DAN GELSTON Sports Writer.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) walks off the field after being disqualified for unsportsman like conduct before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Jalen Carter shames Super Bowl champion Eagles by spitting on Dak Prescott. What happens next?

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter faces backlash after being ejected for spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. This incident occurred just six seconds into the Eagles’ 24-20 victory in the NFL season opener. Carter apologized, calling it a mistake, but he might face further penalties. The NFL has emphasized sportsmanship this season, cracking down on unsportsmanlike conduct. Carter’s past behavior, including multiple penalties, could lead to severe consequences. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts excelled with multiple touchdowns, but Saquon Barkley and others struggled. The Eagles now prepare for a Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City.

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter walks off the field after being disqualified for unsportsman like conduct before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Eagles’ Jalen Carter apologizes following ejection for spitting on Cowboys’ Dak Prescott

Philadelphia defensive tackle Jalen Carter apologized after he was  ejected for spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott moments after the Eagles’ pregame Super Bowl championship celebration. Carter was tossed for for unsportsmanlike conduct six seconds into Philadelphia’s 24-20 victory in the lightning-delayed NFL opener that ended early Friday. The Eagles were hit with a 15-yard penalty before the first snap from scrimmage, and the Cowboys scored on the opening drive. Prescott and Carter exchanged words after the opening kickoff, and Carter spit on Prescott’s jersey. Prescott quickly motioned to a nearby official who threw the flag and sent Carter packing. Fans booed as Carter walked off slowly, holding his helmet in his hands behind his back. Carter apologized after the game.

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs the ball in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Defending champion Eagles edge Cowboys 24-20 in wild, lightning-delayed NFL season opener

Jalen Hurts rushed for two touchdowns for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, who lost their hot-tempered star defender for spitting on Dak Prescott, then withstood a rare weather delay to beat the Dallas Cowboys 24-20 early Friday in a wild start to the NFL season. The Eagles led 24-20 with 4:44 left in the third quarter when the game was delayed 65 minutes because of lightning in the area. The game ended at 12:18 a.m. Hurts wore out a defense without Micah Parsons on TD runs of 4 and 8 yards — no legal tush push needed. Jalen Carter headed right back inside only moments after the championship banner was raised for spitting on Prescott.

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The Philadelphia Eagles 2024 championship banner is unveiled before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Eagles unveil 2024 Super Bowl banner amid fireworks before NFL opener against Dallas

The Eagles have unveiled their 2024 World Champions banner during a pregame ceremony. This event took place before Thursday’s NFL opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Nick Sirianni kept the team in the locker room to avoid distractions. Team owner Jeffrey Lurie and retired player Brandon Graham presented the Lombardi Trophies. The Eagles won their second Super Bowl seven months ago by defeating Kansas City. The celebration included a parade and a White House visit. Fans joined in chants and songs, with TV star Rob Mac hyping the crowd. The party atmosphere continues in Philadelphia.

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Cleveland Browns defensive end KJ Henry (52) celebrates his interception for a touchdown with Browns linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

K.J. Henry’s pick-6 leads Browns to win over Eagles in preseason game with Shedeur Sanders sidelined

The Cleveland Browns secured a 22-13 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The decisive play came from K.J. Henry, who returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. Saturday’s game saw most regular starters sitting out, including Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley for the Eagles and Myles Garrett and Jerry Jeudy for the Browns. Andrew Mukuba and Jihaad Campbell, top draft picks for the Eagles, made impressive defensive plays. Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders, injured earlier in the week, didn’t play. The Browns will host the Rams next while the Eagles face the Jets.

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FILE- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) lead players onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)

From NFL stars to HBCU head coaches: Vick and Jackson on same path as they briefly reunite in Philly

Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson have become rookie head coaches at HBCU schools. Vick is at Norfolk State and Jackson at Delaware State. They haven’t played for the Eagles in over a decade but returned to their old stomping ground Tuesday. They’ll face off on Oct. 30 at Lincoln Financial Field. Neither has coaching experience, joining other former NFL stars like Deion Sanders in leading HBCU programs. Vick and Jackson hope to inspire young players and add new chapters to their careers.

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From court to pin: How a Little Leaguer’s bat flip became baseball memorabilia

A 12-year-old from Haddonfield, New Jersey, has turned a controversial bat flip into a piece of baseball memorabilia. Last month, Marco Rocco was ejected and faced suspension for flipping his bat after a home run in a sectional tournament. His father took Little League to court and won a restraining order, allowing Marco to play in the state tournament. Now, the bat-flip moment is commemorated as a pin for the Little League World Series. The pin, not for sale, is released by the Rocco family and friends, including former major leaguers Jeff and Todd Frazier. Only 75 pins were made.

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson (89) and Eagles offensive tackle Matt Pryor (79) celebrate a touchdown by teammate quarterback Tanner McKee (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Push on! Eagles use tush push on opening drive after short-yardage play nearly banned in NFL

The Philadelphia Eagles continue to use the controversial tush push play, which remains legal despite attempts to ban it. Even with key players like Jalen Hurts sitting out the preseason opener against Cincinnati, the Eagles used the play successfully. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee scored on a fourth-and-1 in the first quarter. In May, NFL owners narrowly failed to pass a proposal to ban the play, keeping it in the rulebook. The proposal, supported by health and safety committees, fell short by just two votes. Commissioner Roger Goodell focused on encouraging discussion rather than taking a stance.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley speaks waits for his turn to speak at a news conference during the team’s NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley declines invitation to join Trump’s sports council

Saquon Barkley has declined an invitation to join President Donald Trump’s council on sports, fitness, and nutrition. The council is being revitalized under an executive order that also reestablishes the Presidential Fitness Test for American children. Barkley, a standout player for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, was on a list with other sports personalities. Barkley explained Monday that he declined due to a busy schedule. Trump reestablished the fitness test last week, a program that began in 1966 but was phased out during the Obama administration. Barkley recently won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.

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Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jhoan Duran comes into baseball game during the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Phillies hoping Jhoan Duran’s 100 mph fastball and Harrison Bader’s defense lead to a World Series

Harrison Bader and Jhoan Duran have joined the Phillies, adding depth as the team chases a pennant. Bader, a strong defender and 2021 Gold Glove winner, will platoon in center field with Brandon Marsh. Duran, known for his 100.2 mph fastball, is set as the closer. He has 16 saves and a 2.01 ERA this season. Phillies manager Rob Thomson plans a double-platoon in the outfield. The Phillies are facing alternating right- and left-handed pitchers over the next six games. Duran’s addition strengthens a bullpen that includes Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering.

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FILE - Jane Gaudreau, mother of hockey players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were fatally struck by a motorist while riding bicycles, poses for a portrait at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, N.J., Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Gaudreau Family 5K raises more than $500,000 for accessible playground at special education school

The Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run has raised more than $500,000 to build an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School in southern New Jersey. The event in May drew thousands, with more than 1,100 participants in person and virtually. The playground honors hockey players John and Matt Gaudreau, who were killed by a suspected drunk driver last August. Their mother and sister work at the school, where their grandmother also worked for 44 years. The playground will feature wheelchair accessibility and ramps. Groundbreaking is set for late August or early September, with the next 5K planned for May 2026.

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Minnesota Twins pitcher Jhoan Duran delivers to the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

What’s in a number? Everything for new Phillies reliever Jhoan Duran and a favor from his manager

Jhoan Duran’s wife almost cried when she thought he might lose his No. 59 uniform number after being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. The number holds sentimental value for Duran, even being part of his family pool design in the Dominican Republic. Fortunately, Duran got to keep his number and wore it for the start of a series against Detroit. Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who previously wore No. 59, happily gave it up for Duran. Thomson joked that his wife might be upset since all her merchandise has 59 on it. Duran was traded to the Phillies from the Minnesota Twins.

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New Jersey Little Leaguer plays after judge lifts his suspension for ‘unsportsmanlike’ bat flip

A 12-year-old Little Leaguer who faced suspension from his team’s first state tournament game for flipping his bat after hitting a home run was allowed to play Thursday night. Marco Rocco of Haddonfield, New Jersey, tossed his bat in the air on July 16 after his sixth-inning, two-run homer in the final of the sectional tournament. Marco was ejected and suspended for a game over what his family was told were actions deemed “unsportsmanlike” and “horseplay.” The family sought and received an emergency temporary restraining order that allowed him to play in the New Jersey state tournament.

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs a drill during an NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Be like Mike? Jalen Hurts gets championship tip from Michael Jordan on how to win another Super Bowl

Jalen Hurts considers Michael Jordan a friend, and he values his advice. Jordan, who won six NBA titles, shared wisdom with Hurts after the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl win. On Wednesday, during the first day of training camp, Hurts said Jordan used every word but “repeat” when discussing the upcoming season. The Eagles, including coach Nick Sirianni and offensive lineman Jordan Mailata, are focused on resetting for 2025. Hurts, who won Super Bowl MVP, said the season is a blank canvas. He hasn’t been seen wearing his Super Bowl ring, emphasizing his focus on the future.

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Denny Hamlin celebrates in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Dover Motor Speedway, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Denny Hamlin continues climb in NASCAR’s career wins list. With 60 in sight, how far can he go?

Denny Hamlin won his 58th career NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway. The victory moved him two away from cracking the top 10 in NASCAR’s career wins list. Hamlin has stood his ground through the years that race wins matter more to his legacy than winning his first career championship. Hamlin is the first Cup driver with four wins this season. He won eight times in 2010, six times in 2019 and seven in 2020, all totals that would get him to 60 this year.

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FILE - Denny Hamlin celebrates with the checkered flag after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Dover Motor Speedway, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)

Denny Hamlin vows 23XI Racing will go on, answers will come in December in court battle with NASCAR

NASCAR race team owner Denny Hamlin remained undeterred in the wake of another setback in court, vowing “all will be exposed” in the scheduled December trial as part of 23XI Racing’s federal suit against the auto racing series. A federal judge has denied a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to race with charters while battling NASCAR in court. This decision means their six cars will compete as open entries at Dover this weekend and Indianapolis next week. The teams argue this move risks their businesses, as charters guarantee race spots and base payouts.

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Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez reacts at the end of the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Palmeiras and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Chelsea advances to Club World Cup semifinals with 2-1 win over Palmeiras

Chelsea scored the go-ahead goal on Malo Gusto’s 83rd-minute shot that went in after a pair of deflections, beating Palmeiras 2-1 for a spot in the Club World Cup semifinals. Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead in the 16th minute but Estêvão, an 18-year-old who will transfer to Chelsea, tied the score against his future club with an angled shot in the 53rd. Gusto’s shot following a corner kick appeared to deflect off Agustin Giay and goalkeeper Weverton. Chelsea will face Fluminense on Tuesday at East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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FILE - Rutgers guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball against Maryland guard Selton Miguel during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

Ace Bailey of Rutgers shrugs off questions about canceled workout ahead of the NBA draft

Rutgers star Ace Bailey remains a mystery heading into the NBA draft. Bailey has not had a public workout for any team, a puzzling strategy that got him called out by critics ranging from current NBA players to analysts to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. A 6-foot-8 forward who can score like few players in this year’s draft class, Bailey offered little explanation Tuesday for why he bailed on a scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers have the No. 3 pick in Wednesday’s draft. One Associated Press mock draft had Bailey dropping to the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 7.

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Denny Hamlin celebrates his victory in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

NASCAR set for summer stretch March Madness style. Will new tournament end summer schedule malaise?

Following the lead of the NBA, the NASCAR Cup series is planning a five-race, bracket-style tournament that will begin with a night event this weekend in Atlanta. The tournament comes with a $1 million prize to the winner and is part of a new media rights deal that includes TNT. The Atlanta-based cable network will broadcast each race in the tournament, starting off with a 400-miler in its home market on June 28, 2025. The tournament is patterned after in-season tournaments that are staged by soccer leagues around the world and were brought to the NBA this season. Denny Hamlin is the No. 1 seed.

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Chase Briscoe celebrates in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Pocono Raceway, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Long Pond, Pa. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Chase Briscoe holds off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin to win at Pocono

Chase Briscoe returned to victory lane Sunday at Pocono Raceway, conserving fuel down the stretch to hold off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin for his first win with his new race team. Briscoe raced his way into an automatic spot in NASCAR’s playoffs  and gave the No. 19 Toyota its first victory since 2023 when Martin Truex Jr. had the ride. Briscoe lost his job at the end of last season at Stewart-Haas Racing when the team folded and he was tabbed to replace Truex. Hamlin, who holds the track record with seven wins, appeared on the brink of reeling in Briscoe over the final, thrilling laps only to have not enough in the No. 11 Toytota to snag that eighth Pocono win.

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FILE - Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. looks on prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Sept. 3, 2023, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR national series debut as crew chief at Pocono

Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his NASCAR national series debut as a crew chief in Saturday’s Xfinity Series at Pocono Raceway. Pressed into unexpected service, Earnhardt called the shots for 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet and they both landed in victory lane. Earnhardt made a pit stop from his day job as team owner at JR Motorsports with normal crew chief Mardy Lindley suspended one race because of a lug nut infraction earlier this month at Nashville.

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Carson Hocevar is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

Stenhouse has vowed retaliation on rival Carson Hocevar. Will NASCAR payback be delivered at Pocono?

Carson Hocevar walked around Pocono Raceway without a scratch on his face. His polo shirt looked more tailored than tattered and the Spire Motorsports driver was ready to race rather than rumble. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. hadn’t socked Hocevar with a right hook quite yet after his threat to beat up his rival after last week’s race. Their beef has little chance of getting squashed any time soon, a dispute that started three races ago when Hocevar wrecked Stenhouse early at Nashville. Hocevar sent Stenhouse spinning last week in Mexico City, which ignited a postrace melee on pit road.

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FILE 0 Philadelphia Phillies' Trea Turner acknowledges the crowd after hitting a three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

And the Emmy goes to … Phillies star Trea Turner? Documentary on Turner’s ovation wins Emmy Award

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner already won an NL batting title and a World Series championship ring in his 11-year MLB career. On deck, an Emmy Award. Turner may not actually have the award in hand to keep for good, but he got to hoist the real deal ahead of Friday’s game against Toronto in a short celebration for the Emmy won on a best sports short documentary produced on the 2023 standing ovation credited with turning around his season. “The Turnaround” won a sports Emmy in May and documentary producer Kyle Thrash and Phillies fan Jon McCann, whose personal struggles with mental health and kinship with Turner were the heart of the film, attended Friday’s game to show off their new bling to Turner.

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Kayla Harrison, left, talks to Amanda Nunes after her women's bantamweight bout against Julianna Peña at the UFC 316 mixed martial arts event Sunday, June 8, 2025 in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Kayla Harrison survived sex abuse to win Olympic gold. She’s now a UFC champ with a mega fight ahead

Around her neck or around her waist, Kayla Harrison has a knack for winning gold. Harrison is a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist. She’s now a UFC champion after winning the 135-pound title in front of a packed house that included President Donald Trump and Mike Tyson. Harrison remains an outspoken advocate of child abuse as her profile rises as a mixed martial arts champion. Harrison is hopeful of a super fight early next year against UFC Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes. Harrison says “everything I ever wanted is happening.”

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Kayla Harrison, right, exchanges punches with Julianna Peña during the second round of a women's bantamweight bout at the UFC 316 mixed martial arts event Sunday, June 8, 2025 in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Merab Dvalishvili retains his 135-pound championship at UFC 316 with President Trump looking on

Merab Dvalishvili retained his 135-pound championship when he tapped out Sean O’Malley in the third round in the main event of UFC 316 at the Prudential Center. Dvalishvili, a 34-year-old from the country of Georgia, won the belt in a convincing — though not aesthetically pleasing — unanimous decision last year over O’Malley. Dvalishvili had his number in the rematch in front of a packed crowd that included President Donald Trump and retired heavyweight great Mike Tyson. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison tapped out 135-pound champion Julianna Peña with five seconds left in the second round to add another major championship in her fight career.

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