Santos to think that way. Though that means the Bears are leaving points on the table when they play on the road.

Per Lieser, Santos wants to be near automatic in the side of 50 yards. He’s made 25 of his 34 attempts from 50+. Santos wants to be competent from 55 yards.

The Bears have a unique kicking situation because of Soldier Field. Santos perfectly fits those needs, though the team will likely be in the market for a distance kicker whenever the Bears finally build a domed stadium.

For More Chicago Sports:

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‘He’s a menace’: Bears HC Ben Johnson did not hold back on Bengals star

Paolo Songco — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 19:01:31 +0000

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears faced the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason game on Saturday. It was played two days after teams held a joint practice. The session gave the second-year head coach a chance to see firsthand how their opponents have been preparing for the season, including defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

The 28-year-old entered the NFL as the 17th overall pick in the 2019 draft out of Clemson. He won two national championships with the Tigers and earned one All-American honor. Lawrence has since established himself as one of the best at his position. He has two second-team All-Pro and three Pro Bowl selections under his belt.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson left impressed with Dexter Lawrence’s join practice performance

Lawrence showed off his mettle during the joint practice, impressing Johnson and his staff. He spoke highly of the nose tackle’s game and called him a “menace.”

“I think he’s a menace,” Johnson said. “I mean, he’s an issue. That’s been the case for a number of years. I mean, I remember being in a joint practice setting with him a couple years ago, and he wrecks practice, that’s that’s what he does. I will say I was proud of the way that (Bears center) Garrett (Bradbury) competed and he did some good things against him.

“When you face a player like that and you know you’re going to a game, you certainly do need to make sure it’s you limit the number of times anybody has a one-on-one with him because he’s just he’s a special individual.”

Ben Johnson on managing Dexter Lawrence during the Joint Practice:

“It was up and down throughout. I think he’s a menace. He’s an issue. That’s been the case for a number of years, I remember being in a joint practice setting with him a couple years ago and he wrecks practice.… pic.twitter.com/UziBH4HSG3

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) August 23, 2026

Lawrence and Cincinnati defeated the Bears 27-9 at Paycor Stadium. Johnson and Co. are now 1-1 in the preseason and will next clash with the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. The Bengals, on the other hand, have the same record and will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on the same day to wrap up their preseason slate.

Chicago Cubs: Two aces in the hole for postseason success

Paul Magno — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 18:29:10 +0000

Despite back-to-back deflating walk-off losses and their lead atop the Wild Card standings being reduced to two games, the Chicago Cubs are still in a good place right now.

More News: Chicago Cubs bullpen is in a happy place, despite Saturday’s collapse

They’re 18 games above .500 and currently boasting a 98-plus percent likelihood of making the playoffs. The team, for the most part, looks locked in and brimming with confidence as injured pitchers begin to work themselves back on to the roster and several key offensive pieces have started to click.

The Cubs may also have a couple of aces in the hole when it comes to pushing deep into postseason play.

Matt Shaw’s role

May 10, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw (6) fields a ground ball during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

More News: Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell explains Javier Assad demotion

Matt Shaw recently began his minor league rehab assignment after a long and frustrating wrist injury that kept him sidelined since June 28. In limited play so far with the Iowa Cubs, Chicago’s 2023 number one draft pick has looked sharp.

He’s also been getting playing time at second base during this assignment, something which likely tips the Cubs’ hand that they may look to plug him into that spot when he gets ready to return to the majors. With shortstop Dansby Swanson dealing with an oblique injury for at least 4-6 weeks and Nico Hoerner moving over to cover that spot, Shaw playing in his more natural second base spot seems like a no-brainer, even if he’s working in a platoon with switch-hitting rookie Pedro Ramirez.

But even if he remains in his role as a super-sub bench asset, Shaw will be an important piece to the Cubs’ postseason puzzle. He’s a guy who has been used at every position but pitcher, catcher, and shortstop this season and someone with the wheels to make him a valuable pinch runner when relegated to the bench. He’s also upped his offensive game from last season and can be an asset, especially against left-handed pitching.

Chris Pownall of Da Windy City talked a bit about Shaw’s potential importance to this playoff-bound team:

“He lost his permanent position at third base when Chicago signed Bregman, but that move may have accidentally prepared him for a far more valuable October role.

Shaw can serve as a late game replacement, provide insurance across the diamond or enter the lineup against a favorable pitching matchup. If Swanson’s recovery extends into October, however, Shaw could become something more than a utility option.”

Hoby Milner back in the pen

May 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Hoby Milner (41) throws the ball against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, among pitchers, Hoby Milner could be the team’s other ace in the hole.

Milner was put on the shelf in late June following an emergency appendectomy and is now several games deep into his own rehab assignment in Iowa.

While other recovering Cubs pitchers—like Justin Steele, Ben Brown, and Shelby Miller capture all the headlines—Milner’s return could mean more to the team and its postseason chances than any other reliever right now.

The veteran lefty, healthy and productive, could step into the bullpen and finally allow the Cubs to cut loose veteran Caleb Thielbar, who is posting a 5.35 ERA through 46 appearances and kept his roster spot as one of only two healthy left-handed relief options along with the surprising Ryan Rolison.

The Cubs will be in a much better spot with Milner in the pen.

Shaw and Milner could be key factors to the Cubs’ postseason success, even if they currently fall a little under the radar.

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Chicago Cubs bullpen is in a happy place, despite Saturday’s collapse

Paul Magno — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:10:21 +0000

The Chicago Cubs gave the ball to the team’s de facto closer Jacob Webb in the ninth inning Saturday night at T-Mobile Park in Seattle and for the first time in a long time, Webb didn’t come through.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell explains Javier Assad demotion

Actually, the three ninth inning runs allowed—two via walk-off two-run home run by Randy Arozarena—were the first runs allowed by Webb in 24.2 innings.

“Baseball happened,” manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the game. “It just shows you how impressive he’s been. It’s unfortunate when you give up some runs that result in a loss, but he’s been so, so good.

“He’s kind of held this whole thing together for most of the year. He’s been great. He’s having a heck of a season. [Saturday] doesn’t change that. He’s going to be out there the next time there’s an opportunity.”

The veteran, who came to the Cubs via free agency to be a middle-of-bullpen depth piece, earned Counsell’s trust as a high-leverage late-inning reliever after an unprecedented wave of injuries forced him into that role. On the season, even with Saturday night’s poor outing, the right-hander has a 2.65 ERA with 9 saves through 58 appearances.

Two Cubs closers?

Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) celebrates the final out in a win over the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

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Webb’s emergence and Counsell’s trust in him are creating a bit of a situation when it comes the team’s closer role now that Daniel Palencia is back on the team.

The hard-throwinfg Palencia won the closer’s role last season in the same way Webb won the role this season, by stepping in to fill a spot that needed filling and taking it as his own.

Palencia looked good in his first game since coming off the IL—and his first big league appearance since June 15—throwing a scoreless inning against the Mariners on Friday with 2 strikeouts.

So now, essentially, the Cubs have two closers.

It’s not a bad problem to have. Given the fact that Webb and Palencia are very different types of pitchers, it may also give Counsell added flexibility when it comes to matchups and how he wants to handle certain situations.

But the team doesn’t just have two pitchers with game-closing potential.

Wiggins, Miller, and more

Feb 17, 2026; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shelby Miller (77) poses for photo day at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins and rehabbing veteran Shelby Miller could also find themselves in Chicago at some point between next week and the tail end of the regular season.

Neither was in the Cubs’ big league plans until fairly recently, but both could have something to offer down the closing stretch of the season.

Wiggins, after a rough and injury-filled season, is back in Iowa, working one inning at a time and looking quite impressive in that role. So far, the 24-year-old has pitched three scoreless innings in three outings, striking out five over those three frames. With his high-velocity stuff he looks like the prototypical closer, even though the Cubs are hoping to eventually get him back to being a starter.

The 35-year-old Miller, meanwhile, was signed on a 2-year deal this offseason with the full understanding that 2026 would be entirely spent rehabbing from last fall’s Tommy John surgery. But Miller has surprised with his rapid rehab and has already worked himself into a minor league rehab assignment, where he’s looked like his old self.

Both Wiggins and Miller are unlikely to get long looks at the major league level this year—if they make it to the team at all. But they are among the team’s bullpen options, along with rehabbing assets Justin Steele and Ben Brown, who are currently throwing bullpen session and looking impressive. There’s also lefty Hoby Milner who’s just about ready to return from his minor league rehab assignment.

Even trade deadline acquisition Ryan Zeferjahn has the kind of arm and repertoire that makes him a late-inning bullpen candidate, although he’s had some rough outings as a Cub so far.

All in all, the Cubs bullpen seems to be in a happy place. But, as we’ve been seeing all season, that can change in a heartbeat

The post Chicago Cubs bullpen is in a happy place, despite Saturday’s collapse appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Bears star Caleb Williams’ personal assessment of his preseason debut

Paolo Songco — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 16:02:21 +0000

Caleb Williams made his preseason debut on Saturday. It came during the Chicago Bears’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, with the home team winning 27-9. The quarterback played limited minutes but was able to get his feet wet. He shared his assessment of his performance during his postgame availability.

Williams completed 2-of-5 passes for 28 yards in just the the team’s first series. Case Keenum replaced him until halftime, recording 9-of-17 completions for 119 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Miller Moss played the rest of the game and went 13-of-21 for 103 yards.

Williams will be relied upon heavily once the regular season starts. He is coming off an impressive 2025 season, leading Chicago to an NFC North title and reached the Divisional Round.

Jun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams opens up on preseason debut performance

Reporters asked the 24-year-old for his thoughts about his first game of the preseason. He highlighted that he felt good being on the field but stressed that the team should avoid getting penalties.

“Good, feel smooth.” Williams said. “No complaints other than we’ve got to try not to get penalties, obviously. It’s not the goal, but if we get penalties and things like that, it’s my job and the other guy’s job to try and get us back in position to try and help Ben (Johnson) out in that situation. It’s not many calls that you can have for 2nd-and-20s or 3rd-and-20s and things like that. Just doing a better job with that. So it was good, kind of getting back in that mode of a game and things like that.”

Caleb Williams on his Performance in his Preseason Debut:

It felt good and smooth out there, no complaints other than needing to avoid penalties. When we get penalties, it’s my job and the other guys’ job to get us back in position to help Ben out. There aren’t many calls for… pic.twitter.com/tigoPZFLRN

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) August 23, 2026

Williams and Co. will return to action on Saturday versus the Tennessee Titans. Bears head coach Ben Johnson will likely stick to the same rotation to keep his star quarterback as healthy as possible for the regular season. They will open their schedule on Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers.

Bears coach Ben Johnson addresses huge decision before new NFL season

Paolo Songco — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:03:59 +0000

Ben Johnson and his staff have huge decisions to make at the end of the Chicago Bears’ training camp and preseason. They have seen players working hard and competing for roles and roster spots. However, they will cut some of them to finalize the lineups for the regular season. The second-year head coach addressed the situation on Saturday.

Chicago is 1-1 this preseason, winning 34-10 over the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 22 before losing 27-9 to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Most starters were either rested or given limited playing time, allowing backups to take center stage. The team has one more preseason game to be played. It will face the Tennessee Titans next Saturday at Nissan Stadium.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks the field during rookie minicamp at Halas Hall.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson opens up on upcoming roster cuts

Johnson acknowledged that roster cuts won’t be easy to make. However, he stressed that the team is fortunate to have good competition at different positions.

“That’s where this discussion, player day off on Monday, with the personnel staff, that’ll be big for us,” Johnson said. “Make sure that we’re all aligned, we see it all the same way. And then anybody that could go either way, I mean, it would be a big week for them as well. I said it a week ago, I don’t think that there was as much clarity. It’s actually a good thing. It means we have a really good competition across the roster at a number of spots.

“Between the game tonight, being able to watch that tape in depth and get a good evaluation of these guys. And then next week, I’m certain that we’re going to be able to pick our 53. And I keep telling about the practice squad as well. It’s how do we get the best 69 guys because the practice squad in a 17 game season, they’re going to come up and help us at times too. It’s big for us.”

Ben Johnson on the upcoming Roster Cuts:

“Monday’s discussions with personnel will be big for alignment. For guys on the bubble, it’s a huge week. There isn’t complete clarity yet, which is a good thing, it means we have great competition across the roster. Between watching… pic.twitter.com/g5adisrEdZ

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) August 23, 2026

The Bears will open their regular season on Sept. 13 versus the Carolina Panthers. They have their sights set on surpassing last year’s success and hopes to build on the momentum. Chicago won the NFC North with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round but are hungry for more.

Pair of White Sox 1st round picks shut down before seasons end

Tyler Koerth — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 12:40:11 +0000

After several miserable seasons, the Chicago White Sox have built a winning team while having one of the stronger farm systems in baseball, with impressive depth throughout the organization. That talent has already begun making its way to the majors, as 15 players have made their MLB debuts with the White Sox this season, including four former first-round picks: Noah Schultz (2022), Jacob Gonzalez (2023), Hagen Smith (2024), and Braden Montgomery (2024).

Of that group, Schultz, Smith, and Gonzalez were all originally drafted by Chicago, while Montgomery was selected by the Boston Red Sox before eventually joining the White Sox. Gonzalez, however, is no longer with the organization after being traded for left-handed pitcher Jaden Woods and the No. 34 overall pick in this year’s draft. Chicago used that selection on Landon Thome, the son of Hall of Famer and White Sox legend Jim Thome.

Among the White Sox’s more recent first-round picks, significant news was announced regarding Billy Carlson (2025) and Roch Cholowsky (2026), as both have been shut down for the remainder of their respective minor league seasons. Carlson is dealing with a skin infection, while Cholowsky is being sidelined due to wrist soreness.

Chicago White Sox shut down first round picks Billy Carlson and Roch Cholowsky

Jul 12, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox number one draft pick Roch Cholowsky throws out a ceremonial first pitch at Rate Field before the teams game against the Athletics. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Carlson, the 20-year-old shortstop, will see his season come to an end after appearing in just 60 games during his first professional campaign. He already missed time earlier this year with a thumb fracture and is now dealing with a skin infection that requires treatment. In his debut season, Carlson hit .252/.380/.335 and is still searching for his first professional home run.

Meanwhile, Cholowsky wasted little time making an impact, hitting his first professional home run within his first week. However, the 2026 first overall pick struggled to find his footing over his nine games, going just 6-for-36 at the plate. While the slow start is far from ideal, this season was ultimately about getting his feet wet and gaining valuable experience heading into 2027, which could be a pivotal year for a player the White Sox expect to move quickly through the minor leagues.

Overall, the early shutdowns of Carlson and Cholowsky are certainly disappointing, but they should not overshadow the bigger picture. They both still have plenty of time to get healthy, develop, and continue working toward the big leagues. If shutting them down now and prioritizing their health is what gives them the best chance to succeed long term, then it is the right decision for the White Sox.

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Cubs’ latest Justin Steele and Ben Brown updates provide optimism for dream scenario

Tyler Koerth — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 12:39:48 +0000

As the Chicago Cubs have learned this year, one can truly never have enough pitchers. After watching countless arms go down throughout the course of the year, they re-build their pitching staff at the trade deadline by adding Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Braxton Garrett, snf Ryan Zeferjahn.

Now, with a little over a month remaining, the situation has changed dramatically. Daniel Palencia has returned to the bullpen after being activated from a lengthy IL stint, Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A despite pitching well, and Shelby Miller’s injury rehab assignment is progressing well.

All of that is enough to suggest the script has flipped from the beginning of the year, but the news continues to improve. Recently, it was announced that Ben Brown, who is recovering from stress fractures in his neck, and Justin Steele, who underwent elbow surgery last year before suffering a setback earlier this season, both threw live batting practice sessions in Arizona.

The plan is for both pitchers to participate in live BP sessions or bridge games next week, with Brown potentially moving on to an injury rehab assignment shortly after. Steele’s timeline is likely to be much longer, but Chicago has already made it clear that, if he returns this season, he’ll do so as a reliever rather than a starter. That significantly shortens the buildup he’ll need before potentially contributing.

Chicago Cubs’ latest updates on Justin Steele and Ben Brown provide optimism for a dream post season scenario

May 2, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown (32) pumps his arm after the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

By all accounts, the Cubs are in an excellent position to reach the postseason this year. They currently hold a four-game advantage in the Wild Card race and trail the Milwaukee Brewers by seven games in the NL Central. However, with seven games still remaining against their division rival, Chicago has plenty of opportunities to make up ground quickly.

Regardless of where they finish, pitching depth can often be the difference in determining how a playoff series unfolds. While fewer arms are typically needed during a three-game Wild Card series, having as much depth as possible becomes increasingly important in best-of-five and best-of-seven series. With Brown and Steele both trending in the right direction, the possibility of adding either pitcher to the staff in some capacity should have Cubs fans excited.

It’s also important to remember, particularly in Steele’s case, that a return before the end of the regular season may not necessarily be the goal. If he isn’t ready until a few weeks into October, the Cubs could still activate him between playoff rounds, as postseason rosters must be set for each series. Ideally, Chicago would love to have both Steele and Brown available when the games matter most.

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Chicago Sky launching investigation after WNBA incident

Paolo Songco — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 12:04:31 +0000

The Chicago Sky defeated the Golden State Valkyries 73-70 on Friday. It was an huge win over the No. 2 team in the WNBA standings and extended their winning streak to three games. However, a particular incident in the third quarter grabbed a lot of attention, prompting an investigation.

Fans threw multiple obscene objects on the court at WinTrust Arena. The game was delayed and the spotlight was stolen in what should’ve been a statement win for the home team capped by Sydney Taylor’s game-winning three.

The undrafted guard knocked down a triple with 1.6 seconds remaining to push Chicago to victory. Her clutch basket spoiled Golden State’s 21-point comeback and improved her team’s record to 15-22 for the season. Taylor finished with 14 points to back Natasha Cloud’s 17 points and seven rebounds, and Kamilla Cardoso’s 14-point, 10-rebound double-double. Meanwhile, Laeticia Amihere led the Valkyries with 16 points and six rebounds.

Sky releases statement on incident during Valkyries game

The Sky issued a statement regarding the objects thrown on the court. They made it clear that they condemn the actions and that they will prosecute anyone proven to violate fans’ code of conduct and will impose a lifetime ban at the team’s arenas.

“Investigations of the August 21 Sky game incident are underway by the Sky, Wintrust Arena, Chicago Police, and WNBA league officials,” the team said. “We are in the process of identifying the individuals involved and will pursue prosecution upon identification. Anyone caught violating this policy will be prosecuted and face a lifetime ban from our arenas.”

Statement from the Chicago Sky on the dildos thrown on the court during last nights game against the Valkyries: pic.twitter.com/c8PNTUdjXk

— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) August 22, 2026

The franchise will likely release more updates in the coming days as it continues the investigation. Chicago is enjoying its best run this season. While it’s unlikely that the team will reach the playoffs, it is finishing the regular season on a high note. The Dallas Wings lead the Sky by six games for eighth place with seven games remaining on the schedule.

WNBA reacts to Caitlin Clark’s move during Fever-Liberty game

Paolo Songco — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:01:11 +0000

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark debuted the newest colorway of her signature shoe on Saturday.

Clark has been grabbing sneaker headlines since the announcement of her signature basketball shoes, the Nike Caitlin 1, in June. It features the sports brand’s latest cushioning technology, which perfectly blends the “CC” logo and Clark’s branding.

Although it won’t be released to the public until October 1st at a $140 retail price, Clark has been teasing several colorways of the performance shoes.

Several of the previous ones she wore on court were the Racer Blue, Snow White, WNBA All-Star, Yellow Zest, Hot Punch and Purple Fade editions.

But the most recent colorway she wore on court was the “Teal Fade” against the New York Liberty on Saturday.

This features a dimensional gradient and layered effect on the mesh upper. Its primary colors are mint green and racer-blue style on the heel collar, rear panels and lining.

The newest color palette of the shoes received a positive reaction from the WNBA’s official X account, as they posted a short clip of Clark wearing it before the game.

“So fresh and so clean ,” the caption read. “Caitlin Clark’s new colorway is so fire!”

So fresh and so clean

Caitlin Clark’s new colorway is so fire!

IND-NYL | 7pm/ET on Prime pic.twitter.com/BYRQQQ5Msq

— WNBA (@WNBA) August 22, 2026

New Caitlin Clark shoes to release in January 2027

As much as fans want to get their hands on the latest Teal Fade colorway of the Nike Caitlin 1s, they will need to wait a few months.

This specific version of the shoes is reportedly expected to be released in January 2027, like the other colorways.

The first edition of the Caitlin 1s, to be released on October 1st, is the Blue Racer colorway that she first revealed during their game against the Atlanta Dream on June 18.

It will primarily be in deep royal blue, with a metallic Nike swoosh on the side and her athlete logo on the tongue.

Indiana Fever make Caitlin Clark announcement on Saturday

Paolo Songco — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 03:43:29 +0000

Caitlin Clark achieved another career milestone in their game against the New York Liberty on Saturday.

The Indiana Fever faced the Liberty for the fourth game in their current five-game road trip, and Clark has moved up on the leaderboard for the most three-pointers made in franchise history.

Clark shot 2-for-6 from downtown, and it was enough for her to surpass Briann January for the No. 4 spot in the category with 243 three-pointers made. January had 250 games to do it, but Clark only needed 87 games with the team.

The former Iowa star finished the game with 21 points, four boards, seven dimes and one steal, but it wasn’t enough to get them past New York, and they still absorbed a 109-102 defeat.

Indiana was still proud of this career milestone of the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Winner and posted it on the team’s official X account.

“congrats to Caitlin Clark on moving into 4th in franchise history in three-pointers made ,” the team’s caption read.

congrats to Caitlin Clark on moving into 4th in franchise history in three-pointers made pic.twitter.com/OTSazgPHsB

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 23, 2026

Indiana Fever also announced Kelsey Mitchell’s record-extending performance

Aside from Clark’s three-point field goal feat, her backcourt duo, Kelsey Mitchell, also made history during the same game against the Liberty.

Mitchell extended her WNBA record, scoring 20+ points for 22 straight games after finishing with a team-high 25 points. She also had four assists and one steal.

The second overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft broke the previous record of Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson on Thursday against the Dallas Wings, who previously had 20 consecutive games.

Mitchell is leading the Fever’s scoring load this season with 24.6 points, and the four-time WNBA All-Star is also the franchise leader in most three-pointers made with 780 in 315 games.

At this rate, her teammate Clark could potentially eclipse her in this category.

Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson upset with penalties against Bengals

Jordan Sigler — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 03:26:08 +0000

The Chicago Bears will leave Ohio with a bad taste in their mouth after a rough week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The interior offensive line was gashed by Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence on Thursday, leading to mistakes and an interception by quarterback Caleb Williams.

Williams and the Bears starters played early against the Bengals during Saturday’s preseason game. While the offense drove down the field quickly on its opening drive, a holding penalty on left tackle Braxton Jones knocked Chicago from the Cincinnati 17-yard line to the 27-yard line.

Three incompletions later, the Bears had to settle for a field goal.

More News: Bears OL, Caleb Williams, awful against Bengals’ Dexter Lawrence

May 10, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks the field during rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

More News: Bears DC gives blunt assessment of Marcus Davenport’s history

In total, Chicago would commit 11 penalties for 81 yards to the Bengals’ nine penalties for 49 yards.

During his postgame news conference, Bears head coach Ben Johnson sounded frustrated with his team’s performance against the Bengals. He pointed to the teams’ 11 penalties as one of the major problems that must be cleaned up before the regular season.

“Overall, it doesn’t matter if it’s preseason or not,” Johnson said. “It’s a bad feeling in that locker room after the game when you lose, particularly like that when it’s down by multiple scores. You don’t feel like you made it very close there at the end. You know, I said it at halftime to the crew. Just the penalties and the third downs on both sides of the ball.

“They really hurt us in the first half, and we weren’t able to get those cleaned up there in the second half. 11 penalties for the game. We were 2 of 14 on third down on offense, and we allowed six of 13 there on defense. So not quite good enough. And when you add in the red zone, the fact that we were able to move the ball at times okay, but we couldn’t end up with touchdowns. Those are major killers when you’re facing a good team like that.”

The Bears will have a joint practice against the Tennessee Titans this week before playing them on Saturday for Chicago’s final preseason game of the year. No doubt, Johnson will want to see the team execute at a high level without incurring penalties.

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The Chicago Cubs have a Matthew Boyd concern on their hands

Alex Patt — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 23:38:22 +0000

Calling Friday night’s game in Seattle frustrating is an understatement. The Cubs’ 6-5 loss in extras was defined by several factors, including another “blah” start from Matthew Boyd. He went six innings and gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. Not horrific, but not great.

After Friday’s game, Boyd sports an 8-2 record, but a 4.15 ERA, 4.68 FIP, 1.24 WHIP, and 18.6% strikeout rate in 91 innings pitched on the season. On the surface, a 4.15 ERA in 16 starts isn’t awful, though not the goal for him. The biggest issues lie within the peripherals beyond the basic stats.

Boyd has some kinks under the hood

Aug 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

As mentioned above, he sports a 4.68 FIP and 1.24 WHIP. That is well off the 3.65 FIP and 1.09 WHIP marks from his All Star 2025 campaign. His xERA (expected ERA) is way up at 5.01 right now; compare that to 3.75 last year.

What really stands out is the home runs. While Boyd’s flyball rate is down, 39.3% this year vs. 44.9% last year, his HR/9 has jumped from 0.95 to 1.38. That’s 14 homers in 91 innings this year vs. 19 homers in 179.2 innings all of last year. Not surprising that more flyballs are being pulled this year (22.9%) vs. last year (17.7%) based on those home run totals.

So what’s he doing differently? His pitch usage has been nearly identical to last year: 45.5% four-seam fastball, 25.8% changeup, 15.4% slider, 12.8% curve, and 0.5% sinker. He’s throwing at nearly the same arm angle as last year too (24-25 degrees). The issue is that his bread-and-butter pitches, the fastball and changeup, have dipped in effectiveness. His fastball is slightly down in average velocity (93.3 to 92.7 MPH), but his fastball run value per Statcast dropped from the 86th percentile to the 17th percentile, which is VERY dramatic. His offspeed run value was in the 97th percentile last year and is now in the 58th percentile.

When the fastball isn’t located or executed as well, the offspeed won’t be as effective. Opponents are slugging .481 off his fastball this year and .426 off the changeup. A far cry from the .337 slug off the changeup last year.

Can Boyd be trusted going further?

Jul 7, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Recent concerns about Boyd have begged the question of whether he should be a top choice in a playoff rotation. It would be one thing if the box score results were not great, but it was due to some flukiness. The peripherals and effectiveness of his fastball will make one pause much longer, though.

Heck, for as good as Boyd was last year, had some struggles in the second half. He’s older and has battled injury throughout his career, unfortunately, and one has to ask if the stamina is there. Early this season, there were starts where he looked gassed after just a few innings.

Boyd is a hard, dedicated worker with the talent and ability to make adjustments. With that said, can they be made soon enough? Can the Cubs infrastructure identify issues with his fastball and help him adjust? Will he have the physical stamina to be able to? Time will tell, but we are in the final stretch now, and adjustments have to come quickly.

The post The Chicago Cubs have a Matthew Boyd concern on their hands appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Caitlin Clark turns heads after personal decision

Paolo Songco — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 21:01:17 +0000

Caitlin Clark continues to touch many lives for her activities on and off the court. She has established herself as one of the biggest stars of the WNBA and is doing her best to help the Indiana Fever win a title. However, her impact transcends beyond the basketball court, as she also makes a difference to a of people’s lives.

Clark is playing at an MVP level this season. She is third in the WNBA in scoring at 21.7, and is the leader in assists, averaging 8.3 a game. The three-time All-Star in on pace to become the first player in league history to achieve the feat throughout a regular season.

She and Indiana aim to bounce back after a 91-85 loss to the Dallas Wings. They will face the New York Liberty on Saturday in a high-stakes matchup with playoff implications.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the first half against the New York Liberty.

Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark donates to GoFundMe in honor of late fan

Clark donated $2,000 to a GoFundMe in honor of one of her biggest fans, Jessica Schoffel. She recently passed away, and the fundraiser aims to provide Buddy Benches and books for local classrooms.

Caitlin donated to Jess’s @FeverBandwagon GoFundMe

The fundraiser will provide Buddy Benches and books for local classrooms in Jess’s memory. pic.twitter.com/Wbz0KxP2T2

— Claire: Caitlin Clark Style (@caitlinclarksty) August 21, 2026

Clark is no stranger to helping fans and the community. Through her Caitlin Clark Foundation, she has helped build basketball courts and book vending machines, creating a lasting legacy. Fans reacted to her recent donation in the comments section.

“That’s so awesome she donated too! Thank you for always being the best,” one fan said.

“so proud to be a caitlin fan,” a comment read.

“such a beautiful gesture,” one user wrote.

“Awwww how special for her to donate in memory of one of her biggest fans!,” posted another.

“Add this to the list of things Caitlin Clark will be remembered by long after her basketball career is over,” another fan commented.

“Wow Caitlin! You are a wonderful person! So much respect for you,’ a reaction read.

Schoffel’s passing continues to elicit an outpouring of tributes from the Fever community. She was a vocal supporter of Clark and the team, often showing her passionate backing for them.

Indiana fans are hoping that Clark and Co. will finish the regular season strong and secure a top three seed. They are currently fourth in the standings with seven games left on the schedule.

Rome Odunze addresses Bears’ injury situation

Paolo Songco — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:00:27 +0000

Rome Odunze is set for a bigger role for the Chicago Bears in the upcoming season. With DJ Moore now with the Buffalo Bills, fans and analysts expect him to take on the WR1 role and play more snaps. He is also putting in even more work ahead of the campaign as Luther Burden III recovers from an injury.

Odunze finished 2025 with 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 regular-season games. He made it clear at training camp as he sees himself as the clear No. 1 wide receiver and is embracing the challenge. The Bears will rely heavily on him as they seek to surpass their achievements last year. They won the NFC North with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round before losing 20-17 to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze opens up on Luther Burden III’s injury

Odunze expressed optimism about Burden’s recovery and looks forward to his return. He also discussed what the second-year wideout brings to the table and Chicago is missing without him.

“The excitement that (Burden) brings to the game,” Odunze said. “Trying to choke people out, all that. We definitely miss Lu out there. I know his recovery is going well, so excited to get him back out there.”

Burden sustained a groin injury during training camp on Aug. 8. However, he could see action again as early as the team’s regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers. The 22-year-old recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games, including five starts.

Having Odunze and Burden playing opposite each other would give Caleb Williams more targets he can choose to target. The young wide receiver duo will play significant roles in 2026, as the Bears want to continue silencing thior critics. They face the league’s toughest schedule but Odunze and Co. will attack it head-on.

Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell explains Javier Assad demotion

Paul Magno — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 18:36:04 +0000

On Friday, before the start of a three-game series with the Mariners in Seattle and amid a flurry of roster moves, the Chicago Cubs announced that pitcher Javier Assad had been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, again.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman is the Bizarro Kyle Tucker

Those who’ve lost track of the amount of times the 29-year-old right-hander as been sent down to the minors this season wouldn’t be alone. For the record, it’s officially been three times now, although Chicago also had him start the season in Iowa for the purpose of roster depth management.

This latest demotion comes just about a week after being called up from another demotion—and after delivering three clutch scoreless innings in relief of Kevin Gausman in a 4-3 win over the White Sox.

Another demotion

More News: Chicago Cubs prospect named most likely September callup

Fans have not taken kindly to Assad’s demotions, especially since he’s performed so well as the team’s jack-of-all-trades multi-purpose glue throughout a season full of pitching injuries. On the year, the Mexico native has a 3.46 ERA through 22 games (10 starts and 12 relief appearances) and 83.1 innings pitched. Over his last 9 appearances, though, he’s been nearly lights out, posting a 1.71 ERA to help fortify a pitching staff still reeling from injury-related strain.

One wouldn’t blame Assad for also having some issues with his demotions. However, the realities of the Cubs’ roster continue to make the pitcher a fall guy for Cubs’ pitching depth considerations. Assad is one of the few pitchers currently on staff with minor league options. Optioning other pitchers would result in the Cubs losing them.

“Look, the way Javy’s pitched definitely doesn’t warrant going to the minor leagues,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell explained on Friday. “The other decisions mean we lose the pitcher forever.”

A bitter pill to swallow

Aug 30, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad (72) celebrates after a strikeout to end the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

This is surely a bitter pill to swallow for a pitcher who is, in a lot of ways, delivering the best work of his career. Counsell is hoping, though, that Assad—as well as any other player—takes the moves with the greater understanding that this is all in the name of winning as a team.

“Giving the players the direct information — whether it’s good news, bad news — has always been the most effective way for me,” Counsell said. “They know how I’m thinking, how the team is thinking, and then they get to choose their response. The vast majority of players want to do the right thing…

You don’t always get the exact news that you’re going to want to get. They’re used to that. If you get to this place, you’ve experienced that. You’ve gone through it. You’ve overcome it. It’s part of being a good competitor. It’s part of being a professional athlete.”

In Assad’s specific case, keeping him as an ace in the hole is a way of preserving a sharp arm who can fill any number of roles as the Cubs work towards a deep playoff run and a shot at a World Series appearance.

The post Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell explains Javier Assad demotion appeared first on ChiCitySports.

New York Liberty announce good news before Indiana Fever game

Paolo Songco — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 18:02:38 +0000

The New York Liberty are set to the Indiana Fever in a marquee matchup on Saturday. They are sixth in the standings with a 22-15 record and will host the current No. 4 team. The Liberty announced a positive update regarding their star guard, Sabrina Ioenescu, one day ahead of the big game.

New York has won three of its last five outings but is coming off a 93-86 loss to the Chicago Sky on Tuesday. The team is sixth in the standings but can still secure a top three seed if it strings a lot of wins together to end the regular season. However, the Liberty’s faith is not in their hands as they need the Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream and Indiana to drop more games.

The good news it they remain in a strong position despite Ionescu dealing with several injuries. New York is also scheduled to play five of its last seven games at home.

Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith (2) looks to drive past New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) in the first quarter at Barclays Center.

Sabrina Ionescu not part of injury report for Liberty-Fever game

Ionescu will be available to play against Indiana. The development will give fans the chance to see her share the floor with Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell in a battle between some of the best guards in the WNBA today.

A promising injury report for the Liberty tomorrow:
Jonquel Jones – QUESTIONABLE (L. Ankle)
Leonie Fiebich – QUESTIONABLE (L. Foot)
Satou Sabally – NWT (Head)
Sabrina Ionescu, who returned last game from an ankle injury, is not on the injury report at all.

— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) August 21, 2026

Ionescu has missed 13 of the her team’s 37 games due to ankle, foot and back injuries. However, the latest development is welcome news to New York fans, especially at this stage of the campaign. The coaching staff will likely monitor her minutes to keep her as fresh as possible for the playoffs.

The 28-year-old averages 16.1 points on 42.1% shooting, 5.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Fans widely consider her one of the best three-point shooters in the league. She also provides the Liberty with elite playmaking and leadership. Amazon Prime Video will show the Liberty-Fever game live at 7 p.m. ET.

Patrick Kane Stats, Bio & Profile | Chicago Blackhawks RW | ChiCitySports

Christian Lance — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 17:59:25 +0000

#88RW

Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Kane

Right Wing

Active

2026 Season Stats

STATS	GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM	SOG	SPCT	PPG	PPA	SHG	SHA	GWG	TOI/G	PROD
Regular Season	67	16	41	57	-1	16	2	9.5	2	17	0	0	4	17:41	20:47

Regular Season

SEASON	GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM	SOG	SPCT	PPG	PPA	SHA	GWG	TOI/G	PROD
07-08	82	21	51	72	-5	52	7	11.0	7	21	0	4	18:21	20:54
08-09	80	25	45	70	-2	42	3	9.8	13	22	0	4	18:39	21:19
09-10	82	30	58	88	16	20	4	11.5	9	20	1	6	19:11	17:53
10-11	73	27	46	73	7	28	3	12.5	5	19	0	2	19:17	19:17
11-12	82	23	43	66	7	40	6	9.1	4	8	0	5	20:11	25:05
12-13	47	23	32	55	11	8	6	16.7	8	9	0	3	20:03	17:08
13-14	69	29	40	69	7	22	1	12.8	10	15	0	6	19:36	19:36
14-15	61	27	37	64	10	10	6	14.5	6	16	0	5	19:51	18:55
15-16	82	46	60	106	17	30	1	16.0	17	20	0	9	20:24	15:47
16-17	82	34	55	89	11	32	1	11.6	7	16	0	5	21:23	19:42
17-18	82	27	49	76	-20	32	1	9.5	5	17	0	4	20:11	21:46
18-19	81	44	66	110	2	22	2	12.9	9	21	0	7	22:29	16:33
19-20	70	33	51	84	8	40	6	12.0	8	15	0	2	21:20	17:47
20-21	56	15	51	66	-7	14	0	7.9	3	19	0	3	22:13	18:51
21-22	78	26	66	92	-19	18	2	9.1	9	22	0	2	21:49	18:30
22-23	54	16	29	45	-23	10	0	8.8	2	16	0	0	19:56	23:56
22-23	19	5	7	12	1	6	0	11.1	2	2	0	1	17:29	27:41
22-23	73	21	36	57	-22	16	0	9.3	4	18	0	1	19:18	24:43
23-24	50	20	27	47	-5	16	3	13.6	2	13	0	7	18:22	19:32
24-25	72	21	38	59	-16	12	1	12.0	12	17	0	6	17:58	21:56
25-26	67	16	41	57	-1	16	2	9.5	2	17	0	4	17:41	20:47
Career	1369	508	892	1400	-1	470	55	11.5	140	325	1	85	19:56	403:04

The post Patrick Kane Stats, Bio & Profile | Chicago Blackhawks RW | ChiCitySports appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman is the Bizarro Kyle Tucker

Paul Magno — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 17:41:48 +0000

The Chicago Cubs are definitely not having Kyle Tucker non-buyer’s remorse.

After a rough and disappointing end to his 2025 season with the Cubs, the team seemed to make virtually no effort in re-signing the right fielder. They appeared to be just fine with letting the star walk into the open arms of the moneybag Los Angeles Dodgers.

More News: Chicago Cubs prospect named most likely September callup

Before Tucker even signed his crazy “Dodger-y” 4-year, $240 million contract, the Cubs had already unofficially moved on from the 4-time All-Star by signing three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract.

Chicago has not looked back at that decision with regret.

Bregman could actually be seen as the Bizarro Kyle Tucker at this point.

Bizarro Kyle Tucker

Aug 18, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman (3) reacts after hitting a walk-off RBI single against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

More News: Chicago Cubs farm system trashed, ranked bottom of the barrel

For those unfamiliar with the Superman canon, “Bizarro Superman” is a Superman villain who is just as gifted as the Man of Steel but possesses all the opposite attributes—a villain, not a hero; ice vision instead of heat vision; speaking in opposites; etc. He even has a backward “S” on the front of his costume.

As opposed to Tucker last year with the Cubs, Bregman has come alive in this second half of the season. He’s thrived under the pressure of a push towards the playoffs whereas, last season, Tucker wilted under that same pressure.

Since July 12, Bregman has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball. He’s hit .319 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs through 33 games after a slow start to the season that saw him bottom out with a .235 average as recently as July 10.

Tucker, meanwhile, is hitting .178 through that same period of time, with just 4 home runs and 8 RBIs. Overall, Tucker has also played a miserable right field—spotlighted by two recent fielding miscues—as Bregman continues to be an ace with the glove at third.

“My message to him is you’re not alone,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said on MLB Network Radio. “He’s probably never struggled like this in his life.”

Well, Roberts clearly didn’t catch Tucker’s 2025 run with the Cubs, where he flatlined entirely from July 1 onward and finished the season with a whimper as an injury-hobbled DH.

It was this beyond-poor showing that brought boos from the usually mega-loyal Wrigley Field faithful late in the season and killed off any debate among the fandom about whether Chicago should bring him back.

Despite a hot start to the 2025 season, where he served as a linchpin for a powerful Cubs lineup, Tucker’s poor performance and seeming indifference to being part of the Cubs family had soured fans entirely on him.

Bregman over Tucker

Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

In signing Bregman, Chicago got a potential impact bat and an elite defender, but they also got the intangibles Tucker sorely lacked. They got a clubhouse leader and a generous team player always willing to extend a hand to help a teammate. Tucker’s reputation is that of a loner and a brooder who doesn’t add drama to a clubhouse, but also doesn’t add much of anything else.

“The one thing he’s brought so much is being able to help guys navigate through things,” shortstop Dansby Swanson said of Bregman, “whether it’s other guys and their at-bats, pitchers and their approach to getting other teams out. He’s best when he’s got his hands in everything.

“Just his knowledge and his perspective on the game itself has really been beneficial for our group. I’ve been able to learn from him, and we’ve all been better for it.”

All in all, even if the two stars were producing similar numbers, the Cubs would remain happy about their Bregman-over-Tucker decision. As things are currently turning out, though, they should be ecstatic.

The post Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman is the Bizarro Kyle Tucker appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Bengals DT Dexter Lawrence had words for Bears’ Caleb Williams

Paolo Songco — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 16:02:17 +0000

The Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears held a joint practice on Thursday. The session gave both teams a chance to see how prepared they compared to the competition. It also allowed players to see opposing teams’ stars in action, including Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

The practice quickly became heated, with several skirmishes reportedly occurring. The food news is cooler heads prevailed and no untoward incidents happened after players were separated

Lawrence enjoyed a solid 2025 season, recording 31 combined tackles consisting of 17 assisted and 14 solo efforts. He appeared and started in all 17 regular-season matchups. Williams, on the other hand, completed 330-of-568 passes for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner led the team to an 11-6 record to win the NFC North.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers.

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams receives praise from Bengals star Dexter Lawrence

Lawrence shared his thoughts about Williams’ joint practice performance. He praised the 24-year-old’s game but expressed satisfaction for how Cincinnati competed.

“He’s a competitor and I think he’s a special quarterback,” Lawrence said. “In the middle of the practice he caught fire, but we came back and fought.”

Williams and the Bears will return to action on Saturday. They will play their second preseason game at Paycor Stadium to take on the Lawrence and the Bengals. However, it’s unclear if they will both play as coaches tend to give backups more run to prove their worth.

Chicago is coming off a 34-10 win over Cleveland Browns last Saturday. Head coach Ben Johnson decided to sit Williams to keep him fresh for the regular season. Meanwhile, Lawrence and Cincinnati defeated the Detroit Lions 16-14 at home. The defensive tackle participated in three snaps during the first series. It’s unlikely that he’ll see more minutes versus the Bears should Zac Taylor decide to field him.

Fever have concerning update before Liberty game

Paolo Songco — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 15:03:26 +0000

The Indiana Fever saw their five-game winning streak end on Thursday against the Dallas Wings. They also received a concerning update the following day about Aliyah Boston.

The four-time All-Star played another solid game, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds and two steals in the 91-85 loss. Kelsey Mitchell spearheaded Indiana’s charge with a game-high 37 points along with five assists, while Makayla Timpson produced an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Boston is one of the team’s most consistent performers this season. She anchors the interior defense and has been showcasing her elite skill set. The center-forward also provides the Fever with a proven scorer who can create her own shots with her agility and athleticism.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) puts her arm around forward Aliyah Boston (7).

Aliyah Boston added to Fever’s injury report

Boston is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game versus the New York Liberty. She is reportedly dealing with a right lower leg injury and is in danger of missing the matchup.

Status Report for tomorrow’s game against New York:

Caitlin Clark – Probable (back)
Aliyah Boston – Questionable (right lower leg)
Damiris Dantas – NWT (left knee) pic.twitter.com/FZ8EZWKnf7

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 21, 2026

Not having the 24-year-old will be a huge blow to Indiana. Boston provides the team toughness inside the paint and her production won’t be easy to fill. Head coach Stephanie White could insert Monique Billings into the starting lineup if Boston is ultimately ruled out.

Her potential absence places an even heavier offensive load on Mitchell and Caitlin Clark. However, the Fever’s other players like Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull need to step up to help them get back on track.

Indiana is amid a five-game road trip and Saturday’s fixture is the fourth of the series. The team has won 10 of its last 13 games and are in a tight battle with the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream for third place. Boston and Co. are half-a-game behind the Aces and leading the Dream by the same margin. They will wrap up their road trip on Sunday against the Chicago Sky before playing three of their last five games at home.

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