T.J. Watt contract winners and losers: Teammate hurt, peer helped by $123M extension?

Brendan Donovan, the Cardinals’ 28-year-old second baseman, made the most of his All-Star Game appearance as a reserve, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Subbing in for starter Ketel Marte in the fifth inning, Donovan contributed to the National League’s thrilling win, which was decided in a rare home run derby-style swing-off. His performance, including a key hit in the sixth inning, helped solidify the NL’s victory in a game that was as much about entertainment as competition.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle showed off his playful side with a cheeky message to teammate Kyle Juszczyk’s wife, Kristin, during a podcast appearance. After praising her as "really cool," he jokingly added, "...but Kyle’s way cooler," sparking laughter and highlighting the tight-knit (and humorous) dynamic among the team’s families.

Erik ten Hag, now managing Bayer Leverkusen, has opened up about his close relationship with Manchester United winger Antony, calling him "like a son." However, he’s hinted that a reunion—which would mark the third time ten Hag has signed the player—might not be in the cards this time around.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another transfer rumor—it’s about the unique bond between a manager and a player, and how those relationships shape careers. Ten Hag’s comments suggest loyalty and personal ties still matter in the cutthroat world of football, even if practical decisions (like another transfer) might not always follow. For fans, it’s a peek behind the scenes at how managers weigh emotion against strategy.

Barcelona is stuck in a tough spot trying to figure out what to do with 18-year-old rising star Ibrahim Diarra. Several clubs in Spain and France are circling, but Barça hasn’t decided whether to promote him, loan him out, or cash in—a classic youth talent dilemma for a club juggling financial and sporting pressures.

Editor’s Note: Young talents like Diarra are both an opportunity and a headache for big clubs. Barcelona’s financial mess makes every decision high-stakes—lose him, and they risk another "what if?" story; keep him without a clear path, and his development stalls. For fans, it’s another test of whether the club can rebuild wisely.

The Wallabies are finally adding player names to the back of their jerseys for the first time this weekend—just as Nick Champion de Crespigny, whose lengthy name might test the kit manager’s patience, makes his debut. Meanwhile, the British and Irish Lions are also sporting names on their shirts for the first time during this tour.

Editor’s Note: It’s a small but notable shift in rugby tradition—jerseys with names make players more recognizable to fans, especially casual viewers. The timing is amusing (imagine fitting "Champion de Crespigny" on a shirt), but it’s also a sign of the sport modernizing, even if just a little. For die-hard fans, it might not change much, but for newcomers, it’s a helpful tweak.