NFL training camp has arrived. 

And with that, the slate is officially clean. All 32 teams have their sights set on one goal: winning Super Bowl LXI. 

This offseason, the NFL landscape shifted dramatically after the Los Angeles Rams acquired two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Jared Verse, a first-round pick and additional draft compensation. 

The blockbuster deal immediately reshaped the Super Bowl oddsboard, with the Rams surging as the heavy favorite to win the next Lombardi.

With training camp beginning this week, let’s take a full look at the Super Bowl odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of July 28. 

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The Los Angeles Rams are the +550 favorites to win Super Bowl LXI (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images).

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Super Bowl LXI winner

Rams: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Ravens: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Bills: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Seahawks: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Chiefs: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Patriots: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Eagles: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Chargers: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total)
Texans: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Packers: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Lions: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
49ers: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Broncos: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Bengals: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Bears: +2400 (bet $10 to win $250 total)
Cowboys: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Jaguars: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Buccaneers: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Steelers: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Vikings: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Commanders: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Colts: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Giants: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
Saints: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Panthers: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Titans: +13000 (bet $10 to win $1,310 total)
Falcons: +13000 (bet $10 to win $1,310 total)
Raiders: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Jets: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Browns: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Dolphins: +35000 (bet $10 to win $3,510 total)
Cardinals: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)

The Philadelphia Eagles are +1600 to win Super Bowl LXI (Jamie Squire/Getty Images). 

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Here’s what to know about the Super Bowl LXI oddsboard:

The Favorite: Following their blockbuster trade for the reigning DPOY earlier this offseason, the Rams’ Super Bowl odds jumped from +800 to +550. After extending Matthew Stafford on a one-year, $55 million contract, trading for Garrett, and acquiring two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie earlier this offseason, the Rams have officially gone all in. They are now the clear Super Bowl favorite and are the only team in the NFL with odds under +1000. The Rams will look to win another Super Bowl on their home field next year, just as they did in 2022.

Immediate Impact: Because of the impact on the NFC West, both the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers saw their Super Bowl odds drop. The reigning champion Seahawks dropped from +1000 to +1100, while the 49ers fell from +1600 to +1900. The Browns also took a hit, with their odds plummeting from +15000 to +20000 following the trade.

Recent Risers: Heading into training camp, the Eagles’ odds to win the Super Bowl have climbed from +1900 to +1600. Philadelphia will look to get back to their Super Bowl-winning ways in 2024. Additionally, in recent weeks, the Packers have jumped from +2200 to +1800, while the Steelers have surged from +7000 to +5000.

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Soccer’s law-making panel clarified its guidance to referees which confirmed Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been sent off in the World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina.

Embolo’s second yellow card, after a video review for simulating being fouled, changed the momentum of the game in the 72nd minute soon after Switzerland tied the score at 1-1.

Switzerland’s Breel Embolo Sent Off for Second Yellow Card After VAR Review for Simulation | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Argentina won 3-1 in extra time with help from the red-card decision that fueled complaints, including from previous opponent Egypt, referees were favoring Lionel Messi’s team with decisions.

The FIFA-backed rules panel known as IFAB published a clarification Monday that VAR protocol for “mistaken identity” cases was not eligible for that type of incident at the World Cup, though it could be in future competitions.

“However, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded,” the Zurich-based IFAB said in a statement.

Embolo fell to the ground on being challenged by Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who was shown a yellow card.

The VAR officials alerted the referee to the fact Paredes did not commit a foul and instead, Embolo was shown a yellow, his second, and was sent off.

That is not how “mistaken identity” is currently meant to be applied, which is to correct the referee when a card is shown to the wrong player who did not commit the original foul penalized.

“The referee made the wrong decision,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said after the game in Kansas City. “I know they will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our game today, and it’s very painful, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot.”

IFAB clarified the card “can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offense that was penalized; the offense itself cannot be reviewed/changed.”

Updating the VAR protocol

A review of VAR protocol has been ongoing since March and IFAB acknowledged that incidents like Embolo’s are part of it.

“The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 was well received,” the Zurich-based group said.

IFAB is composed of FIFA-appointed officials and the four British soccer federations. Its annual meeting is each February or March to update The Laws of the Game that take effect for major tournaments or the next season.

European soccer wants lighter touch VAR

The IFAB clarity was praised as “welcome explanations” on Tuesday by UEFA, which has hosted referee bosses from each of its 55 member federations to reset their decision-making principles for the new season.

“VAR is not meant to re-referee the game,” UEFA stressed, stating the need for shorter video reviews and a lighter touch for intervening.

FIFA’s overall VAR strategy for the World Cup was praised following a frustrating season of video reviews, particularly in the Premier League.

“Lengthy, microscoping reviews are often a symptom revealing that the decision on the field was not clearly and obviously incorrect, and should therefore be limited,” UEFA said, setting a standard for intervention at “when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident.”

UEFA also encouraged the crackdown on time-wasting in games agreed by IFAB in March and enforced by FIFA at the World Cup.

“Referees will be instructed to strictly and consistently enforce the new rules,” said UEFA.

UEFA will this season organize men’s and women’s club competitions, including the Champions League, plus national-team games in the men’s Nations League and qualifying for the 2028 European Championship, and qualifying playoffs for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

EVERY Red Card at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ 🟥

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Joško Gvardiol has signed a new five-year contract at Manchester City until 2031.

The Croatia defender joined City in 2023 and had two years remaining on his deal at the Etihad Stadium.

“As soon as I knew City wanted to renew my contract, I felt straight away it was what I wanted,” Gvardiol said. “It’s the best club in the world to be at.

“The players we have here are amazing. This is a world-class squad that is young and full of potential. I truly believe we will have a lot of success in the coming years.”

The 24-year-old Gvardiol joined City from Leipzig for 90 million euros ($99.2 million), ranking him among the most expensive defenders in soccer history. He has won five major trophies, including the Premier League title and FA Cup during his time at the club.

“Josko is a player this Club really believes in. He is young, an outstanding professional and already one of the best defenders in the world,” City director of football Hugo Viana said. “Manchester City are committed to keeping our best talent, which is why we are so happy this new contract has been agreed.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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The Carolina Panthers’ home stadium will look a bit different by 2030. 

Bank of America Stadium is undergoing an expanded $1.3 billion renovation project designed to improve the overall fan experience and position Charlotte to host major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, NFL Draft and 2031 Women’s World Cup.

The expansion comes as the Panthers announced a long-term naming rights extension with Bank of America. An additional $500 million in private funding from Tepper Sports & Entertainment brings the total renovation cost to $1.3 billion, while the City of Charlotte’s financial contribution will be $650 million. Tepper Sports & Entertainment will cover all remaining costs, potential overages, and ongoing maintenance obligations.

Newly released renderings detail an updated design for the stadium and surrounding corridor, featuring expanded gathering areas, a 500-level social patio, larger video displays, an illuminated exterior crown, and a 4,400-capacity entertainment venue intended to host 80 to 100 events annually.

“The long-term extension with Bank of America reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to the Carolinas,” David Tepper, owner and chairman of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, said in a release. “Our goal is to create experiences that enhance the passion and energy of the region while transforming this corridor into a weekend destination for world-class sports, entertainment and community events.”

Construction is being carefully phased to allow the stadium to continue hosting Panthers games and Charlotte FC matches throughout the project. Interior renovations are underway in 2026, with fan-facing enhancements scheduled to begin in 2027 and final completion targeted for 2030.

Here are some of the renderings of the renovated stadium the team shared on Thursday: 

A rendering of Bank of America Stadium after renovations. (Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers)

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A rendering of Bank of America Stadium after renovations. (Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers)

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A rendering of Bank of America Stadium after renovations. (Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers)

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A rendering of Bank of America Stadium after renovations. (Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers)

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A rendering of Bank of America Stadium after renovations. (Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers)

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A rendering of Bank of America Stadium after renovations. (Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers)

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A rendering of Bank of America Stadium after renovations. (Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers)

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The Italian soccer federation (FIGC) has talked to former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola and Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti about taking over the crisis-hit national team.

It hopes to announce the new Italy coach within the week, with the Azzurri still reeling after failing for a third straight time to qualify for the World Cup.

Former Italy and AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini was named as the federation’s new technical director at the start of the month and was present at a meeting with the Serie A clubs on Thursday, along with new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò and special advisor Leonardo.

“Honestly, today we can’t give news about what’s happening. You’ve identified one of our targets,” Maldini said when asked about Guardiola in a news conference after the meeting.

“We can’t hide that we also talked with Carlo Ancelotti before talking with Pep. Honestly, it seemed right to start with the best in the world, to see their general availability.”

Guardiola left Man City at the end of last season, bringing to a close a trophy-laden, 10-year spell in which he established City as a force in Europe and changed the face of English soccer.

The 55-year-old Guardiola has won 35 major titles across his coaching career including at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona recently to speak with Guardiola about taking the Italy job.

“The best thing would be to announce the new coach this week, but even more to wait for the person we really want,” Maldini said. “So there’s urgency, but not so much inside us.”

Ancelotti signed a contract extension with Brazil in May through to the 2030 World Cup. But the five-time world champion just had one of its worst ever performances on soccer’s biggest stage as it was eliminated in the round of 16 after a 2-1 loss to Norway.

The 67-year-old Ancelotti has won league titles in Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany. He is also the only coach to have won the Champions League five times.

Four-time champion Italy missed out on a third straight World Cup after a playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, prompting the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Gattuso had taken over from the fired Luciano Spalletti only the previous June with the squad already flailing following a defeat at Norway in its opening qualifier.

Former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini — who led the Azzurri to the European Championship in 2021 — and Antonio Conte are also among the favorites to take charge of the national team. Andrea Pirlo, who helped Italy to the World Cup in 2006 as a player, is also reportedly in contention.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in this year’s draft, signed a four-year, $57.27 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday.

The Raiders hold a fifth-year option.

Mendoza was the last of the Raiders’ 10 draft picks to sign.

“I’m excited to get this thing signed,” Mendoza said on the team’s social media post. “I’m excited to be a part of the silver and black. Can’t wait.”

He ran the third-team offense in organized team activities and minicamp, but is expected to take on a larger role in training camp, which begins Wednesday.

Veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a free-agent contract worth $20 million guaranteed, enters camp as the No. 1 quarterback.

How long Cousins hangs on to that spot will be the main storyline in camp and perhaps into the season.

Mendoza hopes to translate the success he experienced in his final season of college football in which he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first national championship.

Also, star pass rusher Maxx Crosby said on his podcast “The Rush” that he would join the rookies for their training camp. Crosby has been working his way back from knee surgery.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Carolina Panthers second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton was carted off the practice field with a right knee injury during the first day of training camp on Thursday. 

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said after practice that he didn’t know the extent of the injury, but tests were scheduled. An MRI on Thursday afternoon revealed that Scourton suffered a torn ACL in his right knee and he will miss the entire 2026 season, ESPN and others reported. 

Scourton, a second-round draft pick in 2024 out of Texas A&M, went down on a wet field late in practice during team drills. Players immediately gathered around him on one knee.

Scourton held his hand over his face as he was led into an awaiting cart.

As he was leaving the field, the cart stopped and Canales and every player on the roster individually walked over to hug Scourton before he was taken to the training room.

“They care about each other,” Canales said. “Whenever you’re in a group of people doing something hard together, it has a way of creating a special bond. Between all the workouts and going through a full season and an offseason and all that, it means something to the guys. I’m proud of that.”

Scourton had an outstanding rookie season for the Panthers, playing in 17 games with eight starts. He finished the season with 47 tackles, five sacks and nine quarterback hits while developing into a key starter for the NFL’s 15th-ranked defense.

Scourton appeared to be engaged in a block with an offensive lineman at the time of the injury. 

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was near the play at the time, but said he did not see what happened. He praised Scourton for how quickly he has developed into a leader on defense.

“It’s been really cool to see him come into his own,” Young said. “He has a super-high motor, has great energy. He’s fun to be around. He turns into that different competitor when he’s on the field. We feel that during practice. He has raised the level of (intensity at) practice many times. We don’t know anything yet (on the injury), but we’re just praying for him.”

Canales had prepared for the worst. Now that Scourton is officially out for the season, he remains confident the Panthers have enough depth behind him to remain competitive.

“We’ve got depth,” Canales said. “That’s why we keep bringing in guys. We have guys that we trust.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Three weeks ago, the Red Sox were an afterthought. They were a last-place club, facing the possibility of selling their top assets. Then Boston ripped off 15 wins in a row, tying a franchise record that dates back to Ted Williams, and suddenly the AL East looks different. Forget the Blue Jays. They’ve been lapped, dropped from the conversation entirely. The team the Yankees actually have to worry about just climbed out of the basement in dramatic fashion and is playing the best baseball in their division.

The Rays sit atop the AL East at 59-42. The Yankees, at 57-45, are hanging on to a wild-card spot rather than controlling their own destiny, and the gap behind them is closing fast. The Red Sox, at 52-49, are now seven games behind the Rays and in possession of the final AL wild card spot.

That’s the environment Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is operating in with the trade deadline looming. Then, there’s the elephant in the room. 

The uncomfortable question hanging over every move Cashman makes between now and August 3 is whether this Yankees offense is actually good enough to hang onto a playoff spot without Aaron Judge for an indefinite amount of time. Are the Yankees operating without their best player for another month, or will Cashman be forced to spend prospect capital to patch a hole that won’t close until September or October?

Aaron Judge is still recovering from a rib injury. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) –>

Judge has been out since June 2 with a stress fracture in his right rib, and things have been ugly without him. The Yankees are 19-21 without Judge this season, compared to 36-23 with him. Since June 18, they’ve scored the second-fewest runs and struck out the most among any team in the majors. Their .203 batting average with runners in scoring position is ranked 27th in MLB since Judge went on the IL.

Cashman isn’t dressing that up. Asked recently about the team’s performance without Judge, he acknowledged the lack of offense and how the onus falls on the rest of the lineup to pick up the slack.

“Clearly, you miss him,” Cashman told reporters in Tampa earlier this month. “That’s certainly part of it. But that’s not an answer to why we’re struggling with some consistently really good players that are going into collective slumps at the same time. That has nothing to do with Aaron Judge.”

The Yankees can also stop pretending Judge’s return date is close. He underwent another round of re-imaging on his fractured rib during the All-Star break, and though it showed some healing, it wasn’t enough for Judge to begin baseball activities. The slugger has to wait an indeterminate amount of time before a team of specialists gives him and the Yankees the green light to swing a bat again. 

Judge, for his part, has remained steadfast that he will return at some point this season. 

“It’s feeling better,” he said recently at Yankee Stadium. “There were a couple of weeks that were tough, where I really couldn’t do a lot. Now we’re feeling ten times better.”

The absence of Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge has left the Yankees without key big bats. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) –>

So, where do the Yankees go from here? At least, if Judge was healthy, his bat would help cover up some of the glaring weaknesses in the lineup. Without him, the Yankees have no choice but to address their issues. 

There’s an obvious hole at catcher. There’s a need for a right-handed power bat with Giancarlo Stanton out since April 24 with a nagging calf strain. And there are reinforcements needed in the bullpen.

It’s hard to imagine the Yankees moving on from this trade deadline without addressing their catching problem. Yankees catchers have combined for a .180 batting average, .270 slugging percentage, and a wRC+ of 50, all of which are ranked 29th in the majors this season. Austin Wells has cratered — he’s batting .163 with an OPS+ of 48 — and the tandem behind him hasn’t been better. 

Cashman, at least, has stopped soft-pedaling it.

Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman could be a target for the Bronx Bombers. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) –>

“It’s an issue, clearly,” he said of the team’s backstop situation.

Their realistic targets are Minnesota’s Ryan Jeffers and Colorado’s Hunter Goodman. Jeffers is a right-handed bat hitting close to .290 with a .950 OPS. He’ll be a free agent after this season. The biggest concern with Jeffers is how much his hamate fracture, which sidelined him for nearly two months this season, will continue to impact his power. Goodman, meanwhile, leads the National League in slugging (.563), has hit 31 home runs, and has been more consistent than Jeffers while also being a right-handed bat under team control through 2029. 

The bullpen is where things get expensive. New York had hoped to solve part of it for free, by sliding hard-throwing top prospect Carlos Lagrange into a high-leverage relief role. But Lagrange’s shoulder injury in his throwing arm shelved that plan. Since then, the reported appetite has grown far bigger than a depth arm. 

The Yankees have been connected to Padres closer Mason Miller, and multiple reports indicate the Yankees are willing to discuss virtually every prospect in the system except their untouchable No. 1 prospect, infielder George Lombard Jr., to get him. Their interest in Miller indicates that small moves won’t be enough if Judge doesn’t return to full strength. And it’s a real gamble, given Miller would likely cost MLB-ready outfield chips like Spencer Jones or Jasson Dominguez, precisely the kind of long-term value Cashman has spent years trying to protect. Or, perhaps a reunion with Mets reliever Luke Weaver is on the table.

The Yankees have the prospect capital to be genuinely aggressive. Whether they should be, with Judge’s timeline still murky and a tight division race that’s heightening the pressure, is the harder question. Cashman has less than two weeks to answer it, and with the Red Sox surging, the Yankees’ margin for error is getting thinner.

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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have taken in their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats featured at the 2026 event, as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.

How Old Will Messi & Ronaldo Be In 2030?

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo will be 45 when FIFA’s flagship competition takes center stage once more. His eternal rival, South American superstar Messi, is set to turn 43 in four years’ time. 

Given all that they have achieved across their remarkable careers to date, it seems foolish to rule anything out when it comes to a couple of iconic figures. Time will, however, catch up with them eventually.

Ronaldo still has a year left to run on his contract at Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr, and has offered no indication that retirement is being considered, while Messi is tied to terms at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 2028.

New Portugal boss Jorge Jesus – who worked with CR7 in the Middle East last season – has left the door open for the most iconic of No.7s to extend his international career through Euro 2028. The Argentina camp is hoping to see Messi add to his haul of 207 caps.

It may be that both legends play on for now, with no big decisions being rushed into. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Portugal – making it a spectacle that holds added appeal to Ronaldo. Messi has just savored final heartache and missed out on a second global title.

Will Ronaldo Or Messi Grace The 2030 World Cup?

Will either still be pulling on the colors of their country when the next World Cup throws open its doors? Responding to that question, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate and ex-MLS star Silvestre — speaking in association with BetVictor Online Casino — told GOAL: “I think the legacy, they need to think about it. I don’t think it would make sense on the sporting side to be trying to play still.”

“There’s too much demand on the physical side of the game, not on the technical side. The physical side, it’s hard. I don’t expect them to play the next World Cup in four years’ time.”

Silvestre added on club careers being extended by Messi and Ronaldo, with trophy-winning exploits still being delivered at that level: “Apart from the World Cup, which is four years, I don’t put any end to their career.”

“These guys are passionate about the game that much. They are still so impactful and dedicated to their career. All that matters is playing well and winning trophies. I don’t see them hanging their boots any time soon.”

How Ronaldo & Messi Responded To 2026 World Cup Heartache

Ronaldo said after seeing Portugal bow out of the 2026 World Cup against Spain in the round of 16: “I am sad to leave like this but I have given everything, always given my best. I go with a clear conscience. This is football, it is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You have to carry on. It was my last World Cup, yes.”

Messi posted online after suffering final agony with Argentina against Spain: “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things. The matches we turned around by giving it our all – moments that will remain in our memories forever – and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, brought us back among the world’s elite once again. It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine. I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship.”

Messi & Ronaldo Playing On With Inter Miami & Al-Nassr

No hints were offered there when it comes to international future plans, with Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni having also steered around that subject after heading back to South America for celebrations with a loyal fan base.

Ronaldo and Messi have never been the type of characters to back down from a challenge and positively revel in opportunities to silence doubters and rewrite the history books. It would, however, come as something of a surprise if both were to make a seventh World Cup in 2030.

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One notable backer of the “Lane Kiffin Rule” winding its way through Congress turns out to be Lane Kiffin himself.

Though naming it after him was not considered a compliment, Kiffin said he can see some value in the provision in a wide-ranging Senate bill that would fix the longstanding problem of college coaches bailing on their teams while the season is still going.

The lightning-rod LSU coach took his turn Thursday at SEC Media Days, where he ate up more than 16 of his 25 minutes behind the mic delivering an opening statement that included the revelation that he’s given up social media.

That left time for four questions, the last of which was whether he felt he got a bad rap for his much-discussed and widely criticized move from Mississippi to LSU at the end of last season. That transaction turned him into a pariah in some places and, in Washington at least, the namesake for the part of the Protect College Sports Act that would forbid in-season coaching moves from school to school.

Without getting into what people thought of him, he said he did think the rule could be helpful.

“I guess (so), in that I hope that some way for future coaches, they’re not put in that situation,” Kiffin said. “In the NFL, you’re never put in that situation because of the calendar and because of the rules of movement within seasons. I do hope for future people, that’s fixed so that you’re not in that same predicament.”

Kiffin Gives Media Culpa For Diversity Statement In Vanity Fair Story

There were other moments of introspection during the 51-year-old coach’s time with media in the most-anticipated news conference over four days of collecting preview material for a season that starts Sept. 3.

Kiffin, clearly prepared for the question, repeated earlier mea culpas when he conceded the headline-grabbing snippet from a Vanity Fair interview earlier this year — in which he said recruiting players to Oxford was more difficult than to Baton Rouge because there was a more diverse and less segregated feeling at LSU — was a mistake.

“I made a challenging decision and change,” Kiffin explained. “I think as I look back to that, I thought I could find a way for everybody to understand. Now as I look back later on, that was never going to happen.”

While Kiffin’s replacement at Ole Miss, Pete Golding, lit up Media Days a day earlier, calling his old boss “the ex” who never really goes away, Kiffin was interesting in a different, potentially more-scripted way.

In reflecting on the Vanity Fair interview, he noted how life is short and that he grew up with the notion that his dad and wrestler Hulk Hogan were the only people who would never die. Monte Kiffin, the football lifer coach whose reputation was cemented during his dozen years coaching defense in Tampa for the Buccaneers, died two summers ago. Hogan passed away a year ago Friday.

“It just made me reflect on, I can’t be so concerned about little things and what people say,” Kiffin said. “You’ve got to make decisions; you’ve got to go with them. You make really good decisions, and you make poor decisions. That was a poor usage of a term that I believe, just like many coaches that have been there before, was factual. But over the course of a long interview, was bad timing and bad usage of the word.”

A Social Media Cleanse Leads To A New Perspective

Kiffin also spent time discussing about how his son, Knox, urged him to get off social media, which he did in May, only to see a whole new world open up.

“Knox pushing me to do that, challenging me, allowed me to help other players, friends, coaches to say, ‘Man, you should try this sometime, because once you remove something from your life, you start to realize how many other people are addicted to it or need it,'” Kiffin said.

Turns out, now is a great time for the coach to have quit social media. Kiffin’s flirtation with LSU and eventual decision to leave Ole Miss to sign a seven-year, $91 million contract with its rival upended the end of last regular season. 

The disruption included debates about Mississippi’s prospects in the College Football Playoffs and whether the Rebels would be viewed, or seeded, differently coming into the postseason without their head coach.

The Kiffin move also picked at a decades-old scab that practically defines college sports: Why is it OK for coaches to do whatever they want and make millions while the players have guardrails around their every move?

Paying players helped resolve some, but not all, of that. Players also got something of a break with a recent change that gives those participating in the playoff a few extra days to decide to stay or go into the transfer portal.

Kiffin insisted that in the wake of his social-media cleanse, he’s been so disconnected from the news of the day, or the moment, that he really wasn’t aware of the rule named after him in Congress until being asked about it in the news conference. He said it’s good to see some changes that benefit players.

“Hopefully,” he said, “in some way, they fix it for coaches, too.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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