United States President Donald Trump has suggested LeBron James might be “a racist” when asked to compare the basketball icon to Michael Jordan during a White House news conference.
The controversial remarks arrived shortly after the 41-year-old announced he will be continuing his illustrious career with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Asked about the high-profile move, the American leader opted instead to explain why he considers Jordan to be the greatest player to ever grace the court.
‘Michael Jordan all the way’
When pressed on who holds the title of the sport’s absolute best, the president made his allegiances clear while aiming a barrage of criticism at the new Philadelphia signing.
“Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He’s a really good guy.”
“I think LeBron is, maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know. I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”
A history of political friction
The four-time NBA champion has yet to respond to the latest comments, though he has consistently endorsed Democratic candidates running against the Republican leader.
The league’s all-time leading points scorer famously labelled the president “a bum” in 2017 during a fierce dispute regarding traditional White House invitations for championship-winning franchises.
Chasing a fifth championship
Away from the political arena, the veteran forward is fully focused on securing another career milestone following his monumental decision to head to Pennsylvania.
He joins a formidable roster that now boasts an array of established All-Star talents, including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team.”
The former Los Angeles Lakers star previously claimed four league titles during highly successful stints in Miami, Cleveland, and California.
New York Mets star Juan Soto is scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on his left calf after leaving Friday’s 4-2 defeat by the Los Angeles Dodgers with renewed soreness.
Interim manager Andy Green admitted the setback could force the 27-year-old onto the injured list for a second time this season.
“I think any time you get an image, you’re concerned,” said Green.
“You’re concerned enough to go do it, so we’ll wait until tomorrow and figure out what we’re doing.”
Recurring calf issues
The franchise’s sole All-Star selection missed more than two weeks in April with a strain in the exact same area.
After experiencing a minor flare-up last week, the slugger started as a designated hitter in five of his last seven appearances to reduce stress on his leg.
He suffered a recurrence of symptoms while pushing off to run towards second base during a Bo Bichette double play in the third inning.
Jorge Polanco subsequently replaced him in the batting order ahead of his third plate appearance.
Trade deadline looms
Losing their offensive centrepiece would be a devastating blow to a struggling New York side navigating an already abysmal campaign.
The Dominican outfielder has been a rare bright spot this year, hitting .283 with 21 home runs over 84 games.
His exceptional .947 on-base plus slugging (OPS) figure currently ranks third across the major leagues.
This latest injury concern arrives as the organisation prepares to trade several veteran players ahead of the fast-approaching 3 August deadline.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that two-way star Shohei Ohtani will not return to the pitching rotation next week as he recovers from left knee irritation.
The Japanese sensation has not pitched since 3 July after requiring a lubricant injection in the joint just before the All-Star break.
However, the injury has not affected his hitting, allowing him to remain a regular fixture in the starting lineup as a designated hitter.
October ambitions prioritised
Ohtani is tentatively scheduled to throw another bullpen session at Citi Field on Saturday prior to the series against the New York Mets.
Despite this scheduled progress, the franchise is adopting a highly cautious approach with their prized asset.
“Every player wants to get back out there and do what they do. But I think he understands it’s not about July, it’s about October.”
Roberts added that the team has already invested significant time in his recovery and will remain “nimble” rather than pushing him prematurely.
The four-time Most Valuable Player currently boasts an impressive 8-2 pitching record this season alongside a stellar 1.79 earned run average.
At the plate, the prolific slugger continues to dominate, batting .283 with 22 home runs and 60 RBIs for the National League West leaders.
Dodgers injury updates
Alongside Ohtani, several other key pitchers are working their way back to full fitness for the defending World Series champions.
Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is scheduled for a second rehab start with Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City.
The veteran left-hander has been sidelined since May following the discovery of loose bodies in his elbow.
Meanwhile, star closer Edwin Díaz is expected to rejoin the major league squad on Tuesday following successful back-to-back rehab appearances.
Tyler Glasnow is also trending positively after throwing to hitters in his ongoing recovery from lower back spasms.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been fully cleared for training camp following extensive rehabilitation for torn knee ligaments suffered last December.
The franchise quarterback arrived at Missouri Western State’s campus this week after receiving the green light from both team medical staff and his surgeon, Dr Dan Cooper.
He will now participate fully in 11-on-11 team repetitions to lead the first-team offence throughout the summer.
“I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt, as far as strength and lifting,” Mahomes said.
“I feel amazing, I’m excited just to be able to play football.”
Targeting opening night return
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed there are no plans to limit the star passer’s usual workload during the upcoming practice sessions.
The Kansas City signal-caller has made it his primary objective to start the season opener against the Denver Broncos on 14 September.
Before taking the field, he successfully demonstrated his ability to run, cut and change direction to ensure he can safely protect himself in the pocket.
He will continue to wear a black brace and compression sleeve on his left leg throughout the gruelling training camp programme.
Testing the joint in practice
For the first time since his injury, the offensive leader will line up alongside key weapons including Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Kenneth Walker III.
The playmaker intends to use these vital practice repetitions to sharpen his decision-making and improve his movement from behind the line of scrimmage.
“I want Reid to call plays like we’re going to call it in the regular season,” he added.
“That’s going to be the best way for me to prepare myself, I want to go out there and test the knee.”
The Chiefs’ hierarchy will monitor his progress closely before deciding whether he will feature in their opening two pre-season fixtures.
Real Madrid have submitted a surprise €100m (£85.4m) bid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande in an attempt to hijack Paris St-Germain’s pursuit of the teenager.
The Spanish giants are significantly overhauling their squad under manager Jose Mourinho this summer.
They have already secured defenders Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri also reportedly on their radar.
However, an audacious approach for the highly rated 19-year-old is their most high-profile move of the transfer window so far.
Premier League interest fades
The Ivorian international has attracted intense interest from Europe’s elite clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool.
The Anfield side formally withdrew from the race in late June after having multiple offers rejected.
It was understood the teenage sensation preferred a move to reigning European champions Paris St-Germain.
Despite agreeing personal terms with the French powerhouse, negotiations over a final transfer fee have stalled.
Leipzig hold out for premium fee
Reports suggest the opening offer from Madrid consists of an initial €90m with a further €10m in performance-related add-ons.
The Bundesliga outfit have rejected the proposal as they demand a compensation package closer to €130m.
Leipzig officials remain hopeful of persuading their prized asset to sign a new contract, even though his current deal still has four years left to run.
A successful move to the Santiago Bernabeu could subsequently trigger the departure of attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz before the deadline.
A rising star on the global stage
The lightning-fast attacker established himself as a prominent figure during the recent World Cup.
He provided one assist across four appearances as Ivory Coast reached the last 32 of the tournament.
His domestic form was even more impressive, contributing 12 goals and eight assists in 33 league matches during the previous campaign.
Manchester United and Arsenal are preparing to battle for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in a proposed £40m deal after the Midlands club rejected an approach from Fenerbahce.
The Turkish giants had outlined a £35m offer for the England international, but Villa immediately dismissed the bid.
Despite that firm stance, domestic rivals are now circling as they look to bolster their respective attacking lines ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Reports suggest a fee in the region of £40m could tempt Unai Emery’s side into formal negotiations.
Domino effect in the transfer market
Arsenal are actively considering the prolific goalscorer as an ideal replacement for Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian forward is currently attracting strong interest from Serie A heavyweights AC Milan and is widely expected to depart Emirates Stadium this summer.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest hinges on the immediate future of Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch forward is being heavily linked with a swift return to Italy, with Juventus and AS Roma monitoring his situation closely following his recent move to Old Trafford.
Financial pressures dictate strategy
Aston Villa are navigating a delicate financial landscape as they strive to remain compliant with strict European spending regulations.
The club has already overseen significant squad turnover, including the reported high-profile departures of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers.
With Rogers purportedly securing a staggering £117m club-record move to Chelsea, further structural changes are anticipated at Villa Park.
Securing another substantial fee for their talismanic forward could provide vital financial breathing room for the upcoming domestic season.
Scotland claimed four swimming medals, including two golds, during a spectacular opening night at the Tollcross pool to launch the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The host nation sent the home crowd into a frenzy by securing three podium finishes within a blistering 45-minute window.
A fourth medal followed shortly after to cap off an unforgettable evening in the city’s east end.
Scott makes history with record-breaking swim
Poster boy Duncan Scott triggered the initial gold rush by defending his 200m individual medley title.
The 29-year-old shattered his own Games record to claim his 14th Commonwealth medal.
He delivered a sensational performance by dominating the backstroke and breaststroke legs before powering home in the freestyle.
This same venue is where the decorated Olympian first announced himself on the global stage as a 17-year-old at the 2014 Games.
Clegg and Shanahan secure silver finishes
Inspired by his teammate, Para-swimmer Stephen Clegg battled back from an injury-ravaged year to win silver in the 100m freestyle S13.
The 30-year-old had feared his career was over but showed immense resilience to reach the podium again.
His brother James narrowly missed out on joining him in the medals after finishing fourth in the same race.
Katie Shanahan then upgraded her 2022 bronze to a brilliant silver in the 200m backstroke.
Rogers seals magnificent second gold
The frenzied atmosphere had barely settled before Faye Rogers sparked further celebrations.
The Para-athlete delivered a totally dominant swim to capture gold in the 200m individual medley SM10.
Her rampant victory ensured the home crowd was treated to a second rendition of Flower of Scotland.
Meanwhile, Scottish compatriot Holly McGill narrowly missed out on adding to the tally with a fourth-place finish in her final.
Brighton and Hove Albion are preparing a club-record £60m bid for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall following his request to leave north London.
The 19-year-old has attracted significant interest after finding his pathway to the first team blocked by recent big-money arrivals.
Spurs recently committed £185m to secure Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, breaking their transfer record twice in quick succession.
Those midfield reinforcements prompted the Sweden international to seek regular playing time elsewhere to continue his development.
Forest and Newcastle rebuffed
Tottenham have already rejected multiple approaches for the highly-rated teenager during the current transfer window.
Nottingham Forest saw a £38m proposal dismissed, while Newcastle United had a £46m approach turned down by the capital club.
The north London hierarchy have placed a strict £60m valuation on the midfield prospect.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, the Seagulls are now ready to meet that exact asking price to blow their Premier League rivals out of the water.
A shifting youth strategy
Securing the Scandinavian talent would represent a massive statement of intent for the AMEX Stadium outfit.
Their recruitment team have identified the teenager as a priority target who perfectly fits their renowned developmental model.
While Spurs are reportedly reluctant to lose such an exceptional asset, the financial package on offer may prove impossible to ignore.
The potential departure follows a recent trend of offloading promising academy products, including Luka Vuskovic and Will Lankshear.
A £60m windfall would provide further funds for squad reinforcement, though it means strengthening a direct domestic rival.