Seth Rollins returned at WWE SummerSlam and cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase, completing a storyline direction that was launched several weeks ago.

On the July 12 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Rollins feigned a knee injury during his match with LA Knight, with the match playing out as though an audible was called as Knight hit the BFT and pinned Rollins.

Two days prior, I had been informed of an angle that was being planned on the show involving Rollins. Further, it was specifically stated that it would see Rollins placed “on crutches” leading into SummerSlam and eliminate the expectation for a cash-in.

There was a great degree of confusion as this was kept close to the vest to maximize the surprise of Rollins’ return.

In checking in throughout the past three weeks, I was never informed that the plan had changed or that the company had wavered to execute the cash-in at SummerSlam.

During the three weeks, Rollins appeared on crutches backstage at the Evolution show on July 13 and provided an update on The Rich Eisen Show that week. During that appearance, he said the swelling wouldn’t allow for an MRI, but Rollins suspected he would be out for a long time.  

Gunther and CM Punk had a 30-minute match, ending after Gunther bled in the closing minutes. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett alluded to a possible “broken nose,” and the reason is that Gunther is supposed to be having sinus surgery imminently.

After Punk sold for most of the match, he struck the bloodied Gunther with the GTS twice to win the title and set the stage for Rollins’ cash-in and title win.

UNCASVILLE — There are few players in the world who can contain reigning WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones when she steps in the paint, and the five-time All-Star is often the picture of consistency for the New York Liberty averaging less than two turnovers per game in 2025.

But Jones wasn’t expecting 21-year-old Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan, who stepped on the court with no fear in Friday’s matchup against the defending league champions. When Sun forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa got caught out of position on a play in the first quarter, the 5-foot-11 rookie stepped into the lane and planted her feet with arms straight up to force New York’s 6-6 center into a traveling violation.

The stop came on the heels of Lacan’s first field goal of the game, a pull-up midrange jump shot that ended a three-minute field goal drought for the Sun. After she forced the travel, star guard Marina Mabrey found Lacan for another open look from almost the same spot, and the rookie sank it with ease. Lacan also intercepted a bad pass off of Jones later in the half, helping Connecticut force a season-high five turnovers against her.

“When Leila comes out there, I know exactly what to expect,” Mabrey said. “She’s going to pressure the ball, she’s going to get up all over everybody, she’s going to be in passing lanes rotating, she’s going to get us into offense. … She brings a lot of poise that a lot of young players don’t have, so she’s easy to trust. I think that she’s only scratched the surface of what she can be in this league.”

Dom Amore: An old, familiar ending, it was inevitable WNBA, CT Sun would be leaving

Lacan’s impact shined throughout the Sun’s 78-62 upset of the Liberty, the team’s first home win over the defending WNBA champions since 2022. She was Connecticut’s No. 2 scorer with 16 points plus four rebounds, a steal and an assist, and she shot 6-for-8 from the field including a pair of 3-point makes. The first time the Sun faced New York this season without Lacan on June 1, they suffered the second-largest loss in the history of the WNBA.

The Sun originally selected Lacan No. 10 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, though she didn’t report to the team last season. She spent the first two months of the 2025 WNBA calendar overseas completing her professional season in France, then playing with the French national team in the EuroBasket tournament that ran through the end of June. But despite her late arrival to Connecticut, the typical rookie adjustment period was almost non-existent for the young guard.

“I love her. I think she was on our draft board as well,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said Friday. “She brings a lot of speed, and she’s got that ability to get downhill and create for herself and also for the others. I like her confidence, especially for an international player that’s so young to come in and be aggressive, I think obviously she has a really bright future.”

There has been an explosion of international talent around the WNBA in recent years, and 40 international players from six different continents have appeared in at least one game in 2025. Out of 153 players on active rosters, nearly a quarter are international, and 14 rookies from overseas have made their debuts this season. When commissioner Cathy Engelbert took over the league in 2019, she said the percentage of WNBA players born outside of the U.S. was less than 10%.

“While the U.S. has been kind of the power in women’s basketball winning eight consecutive (Olympic) gold medals, I think the rest of the world is getting a lot better,” Engelbert said. “I’ve admired what the NBA has done — I think they’re 32% now players born outside the U.S., and the last bunch of MVPs have been international players, so I think we’ll see that grow as the women’s game grows around the world … We’re getting more players from Asia, and I think longer-term as Africa develops their youth basketball programs … I think we’ll see more African players come.”

France has seen a particularly significant spike in its WNBA presence following a silver-medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Lacan is one of seven members of France’s Olympic team competing in the league this season, four of whom are rookies, and nearly all have been impact players for their respective teams. Rookie forward Janelle Salaun is one of the Golden State Valkyries’ leading scorers averaging 10.1 points plus 4.8 rebounds per game, and 19-year-old center Dominique Malonga is hitting her stride with the Seattle Storm after becoming the highest-drafted French player in WNBA history at No. 2 overall in 2025.

“It’s just the way that they develop their youth (in France)” said Storm forward Gabby Williams, who grew up in the U.S. and attended UConn but represents France in international competition. “They start playing pro or at least with pro players from the time they’re like 15 or 16 because of the feeder programs. The problem is, they haven’t been coming to the States to see competition outside of Europe, but now they are, so it just gives me a new hope for the future of French basketball.”

Lacan is the latest example, leading the Sun in defensive rating and averaging 9.3 points shooting 48.5% from the field on top of 2.6 assists and 1.8 steals. The rookie has only been with Connecticut for nine games, but her seamless transition into the WNBA hasn’t been a surprise to those familiar with her overseas game. Like most players who grow up in the French system, Lacan began playing professionally in 2020 at age 16, and she has battled against the top players around the globe since 2023 when she first joined France’s senior national team.

“I already played the final at the Olympics against the best team in the world,” Lacan said. “It’s helped me to not be scared, because I’ve already done it.”

Though some of the Sun’s improvement can be attributed to expected growth over the course of a season, it’s undeniable how drastically Lacan’s presence changed the dynamic of the team. Three of Connecticut’s five wins have come with the French rookie on the roster, and its six losses have been by an average margin of 12.5 points compared to a -20.8 average deficit in 15 losses before she joined the team. The Sun had the worst defensive rating in the league by a wide margin in the first half of the season, but they rank above the Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks in nine games with Lacan. She has also unlocked a new dimension in the Sun’s offense, helping the team average 81.7 points per game compared to 71.1 before she arrived

“Leila brings toughness and energy that we really needed,” Mabrey said. “She’s locking up on defense, making people frustrated, getting steals, putting pressure on the rim consistently … She draws a lot of attention offensively and always sees that extra pass and is very unselfish, so she’s easy to play with, and defensively she’s really helped our team step up.”

Report: Connecticut Sun sold for $325 million, will relocate to Boston as soon as 2027

Originally Published: August 3, 2025 at 6:00 AM EDT

In 2009, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared before the House Judiciary Committee, initially reluctant to connect football-related head injuries to long-term brain trauma.

This moment, while subtle at the time, would eventually mark a critical turning point for the sport, leading to the NFL’s most significant shift in decades: embracing flag football.

Today, flag football isn’t just growing—it’s exploding. Recently, Goodell revealed that the NFL is exploring the possibility of creating a professional flag football league. Sources suggest that plans are already underway, and this announcement may just be the tip of the iceberg in football’s evolving future.

The Catalyst: Health Concerns and Changing Perceptions

The NFL continues to dominate as America’s most-watched sport, with ever-increasing viewership, strategic depth, fantasy football, and gambling fueling its rise. However, cracks in the foundation have become evident, particularly regarding player safety.

In the last decade, several high-profile players like Chris Borland, Andrew Luck, John Urschel, and Luke Kuechly retired in their 20s, citing health concerns about the long-term impact of playing football. These retirements weren’t just early exits but career pivots influenced by the growing awareness of football’s physical toll.

The spotlight on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma, grew after Junior Seau’s tragic suicide in 2012. Seau was posthumously diagnosed with CTE, drawing national attention to football’s dangers.

This, combined with a $1 billion concussion lawsuit settlement in 2015 and the film “Concussion” starring Will Smith, made head injuries a hot topic of discussion.

The consequences of this movement spread beyond the NFL. As awareness grew, many parents began to question whether tackle football was safe for their children. By 2021, high school tackle football participation fell below one million for the first time since 2000, marking a 12.2% drop from the 2008-2009 peak.

The NFL’s Strategic Response: Embracing Flag Football

Rather than defending tackle football as the sole version of the sport, the NFL took a strategic step to champion flag football as an alternative path into the game. The league began pouring resources into promoting the sport alongside tackle football, focusing on developing flag football from the grassroots level.

Roman Oben, the NFL’s Vice President of Football Development, has been leading this charge. Under his leadership, the NFL has continued supporting safer tackle football through improved safety protocols while simultaneously pouring resources into flag football. The results have been impressive:

• NFL FLAG now includes 1,600 teams, serving over 620,000 youth athletes across all 50 states.

• Flag football has become the fastest-growing youth sport in America.

• Girls’ flag football is now a sanctioned high school sport in 14 states.

• The International Federation for American Football reports that 2.4 million American kids are playing organized flag football.

Flag Football’s Mainstream Momentum

The NFL’s investment in flag football has been a game-changer, leading to momentum beyond just participation numbers. Here are some notable developments:

Professional Recognition

The NFL’s Pro Bowl has undergone a transformation, shifting from a traditional football game to a flag football event. This endorsement by the NFL has legitimized flag football, showing that it’s not just a watered-down version of the sport but a “real” format of football that can stand on its own.

Media and Celebrity Engagement

Flag football’s rise has seen figures like Diana Flores, a Mexican flag football star, achieve international fame. Partnerships between the NFL and content creators like iShowSpeed and Kai Cenat have further introduced the sport to younger, diverse audiences.

Olympic Status

Perhaps the most significant development for flag football’s future is that it will debut as an official Olympic sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This global platform will elevate the profile of flag football, expanding its reach and potentially accelerating its growth.

Standardization

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is set to release the first national rulebook for flag football in May, helping to standardize the sport and pave the way for broader acceptance at the high school level and beyond.

The Socioeconomic Dimension of Football’s Future

Despite flag football’s rapid growth, tackle football still holds significant cultural importance in specific communities. Research by Dave Sheinin of The Washington Post revealed a clear socioeconomic divide in football participation:

• Historically oppressed minorities, for whom the “risk-reward” calculus still favors the potential rewards of playing football, are heavily involved in tackle football.

• White conservatives in regions, particularly in the South, continue to see football as a central part of their cultural identity.

This divide suggests that while flag football will continue to expand, tackle football will likely remain deeply ingrained in specific regions where its cultural significance outweighs concerns about safety.

Flag Football: Competition or Complement?

The NFL sees flag football as complementary to, rather than in competition with, tackle football. Troy Vincent Sr., the NFL’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations, summarized the relationship: “Tackle [football] will continue as the professional game played in the NFL and its amateur pipeline from youth through college. But flag will dominate in neighborhoods, schools, and recreational leagues around the world. It’s happening in front of our eyes.”

The key questions remain:

• Will flag football primarily serve as a pathway to tackle football?

• Could flag develop its own professional pathway, eventually competing with tackle football?

• How will the economics of a professional flag league compare to the NFL’s current model?

For families, flag football is emerging as an attractive middle ground. It provides the excitement of football—without the physical risks of tackle football—making it an appealing option for young athletes.

Broader Impact on Sports Safety

Football’s reckoning with CTE and concussions has influenced safety protocols across other sports as well. For instance, soccer has restricted heading for younger players, and lacrosse has limited body checking for minors. Flag football has benefitted greatly from these discussions, offering a safer, non-contact alternative for athletes to enjoy football.

The Future of Football: A Dual-Track System?

Looking ahead, several potential scenarios for football’s future emerge:

• Scenario 1: Complementary Pathways
  Flag football and tackle football develop in parallel. Flag serves as an entry point for players who want to avoid the physical risks of tackle football. The NFL remains focused on tackle football at the professional level, while flag becomes a complementary offering.

• Scenario 2: Divergent Development
  Flag football develops its own elite pathway, with professional leagues that rival tackle football. Both versions thrive independently, catering to different markets and demographics.

• Scenario 3: Gradual Transition
  Over time, more participants shift toward flag football, with tackle becoming increasingly specialized and concentrated in certain regions. Flag football eventually dominates as the preferred form of the sport globally.

Adapting to Survive and Thrive

The NFL’s embrace of flag football represents a remarkable example of organizational adaptation. Instead of merely defending its traditional product, the NFL has proactively invested in an alternative that preserves football’s strategic appeal while addressing its most significant vulnerability—player safety.

For parents and young athletes, flag football offers a safer, exciting alternative to tackle, making the sport more accessible to a broader audience. For the NFL, it represents both insurance against declining youth participation in tackle football and a potential new avenue for growth.

LATROBE, Pa. – Tight end Darnell Washington had one of the highlights of Saturday afternoon’s Pittsburgh Steelers training camp practice when he caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Mason Rudolph in the back corner of the end zone during the team’s seven shots drill.

Standing at 6-foot-7 and playing at close to 300 pounds, Washington is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

“I don’t know how many human beings can run the way he does at 300 pounds, 290, 299,” Rudolph said with a grin. “It’s pretty impressive. He has huge hands and he’s smart. He’s the total package.”

Washington has always been confident in his abilities as a pass catcher after playing wide receiver in high school before transitioning to tight end and learning to block in college at Georgia.

When asked Saturday if he could ever transition to playing tackle in the NFL, Washington gave an interesting answer.

“I feel like I can (make the transition to tackle), but right now, I’m a tight end, so I’m going to focus on that,” Washington said. “But later on down the road, or anytime in the road, if they ask me to do that, I’m gonna do it to my best ability.”

Washington said he’s not resistant to the idea of moving to tackle in the future, should that opportunity present itself.

“I don’t know what God got in play for me right now,” Washington said. “I’ll focus on the tight end role until I can’t or whenever my time’s up. I’m an open-minded dude.”

The Steelers added Jonnu Smith to the tight end room in late June, but Washington still figures to see plenty of playing time, especially with his abilities as a blocker and Arthur Smith’s high use of multiple tight end sets. The offensive coordinator will be able to use Washington, Smith, Pat Freiermuth and Connor Heyward in a lot of different ways, with all four possessing different skill sets.

“It’s a versatile group,” Rudolph said. “Darnell can block a defensive end very well, and then he’s caught all the balls, too, and not just short, flat routes. He’s going to catch the ball down the field. Pat is always sure hands and a stud over the middle. Then Jonnu has been very explosive and very, very impressive. I think he’s going to help us as an addition to that room quite a bit. Connor does a great job. Connor’s fast, man. He’s fast for a tight end, and he makes a lot of good plays. It’s a great group.”

Other notes from Saturday’s practice:

The Steelers were not in pads Saturday at St. Vincent College with coach Mike Tomlin opting for an unpadded session following their “Friday Night Lights” practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium the prior evening. Tomlin said the Steelers will be in pads for Sunday afternoon’s practice.

Several veterans were given the day off Saturday, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, Smith, defensive lineman Cam Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, inside linebacker Patrick Queen and safety DeShon Elliott.

Injury updates: Tomlin said cornerback Joey Porter Jr., center Ryan McCollum and fullback/tight end D.J. Thomas-Jones are working their way back from injury and should return sooner than later. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton and wide receiver Calvin Austin III missed practice Saturday with Tomlin saying they’re both day-to-day. Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. and offensive tackle Calvin Anderson are expected to miss more time with soft tissue injuries.

Despite Anderson missing time and Broderick Jones being banged up at left tackle, Tomlin said there’s been no consideration for moving Troy Fautanu to the left side of the line. Versatile offensive lineman Spencer Anderson took some reps at left tackle Saturday.

Rookie quarterback Will Howard made a big play with his legs. The 6-foot-4 Howard faked a handoff to running back Kenneth Gainwell before taking off for a gain of about 30 yards as loud cheers erupted from the large crowd in attendance.

Rudolph had nothing but good things to say about the addition of Rodgers to the quarterback room.

“He’s got a great social awareness,” Rudolph said. “He’s not trying to dominate the meeting or step on the coach’s toes, but when he’s got a nugget of wisdom, he is absolutely going to speak up in a respectful way and communicate that to the room, and then that often breeds a lot of conversations and a lot of learning. So that’s been a great resource that I’m glad I’ve been able to have.

“He’s been very helpful and just very friendly and open to questions, whether that be football or non-football. I’m trying to pick up anything I can from him. He’s forgotten more football than most of us will ever know.”

As the Kansas Jayhawks gear up for the 2025 college football season, all eyes are on a promising sophomore cornerback who is expected to make a significant impact on the field.

Jalen Todd, a former consensus top-500 recruit from Southfield, Michigan, is entering his second year at the University of Kansas with high expectations. Analysts and coaches alike are predicting that Todd could be the breakout star of the season, potentially becoming the first recruit under head coach Lance Leipold to earn All-Big 12 honors.

A Promising Start to Todd’s Career

Todd’s journey to Kansas began with a strong high school career at Southfield High School, where he showcased his athleticism and football IQ, earning recognition as one of the top defensive prospects in the country. His commitment to the Jayhawks was a significant win for Leipold’s recruiting efforts, signaling a shift towards attracting higher-caliber talent to Lawrence.

In his freshman year, Todd made an immediate impression by contributing nine total tackles and two pass deflections. While these statistics may seem modest, they reflect a player who was still adjusting to the college game and gaining experience. The fact that Todd was able to make plays as a freshman speaks volumes about his potential and readiness to take on a larger role in the upcoming season.

Analysts’ Expectations for Todd’s Breakout Season

Football analysts have taken notice of Todd’s potential and are predicting a breakout season for the young cornerback. Nick Springer and Kevin Flaherty, co-hosts of the KC Sports Network podcast, highlighted Todd as a player to watch in 2025. Springer noted, “I think Jalen Todd may be a guy to watch as somebody that could be that first Leipold recruit that you really say, ‘Oh my gosh, this guy is making some really big plays in the secondary.’”

Flaherty echoed this sentiment, stating, “Todd has the chance to be, potentially, if everything comes together, one of the first Leipold recruit all-conference guys. I think that’s in his wheelhouse, I think he has that ability when it all clicks out there.”

These endorsements from respected analysts underscore the high expectations surrounding Todd’s development and the belief that he is on the verge of a breakout season.

The Importance of Todd’s Development for Kansas Football

Todd’s growth and success are crucial for the Kansas football program as a whole. A standout performance from Todd would not only bolster the Jayhawks’ secondary but also serve as a testament to the effectiveness of Leipold’s recruiting and player development strategies. It would signal to future recruits that Kansas is capable of nurturing talent and producing NFL-caliber players.

Moreover, a strong showing from Todd could have a ripple effect on the team’s overall performance. A lockdown cornerback can change the dynamics of a defense, allowing for more aggressive playcalling and providing the offense with more opportunities to capitalize on turnovers and favorable field positions.

Looking Ahead: Todd’s Role in the 2025 Season

As the 2025 season approaches, Todd is expected to take on a more prominent role in the Kansas defense. With a year of experience under his belt and a full offseason to refine his skills, Todd is poised to become a key contributor. His ability to shut down opposing receivers and create turnovers will be instrumental in the Jayhawks’ efforts to compete in the competitive Big 12 Conference.

The coaching staff is likely to lean on Todd’s talents to disrupt the passing game of their opponents. His development will be closely monitored, and his performance could be a determining factor in the team’s success this season.