Scottie Scheffler shot a 61 in the final round to win the FedEx St. Jude Championship, one of the opening events of the PGA Tour playoffs. The round was the lowest of the week and gave Scheffler his third win of the season. He made nine birdies and no bogeys, closing with an approach shot to tap-in range on the 18th hole, and won by five shots. Scheffler said his putting was the key, and he ranked first in the field in strokes gained putting. The win moves him to the top of the FedEx Cup standings with two playoff events remaining. He now heads to the BMW Championship as the clear man to beat for the season-long title.
St. Louis Cardinals prospect Joshua Baez made MLB history Monday, becoming the first player to hit three home runs in his first three major league at-bats. Called up from Triple-A Memphis earlier in the day, the 22-year-old outfielder homered in his first, second and third plate appearances against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The crowd gave him a standing ovation after the third blast, and his teammates mobbed him in the dugout. Baez finished the night with a multi-hit performance in the Cardinals' victory. The debut drew comparisons to some of baseball's most memorable first games. Baez had been hitting above .300 with more than 20 home runs at Triple-A before his promotion.
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger have agreed to buy the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion, a record price for a US sports franchise, multiple sources told ESPN. The deal tops the previous record set last year, when Mark Walter bought a controlling interest for about $10 billion. Kushner founded venture capital firm Thrive Capital; Iger is the former Disney CEO. The pair called themselves lifelong NBA fans and said they are committed to building on the Buss family's foundation. The Lakers have won 17 championships, second-most in NBA history. The sale requires NBA board of governors approval, with the next meeting next month in New York. The news follows LeBron James's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons. The former MVP finishes his career as one of the most decorated point guards in league history. Westbrook won the 2017 Most Valuable Player award and holds the record for the most career triple-doubles, with 199. He played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets. Fellow stars, including Kevin Durant, paid tribute to his competitive drive and his impact on the game.
Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday, ending an 18-year career defined by relentless energy and record-breaking numbers. Westbrook leaves the game as the league's all-time leader in triple-doubles and one of the most recognizable players of his generation. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2017 and was selected to nine All-Star teams. Westbrook played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets. He was known for his explosive drives and relentless playing style. In his retirement message, Westbrook thanked the teams, coaches, and fans who supported him. Analysts say his place in the Hall of Fame is assured, and many expect him to remain involved in the game.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold for a record $12.5 billion. The buyers are a group led by former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Josh Kushner, the brother of former White House adviser Jared Kushner. The price is the highest ever paid for an NBA team and among the largest for any sports franchise. The deal ends months of speculation about new ownership for one of the league's most storied teams, a franchise with 17 NBA championships playing in the country's second-largest media market. The group beat several rival bidders who offered more than $10 billion. The sale still needs approval from NBA owners, which usually takes a few months.
The Dallas Cowboys and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams agreed to a three-year, $105.9 million contract extension. The deal includes $101 million in guaranteed money and $63.35 million guaranteed at signing, plus a $31.85 million signing bonus. The extension begins in 2028 and keeps Williams in Dallas through the 2030 season. His $35.3 million average annual value ranks second among defensive tackles behind Philadelphia's Jalen Carter. Williams, a four-time Pro Bowler, joined the Cowboys in a midseason trade from the New York Jets in 2025. He recorded 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception in seven games for Dallas last season.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open because of a knee injury. The Italian said the problem appeared during a practice session and that he cannot risk playing. The decision raises questions about his fitness for the US Open, which begins in two weeks. Sinner won the Australian Open in January and added the Wimbledon title in July, and he was expected to be a top contender in New York. His team says the injury is not considered serious and that he will rest for several days before being re-evaluated. Other top players have also struggled with injuries this season, and several have skipped events to protect their fitness for the final Grand Slam of the year.
Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly were enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, as the class of 2026 took its place among the game's greats. Brees, the record-setting quarterback, headlined the group. Vinatieri, the most reliable kicker of his era, was remembered for his 45-yard field goal in a snowstorm during the 2001 playoffs. Craig, a three-time Super Bowl winner, moved the crowd when he revealed he has vascular dementia. Fitzgerald and Kuechly were honored for careers defined by consistency and excellence.
The Las Vegas Raiders suspended quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby from team drills on Saturday, a day after the two stars scuffled during training camp practice. The fight began when Crosby hit Cousins' arm twice during a team period. Cousins grabbed Crosby's jersey and the two exchanged words before being separated; no punches were thrown. With both veterans sidelined, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza took reps with the starting offense. Coach Klint Kubiak said the team has clear expectations about how players practice and that the matter has been addressed with the team.