## Mullins Makes Spectacular Catch as Orioles Fall to Blue Jays

**Baltimore, MD** - Cedric Mullins may have played his final home game in Baltimore Wednesday night, but the star center fielder left fans with one last dazzling highlight. 

In the sixth inning, Mullins robbed Toronto Blue Jays' Ali Sánchez of a home run with a leaping, backhanded catch above the wall.  Despite Mullins' impressive defensive play, the Orioles ultimately fell to the Blue Jays, 9-8.

"Just timing," said Mullins when asked about the incredible grab. "Understand where the wall is, understand kind of how you have to gauge it, and timing it up. It's not like I really practice it. Just kind of a feel."

This homestand saw Mullins shine both offensively and defensively, going 9 for 20 at the plate with a single and a double Wednesday.  However, in his final at-bat, he struck out with the bases loaded and one out in the seventh, preventing the Orioles from tying the game.

Mullins is entering the final year of his contract with Baltimore, having spent all eight of his major league seasons with the team. His 30-30 campaign in 2021 was a bright spot during a difficult season for the Orioles. He remained a key player as the team became a playoff contender in 2023 and 2024.

Now, with Baltimore struggling in last place, Mullins is among several players whose future hangs in the balance ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.

"I think everyone in this clubhouse is going to have a big sigh of relief when it's over, regardless of what comes down," Mullins said.

On Sánchez's drive, Mullins made a running leap and used his left hand atop the wall to propel himself even higher before securing the ball in his glove. He landed and began his jog back to the dugout—all seemingly in one fluid motion.

"I wish he would stop doing that," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after the game. "That one was really impressive, and he made it look easy." 




## Mullins Makes Spectacular Catch as Orioles Fall to Blue Jays

**Baltimore, MD** - Cedric Mullins may have played his final home game in Baltimore Wednesday n

Mullins robs Sánchez of home run in what may have been the o

Mullins robs Sánchez of home run in what may have been the outfielder&#39;s last home game for Orioles

## Coach Prime's Return Reignites Colorado Football 

**Boulder, Colo.** — The return of Coach Deion Sanders to the Colorado football program is more than just a welcome sight for players – it’s a breath of fresh air and a source of unwavering inspiration. His presence on the field once again lifts spirits following his recent battle with bladder cancer.

"Whatever hardship trials he goes through, he always makes it through," said defensive back Carter Stoutmire, echoing the sentiments of the entire team. "Seeing him back, just a breath of fresh air for the whole team."

Sanders stepped away from the program earlier this year to address his health. He revealed Monday that doctors had successfully removed his bladder to combat an aggressive form of cancer and reconstructed a section of his intestine to function as a new bladder. 

"Honestly, just having Coach Prime’s presence back in the building is an amazing feeling,” said safety DJ McKinney. "I feel like everybody just has a chip on their shoulder."

That chip on the shoulder translates into a fierce determination to work harder than ever for their coach. For Stoutmire, the connection runs deeper – Sanders feels like family.

"I mean, it hit different for me, just because that’s like family to me,” Stoutmire shared. “That was like real, genuine concern."


Stoutmire's father, Omar, played alongside Sanders in the 1990s with the Dallas Cowboys, forging a lifelong bond between them. Carter Stoutmire himself was part of Sanders' inaugural high school recruiting class at Colorado, their relationship spanning decades.

"First time I met him? I don’t remember — he was in my birth room,” Carter Stoutmire recalled, highlighting the depth of their connection. "We’ve just got a whole lot of history, so it’s hard to remember the first genuine time I really met him.”


Sanders wasted no time picking up where he left off upon his return. Defensive Coordinator Robert Livingston revealed that Sanders' first priority during a recent meeting was inquiring about Livingston's family, specifically his son Luke who plays baseball.

“Prime’s talking about his stance and all these things, and he wants to know how that’s going,” Livingston recounted. “His leadership is one of one. He’s the Pied Piper — the world will follow him if they just listen to him."


Livingston's initial reaction upon hearing news of Sanders' health battle was simply fear – a sentiment shared by many.  

"Scared, just like everybody,” Livingston admitted. “We’re talking about a life here. This football stuff, that doesn’t really matter at the end of the day."


Despite the challenging circumstances, Sanders' veteran staff – including Pat Shurmur, Warren Sapp and Marshall Faulk – kept things running smoothly during his absence.

“The conversation was never had, like ‘if, then,’” Livingston said. “We knew he’d be here day one.”



The Buffaloes are coming off a successful 9-4 season and Alamo Bowl appearance, but face significant changes with quarterback Shedeur Sanders now playing for the Cleveland Browns and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"When you’re a phenomenal leader as Coach Prime is, you establish a culture, a situation where people just go to work," Livingston said. "And that’s what it was. It was a joy to see."


Sanders' message resonated far beyond the football field. He emphasized the importance of regular health checkups during his press conference, something that ultimately aided in his diagnosis and treatment. 

“Too often in this profession, we worry about what happens inside these walls more than we worry about what happens outside in being a husband and being a father and taking care of yourself,” Livingston said. “It’s eye-opening for sure."  



The Colorado Buffaloes open their season on August 29th against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field, with the energy and momentum generated by Coach Prime's return undoubtedly playing a significant role in their journey ahead.




## Coach Prime's Return Reignites Colorado Football 

**Boulder, Colo.** — The return of Coach Deion Sanders to the Colorado football program is more than just 

Coach Deion Sanders&#39; return to Colorado lifts team spiri

Coach Deion Sanders&#39; return to Colorado lifts team spirits after his battle with bladder cancer

## Orioles Welcome Back Key Players, Face Bautista Setback 

**Rutschman Returns to Boost Offense, Akin Steps Up in Bullpen as Bautista Faces Extended IL Stay**

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles bolstered their roster Monday with the return of catcher Adley Rutschman from the 10-day injured list and left-handed pitcher Keegan Akin from a similar stint. However, the team faces a significant blow with closer Félix Bautista set for an extended stay on the 15-day IL due to a right shoulder injury.

“An MRI (determined) there was a lot of swelling in the shoulder,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said. “We can't quite make a determination yet, or diagnose it until the swelling goes down. That's going to be probably more weeks than days.”

Bautista underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2023 before returning this season to reclaim his role as the team's closer. He holds a 1-1 record with a 2.60 ERA and 17 saves for the last-place club.

“It's incredibly disappointing,” Mansolino said of Bautista's latest injury. “He's an important part of the Baltimore Orioles. A very unfortunate set of circumstances.”


**Rutschman's Return Injects Energy into Lineup**

The return of Rutschman, the top overall pick in the 2019 draft, is expected to significantly improve the team's offense. He was batting .227 with eight homers and 20 RBIs before going on the IL on June 20 with a left oblique strain.

“It's a big piece. He walked into the room and brought a lot of energy, right away,” Mansolino said. “Lot of smiles, lot of hugs.”


**Akin Provides Lefty Relief in Bullpen**

Akin missed 21 games with left shoulder inflammation but returns with a 3-0 record and a 3.32 ERA. 

To make room for Rutschman and Akin on the active roster, the Orioles optioned pitcher Yaramil Hiraldo to Triple-A Norfolk and designated catcher Jacob Stallings for assignment.  




## Orioles Welcome Back Key Players, Face Bautista Setback 

**Rutschman Returns to Boost Offense, Akin Steps Up in Bullpen as Bautista Faces Extended IL Stay**

Orioles reinstate C Adley Rutschman and LHP Keegan Akin, but

Orioles reinstate C Adley Rutschman and LHP Keegan Akin, but Félix Bautista won&#39;t return soon

## Packers' Jenkins Embraces Center Shift: "Sky's the Limit"

**Green Bay Star Committed to Success Despite Contract Questions**

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Elgton Jenkins isn't sweating his contract status as he transitions from guard to center for the Green Bay Packers. 

"Right now, it’s just (about) being the best player I can be, being the best teammate,” Jenkins said Monday. “Like I said, man, I know what I’m going to do this season. I’m confident in my ability, very confident in it. So just going out there playing ball, keep doing what I’ve been doing and it’s going to take care of itself.”

Jenkins' move comes after the Packers signed Aaron Banks to fill his former left guard position.  The change sees Jenkins taking over for Josh Myers, who spent the last three seasons as Green Bay's starting center before signing with the New York Jets in March.

**Back Issue and Family Concerns: A Brief Setback**

While confident in his new role, Jenkins did acknowledge a recent back issue stemming from a weightlifting injury earlier this offseason. He practiced on a limited basis Monday for the first time since training camp began.  The injury also kept him from participating in Green Bay’s mandatory minicamp last month, though he was present.

Jenkins explained his absence from Packers' organized team activities (OTAs) this offseason was due to family matters, not any hesitation about the position change. 

"I’m having changes in my family right now, so I wanted to spend more time with them," Jenkins said. “And it so happened that came up, so it was just, like, it was better for me to spend time with my family this offseason.”

**Open to Change, Contract Discussions Ongoing**

Jenkins revealed he initially took some time to consider the position switch when approached by General Manager Brian Gutekunst.  

"When he asked me the first time, I was like, ‘Yeah, let me think on it,’” Jenkins said. “I thought about it for a little while and he called again and I was like ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’”

Discussions between Jenkins' representatives and Packers officials regarding the contract implications of the position change are ongoing.  Jenkins has two years remaining on his four-year, $68 million contract extension signed in December 2022.


 **From Guard to Center: A Successful Transition?**

The Packers and Jenkins believe he can thrive at center. He played center for 26 of his 34 career starts during his college career at Mississippi State.  While primarily playing left guard in the NFL, Jenkins has also started four games at center, eight at left tackle and six at right tackle. His most recent start at center came in a loss to the Detroit Lions on Nov. 3 last season when Myers was sidelined with a wrist injury.

"I feel like the sky’s the limit, honestly," Jenkins said. "I can be an All-Pro, Pro Bowl, same guy — probably even better, honestly. We’re just going to see.”




## Packers' Jenkins Embraces Center Shift: "Sky's the Limit"

**Green Bay Star Committed to Success Despite Contract Questions**

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Elgton Jenki

Packers&#39; Elgton Jenkins says he&#39;s OK with his positi

Packers&#39; Elgton Jenkins says he&#39;s OK with his position switch and believes he can thrive at center

## Tigers Bolster Rotation, Acquire Paddack from Twins

**Detroit Makes Move as Olson Joins Injured List**

MINNEAPOLIS - The Detroit Tigers, currently atop the AL Central, have strengthened their starting rotation by acquiring right-hander Chris Paddack from division rivals, the Minnesota Twins. 

The trade comes as the Tigers face another injury setback. Right-hander Reese Olson will miss the remainder of the season with a strained shoulder sustained during his most recent bullpen session, adding to the absence of right-hander Jackson Jobe.

**Tigers Acquire Paddack for Jimenez and Dobnak**

In exchange for Paddack and depth pitcher Randy Dobnak, the Twins received catcher Enrique Jimenez, ranked as the Tigers' 14th-best prospect by MLB prior to the season.  Dobnak has been assigned to Triple-A Toledo.

Paddack is set to make his debut with the Tigers on Wednesday against Arizona.

**Paddack's Recent Performance and History**

The 29-year-old Paddack boasts a 3-9 record and a 4.95 ERA across 21 starts for the Twins this season.  He has struck out 83 batters while walking 27, with opponents batting .266 against him. Acquired by Minnesota in a trade with San Diego just before the start of the 2022 season, Paddack faced setbacks due to injuries, including a torn UCL requiring Tommy John surgery. He returned for the 2023 postseason as a reliever and rejoined the rotation this year in a season marked by ups and downs.

**Familiar Foe for Tigers' New Acquisition**

Paddack will have an early opportunity to face his former team. The Tigers and Twins are scheduled for seven more encounters this season, including a three-game series in Detroit next week.

**Tigers Seek Stability in Rotation**

The Tigers have struggled to find consistent success with their fifth starter since Jobe underwent Tommy John surgery in late May. Keider Montero filled the role but has averaged fewer than five innings per appearance, placing extra strain on the bullpen. Rookie Troy Melton, initially slated for his second career start, is expected to transition into a long-relief role for Detroit, who hold an eight-game lead over Cleveland entering the week.

**Twins Bolster Catching Depth**

The 19-year-old Jimenez, who boasts a .779 OPS with 32 RBIs in 48 games for Detroit's rookie league club, will provide added catching depth to the Twins organization, which has been lacking it.


  
 **Dobnak's Role with the Tigers**

The 30-year-old Dobnak, earning $3 million this season, has spent most of 2025 at Triple-A St. Paul, similar to his experience since signing a five-year major league contract with the Twins in 2021 worth $9.25 million. He briefly made the opening day roster and appeared once in relief before being sent down. Dobnak carries a 4.86 ERA across 140 2/3 career innings since his debut with the Twins in 2019. 




## Tigers Bolster Rotation, Acquire Paddack from Twins

**Detroit Makes Move as Olson Joins Injured List**

MINNEAPOLIS - The Detroit Tigers, currently atop the

Tigers acquire Paddack from division rival Twins to plug rot

Tigers acquire Paddack from division rival Twins to plug rotation hole from Olson&#39;s injury

## Bulls Coach Billy Donovan Gets Contract Extension

**Chicago inks coach for future seasons after mixed season performance.**

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls and head coach Billy Donovan have agreed to a contract extension, the team announced Sunday. Specific details regarding the length and financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. 

Donovan has led the Bulls through five seasons, compiling a 195-205 record with one playoff appearance. This past season saw Chicago finish with a 39-43 record, placing them ninth in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls ultimately fell short in the play-in tournament for the third consecutive year, suffering a decisive loss at home to the Miami Heat.

Despite the disappointing playoff result, Chicago showed promise late in the regular season, finishing with a 15-5 record. This surge came amidst a period where some teams rested key players and others focused on securing favorable draft positioning. 

The Bulls underwent significant roster changes last season, trading away DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso prior to the year and dealing Zach LaVine at the February trade deadline. The team also implemented a faster pace of play. Coby White emerged with a career-high 20.4 points per game, while Josh Giddey impressed in his first season with the Bulls, particularly down the stretch.

This offseason has seen relatively limited activity from Chicago. The team selected Noa Essengue out of the French Basketball League with the 12th overall pick in the draft and traded Lonzo Ball to Cleveland for Isaac Okoro.

Donovan boasts a successful 438-362 record over 10 seasons as an NBA head coach. His impressive track record led him to the Bulls helm in September 2020, replacing Jim Boylen after his five-year tenure with the franchise.  Prior to Chicago, Donovan enjoyed a highly successful run with the Oklahoma City Thunder, achieving a 243-157 record and playoff appearances every season while working alongside NBA superstars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Chris Paul.

His basketball expertise extends beyond the NBA. Donovan led the University of Florida for 19 seasons, culminating in back-to-back NCAA championship wins.  He is set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this September.




## Bulls Coach Billy Donovan Gets Contract Extension

**Chicago inks coach for future seasons after mixed season performance.**

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls and

Bulls and coach Billy Donovan agree to a contract extension

## Blue Jays' Star Catcher Kirk Out With Concussion

**Toronto places All-Star on injured list, calls up Sanchez for series finale**

DETROIT — The Toronto Blue Jays have placed All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk on the seven-day injured list due to a concussion sustained during Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. 

The team recalled catcher Ali Sanchez in a corresponding move and activated him for Sunday's series finale.

Kirk, 26, was forced out of Saturday's game in the fourth inning after being struck by a foul tip on his face mask. He was replaced by Tyler Heineman.  Entering Sunday, Kirk ranked sixth in the majors with a .304 batting average. He has tallied seven home runs and 47 RBIs across 88 games this season.




## Blue Jays' Star Catcher Kirk Out With Concussion

**Toronto places All-Star on injured list, calls up Sanchez for series finale**

DETROIT — The Toronto Blue

Blue Jays place All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk on the 7-day

Blue Jays place All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk on the 7-day injured list with a concussion

## From Hardwood to Hall of Fame: Antonio Gates' Unconventional Path to Canton

**Basketball Prodigy Finds Glory on the Gridiron**

Antonio Gates, one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history, will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this Saturday. What makes his journey even more remarkable is that he wasn't a football standout coming out of high school.  In fact, Gates originally envisioned himself playing in the NBA. 

"My journey was probably the most unique journey in all of football because I came in as a former basketball player, not knowing what to expect,” Gates said. “Some of those guys who are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, they wanted to be Pro Football Hall of Famers when they were 14 years old. I wanted to play in the NBA. That was my dream. Like I said, I still haven’t wrapped my head around it all."

Gates's high school career saw him excel in both football and basketball at Detroit Central. While Nick Saban recruited him to play football at Michigan State, Gates also pursued his passion for basketball.  Their differing visions led Gates to transfer to Eastern Michigan, then to two junior colleges before finally landing at Kent State.  

It was at Kent State where Gates truly shone on the court. He led the Golden Flashes to the Elite Eight in the 2002 NCAA Tournament and earned an Associated Press All-America honorable mention selection as a senior after averaging 20.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.  

Despite his impressive performance, Gates was considered undersized for the NBA. This is where Tim Brewster, then the Chargers' tight ends coach, saw potential beyond the hardwood. He convinced Marty Schottenheimer and the Chargers' front office to sign Gates as a free agent.

“A lot of people like to take credit, but Tim is the number one reason why I am in the Hall of Fame,” Gates said. “He found me, believed what I could become, and was around me constantly. He really got me into a position where I look up, and I was All-Pro my second year in the field.”

Gates's transition to football was swift and impressive. After having 24 receptions for 389 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, he exploded with a career-high 13 touchdowns in 2004. This marked the first of three consecutive Associated Press All-Pro honors and eight consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl.  

Gates' unique route-running style was initially met with skepticism from coaches but eventually became commonplace in the NFL, influencing players like Travis Kelce and George Kittle. His basketball background proved invaluable as his ability to catch the ball at its highest point mirrored rebounding, while boxing out on the court translated to getting open against defensive backs.

His time under Chargers coach Norv Turner (2007-’12) saw Gates's route-running evolve further and flourish alongside quarterback Philip Rivers. "He had to win on his route-running and his ability to separate and his understanding of coverages and all those things. Philip is as good a passer as there’s been in a long time, but Philip wasn’t going to move around and make a lot of plays off schedule,” Turner said.


Gates's legacy is cemented with 955 receptions for 11,841 yards, 21 multi-touchdown games (the most among tight ends), and a remarkable 39 third-down touchdowns (tied for third all time). Eight seasons with at least eight touchdowns and a spot on the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s further solidify his place as a legend.

The Hall of Fame induction, however, holds special meaning for Gates. "I’ve always been in a space where from a popularity standpoint, people know my name. It’s my chance to thank everyone else,” he said. “Although you are the face and the focus point, it’s truly not about you. You’re letting everybody understand what it took to get to this point and who were influential.”




## From Hardwood to Hall of Fame: Antonio Gates' Unconventional Path to Canton

**Basketball Prodigy Finds Glory on the Gridiron**

Antonio Gates, one of the mo

From hoops to Hall of Fame: Antonio Gates&#39; unique NFL jo

From hoops to Hall of Fame: Antonio Gates&#39; unique NFL journey to Canton

##  Lionesses Roar Again: England Clinch Euro Crown in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

**Basel, Switzerland** - In a heart-stopping finale, the English Lionesses have defended their crown, securing victory over Spain in the UEFA Women's European Championship final. The match ended in a tense 1-1 draw, forcing a nail-biting penalty shootout where England ultimately prevailed.  




##  Lionesses Roar Again: England Clinch Euro Crown in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

**Basel, Switzerland** - In a heart-stopping finale, the English Lionesses ha

#Sports wire

Mullins robs Sánchez of home run in what may have been the outfielder's last home game for Orioles

Coach Deion Sanders' return to Colorado lifts team spirits after his battle with bladder cancer

Orioles reinstate C Adley Rutschman and LHP Keegan Akin, but Félix Bautista won't return soon

Packers' Elgton Jenkins says he's OK with his position switch and believes he can thrive at center

Tigers acquire Paddack from division rival Twins to plug rotation hole from Olson's injury

Bulls and coach Billy Donovan agree to a contract extension

Blue Jays place All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk on the 7-day injured list with a concussion

From hoops to Hall of Fame: Antonio Gates' unique NFL journey to Canton

England retains women's European Championship title by beating Spain on penalty kicks after 1-1 draw