EDITOR’S NOTE
Earlier this summer, I endured a frustrating travel delay on my trip to visit friends abroad. But compared to the now-viral story of the two women who supposedly went to Tunis, Tunisia, instead of to Nice, France — my travel headache was nothing. (To be fair, Tunis and to Nice do sound similar.) I’m hoping to avoid any such hiccups when the FIFA World Cup rolls around next year — and luckily, it’s not too late to enter the presale ticket draw. But before I get too far ahead of myself, I have to shout out the US Open champions: Aryna Sabalenka (can we have a moment for her championship dress?) and Carlos Alcaraz (who’s sporting a fresh, new hair color). Turns out, the two also share more than just titles. Now, let’s get into what else is making sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Psst… It’s another weekend of can’t-miss NWSL action. Catch the Kansas City Current vs. Washington Spirit Saturday at 7:30 pm ET on ION.
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
America's Game Is Back (and So Is the Chaos)
What's going on: Between the Buffalo Bills’ stunning comeback, Aaron Rodgers’s revenge performance, and the Green Bay Packers’ win (Micah Parsons adjusted real quick) — Sunday Night Football is so back. But it’s not all touchdowns and end-zone dances — though this performance is worth a watch. Enter: a spit, a slap, and not one, but two sex toys. Nope, you didn’t read that wrong. Last week, Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott appeared to spit in the direction of Philadelphia Eagles lineman Jalen Carter, who spat right back. Meanwhile, Swifties rallied behind Travis Kelce, who got slapped during the Chiefs-Chargers matchup in Brazil. And just when we thought bizarre fan behavior had peaked with the WNBA, green dildos hit the field at two NFL games. We’re pretty sure that wasn’t part of anyone’s game plan.
Our take: The regular season’s just getting started, but it’s already packed with more twists and turns than a daytime soap. The NFL’s 32 teams will grind through an 18-week marathon. Meanwhile, Super Bowl buzz is already building, with fans and pundits crowning favorites off of Week 1 fireworks — they’ve never had a midseason injury crush their soul, and it shows. (Tom Brady, for his part, maintains this is the No. 1 NFL team.) Of course, speculation is also swirling over who will take over the halftime stage. It’s safe to say fans are in for plenty more wild moments and the kind of drama scripted TV could only dream of.
Related: Josh Allen’s Game-Day Look Turns Heads for All the Right Reasons (Well Played)
Standing Five
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
👀 A women’s soccer club just broke a sports taboo with this bold detail on their opener uniform. (Well Played)
⚖️ Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson tried to trademark Patriots slogans, but the wild part is who already has them. (Sports Illustrated)
⚾ After a Phillies fan went viral for snatching a kid’s ball, the boy’s dad responded with unreal grace. (Well Played)
📷 Naomi Osaka dropped her photo roll from her time in New York, and it’s equal parts adorable and chaotic. She really put in that last slide. (Instagram)
🏈 Peyton Manning aimed for the heavens with this guest request for his show. Like, the biggest of Hail Marys. (People)
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Why's the WNBA facing accusations it lied about Caitlin Clark's injury status?
After months of missing games due to injury, the Indiana Fever guard announced that her 2025 season would be over due to groin and quad injuries. Now, fans are questioning whether the WNBA and the Indiana Fever intentionally misled the public on the severity of her pain. Clark only played in 13 of the 44 games this season. But Fever reporters have said the team was just giving Clark as much time as necessary to get healthy and not risk further problems. Meanwhile, player health has been a hot topic this year, particularly in light of the WNBA’s demanding season.
FEATURED EXPERT:
Caroline Hendershot
Reporter for the New York Jets and co-host of Well Played.
The Press Box
Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin is winning over fans with her game and her personality. Now, she’s locking in for the playoffs — and opening up about her team’s chemistry, what people still get wrong about the WNBA, and her alter ego.
Q: Your team just made the playoffs. How excited are you?
A: It’s been a long time coming. I think we always kind of knew that we could do this. It’s just the fact that nobody else thought we could. I’m just really proud of how far we’ve come this season.
Q: How would you describe your team’s culture?
A: What’s cool about being the first inaugural team is we got to set what we wanted Golden State basketball to be … The fact that we all just got picked and placed on this team and then all ended up really, really liking each other is just kind of unique. So we’ve bonded over that.
Q: What is one thing that you wish people knew about the WNBA?
A: We’re all just people. We’re all somebody’s daughter, somebody’s sister, things like that, because I think people are really critical of our game.
Q: You mentioned you’re a fan of the MTV show Jersey Shore. Which star are you?
A: I think I would be JWoww. She’s my alter ego. KWoww … I opened a can of worms I didn’t want to open here.
To watch the full interview, check out this week’s episode.
This interview was edited for clarity.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
If your AC just doesn’t cut it, this powerful standing fan will come in handy for your next at-home workout, or if you’re a sweaty sleeper.
Our favorite travel neck pillow now comes in limited-edition MLB patterns. So you can show your team pride on your way to the game (and keep your neck comfortable).
Prepping for a tailgate? Don’t forget this sturdy, ultra-portable cooler bag. It can hold up to 30 drink cans and keeps everything inside cold for a full 48 hours.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Photos: Timothy T Ludwig, Ezra Shaw, Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images | Design: theSkimm
Psst...don't want sports updates? Click here.
Live Smarter
Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.