Sports broadcaster Taylor Rooks revealed Wednesday night that she recently got married, announcing the news in an Instagram post.

Rooks, who has worked broadcasts for TNT and ‘Thursday Night Football’ and will soon be the host for Prime Video’s NBA coverage as Amazon begins NBA broadcasts in 2025-26, had her wedding ceremony in New York.

The guest list included several notable names, including Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, rapper Jack Harlow and singer Ella Mai.

Several NBA players, including Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets), Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors) and Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), were in attendance to celebrate.

Who did Taylor Rooks marry?

Rooks’ wedding announcement came as a shock to most on the internet and also left many wondering who her new husband is.

She and her husband were featured together in several photographs in the Instagram post, but the most revealing information about him came in a photograph he wasn’t in.

One of the photos included a menu with the food options available at the celebration, but it also included his first name. The top of the menu read: “Taylor & Shane.”

USC men’s basketball freshman Alijah Arenas has suffered a knee injury, according to the university.

The 6-foot-6, 195-pound guard is expected to miss six to eight months after having surgery, which likely would rule him out for the 2025-26 season.

He is the son of former NBA point guard Gilbert Arenas.

Alijah Arenas was tabbed a 5-star recruit and ranked as the 10th overall player in the 2025 class by 247sports. He recently graduated from Chatsworth High School.

Arenas played in the McDonald’s All-American as a member of the West on April 1.

He was placed in a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation after being involved in a car accident on April 24.

His Tesla Cybertruck had crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree before the car caught on fire.

He did not suffer any major injuries and was released from the hospital a week later.

Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge, the Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo and Vancouver FC’s Brian White each scored goals to help Major League Soccer beat Liga MX standouts during the 2025 MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 23 at Q2 Stadium in Austin.

Baribo earned MLS All-Star MVP honors after his goal in the 51st minute secured the victory for MLS, which avenged a 4-1 loss to its Liga MX counterparts last year in Columbus, Ohio.

Baribo finished an assist from the Columbus Crew’s Diego Rossi, who also had an assist in the 2024 MLS All-Star game.

Surridge, tied with Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot lead with 18 goals this season, scored in the 28th minute on an assist from LAFC star Denis Bouanga to kick-start the MLS effort.

White, one of four Vancouver All-Stars, scored in the 80th minute to seal the victory, with an assist from Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire) and the second assist from Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes).

The most noteworthy goal in the match was scored by 16-year-old Gilberto Mora in the 64th minute. Mora plays for Club Tijuana, and started for Mexico in its Concacaf Gold Cup win against the U.S. men’s national team last month.

The victory helped MLS take a 3-1 lead in its All-Star series against Liga MX.

Messi and fellow Inter Miami All-Star Jordi Alba did not play in the match.

Check out these highlights from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game:

MLS All-Star Game highlights

MLS 3, LIGA MX 1: Brian White scores goal

Vancouver’s Brian White scored in the 80th minute to restore a two-goal lead for the MLS All-Stars. White was assisted by Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire), with the second assist by Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes).

The goal was awarded to White, despite the ball being deflected off the foot of Liga MX’s Brian Rodriguez and into the net.

MLS 2, LIGA MX 1: Takaoka prevents LIGA MX goal

Vancouver FC goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka prevented a game-tying goal in the 75th minute, defending a shot by Necaxa’s Diber Cambindo,

MLS 2, LIGA MX 1: 16-year-old Gilberto Mora scores goal

Gilberto Mora, the 16-year-old prodigy who helped Mexico beat the U.S. men’s national team in the Gold Cup earlier this month, has scored in the MLS All-Star Game.

Mora, of Club Tijuana, scored in the 64th minute to narrow the MLS lead in the second half. He is the youngest player to play for Liga MX in the MLS All-Star Game.

MLS 2, LIGA MX 0: MLS makes six more substitutions in 61′

In: White, Zinckernagel, Freeman, Gil, Vargas, Takaoka

Out: Baribo, Rossi, Pasalic, Mukhtar, Tverskov, St. Clair

MLS 2, LIGA MX 0: Tai Baribo scores goal in second half

The Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo has scored in the 51st minute to double the lead for the MLS All-Stars.

Baribo finished a stellar assist by Columbus Crew’s Diego Rossi during the sequence.

MLS 1, LIGA MX 0: Here are the halftime substitutions

Here are the subs for MLS:

In: M. Robinson; M. Arfsten; C. Espinoza; D. Luna.

Out: M. Boxall; K. Wagner; S. Berhalter; Evander.

Liga MX swapped its entire lineup at halftime:

In: G. Ferrareis; W. Ditta; Á. Zendejas; K. Castañeda; E. Montiel; K. Mier; J. Pereira; A. Aceves; G. Mora; D. Cambindo; Brian Rodríguez.

Out: I. Reyes; L. Garcia; J. Brunetta; R. Dourado; A. Palavecino; L. Malagón; S. Ramos; J. Gallardo; S. Canales; Á. Sepúlveda; R. Alvarado.

MLS 1, LIGA MX 0: MLS makes seven substitutions in 35’

MLS has already made seven substitutions in the first half, to account for players’ upcoming schedules with six games scheduled for Friday, July 24.

In: D. St. Clair; J. Glesnes; J. Tverskov; H. Mukhtar; M. Pašalić; T. Baribo; D. Rossi

Out: B. Stuver; T. Blackmon; A. Nájar; A. Dreyer; H. Lozano; S. Surridge; D. Bouanga

MLS 1, LIGA MX 0: Sam Surridge scores goal

Nashville’s Sam Surridge, tied with Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot lead with 18 goals this season, has scored the first goal in the MLS All-Star Game.

Surridge provided the finish with a header inside the box in the 28th minute, confirmed after a lengthy VAR, following a pass by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.

MLS 0, LIGA MX 0: Luis Malagón makes big save on shot by Evander

The MLS All-Stars nearly broke the scoreless deadlock in the 13th minute following a corner kick. Following the corner, the ball bounced to FC Cincinnati’s Evander, who rifled a shot on goal from outside the 18-yard box that was saved by Club América’s Luis Malagón, who dove to make the one-handed block.

How to watch the MLS All-Star Game

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, at 9 p.m. ET at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Fans can catch all the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Date: Wednesday, July 23
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Stream:Apple TV
Location: Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas

Watch MLS All-Star on Apple TV

MLS All-Star starting 11

Liga MX All-Star starting 11

Juan Brunetta (Club Santos Laguna)
Angel Sepulveda (Club Querétaro)
Roberto Alvarado (Chivas Guadalajara)
Agustín Palavecino (Club Necaxa)
Rodrigo Dourado (Atlético de San Luis)
Sergio Canales (CF Monterrey)
Israel Reyes (Club América)
Sergio Ramos (CF Monterrey)
Luan (Toluca FC)
Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
Luis Malagón (Club América)

2025 MLS All-Star roster

Goalkeepers:

Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC / Voted In)
Brad Stuver (Austin FC / Coach’s Selection)
Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps FC / Coach’s Selection)

Defenders:

Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew / Coach’s Selection)
Guilherme Biro (Austin FC / late addition)
Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps FC / Voted In)
Michael Boxall (Minnesota United FC / Voted In)
Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC / Voted In)
Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union / Coach’s Selection)
Andy Najar (Nashville SC / Coach’s Selection)
Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati / Coach’s Selection)

Midfielders:

Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC / Voted In)
David Da Costa (Portland Timbers / Coach’s Selection)
Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes / Coach’s Addition)
Evander (FC Cincinnati / Voted In)
Carles Gil (New England Revolution / Coach’s Addition)
Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake / Voted In)
Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC / Coach’s Addition) 
Jeppe Tverskov (San Diego FC / Coach’s Selection)
Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders / Coach’s Addition) 
Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire FC / Coach’s Selection)

Forwards:

Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC / Commissioner’s Pick)
Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union / Voted In)
Denis Bouanga (LAFC / Voted In)
Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC / Coach’s Selection)
Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano (San Diego FC / Commissioner’s Pick)
Marco Pašalić (Orlando City SC / Coach’s Addition)
Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew / Coach’s Selection)
Sam Surridge (Nashville SC / Coach’s Addition) 
Brandon Vazquez (Austin FC / Coach’s Selection /Injured)
Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps FC / Voted In)

2025 Liga MX All-Star roster

Goalkeepers:

Luis Malagón (Club América)
Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul)

Defenders:

Sebastián Cáceres (Club América | Coach’s Selection)
Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul | Center Back of the Year)
Luan García (Toluca | Coach’s Selection)
Jesús Gallardo (Toluca | Fullback of the Year)
Joaquim Pereira (Tigres UANL | Balón de Oro nominee)
Sergio Ramos (CF Monterrey | Coach’s Selection)
Israel Reyes (Club América | Coach’s Selection)
Ignacio Rivero (Cruz Azul | Coach’s Selection)
Carlos Rotondi (Cruz Azul | Balón de Oro nominee)

Midfielders:

Roberto Alvarado (Chivas Guadalajara | Coach’s Selection)
Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL | Coach’s Selection)
Sergio Canales (CF Monterrey | Balón de Oro nominee)
Rodrigo Dourado (Atlético San Luis | Coach’s Selection)
Érik Lira (Cruz Azul | Balón de Oro nominee)
Elías Montiel (CF Pachuca | Coach’s Selection)
Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana | Balón de Oro nominee)
James Rodríguez (Club León | Coach’s Selection)
Marcel Ruíz (Toluca | Coach’s Selection)
Agustín Palavecino (Necaxa | Defensive Midfielder of the Year)
Alejandro Zendejas (Club América | Coach’s Selection)

Forwards:

Diber Cambindo (Necaxa | Coach’s Selection)
Hugo Camberos (Chivas Guadalajara | Newcomer of the Year)
Uroš Đurđević (Atlas | FMF President Selection)
Henry Martín (Club América | Balón de Oro nominee)
Paulinho (Toluca | Forward of the Year)
Brian Rodríguez (Club América | Coach’s Selection)
Alexis Vega (Toluca | Attacking Midfielder of the Year)

Previous MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game results

2024 (Columbus): Liga MX 4, MLS 1
2022 (Minnesota): MLS 2, Liga MX 1
2021 (Los Angeles): MLS 1, Liga MX 1 (MLS won penalty shootout, 3-2)

Why Mexican league partnership is vital for MLS

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is Wednesday, July 23 in Austin, Texas, with the best in MLS taking on the Liga MX All-Stars at Q2 Stadium.

It’s the fourth time in five years that MLS has chosen an All-Star team from Mexico’s top flight as its All-Star Game opponent, and it’s not hard to see why. There is a longstanding soccer rivalry between the countries at the national team level, and that extends to club play. MLS vs. Liga MX matches have often been fiery and dramatic, and there’s no more reliable method for each league to test itself than by facing its next-door neighbor.

The links between the two leagues go deeper than that, though, with MLS and Liga MX openly discussing ideas on how the two sides could go closer. — Jason Anderson

MLS All-Stars 30 years later: How the league moved the ball forward

Since its inaugural season in 1996, just two years after the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup, MLS has steadily grown alongside the nation’s rising interest in soccer.

Over the past three decades, global icons such as Carlos Valderrama, David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović have brought star power and credibility to the league, helping shape its identity and elevate its global standing. — Safid Deen and Ramon Padilla

30 best players in MLS history: From BWP to Beckham, Messi to Moreno

MLS has seen its fair share of stars over what is now a 30-season lifespan. Whether those players were global icons, cult figures, or unknowns who used the league to make their name in the soccer world, the league has seen some outstanding talents grace its fields.

USA TODAY made its picks for the 30 best players in MLS history. — Jason Anderson

USA TODAY Sports’ 48-page special edition commemorates 30 years of Major League Soccer, from its best players to key milestones and championship dynasties to what exciting steps are next with the World Cup ahead. Order your copy today!

Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge, the Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo and Vancouver FC’s Brian White each scored goals to help Major League Soccer beat Liga MX standouts during the 2025 MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 23 at Q2 Stadium in Austin.

Baribo earned MLS All-Star MVP honors after his goal in the 51st minute secured the victory for MLS, which avenged a 4-1 loss to its Liga MX counterparts last year in Columbus, Ohio.

Baribo finished an assist from the Columbus Crew’s Diego Rossi, who also had an assist in the 2024 MLS All-Star game.

Surridge, tied with Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot lead with 18 goals this season, scored in the 28th minute on an assist from LAFC star Denis Bouanga to kick-start the MLS effort.

White, one of four Vancouver All-Stars, scored in the 80th minute to seal the victory, with an assist from Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire) and the second assist from Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes).

The most noteworthy goal in the match was scored by 16-year-old Gilberto Mora in the 64th minute. Mora plays for Club Tijuana, and started for Mexico in its Concacaf Gold Cup win against the U.S. men’s national team last month.

The victory helped MLS take a 3-1 lead in its All-Star series against Liga MX.

Messi and fellow Inter Miami All-Star Jordi Alba did not play in the match.

Check out these highlights from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game:

MLS All-Star Game highlights

MLS 3, LIGA MX 1: Brian White scores goal

Vancouver’s Brian White scored in the 80th minute to restore a two-goal lead for the MLS All-Stars. White was assisted by Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire), with the second assist by Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes).

The goal was awarded to White, despite the ball being deflected off the foot of Liga MX’s Brian Rodriguez and into the net.

MLS 2, LIGA MX 1: Takaoka prevents LIGA MX goal

Vancouver FC goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka prevented a game-tying goal in the 75th minute, defending a shot by Necaxa’s Diber Cambindo,

MLS 2, LIGA MX 1: 16-year-old Gilberto Mora scores goal

Gilberto Mora, the 16-year-old prodigy who helped Mexico beat the U.S. men’s national team in the Gold Cup earlier this month, has scored in the MLS All-Star Game.

Mora, of Club Tijuana, scored in the 64th minute to narrow the MLS lead in the second half. He is the youngest player to play for Liga MX in the MLS All-Star Game.

MLS 2, LIGA MX 0: MLS makes six more substitutions in 61′

In: White, Zinckernagel, Freeman, Gil, Vargas, Takaoka

Out: Baribo, Rossi, Pasalic, Mukhtar, Tverskov, St. Clair

MLS 2, LIGA MX 0: Tai Baribo scores goal in second half

The Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo has scored in the 51st minute to double the lead for the MLS All-Stars.

Baribo finished a stellar assist by Columbus Crew’s Diego Rossi during the sequence.

MLS 1, LIGA MX 0: Here are the halftime substitutions

Here are the subs for MLS:

In: M. Robinson; M. Arfsten; C. Espinoza; D. Luna.

Out: M. Boxall; K. Wagner; S. Berhalter; Evander.

Liga MX swapped its entire lineup at halftime:

In: G. Ferrareis; W. Ditta; Á. Zendejas; K. Castañeda; E. Montiel; K. Mier; J. Pereira; A. Aceves; G. Mora; D. Cambindo; Brian Rodríguez.

Out: I. Reyes; L. Garcia; J. Brunetta; R. Dourado; A. Palavecino; L. Malagón; S. Ramos; J. Gallardo; S. Canales; Á. Sepúlveda; R. Alvarado.

MLS 1, LIGA MX 0: MLS makes seven substitutions in 35’

MLS has already made seven substitutions in the first half, to account for players’ upcoming schedules with six games scheduled for Friday, July 24.

In: D. St. Clair; J. Glesnes; J. Tverskov; H. Mukhtar; M. Pašalić; T. Baribo; D. Rossi

Out: B. Stuver; T. Blackmon; A. Nájar; A. Dreyer; H. Lozano; S. Surridge; D. Bouanga

MLS 1, LIGA MX 0: Sam Surridge scores goal

Nashville’s Sam Surridge, tied with Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot lead with 18 goals this season, has scored the first goal in the MLS All-Star Game.

Surridge provided the finish with a header inside the box in the 28th minute, confirmed after a lengthy VAR, following a pass by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.

MLS 0, LIGA MX 0: Luis Malagón makes big save on shot by Evander

The MLS All-Stars nearly broke the scoreless deadlock in the 13th minute following a corner kick. Following the corner, the ball bounced to FC Cincinnati’s Evander, who rifled a shot on goal from outside the 18-yard box that was saved by Club América’s Luis Malagón, who dove to make the one-handed block.

How to watch the MLS All-Star Game

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, at 9 p.m. ET at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Fans can catch all the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Date: Wednesday, July 23
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Stream:Apple TV
Location: Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas

Watch MLS All-Star on Apple TV

MLS All-Star starting 11

Liga MX All-Star starting 11

Juan Brunetta (Club Santos Laguna)
Angel Sepulveda (Club Querétaro)
Roberto Alvarado (Chivas Guadalajara)
Agustín Palavecino (Club Necaxa)
Rodrigo Dourado (Atlético de San Luis)
Sergio Canales (CF Monterrey)
Israel Reyes (Club América)
Sergio Ramos (CF Monterrey)
Luan (Toluca FC)
Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
Luis Malagón (Club América)

2025 MLS All-Star roster

Goalkeepers:

Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC / Voted In)
Brad Stuver (Austin FC / Coach’s Selection)
Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps FC / Coach’s Selection)

Defenders:

Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew / Coach’s Selection)
Guilherme Biro (Austin FC / late addition)
Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps FC / Voted In)
Michael Boxall (Minnesota United FC / Voted In)
Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC / Voted In)
Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union / Coach’s Selection)
Andy Najar (Nashville SC / Coach’s Selection)
Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati / Coach’s Selection)

Midfielders:

Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC / Voted In)
David Da Costa (Portland Timbers / Coach’s Selection)
Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes / Coach’s Addition)
Evander (FC Cincinnati / Voted In)
Carles Gil (New England Revolution / Coach’s Addition)
Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake / Voted In)
Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC / Coach’s Addition) 
Jeppe Tverskov (San Diego FC / Coach’s Selection)
Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders / Coach’s Addition) 
Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire FC / Coach’s Selection)

Forwards:

Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC / Commissioner’s Pick)
Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union / Voted In)
Denis Bouanga (LAFC / Voted In)
Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC / Coach’s Selection)
Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano (San Diego FC / Commissioner’s Pick)
Marco Pašalić (Orlando City SC / Coach’s Addition)
Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew / Coach’s Selection)
Sam Surridge (Nashville SC / Coach’s Addition) 
Brandon Vazquez (Austin FC / Coach’s Selection /Injured)
Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps FC / Voted In)

2025 Liga MX All-Star roster

Goalkeepers:

Luis Malagón (Club América)
Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul)

Defenders:

Sebastián Cáceres (Club América | Coach’s Selection)
Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul | Center Back of the Year)
Luan García (Toluca | Coach’s Selection)
Jesús Gallardo (Toluca | Fullback of the Year)
Joaquim Pereira (Tigres UANL | Balón de Oro nominee)
Sergio Ramos (CF Monterrey | Coach’s Selection)
Israel Reyes (Club América | Coach’s Selection)
Ignacio Rivero (Cruz Azul | Coach’s Selection)
Carlos Rotondi (Cruz Azul | Balón de Oro nominee)

Midfielders:

Roberto Alvarado (Chivas Guadalajara | Coach’s Selection)
Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL | Coach’s Selection)
Sergio Canales (CF Monterrey | Balón de Oro nominee)
Rodrigo Dourado (Atlético San Luis | Coach’s Selection)
Érik Lira (Cruz Azul | Balón de Oro nominee)
Elías Montiel (CF Pachuca | Coach’s Selection)
Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana | Balón de Oro nominee)
James Rodríguez (Club León | Coach’s Selection)
Marcel Ruíz (Toluca | Coach’s Selection)
Agustín Palavecino (Necaxa | Defensive Midfielder of the Year)
Alejandro Zendejas (Club América | Coach’s Selection)

Forwards:

Diber Cambindo (Necaxa | Coach’s Selection)
Hugo Camberos (Chivas Guadalajara | Newcomer of the Year)
Uroš Đurđević (Atlas | FMF President Selection)
Henry Martín (Club América | Balón de Oro nominee)
Paulinho (Toluca | Forward of the Year)
Brian Rodríguez (Club América | Coach’s Selection)
Alexis Vega (Toluca | Attacking Midfielder of the Year)

Previous MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game results

2024 (Columbus): Liga MX 4, MLS 1
2022 (Minnesota): MLS 2, Liga MX 1
2021 (Los Angeles): MLS 1, Liga MX 1 (MLS won penalty shootout, 3-2)

Why Mexican league partnership is vital for MLS

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is Wednesday, July 23 in Austin, Texas, with the best in MLS taking on the Liga MX All-Stars at Q2 Stadium.

It’s the fourth time in five years that MLS has chosen an All-Star team from Mexico’s top flight as its All-Star Game opponent, and it’s not hard to see why. There is a longstanding soccer rivalry between the countries at the national team level, and that extends to club play. MLS vs. Liga MX matches have often been fiery and dramatic, and there’s no more reliable method for each league to test itself than by facing its next-door neighbor.

The links between the two leagues go deeper than that, though, with MLS and Liga MX openly discussing ideas on how the two sides could go closer. — Jason Anderson

MLS All-Stars 30 years later: How the league moved the ball forward

Since its inaugural season in 1996, just two years after the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup, MLS has steadily grown alongside the nation’s rising interest in soccer.

Over the past three decades, global icons such as Carlos Valderrama, David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović have brought star power and credibility to the league, helping shape its identity and elevate its global standing. — Safid Deen and Ramon Padilla

30 best players in MLS history: From BWP to Beckham, Messi to Moreno

MLS has seen its fair share of stars over what is now a 30-season lifespan. Whether those players were global icons, cult figures, or unknowns who used the league to make their name in the soccer world, the league has seen some outstanding talents grace its fields.

USA TODAY made its picks for the 30 best players in MLS history. — Jason Anderson

USA TODAY Sports’ 48-page special edition commemorates 30 years of Major League Soccer, from its best players to key milestones and championship dynasties to what exciting steps are next with the World Cup ahead. Order your copy today!

The California Supreme Court has rejected a bid by former NFL tight end Kellen Winslow II to get his 14-year prison sentence reduced after he was convicted of sex crimes against five women in San Diego County, including the rape of a homeless woman in 2018.

Winslow’s attorney had filed the habeas corpus petition in March, arguing that recent criminal justice reform laws in California allowed for him to be resentenced to account for his history of head trauma in football and the alleged sex abuse he suffered as a minor.

But the petition was denied by the Supreme Court July 23 with only a brief explanation. The court cited precedent and said a habeas corpus petition “must include copies of reasonably available documentary evidence.” It also said that “courts will not entertain habeas corpus claims that could have been, but were not, raised on appeal.”

The latter reason was why his petition also was rejected by a state appeals court in January.  Winslow, 42, currently is incarcerated at a prison in Chino, California, and is not eligible for parole until August 2028, according to state records. He played football at the University of Miami and was the No. 6 overall draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2004.

What was Kellen Winslow II’s argument?

His attorney, Patrick Morgan Ford, asked the court to grant the petition or order an evidentiary hearing so that he may be returned to be returned for resentencing under the new sentencing laws. He ultimately sought a two-year reduction in his 14-year sentence, which was issued in 2021.

“Petitioner (Winslow) is not asking to be released from prison at this time, but he does meet the criteria for relief under (state law) AB 124, given the trauma (brain damage) he received in his life of football, physical and sexual abuse he was subjected to as a child, and the impact of his debilitating motorcycle accident” in 2005, Winslow’s petition stated.

The attorney argued the new laws would have changed the sentencing analysis and led to a more favorable sentence. He also noted Winslow was given neuropsychological testing “which showed deficits caused by decreased blood flow in his frontal, temporal and occipital lobes, which is typical of traumatic brain injury.”

The Supreme Court still found a procedural problem with the petition. Winslow previously filed an appeal of his sentence in 2021, when he sought 233 days of custody credit for time he spent on electronic monitoring. That appeal was pending when the new state laws went into effect, but Winslow’s attorney didn’t raise those issues at the time. The state appeals court previously said he should have raised those issues then and rejected his petition.

Winslow’s life in prison described

Winslow agreed to a plea deal for his crimes, which included the rape of a woman who was unconscious in 2003. In a previous bid to get resentenced, Winslow said in a declaration filed with the court that “I will always feel remorse for what I did to the victims in my case.”

“Since entering prison, he has devoted himself to the teachings of the Bible, to helping others, to self-improvement and a productive life outside of prison, a plan that will include ongoing therapy,” Winslow’s petition to the state Supreme Court stated. “He is actively programming in prison, and is described by the director of his Anger Management class as a role model to other participants in the group. He is on a strict running program training for marathons, and has other inmates in the program as well. Inmates have sent letters expressing their gratitude for his support during their dark and difficult struggles in prison.”

Winslow’s father Kellen, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, attended his son’s trial in San Diego County and also claimed injuries from head trauma in football.

Kellen Winslow II’s attorney didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

Pitcher Justin Verlander finally put an end to an ignominious streak that had reached historic proportions.

Verlander got his first win in 17 starts with the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, July 23, allowing one hit over five scoreless innings in a 9-3 victory against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. It ended the longest streak of starts without a win in Giants history and the longest skid of Verlander’s 20-year MLB career.

The three-time Cy Young winner battled through five walks and didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning to register his first win since he signed a one-year, $15 million contract with San Francisco this past offseason. Verlander, 42, is the active leader in career wins among MLB pitchers with 263 after Wednesday’s triumph. The game featured two home runs by recent Giants acquisition Rafael Devers.

Verlander had not won since Sept. 28, 2024, when he was still pitching for the Houston Astros. He missed a month of action earlier this season with a strained right pectoral muscle. His earned run average improved from 4.99 to 4.70 after Wednesday’s start, which included Verlander navigating a 40-pitch first inning.

He said afterward this win was more significant for him than a typical regular-season game because of what he has been through so far this year.

‘Sometimes when things are going well, you take things for granted and sometimes, you go out there and pitch every five days and you’re winning most of them, and you’re in the high-five line afterwards,’ Verlander said, according to MLB.com. ‘It’s been a tough stretch physically and on the mound. Hopefully this can get the ball rolling in the right direction.’

The Giants (54-49) remain in the thick of the National League wild card race and sit 1.5 games behind the San Diego Padres for the final spot in the postseason after beating the Braves.

If at first you don’t succeed − well, that’s been a way of life for the Cleveland Browns during the past six decades or so. And, despite what you might think, that apparently includes their headgear.

The only team in the NFL that doesn’t sport any kind of logo on its helmets − and one of four to never reach the Super Bowl − is taking another stab at an alternate dome after occasionally wearing a white one the past two seasons. Wednesday, the Browns revealed a new-look lid that will be worn at times in 2025, one that features … a lot of matte brown with orange stripes.

The team is calling the new crown it’s ‘Alpha Dawg,’ which, much to the delight of the internet, is sponsored by DUDE Wipes, the company even providing a statement with the team’s news release.

‘As the kings of keeping things clean, we’re here to back the Browns as they embrace a bold new look this season − with the launch of their all-brown alternate helmets,’ said Ryan Meegan, the co-founder and CMO of DUDE Wipes.

‘We’re pumped to team up with the Browns for one of the most iconic helmet reveals the league has ever seen.’

Ironically, the ‘Alpha Dawg’ helmets are the first brown ones the team has had since it was founded in 1946. They will be worn three times during the 2025 season in a monochromatic presentation along with the club’s brown jerseys and pants.

“‘Alpha Dawg’ embodies what we set out to be as the Cleveland Browns, the leaders of the pack. We’re excited about this new alternate helmet and the ode it pays to the rich history of the color brown as part of our organization, switching it up from our iconic orange helmets,” said team executive vice president JW Johnson in a statement.

Like the team’s traditional orange helmets, the brown and white alternates feature no insignia and only employ three stripes down the centerline.

Notably, a team that has never reached the Super Bowl, has gone 2-4 in the throwback white unis during the past two seasons and lost running back Nick Chubb to a devastating knee injury when they debuted in Week 2 of the 2023 season.

The Browns originally wore white helmets when they were dominating the All-America Football Conference in the 1940s and during their first two years in the NFL (1950-51).

The team switched to what’s become its (regrettably?) signature orange helmets in 1952.

The Browns, along with every other team, will be permitted to wear alternate and/or throwback uniforms a combined total of four times this season, up from three in previous years.

Notoriously one of the most unforgiving Hall of Fame in sports, Cooperstown will be inducting five new members in 2025 − three elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America and two by the Classic Baseball Era Committee.

Since 2020, only one other Hall of Fame class has had as many members as this year’s (seven in 2022), making 2025 one of the largest Cooperstown classes in recent memory. With baseball legends like Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia getting enshrined this year, the ceremony is something that no baseball fan should miss.

Here’s everything to know about the 2025 MLB Hall of Fame induction ceremony:

When is the Hall of Fame ceremony?

The ceremony is set for Sunday, July 27 at 1:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on MLB Network, MLB.TV, MLB.com and the MLB app. The event will take place at the Clark Sports Center, about a mile south of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.

Who is being inducted?

The three players inducted by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America are 2001 AL MVP and single-season hits record holder Ichiro Suzuki, 2007 AL Cy Young winner and member of the 3,000-strikeout club CC Sabathia, as well as seven-time All-Star closer Billy Wagner.

Dave Parker and Dick Allen were elected by the Classic Baseball Era Committee. Both men will be enshrined posthumously. Parker, who died last month, was NL MVP in 1978, won two World Series with the Pirates and Athletics, and was a two-time batting champ. Allen, who died in 2020, was named AL MVP in 1972. He’s a seven-time All-Star with a career .951 OPS, sixth best of all players in the Integration Era with at least 5,000 plate appearances. The only men with better marks are Ted Williams, Barry Bonds, Mike Trout, Mark McGwire and Mickey Mantle.

What cap will Sabathia wear in Cooperstown?

Sabathia will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a New York Yankee, the 22nd Yankee to be enshrined in Cooperstown. Sabathia spent 11 years in pinstripes, compared to 7.5 as a member of the Cleveland franchise. Sabathia won his only World Series title with the Yankees. He also finished top five in Cy Young voting in each of his first three seasons in the Bronx.

The decisions for Ichiro and Wagner were much simpler as both players are best known for one team: the Mariners and Astros respectively. Parker will go into the Hall as a Pirate, while Allen will be enshrined as a member of the Phillies.

World champion Claressa Shields joined The Pivot Podcast ahead of her highly anticipated fight against Lani Daniels in Michigan on Saturday, July 26, where she discussed her future outside of boxing.

The Pivot Podcast, hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor, featured a discussion with boxing star Shields. During the episode, she announced her plans to start a family with her partner, rapper Papoose, next year. She explained that one of the main reasons for this decision is her desire to be present for her children rather than waiting until later in her career to start a family. Although she plans to take time off to have a child, she intends to return to the ring to continue her boxing career at some point.

‘I don’t want to wait till I’m, you know, 40, 43, whatever, after my career, to have my kids,’ Shields said on The Pivot Podcast. ‘I want to be able to run at the park with my kids and stuff like that. I don’t want to be too old.”

Shields currently boasts an undefeated record of 16 wins and 0 losses, including three knockouts. As she prepares for her second fight of 2025, following her victory over Danielle Perkins in February, Shields attributes her success to her clean lifestyle. She believes this not only benefits her career but also aligns with her future plans of starting a family.

‘I don’t drink, I don’t smoke—I think that’ll also help me too when I’m going through this whole body and life changing stuff or, you know, whatever, next year,” Shields said.

How to watch Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels fight

Claressa Shields will face Lani Daniels on Saturday, July 26 at the Little Caesar Arena in Detroit.

Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels main event ringwalks: 10 p.m. ET
Stream: DAZN

Watch Shields vs Daniels with DAZN