Roger Goodell defends NFL’s new ‘Thursday Night Football’ flex policy

Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has hinted at a significant shift in the team's offensive strategy for next season. The article highlights Dereck Lively II's growing role—despite his injury last year, he’s become a key piece for the Mavericks, averaging 8.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. While specifics of the change aren’t fully detailed, it’s clear Dallas is leaning into Lively’s development and possibly reworking their playstyle around him and other core players.

Editor’s Note: For Mavericks fans, this is a sign the team isn’t standing pat after last season’s ups and downs. Cuban’s comments suggest they’re adapting to maximize young talent like Lively, which could mean a faster, more dynamic offense—or even a bigger focus on inside play. Either way, it’s a storyline to watch as Dallas gears up for another playoff push.

Sports media personality Dave Dameshek is launching a new NFL-focused show under Meadowlark Media, the company co-founded by Dan Le Batard. The show, set to debut in August, was announced by Dameshek himself on social media.

Editor’s Note: For NFL fans who enjoy Dameshek’s humor and analysis, this is a fun addition to the media landscape. Meadowlark continues to expand its roster of sports content, giving fans more alternatives to traditional sports coverage. If you like offbeat, personality-driven NFL talk, this one’s worth keeping an eye on.

This Friday sports roundup is packed with action: NBA teams are splashing the cash in free agency, basketball phenom Cooper Flagg made his Summer League debut, and the long-awaited "College Football 26" video game is finally here. Plus, a few other tidbits to keep fans hooked over the weekend.

Editor’s Note: If you're a sports fan, this is your weekend primer. The NBA's free agency frenzy means big roster shakeups, Flagg's debut hints at the next generation of basketball stars, and the return of college football gaming is a nostalgia trip for fans. Basically, grab your snacks—there’s plenty to dive into.

Kevin Durant is making waves again, this time by joining the Houston Rockets—his fifth NBA team. While the Rockets are banking on him to break their 30-year championship dry spell, Durant’s recent stops in Brooklyn and Phoenix didn’t quite live up to the hype. Now, he’s opening up about his time playing under coach Steve Nash, hinting at some candid reflections on why things didn’t click as expected.

Editor’s Note: Durant’s moves always shake up the league, and this one’s no different. Houston’s betting big on him, but his honest take on past struggles—especially with Nash—adds intrigue. For fans, it’s a mix of hope (can he finally deliver?) and curiosity (what went wrong before?). Either way, it’s a storyline that’ll dominate the offseason.

A former NFL player, Manti Te’o, is betting big on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to make the "biggest jump" in performance next season. The Bears have been laser-focused on setting Williams up for success after his promising rookie year, stacking the roster with talent to help him shine. Te’o’s prediction adds to the growing hype around the young QB’s potential breakout.

Editor’s Note: Quarterback development is always a hot topic in the NFL, and when a former player—especially one with ties to the team—backs a young QB like Williams, fans and analysts take notice. If Williams delivers, it could signal a turning point for the Bears, a franchise that’s been searching for a true franchise QB for years. If he doesn’t? Well, that’s why predictions are fun—not foolproof.