On Thursday, the NBA imposed severe penalties on the Los Angeles Clippers for cap circumvention in the Kawhi Leonard scandal. The league suspended Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fined the team $30 million, and mandated the forfeiture of five first-round picks. The Clippers have vowed to challenge these punishments, but their chances of reduction remain uncertain. Notably, Leonard emerged from the saga with minimal consequences.

In NFL news, Kirk Cousins will start over Fernando Mendoza for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, breaking a streak of five consecutive No. 1 overall quarterbacks starting their rookie seasons. This decision follows Mendoza’s inconsistent preseason performance.

In golf, Tiger Woods accepted a plea deal in his DUI case, reducing charges to reckless driving, which allows him to avoid jail time but results in a five-year license suspension. Woods’ arrest followed a rollover crash in Florida earlier this year.

The Georgia attorney general has called for the SEC to consider suspending or expelling LSU over roster issues involving former NFL players. This request highlights the ongoing tensions within college athletics, particularly under the scrutiny of compliance.

In college football, Dante Moore of Oregon topped the CFB QB rankings, thanks to an improved supporting cast expected to elevate his performance this season. Moore aims to surpass last year's impressive stats of 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns as he leads the Ducks.

Lastly, Justin Tucker, the eight-time All-Pro kicker, has worked out with the New York Jets as he seeks a return to the NFL after facing allegations of misconduct in 2024.