National Sports.

FILE - Colorado safety Carter Stoutmire (23) celebrates after an overtime victory in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, FIle)

Coach Deion Sanders’ return to Colorado lifts team spirits after his battle with bladder cancer

Colorado defensive back Carter Stoutmire sees Deion Sanders as more than just a coach. Sanders has returned to the team after battling bladder cancer, and his presence has lifted spirits. Stoutmire, whose father played in the NFL with Sanders, expressed relief at his return. Sanders revealed Monday that doctors removed his bladder to combat an aggressive form of cancer. His return has energized the team. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston praised Sanders’ leadership, noting his impact on and off the field. Sanders emphasized the importance of regular health checkups, a message that resonated with Livingston.

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New York Mets' Juan Soto reacts after fouling a ball off his leg while batting during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Mets slugger Juan Soto out of lineup a day after fouling a ball off his left foot

Mets slugger Juan Soto wasn’t in New York’s lineup for a series finale against the San Diego Padres after fouling a ball off the top of his left foot a night earlier. Manager Carlos Mendoza says Soto is “better but still sore. Getting treatment. We’ll see where we’re at.” The manager added that Soto will get in the batting cages to see if he could pinch-hit. Jeff McNeil is in the lineup in right field as the NL East-leading Mets tried to avoid being swept. The team announced that Soto had a bruised foot and that X-rays were negative.

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FILE - Los Angeles Sparks' Cameron Brink shoots during the team's WNBA basketball game against the Chicago Sky, May 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

Los Angeles Sparks riding hot start as 2nd half of season is underway

No team has been playing better since the All-Star break than the Los Angeles Sparks and they’ve been doing it with a stellar offense. The Sparks won five straight games, including three on the road, before falling at home to Las Vegas on Tuesday night. It’s only the third time in the past five years that Los Angeles has won five or more games in a row. The Sparks had a nine-game winning streak in 2020 and a six-game one in 2023.

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Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. celebrates after scoring on a three-run double hit by Austin Riley during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Braves All-Star OF Ronald Acuña Jr. leaves with Achilles tendon tightness and will go to IL

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is heading for the 10-day injured list. Acuña was removed from Tuesday night’s loss at Kansas City with tightness in his right Achilles tendon. Acuña experienced the discomfort after chasing down a ball in right field. He’ll be evaluated further on Wednesday. Acuña said he initially felt pain while running the bases on Monday night. The discomfort returned after he ran for a foul ball in the sixth inning Tuesday night. Later in the inning, a ball was hit over his head and he gave chase. He left the game after the sixth.

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Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani walks to the dugout after striking out during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A rare first for Ohtani: Dodgers superstar strikes out in his first 4 plate appearances

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani had another first in his MLB career. Ohtani struck out in his first four plate appearances Tuesday night against the Cincinnati Reds, the first time he has done that in his eight seasons in the majors. It is the sixth time the Japanese superstar and reigning NL MVP has struck out four times in a game. It is the second time this season, with the other coming against San Diego on June 17. Despite Ohtani’s tough night at the plate, the Dodgers rallied for a 5-4 victory on an RBI double by Will Smith in the ninth inning.

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Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Seranthony Dominguez delivers during the seventh inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Split doubleheader: Domínguez traded from Orioles to Blue Jays in between games against each other

The Baltimore Orioles have traded reliever Seranthony Domínguez to the Toronto Blue Jays. The trade happened Tuesday between games of a doubleheader between the teams. Domínguez didn’t pitch in the Orioles’ 16-4 win in the opener. He was exchanged for minor league pitcher Juaron Watts-Brown. Then he pitched an inning for Toronto in the nightcap, which Baltimore won 3-2. The Orioles, currently in last place, have also traded other relievers recently. The AL East-leading Blue Jays hope Domínguez can bolster their bullpen.

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FILE - Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson speaks to media during NFL football practice on May 13, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, file)

All-Pro Trey Hendrickson ends holdout and will report to Bengals, AP source says

Trey Hendrickson is ending his holdout and will report to the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. Hendrickson is an All-Pro defensive end who led the NFL in sacks last season with 17 1/2. He is seeking a long-term extension with guaranteed money that matches what the league’s top pass rushers are earning. Even after he reports to camp, he is unlikely to participate in practice until a deal is in place.

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A general view shows 345 Park Ave, a scene of Monday's deadly shooting, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

NFL reacts to the shooting at the league office building that killed 4 people

Players and coaches around the NFL reacted with shock and sadness Tuesday after a gunman killed four people at the New York office building housing the league’s headquarters. Brian Daboll of the New York Giants, Aaron Glenn of the Jets, Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears and Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons offered their thoughts and prayers to the victims of Monday’s shooting. Mayor Eric Adams said the gunman was trying to target NFL headquarters but took the wrong elevator. Tennessee Titans NFLPA representative Jeffery Simmons cited the importance of mental health in conversations with fellow players.

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Fans leave flowers and other items at a makeshift memorial in front of the statue of Chicago Cubs' Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, outside Wrigley Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Fans reel after successive deaths of Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne and other celebrities

Fans are reeling following the successive deaths of celebrities including “The Cosby Show” actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, jazz performer Chuck Mangione, wrestler Hulk Hogan, heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne and baseball star Ryne Sandberg. Social media has been swamped with outpourings of love, regret and sadness. Syracuse University television and pop culture professor Robert Thompson says when celebrity deaths come in quick succession “it reminds people of their own mortality.” Indigo Watts, a 23-year-old Black Sabbath fan, says, “When you’re a celebrity and you die, you leave an impact on the world.”

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Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg (11) advances toward home plate to score on a sacrifice fly hit by Tyler O'Neill during the first inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Who says situational hitting is dead? Orioles tie the major league record with 5 sacrifice flies

The Baltimore Orioles tied a major league record with five sacrifice flies in their 16-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. This happened in the opener of Tuesday’s doubleheader. Tyler O’Neill and Cedric Mullins hit sac flies in the first inning. Ramón Urías and Mullins added two more in the third. Jackson Holliday’s flyout in the eighth tied the record. The sacrifice fly became official in 1954, and Baltimore is the fourth team to achieve this feat. The Orioles also hit four home runs in the game.

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FILE - Chicago Cubs ' Ryne Sandberg slugs a triple during Wednesday, Aug. 29, 1984 game against the Cincinnati Reds in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jon Swart,File)

Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has died after battling cancer

Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman who became one of baseball’s best all-around players while starring for the Chicago Cubs, has died. He was 65. Sandberg announced in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. He had chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and then said in August 2024 that he was cancer-free. But he posted on Instagram on Dec. 10 that his cancer had returned and spread to other organs. He announced this month that he was still fighting, while “looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends.”

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Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper hits a two-run double during the third inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred confronted by Bryce Harper during meeting, AP source says

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper had a spirited exchange during a question-and-answer session between the commissioner and the team, according to a person with direct knowledge of the conversation. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos previously confirmed some details from the meeting in interviews with The Bandwagon and ESPN. Manfred met with the Phillies and Red Sox during their series last week in Philadelphia. The session with the Phillies lasted more than an hour.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suarez reacts after being hit by a pitch during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, July 28, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Eugenio Suárez says X-rays were negative after he was hit on index finger by pitch against Tigers

Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez hopes he avoided major injury when he was hit in the right index finger by a pitch late in a 5-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Suárez is a candidate to be traded to a contender. He was hit by a 95.6 mph sinker from Will Vest in the ninth inning Monday night. He immediately doubled over in pain and quickly left the field. Suárez says “the X-rays were negative” and he’s scheduled for more tests on Tuesday. He has 36 homers this season.

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Chris Paul takes questions from the media as he is introduced as the newest member of the Los Angeles Clippers during an NBA basketball news conference in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Chris Paul is back with the Clippers and it means so much to him

Chris Paul has returned to the Los Angeles Clippers, fulfilling a long-held dream. On Monday, he saw his No. 3 jersey in the home locker room at the Intuit Dome. Paul signed last week for an off-the-bench role, aiming to win an NBA championship with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. He expressed excitement and disbelief, having envisioned this moment for a long time. Paul left the Clippers in 2017, playing for several teams before rejoining. His family remained in Los Angeles, and now Paul is thrilled to be back, ready to make up for lost time with them.

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New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone reacts during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, July 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Baseball’s biggest spenders are stumbling, with the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees beset by injuries

Baseball’s top spenders are struggling with injuries and roster challenges as the trade deadline approaches. The New York Mets, with a big league-high $326 million payroll, lead the NL East but have a losing record since mid-June. The Los Angeles Dodgers, spending just $200,000 less, lead the NL West but have also struggled since early July. The New York Yankees, third in spending, have lost their division lead due to a poor stretch since late May. Despite being playoff contenders, these teams haven’t met expectations. Injuries have forced them to use numerous starting pitchers and adjust lineups frequently.

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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks on before a WNBA basketball game against the Chicago Sky, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Texas man pleads guilty to stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark and gets 2 1/2 years in prison

A 55-year-old Texas man who told police he was in “an imaginary relationship” with WNBA star Caitlin Clark was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to stalking and harassing the Indiana Fever guard. Michael Lewis, from Denton, Texas, reached a deal with prosecutors in which he pleaded guilty to one felony count of stalking and one misdemeanor count of harassment. He will get credit for time served. Lewis was arrested in January after authorities alleged he sent hundreds of “threats and sexually explicit messages” to Clark between Dec. 12, 2024, and Jan. 11, 2025.

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Bubba Wallace reacts after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Bubba Wallace overcame questions and doubts to end 3-year drought with 1st Brickyard 400 win

Bubba Wallace spent three long years questioning everything about his racing world. He saw teammate Tyler Reddick win five times and post three top 10 finishes in NASCAR’s final standings while Wallace endured a 100-race winless streak. He also watched team co-owner Denny Hamlin make regular trips to victory lane while still chasing his elusive Cup title. The drought forced Wallace to contemplate what was wrong and whether he’d continue to be employed in racing. Then he realized there was more to life than racing and everything changed, including a life-altering Brickyard 400 victory Sunday.

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Bristol Motor Speedway game tops 85,000 in ticket sales, will break MLB attendance record

The Speedway Classic will break Major League Baseball’s single-game, regular-season attendance record. The game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves will be played Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway. It already has sold more than 85,000 tickets. The first American or National League game ever played in Tennessee will eclipse the previous paid attendance record of 84,587, set in September 1954, when Cleveland Stadium hosted the New York Yankees. The Speedway Classic will feature pregame pageantry from the U.S. Navy and a ceremonial first pitch between two Hall of Famers: Chipper Jones to Johnny Bench.

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FILE - Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Robert Jones (65) runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, file)

Cowboys guard Rob Jones breaks bone in his neck and could miss months, he says

Dallas Cowboys guard Rob Jones says he broke a bone in his neck during the first padded practice of training camp and is expected to miss two to three months. The four-year veteran says he was injured early in Sunday’s practice but finished the workout. Jones had been working with the starters before the injury. The injury to Jones likely clears the way for rookie first-round draft pick Tyler Booker to start. There was a good chance Booker would have started anyway.

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Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski reacts after striking out Seattle Mariners' Dominic Canzone to retire the side during the second inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Misiorowski gets his first shot at the Cubs as NL Central co-leaders begin huge series in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski already has won matchups with Paul Skenes and Clayton Kershaw and has pitched in the All-Star Game since reaching the major leagues six weeks ago. So forgive the 23-year-old right-hander if he isn’t getting overly caught up in the atmosphere surrounding his first matchup with the Chicago Cubs. The two NL Central rivals share the best record in the National League as they prepare to begin a three-game series in Milwaukee. Monday’s series opener is an All-Star pitching matchup featuring Misiorowski and Chicago’s Matthew Boyd.

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FILE - Athletics' Max Muncy celebrates a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall, File)

Tale of 3 A’s cities: Oakland left behind, Sacramento a temporary stop, Las Vegas awaits

The Athletics have moved to a Triple-A ballpark in Sacramento for three years, leaving behind mixed feelings. While some fans still support the team, many have moved on, embracing the new Oakland Ballers. The A’s plan to relocate to a new ballpark in Las Vegas by 2028. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the current setup isn’t ideal. Players and fans are adjusting to the temporary situation. Meanwhile, Las Vegas is preparing for the A’s arrival, hoping to replicate the success of other sports teams. The move raises questions about the team’s future fan base and success.

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Leylah Fernandez, of Canada, returns the ball against Jessica Pegula during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Leylah Fernandez wins the DC Open fueled by Shake Shack. Alex de Minaur takes the men’s title

Leylah Fernandez has collected the biggest title of her career at the D.C. Open with her most lopsided victory of the tournament by defeating Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 in the final. Sunday’s win gave the left-handed Fernandez her fourth singles trophy. All have come at hard-court tournaments. It is her first trophy at a WTA 500 event. She came close to a Grand Slam championship as a teenager at the 2021 U.S. Open, making it all the way to the final before losing to Emma Raducanu. Alex de Minaur won the men’s trophy by coming back from 5-2 down in the third set and saving three championship points to beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (3).

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Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Billy Wagner, left, Ichiro Suzuki, second from left, and CC Sabathia, center, pose for a photo with Willa Allen, second from right, widow of Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Dick Allen, and Dave Parker II, right, son of the late Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Dave Parker, at the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y., Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Ichiro Suzuki adds humorous touches to Hall of Fame induction ceremonies

If you want someone for your next celebrity roast, Ichiro Suzuki could be your guy. Mixing sneaky humor with heartfelt messages, the first Japanese-born player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame stole the show Sunday in Cooperstown. Morning showers and gloomy skies delayed the ceremonies by an hour, but the moisture gave way to bright skies and warm temperatures. The sun seemed its brightest during Suzuki’s acceptance speech. The outfielder was joined by pitcher CC Sabathia, also elected in his first year of eligibility, and closer Billy Wagner, who made it in his final try on the writers’ ballot. Suzuki fell one vote shy of being a unanimous selection and he took a jab at the unidentified sports writer who didn’t vote for him.

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Kurt Kitayama, left, and his caddie, Daniel Kitayama, hold their trophy after winning the 3M Open golf tournament at the Tournament Players Club Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Blaine, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Kurt Kitayama wins 3M Open, beating Sam Stevens by 1 for his 2nd PGA Tour victory

Kurt Kitayama has his second PGA Tour victory. He won the 3M Open in Minnesota on Sunday, closing with a 65 for a total of 23-under 261 to beat Sam Stevens by one stroke. Kitayama shot a career-best 60 on Saturday to move within one shot of the co-leaders. He birdied six of the first eight holes on Sunday for a comfortable lead and withstood a bogey on the 17th hole. He two-putted for par on 18 to secure his win with Stevens finished. Kitayama moved to 53rd in the FedEx Cup standings, safely in position to make the playoffs.

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Pirates push Paul Skenes back up to 99 pitches, and he throws 6 more scoreless innings

The Pittsburgh Pirates let Paul Skenes return to a more normal workload, and his effectiveness remains unchanged. Skenes struck out nine in six innings, allowing just three hits, as the Pirates shut out Arizona 6-0 on Sunday. This marks his fourth scoreless outing in five starts. He threw 99 pitches, his most in over a month. Manager Don Kelly said they are “ramping him back up a little bit.” Pittsburgh’s pitching staff is on a roll, outscoring Arizona 8-0 in the last two games of the series. Skenes lowered his ERA to a major league-best 1.83.

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New York Yankees' Cody Bellinger, bottom, is tagged out at home plate by Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, top, during the third inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Ryan McMahon sparks comeback, Yankees beat Phillies 4-3 to end 3-game slide

Ryan McMahon sparked a comeback with a tying, two-run double in a four-run second inning against Zack Wheeler, and the New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 to salvage the finale of a three-game series. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto made a spectacular leaping grab and tag of Cody Bellinger at the plate for an inning-ending double play that denied the Yankees a run in the third Austin Wells hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly and Trent Grisham an RBI single against Wheeler, who tied his career high with three hit batters. Rookie Otto Kemp had his first big league multi-homer game and Nick Castellanos also went deep.

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New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart dribbles during the second half of a WNBA All-Star basketball game against Team Clark, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Liberty’s Breanna Stewart avoids significant injury on right leg, AP source says

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart avoided a significant injury when she hurt her right leg in a game Saturday night, according to a person familiar with the situation. The All-Star forward had imaging done and nothing major turned up, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because no official statement had been made. Stewart will travel with the team on its four-game road trip that begins in Dallas on Monday night. She had three points and a rebound before she left the Liberty’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks about 3 1/2 minutes in.

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Monday, July 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)

Dodgers 2-way star Shohei Ohtani to start on mound Wednesday. Team goes to 6-man rotation

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is expected to start on the mound Wednesday as he continues his buildup from elbow surgery that kept him from pitching all last season. Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday before the series finale in Boston that the plan is for Ohtani to work four innings at Cincinnati, with an off day to recover before hitting in a game. With Ohtani working his way back along with left-hander Blake Snell, who pitched 4 2/3 innings Saturday in his fourth rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City, the Dodgers will be using a six-man rotation.

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin walks across the field after a practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin reports to camp despite contract dispute

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin reported to training camp Sunday following a four-day holdout. However, the 2024 second-team All-Pro and the team have yet to resolve a contract dispute. McLaurin is entering the final year of a three-year extension signed in 2022 but has been seeking a new contract. Despite the limbo status, fans were thrilled when McLaurin walked onto the fields following practice, chanting “Terry! Terry!” McLaurin spent roughly 30 minutes signing autographs and taking photos before speaking with reporters. He said it’s been “tough” to watch his teammates practice and acknowledged he is dealing with the “business” side of football.

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Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/William Liang)

Cal Raleigh is first to 40 homers this season with tiebreaking shot in Mariners’ 7-2 win over Angels

Cal Raleigh became the first player to hit 40 homers this season with a tiebreaking solo shot in the sixth inning of the Seattle Mariners’ 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Raleigh hammered a 97 mph fastball from José Fermin 416 feet into the right-field bleachers for his second homer in eight games since winning the Home Run Derby. Julio Rodríguez hit his fourth solo homer in three games at Angel Stadium, and George Kirby struck out nine over six difficult innings. Taylor Ward hit his 24th homer for the Angels, who have lost five of six.

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Ben Shelton reacts during a match against Gabriel Diallo, of Canada, at the Citi Open tennis tournament Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Davidovich Fokina beats Shelton to reach the DC Open final vs. de Minaur. Fernandez faces Kalinskaya

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has broken big-serving Ben Shelton a half-dozen times and eliminated the No. 4 seed by a 6-2, 7-5 score in the D.C. Open semifinals. Saturday’s victory follows up Davidovich Fokina’s upset of No. 1 seed Taylor Fritz a night earlier. The 12th-seeded Davidovich Fokina will face No. 7 seed Alex de Minaur on Sunday for the title at the hard-court tournament. De Minaur advanced to his second Washington final by beating Corentin Moutet 6-4, 6-3. In the women’s bracket, Leylah Fernandez will be trying to win her first WTA title of the season, and Anna Kalinskaya will seek the first of her career when they meet each other in that final Sunday.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Randal Grichuk connects for an inside-the-park home run against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Royals acquire veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk in deal with the Diamondbacks

The Kansas City Royals acquired veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. The D-backs got right-hander Andrew Hoffmann, who has made three appearances for the Royals this season out of the bullpen. The 25-year-old was selected in the 12th round of the 2021 draft by the Braves. The 33-year-old Grichuk has played the past 1 1/2 seasons for the D-backs, with the club using his right-handed bat mostly against left-handed pitching. News of Grichuk’s trade came in the middle of Arizona’s 2-0 loss in Pittsburgh. He could be seen hugging teammates in the dugout.

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San Diego Padres' Manny Machado, left, is held back by St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras (40) after being hit by a pitch as home plate umpire Lance Barrett, right, watches during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, July 26, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Benches clear in Padres-Cardinals game as Machado and Contreras both get hit twice by pitches

The benches cleared in a Cardinals-Padres game for the second straight night Saturday as St. Louis’ Willson Contreras and San Diego’s Manny Machado each got hit twice by pitches. The bench-clearing incident came in the ninth inning of the Padres’ 3-1 victory as Machado complained after he was hit by a pitch from Andre Granillo. Cardinals coach Jon Jay, who had been exchanging words with Machado, was ejected from the game. Contreras was hit by Robert Suarez’ pitch in the ninth to bring the tying run to the plate. Suarez then got the final two outs end the game.

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Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez (9) heads the ball against Nashville SC defender Jeisson Palacios (4) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Inter Miami plays Cincinnati to 0-0 draw without suspended Messi

Inter Miami played FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw without the suspended Lionel Messi. Messi was not available for Saturday’s game after he and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping the All-Star game. Messi was still in attendance, watching from a suite at Chase Stadium. Miami and Cincinnati both entered the matchup as winners of six of their last seven. Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson nearly scored the winner a couple minutes into stoppage time on Saturday when he headed home MVP-candidate Evander’s free kick, but the goal was disallowed because of a foul.

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Baltimore Orioles' Cedric Mullins, right, celebrates with Tyler O'Neill, left, after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Cedric Mullins hits his 100th career home run in Orioles’ 18-0 victory over Rockies

Cedric Mullins hits his 100th career home run as the Orioles defeat the Rockies 18-0 on Saturday night. Mullins joins Brady Anderson and Paul Blair as Orioles with 100 home runs and 100 steals. Tyler O’Neill homers for the second consecutive game, while Gunnar Henderson and Coby Mayo add two-run doubles in the seventh. Trevor Rogers pitches seven innings of one-hit ball, lowering his ERA to 1.49. Antonio Senzatela allows six runs over four innings in Colorado’s worst defeat since May 10.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper (3) and' Brandon Marsh (16) celebrate after Harper hit a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Harper and Schwarber spark the Phillies to a 9-4 win over the reeling Yankees, who lose Judge to IL

Bryce Harper homered deep into the right-field bleachers and Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run double after New York’s 10th error in five games, sparking the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-4 win over the reeling Yankees, who avoided a major injury scare with captain Aaron Judge. Trea Turner drove in two runs and Edmundo Sosa also homered for the Phillies, who started the day a half-game behind the NL East-leading New York Mets. Schwarber had six RBIs and Turner was 6 for 11 as Philadelphia outscored New York 21-9 in the first two games of the three-game series.

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FILE - Kansas head coach Bill Self is seen on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against UCF in the second round of the Big 12 Conference tournament, March 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self released from hospital after heart procedure

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self was released from Lawrence Memorial Hospital on Saturday, two days after having two stents inserted to treat blocked arteries. In a statement released by the university, Self said: “I feel strong and am excited to be home.” The 62-year-old Self felt ill Thursday after having run Kansas’ final practice of its summer session earlier in the day. He missed the 2023 Big 12 and NCAA tournaments because of a heart condition, getting a standard catheterization and having two stents inserted to help treat blocked arteries. Self led Kansas to national titles in 2008 and 2022 and is the school’s career victory leader with a 609-156 record.

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Olesen has an ace, shoots 67 for a share of the 3M lead with Bhatia

Thorbjorn Olesen aced the par-3 eighth and shot a 4-under 67 on Saturday in the 3M Open for a share of the third-round lead with Akshay Bhatia. Olesen, the 35-year-old Danish player who led after the second round, used a 6-iron on the 209-yard eighth at the TPC Twin Cities. Bhatia had a 63 to post first at 18-under 195. The 23-year-old California player with two PGA Tour victories chipped in from 42 feet for birdie on the fifth and from 55 feet for another birdie on 11. Kurt Kitayama matched the tournament and course record with a 60, finishing before Olesen and Jake Knapp teed off in the final group, to get to 17 under. Fellow Japanese player Takumi Kanaya (65) also was 17 under with Knapp (67) and Sam Stevens (66).

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Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ichiro Suzuki speaks to reporters during a news conference in Cooperstown, N.Y., Saturday, July 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner are set for Hall of Fame induction

Ichiro Suzuki was always known for his meticulous preparation during his 19-year Major League Baseball career. For his induction into the Hall of Fame? Not so much. Suzuki said on the eve of his enshrinement that he spent his morning on the field playing baseball. He is the first Japanese player chosen for the Hall. He will be joined Sunday by CC Sabathia, a six-time All-Star who won the 2007 AL Cy Young Award, and relief pitcher Billy Wagner. Dave Parker, who died a month before he was to be inducted, and Dick Allen will be honored posthumously.

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New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) runs drills during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Justin Fields participates in 7-on-7 drills at Jets practice, 2 days after dislocating toe

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields participated in 7-on-7 drills at training camp. This comes two days after he was carted off the field with a dislocated toe. Fields threw passes during quarterback drills Saturday and connected with wide receivers, including a deep ball to Tyler Johnson. He didn’t join team drills and will be evaluated daily. Coach Aaron Glenn says Fields has a ways to go but is progressing well. Fields watched practice Friday from the sideline. Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor continues to lead the offense during team drills while Fields is sidelined.

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Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) lines up against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)

Dolphins sign former Raiders and Patriots cornerback Jack Jones to one-year deal

The Miami Dolphins added needed help to their secondary on Saturday, signing cornerback Jack Jones to a one-year deal. Jones had 69 tackles, three interceptions— one returned for a touchdown — and 15 pass breakups in 16 starts for the Raiders last season. A fourth-round draft pick by New England in 2022, Jones played two up-and-down seasons for the Patriots before being released and claimed off waivers by Las Vegas in 2023. Also Saturday, the Dolphins waived cornerback Ryan Cooper Jr.

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Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner celebrates a Mercury score as Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

DeWanna Bonner returns to Phoenix: ‘The love and welcome was very much needed’

DeWanna Bonner is thrilled to be back in Phoenix. She spent the first decade of her career with the Mercury before moving to Connecticut and Indiana. Earlier this month, she signed with Phoenix again. Bonner is focused on her future with the team and not dwelling on her short time with Indiana. She moved into third place on the WNBA all-time scoring list in the season opener. Phoenix starts a five-game road trip in New York on Friday with a loss. Bonner hopes to lead the Mercury to another championship, having already won two with them.

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Athletics' Nick Kurtz celebrates after hitting a three-run home against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 25, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Nick Kurtz of Athletics becomes 1st MLB rookie to hit 4 homers in a game, matches total base record

Nick Kurtz of the Athletics has become the first rookie in Major League Baseball history to hit four home runs in a game. He also matched the MLB record with 19 total bases against the Houston Astros on Friday night. Kurtz went deep in the second, sixth, eighth and ninth innings. He also doubled and singled on his 6-for-6 night to equal Shawn Green, who had four homers, six hits and 19 total bases for the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 23, 2002 at Milwaukee. It was the 20th four-homer game in major league history and second this season. Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez did it on April 26 against Atlanta.

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In latest bat flip flap, big league players side with Little Leaguer

Jazz Chisholm Jr. criticized the attempted suspension of a Little Leaguer for a bat flip, calling it “ridiculous.” The incident involved 12-year-old Marco Rocco from New Jersey, who ejected for unsportsmanlike behavior after a home run on July 16. His father, a lawyer, challenged the suspension in court and won. Marco played Thursday for Haddonfield, New Jersey, on Thursday and ent 0 for 2. Toronto pitcher Max Scherzer and others have weighed in, with Scherzer supporting emotional displays in the game. Baseball has increasingly embraced emotion, with notable moments like José Bautista’s 2015 bat flip gaining attention.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees Friday, July 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Schwarber, Realmuto power Phillies to 12-5 win, dropping Yankees 5 1/2 games back of Blue Jays

Kyle Schwarber hit a pair of two-run homers and J.T. Realmuto followed the Yankees’ ninth error in four games with a tiebreaking, three-run drive in a four-run seventh inning, lifting the Philadelphia Phillies over New York 12-5. Schwarber’s tying homer in the fifth off Will Warren was his 1,000th hit and 319th homer, the most for a player reaching 1,000 — eight more than Mark McGwire. Trea Turner had four hits as the Phillies scored 10 runs in the last three innings. Cody Bellinger, Austin Wells, Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Volpe hit solo homers for the Yankees, who dropped a season-high 5 1/2 games behind AL East-leading Toronto.

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Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. Realmuto, right, runs past New York Yankees Paul Goldschmidt as he runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, July 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Paul Goldschmidt regrets bad throw in 12-5 loss to Phillies, Yankees’ 9th error in 4 games

Paul Goldschmidt wishes he had played it differently during the Yankees’ game against the Phillies. Instead of attempting an off-balance throw to home plate, he believes he should have gone for the out at first base. His throw not only failed to get the second out but was the Yankees’ ninth error in four games. The Yankees committed two errors in their 12-5 loss to Philadelphia, which dropped them 5 1/2 games behind AL East-leading Toronto. Manager Aaron Boone said Goldschmidt was trying to make a play, but it was a mistake.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber celebrates as he runs for a single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees Friday, July 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Schwarber’s 1,000th hit is 319th homer, topping McGwire for most to the mark

Kyle Schwarber reached 1,000 hits with his 319th home run, surpassing Mark McGwire for the most home runs among players with 1,000 hits in major league history.  Schwarber hit two two-run homers in a 12-5 win over the New York Yankees. His first homer started a comeback from a 2-0 deficit. Schwarber, who is 32 and eligible for free agency this fall, has been a key player for the Phillies. He has 36 homers this season, just three shy of the major league leader. Phillies fans and management have expressed their desire to keep him.

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Fans have vacated the lower bowl during a thunderstorm in the seventh inning of a baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Colorado Rockies in Baltimore, Friday, July 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Why did the Orioles and Rockies keep playing after fans evacuated seats?

The Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies played through rain even after fans were told to move due to potential lightning. The game at Camden Yards continued because the decision to clear fans and the decision to pause the game are made by different authorities. Crew chief Bill Miller said the umpires didn’t see lightning close enough to stop play. Fans were moved around the sixth inning but could return by the end of the seventh. Baltimore’s interim manager praised the decision to prioritize fan safety. The game was never delayed despite the weather concerns.

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Thorbjorn Olesen takes the 2nd-round lead in the 3M Open

Thorbjorn Olesen worked out of trouble more than once Friday at the TPC Twin Cities to take a one-stroke lead over Jake Knapp into the weekend in the 3M Open. Olesen followed an opening 9-under 62 on Thursday with a 66, hitting out of the rough to set up a 5-foot birdie putt on his final hole — the par-4 ninth. The 35-year-old Danish player also recovered from a double bogey on the par-4 15th with consecutive birdies as he searches for his first PGA Tour victory. He had a 14-under 128 total. Knapp shot 65. Pierceson Coody (65) was another stroke back with Sam Stevens (68).

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Colorado Rockies' Orlando Arcia, left, congratulates Ryan McMahon as he returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run off St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Erick Fedde in the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Yankees acquire third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies for pair of prospects

The New York Yankees have acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies, giving them a veteran at a position of need as they try to stop their slide down the AL East standings. The Yankees sent pitching prospects Josh Grosz and Griffin Herring to Colorado. The 30-year-old McMahon, an All-Star a year ago, was hitting .217 with 16 home runs and 35 RBIs for last-place Colorado. His 127 strikeouts this season led the National League entering Friday. He’s owed about $36.2 million from the remainder of a $70 million, six-year contract through 2027.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws during a practice at the team's NFL football training camp Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Shedeur Sanders unfazed by lack of first-team reps at Browns camp

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders said on Friday that it is out of his control and not his place to answer why he has worked mainly with the third and fourth teams during the first three days of practice. Sanders — selected by the Browns in the fifth round after a precipitous fall in April’s draft — did get some work with the second team for the first time on Friday. He had one of the best throws of the 80-minute practice on a completion down the middle to tight end Blake Whiteheart during 11-on-11 drills.

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FILE - Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Pete Carroll says the Raiders didn’t rush into decision to release Christian Wilkins

Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll said the team didn’t rush its decision to release defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. The decision came after a dispute over Wilkins’ recovery from a broken foot. Carroll said Friday there was no clear path for Wilkins’ return. The Raiders released a strong statement Thursday, saying Wilkins failed to provide a plan for his return. Wilkins was injured in Week 5 last season and landed on the physically unable to perform list. He has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association.

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Kyle Larson (5) drives while followed by Chase Elliott (9) during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Sonoma Raceway, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Sonoma, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Defending champ Kyle Larson returns to Brickyard seeking turnaround

Kyle Larson raced to his third NASCAR Cup victory of the season at Kansas in mid-May then turned his attention to his second and perhaps final attempt at racing’s double — completing all 1,100 miles of the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Instead, he was hit with a double whammy. A crash on Lap 92 knocked him out of the 500, relegating him to 24th, and two crashes — the second on Lap 245 — knocked him out in Charlotte, where he finished 37th. Not much has gone right for Lason since then. Now, the defending Brickyard 400 champion is back at Indianapolis Motor Speedway trying to recharge his season.

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FILE- Daniil Medvedev, of Russia, right, talks with Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, after defeating Djokovic in the men's singles final of the US Open tennis championships, Sept. 12, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

Daniil Medvedev won a US Open and made 5 other hard-court Slam finals, so this is his time to shine

Daniil Medvedev figures this is his time to shine. He loves playing tennis on hard courts like those used at the D.C. Open. And he particularly loves the U.S. Open, which is just a month away. It doesn’t matter what else he’s done this season or how things ended for him at the Australian Open, French Open or Wimbledon. Medvedev calls this the most important part of his season. He’s scheduled to play Corentin Moutet in the quarterfinals at Washington on Friday. The Russian won the 2021 U.S. Open and has been the runner-up five times at Grand Slam tournaments — all on hard courts.

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FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Dec. 8, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)

Jaguars DE Josh Hines-Allen says his 7-year-old son Wesley is recovering from leukemia

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen says his 7-year-old son is recovering from cancer. Hines-Allen and his wife provided the news in a three-minute video released on social media. They said the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia came after Wesley spiked a fever and started bleeding from a tooth days before last year’s season finale, which Hines-Allen missed for personal reasons. Wesley underwent chemotherapy for six months. Hines-Allen and his wife also announced that their nonprofit foundation, Four One For All, will launch a season-long campaign to give back to four cancer-focused non-profits.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suárez, left, watches the flight of his three-run home run as St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo, right, looks on during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

MLB trade deadline: Eugenio Suárez, Mitch Keller, Seth Lugo among prized players who could move

The market is heating up in the last week before the July 31 trade deadline. Arizona sent Josh Naylor to Seattle on Thursday. The Yankees acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies on Friday while the Mets added left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Orioles. More Diamondbacks could be traded, including slugger Eugenio Suárez and starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Mitch Keller, Seth Lugo and Sandy Alcantara could also be dealt.

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FILE - Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba, left, and forward Lionel Messi chat as they arrive before the start of an MLS soccer match against Toronto FC, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

MLS suspension of Messi and Alba is ‘draconian,’ Inter Miami owner says

The owner of Inter Miami called Major League Soccer’s suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for skipping the All-Star Game a “draconian” punishment. Owner Jorge Mas said Friday that Messi and Alba don’t understand the one-game suspensions. Messi and Alba did not suit up for the match between the MLS and Liga MX of Mexico despite being voted to the game. Messi did not play to rest amid a packed schedule and Alba was dealing with a previous injury. Mas said the club made the decision for Messi and Alba to sit out of the All-Star Game.

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Venus Williams waves to the crowd after she lost to Magdalena Frech, of Poland, during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Venus Williams is back and she is not done. She heads to Cincinnati next and maybe the US Open

The DC Open will not be a one-stop hello-and-farewell appearance for 45-year-old Venus Williams. She had been away from the tour for 16 months before showing up in Washington this week and winning once each in singles and doubles. She hadn’t won a match since 2023, and the owner of seven Grand Slam singles titles was celebrated by the spectators and other players. There will be more for her — and her fans. Williams next heads to the Cincinnati Open in August. And she also might be at the U.S. Open later next month, if the U.S. Tennis Association awards her a wild-card entry.

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New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) throws a pass as he takes part in drills at the NFL football team's training camp Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Jets quarterback Justin Fields returns a day after dislocating toe, but doesn’t practice

Justin Fields has returned to the practice field but didn’t participate in drills. He dislocated a toe on his right foot on Thursday. Fields was carted off early in practice and is being evaluated by the Jets daily. On Friday, he spent most of practice on the sideline with the rest of the offense, wearing his helmet and walking without a noticeable limp. Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor led the offense during practice, with Adrian Martinez and rookie Brady Cook also receiving snaps. Fields was injured when a teammate stepped on his foot during a play.

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FILE - New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison (21) goes to the basket against Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga, left, during a WNBA basketball game, June 22, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

New York Liberty’s Isabelle Harrison is raising awareness about her brother’s struggle with lupus

Isabelle Harrison of the New York Liberty spent much of All-Star weekend visiting her brother Daniel in the hospital. Daniel has been battling lupus since he was 13. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. Harrison says it’s prevalent in the African American community and three of her 12 siblings have been diagnosed with it. Her sister Danielle died of lupus in 2017. Daniel is on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, but he needs to be healthy to receive a new kidney.

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American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti speaks at Media Days on Friday, July 25, 2025 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Steve Reed)

American Conference deserves fair shot at College Football Playoff, commissioner says

Commissioner Tim Pernetti wants the newly rebranded American Conference included in the College Football Playoff conversation. Pernetti says his conference has teams capable of competing in the 12-team playoff for the national championship. H emphasized on Friday a merit-based system where the five highest-ranked conference champions receive automatic bids, regardless of conference. Last season, the American Conference had competitive teams but none made the playoffs. Pernetti argues against predetermined playoff spots for larger conferences, advocating for opportunities to be earned on the field. He warns against repeating past mistakes of favoritism and confusion that he said came with the Bowl Championship Series.

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American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti speaks at Media Days on Friday, July 25, 2025 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Steve Reed)

Pernetti on Memphis’ attempted move to Big 12: Your job is to do what’s best for the school

American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti acknowledged Memphis’ ambition to join the Big 12, despite their bid being rejected. Yahoo Sports reports that the Big 12 board turned down Memphis’ application, meaning the school remains in the American Conference for now. Pernetti, speaking at the conference’s media days on Friday, said he has been aware of Memphis’ intentions since last August. He admires their ambition and credits them for their transparency. Memphis released a statement expressing disappointment but emphasized their strength and commitment to national prominence. Pernetti says the conference is open to evolving and adding new schools if it is a good fit.

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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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FILE - Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) looks to throw a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, on Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Now at UCLA, Iamaleava tries to move beyond the drama and focus on football

College football’s future wore a baby blue suit, a gold pin that said “UCLA” and a pair of diamond-encrusted hoop earrings. He glided toward the mic, sat down, then prepared for the grilling about how much money he makes, why he left Tennessee, who betrayed who when he departed and what it all means for the college football world that his story now defines. Bottom line: If quarterback Nico Iamaleava handles the rest of the season as well as he did with his half hour of Q&A at Big Ten media days chances are, UCLA will be good — maybe even very good — in 2025.

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FILE - Penn State offensive lineman Nick Dawkins (53) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Nov. 23, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

Trump signs order to clarify college athletes’ employment status amid NIL chaos

President Trump has signed an executive order directing federal authorities to clarify whether college athletes can be considered employees of their schools. The move aims to establish clearer national standards in the NCAA’s name, image, and likeness era. The order seeks to address the chaotic landscape of college sports, where athletes can now earn income from endorsements and schools can pay them directly. Trump’s order also calls for preserving scholarships and roster spots for non-revenue sports and asks the Justice Department to protect athletes’ rights.

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Venus Williams reacts during a match against Magdalena Frech, of Poland, at the Citi Open tennis tournament Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Venus Williams’ bid for her first winning streak since 2019 ends in a loss to Magdalena Frech in DC

Venus Williams’ bid for her first winning streak since 2019 has ended with a 6-2, 6-2 loss to 24th-ranked Magdalena Frech at the D.C. Open. After going up 2-1 at the start Thursday night, Williams dropped seven games in a row against Frech. Williams is 45, and her victory in the first round Tuesday against 35th-ranked Peyton Stearns made the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova was 47 in 2004. That was Williams’ first win in singles since 2023. Also on Thursday, Emma Raducanu beat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Josh Naylor celebrates in the dugout with his teammates after scoring during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Mariners acquire Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks for 2 pitchers as trade deadline deals begin

The Seattle Mariners have acquired first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks. This move comes as the Mariners aim to strengthen their roster before the July 31 trade deadline. Naylor, 28, is hitting .292 with 11 homers and 59 RBIs this season. The Diamondbacks received left-hander Brandyn Garcia and minor-league lefty Ashton Izzi in return. The Mariners currently hold a 54-48 record, placing them second in the AL West and in the second wild-card spot. The Diamondbacks, with a 50-53 record, are expected to continue trading players before the deadline.

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FILE - Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Raiders release Christian Wilkins over recovery plan for broken foot

The Las Vegas Raiders have released defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. The team says Wilkins failed to provide an acceptable recovery plan for his broken foot. He was injured in Week 5 last season and had a setback that kept him from offseason practices. The Raiders announced the decision on Thursday, explaining it was necessary to move forward for the new season. Wilkins was a major free-agent signing last year with a four-year, $110 million contract. ESPN reports the Raiders are voiding the remaining $35.25 million. Wilkins has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association.

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Adam Svensson reacts to his putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the 3M Open golf tournament at the Tournament Players Club Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Blaine, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Adam Svensson sets tournament record with opening-round 60, leads by 1 shot at 3M Open

Adam Svensson made a 48-foot eagle putt on the closing hole to complete an 11-under 60 that gave him a two-shot lead over Sam Stevens and Thorbjorn Olesen after one round of the 3M Open. Svensson also made nine birdies and did not drop a shot in the lowest round in the tournament’s seven-year history. Chris Gotterup continued his strong recent play with a 63. He won the Scottish Open two weeks ago, then finished third in the British Open. Chad Ramey and Matti Schmid also were three shots back.

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FILE - Kansas head coach Bill Self is seen on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against UCF in the second round of the Big 12 Conference tournament, March 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has 2 stents inserted to treat blocked arteries

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self had two stents inserted into his heart to treat blocked arteries Thursday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after he “felt unwell and experienced some concerning symptoms.” The Kansas athletic department released a statement, saying: “The procedure went very well, and he is expected to make a full recovery. He is in good spirits and expects to be released from the hospital soon.” The 62-year-old Self directed the final practice of the summer session Thursday morning as he prepares for his 23rd seasons as head coach of the Jayhawks. He missed the 2023 Big 12 and NCAA tournaments because of a heart condition, getting a standard catheterization and having two stents inserted to help treat blocked arteries.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Desmond Watson watches from the sideline during practice at NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Bucs’ Desmond Watson, the NFL’s heaviest player, placed on non-football injury list due to weight

Desmond Watson’s quest to make the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will get a late start. Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said the heaviest player in NFL history is day to day after starting camp on non-football injury list due to his weight. Watson, who played at Florida, was signed after going undrafted in April. He weighed 464 pounds at the school’s pro day and lost 25 to 30 pounds before the draft. Bucs coach Todd Bowles says the move is “just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player.” The 6-foot-6 defensive tackle has been working with a team nutritionist.

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Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark watches following a WNBA All-Star basketball game against Team Collier, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Caitlin Clark still has no timetable for return following further medical evaluation this week

The Indiana Fever say guard Caitlin Clark still has no time table to return. No further injuries were discovered during medical tests this week. Clark has missed three games since injuring her right groin July 15 against the Connecticut Sun. She traveled with her team to New York for their loss to the Liberty on Tuesday night. The Fever say Clark is continuing to work with team medical staff on her recovery and rehabilitation. Clark’s current injury is the latest in a string of difficulties for the Fever star, which has included a left groin injury and a left quad strain earlier in the season.

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North Carolina coach Bill Belichick speaks with a group of reporters during the Atlantic Coast Conference's NCAA college football media days, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Aaron Beard)

Bill Belichick’s arrival at North Carolina headlines the NFL’s sideline influence in the ACC

The Atlantic Coast Conference has three former NFL head coaches leading its football programs this fall for the most of any league. That includes the headliner of Bill Belichick at North Carolina. Belichick coached the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. He’s a 73-year-old first-timer as a college coach with the Tar Heels. Boston College’s Bill O’Brien is in his second season after a previous stint with the Houston Texans. Stanford has also hired former Indianapolis and Carolina coach Frank Reich as its interim coach for the 2025 season.

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FILE - Hulk Hogan speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Trump and Hulk Hogan forged a decadeslong bond based on wrestling, reality stardom and politics

Donald Trump is mourning the death of his friend Hulk Hogan. The pair’s friendship began at a 1980s wrestling event in Atlantic City. Both gained fame in reality TV and later politics. Hogan, a former wrestler, endorsed Trump at the Republican National Convention in July 2024, dramatically revealing a Trump-Vance campaign shirt. He said he was motivated by an attempted assassination on Trump days earlier. After Hogan’s death Thursday, Trump praised his strength and cultural impact. Their friendship included shared appearances at wrestling events and political rallies.

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FILE - Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien directs his team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson, File)

Virginia Tech and South Carolina to clash in Atlanta with deep family ties

Virginia Tech opens its fourth season under Brent Pry with a game against South Carolina in Atlanta on Aug. 31. The Gamecocks are coached by Shane Beamer, son of former Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer. Pry acknowledges the family ties, noting Frank Beamer’s support for his son. Meanwhile, Boston College wide receiver Lewis Bond is eyeing Zay Flowers’ school record for career receptions and yards. Bond emphasizes team success over personal goals. At ACC media days, NC State quarterback CJ Bailey embraces the underdog role after a challenging season. Duke’s Wesley Williams explores hot yoga and Pilates, finding it beneficial for core strength.

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New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) throws a pass during drills at the NFL football team's training camp Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Jets quarterback Justin Fields dislocates toe, team evaluating injury day-to-day

Jets quarterback Justin Fields has a dislocated toe on his right foot and will be evaluated daily by the team. The announcement came after Fields limped off the practice field Thursday morning and was carted into the facility. This eased initial concerns about him missing significant practice time. Fields, in his first season with the Jets, signed a two-year, $40 million contract in March. Coach Aaron Glenn urged fans to remain calm, emphasizing the team’s depth with veteran Tyrod Taylor as backup. The Jets also have Adrian Martinez and rookie Brady Cook on the roster.

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Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, right, blocks Trystan Colon (67) after an NFL football practice in Allen Park, Mich., Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Lions offensive line is a work in progress a year after being among NFL’s best

The Detroit Lions had one of the NFL’s best offensive lines last season. This year is more of a work in progress. Center Frank Ragnow’s retirement and the loss of right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency have opened up competition for at least two new starters. Graham Glasgow, who started at left guard last season and has experience at center, along with rookie Tate Ratledge are getting reps at center through four days of training camp. And then there’s the banged-up veteran Taylor Decker at left tackle.

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New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, right, talks with head coach Brian Daboll during a practice at the team's NFL football training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, July 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Giants’ busy offseason got stamps of approval from standout young receiver Malik Nabers

Like what the New York Giants did this offseason? Thank Malik Nabers. No, the wide receiver coming off an impressive rookie year didn’t add general manager to his responsibilities. But Nabers said coach Brian Daboll did consult him about moves specifically being made on offense after the unit was among the worst in the NFL last year. Among them were signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston and drafting Jackson Dart and Cam Skattebo. On Thursday, the Giants also rewarded defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence by adding $3 million in incentives to his contract for this season.

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New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn looks on during an NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

There are 5 first-time NFL head coaches this season and they each face distinct challenges

Aaron Glenn is stepping into his first head coaching role with the New York Jets after years of preparation. Previously the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator, Glenn credits his former boss, Dan Campbell, for giving him opportunities to act as a head coach. Glenn faces the challenge of ending the Jets’ 14-season playoff drought. He is one of five first-time NFL head coaches this year, alongside Liam Coen, Ben Johnson, Kellen Moore and Brian Schottenheimer. Each coach brings a unique background and faces distinct challenges, from developing young quarterbacks to reshaping team cultures.

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MLS All-Stars' Sam Surridge (98) and Sergio Ramos compete for a pass during the MLS All-Star soccer match in Austin, Texas, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

MLS, playing without Messi, beats Liga MX 3-1 in All-Star Game

Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White scored goals and Major League Soccer defeated Liga MX of Mexico 3-1 in the MLS All-Star Game. MLS has defeated Liga MX three times in four tries. Last year Liga MX won 4-1 in Columbus, Ohio. The MLS All-Stars won in 2022 and beat Liga MX on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw a year prior. Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, both face possible league suspensions for their team’s next match against Cincinnati on Saturday for missing the All-Star game.

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Inter Miami's Lionel Messi (10) looks into the stands after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match [against the New York Red Bulls Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Harrison, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami to miss MLS All-Star Game in Austin

Lionel Messi will miss the Major League Soccer All-Star Game against Liga MX on Wednesday night. Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami, Jordi Alba, will also miss the game. An MLS spokesperson said Inter Miami informed league officials that the two players will not appear in the match at Q2 Stadium. Both could face a one-match suspension for missing the All-Star Game without a credible injury report. The league will speak with Inter Miami officials before providing an update on possible suspensions. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said before the match that no decision has been made about suspensions. Messi missed the All-Star Game last year with an injury.

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Venus Williams speaks during an interview after her win over Peyton Stearns after a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Venus Williams says she is engaged to Andrea Preti after her first singles win in 16 months

Venus Williams’ winning return to the professional tennis tour also came with a surprise announcement: She is engaged. After becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, Williams gave thanks to her fiance, who was in the stands at the DC Open. He is Andrea Preti, who is a Danish-born Italian model and actor, according to the website IMDB. The 45-year-old Williams hadn’t played in a tournament in 16 months until entering the event in Washington. She won a doubles match on Monday and a singles match on Tuesday, before losing in doubles on Wednesday She plays singles again Thursday.

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Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Shohei Ohtani homers in fifth consecutive game, tying a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record

Shohei Ohtani homered for the fifth consecutive game on Wednesday, tying a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record. Ohtani, who leads the National League with 37 home runs, homered in the first inning off Minnesota Twins starter Chris Paddack. He hit a slow curveball 441 feet to center. He carried the bat midway down the first-base line and then did a bat flip. This is the seventh time in Dodgers history that a player has homered in five consecutive games. Ohtani joins Max Muncy, Joc Pederson, Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp, Shawn Green and Roy Campanella in that club.

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FILE - Florida State head coach Mike Norvell monitors the second half of an NCAA college football game against Charleston Southern, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley, File)

Florida State is coming off a brutal year. Coach Mike Norvell is moving forward with exuberance

Florida State coach Mike Norvell can’t wait to move past last year’s struggles. FSU went from being the reigning champion and preseason favorite last summer to finishing last in the league with a two-win season. Norvell said Wednesday during the ACC’s preseason media days that everything hinges on the Seminoles’ response to last year’s stumble. Also on Wednesday, Georgia Tech announced an extension with its offensive coordinator while Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne says he’s prepared for a big workload under new coach Jake Dickert.

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FILE - Reveille X, the live mascot of Texas A&M, watches the Aggies play Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Oct. 8, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

Texas A&M’s collie mascot Reveille X has eye removed after glaucoma diagnosis

Texas A&M’s border collie mascot has had her right eye removed due to glaucoma. The university’s president announced Wednesday that Reveille X underwent surgery after experiencing discomfort and cloudiness in her eye. The veterinary team decided to remove it after finding abnormal tissue. Reveille X is now recovering. She will take a break from her duties but is expected to return to her activities this fall. Reveille X became mascot in 2021, and the tradition dates back to 1931. She is also known as the “First Lady of Aggieland.”

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FILE - Ohio State head coach Ryan Day looks on before the College Football Playoff national championship game against Notre Dame, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

NIL promises made to recruits, now coaches wait for key decision to learn whether they can keep them

Next week, college football coaches can put the recruiting promises they’ve made to high school seniors on paper. Then, the question becomes whether they can keep them. Uncertainty over interpretations of a key element of the lawsuit settlement that’s reshaping college sports has placed recruiters on a tightrope. They need clarity about whether the third-party collectives that ruled name, image, likeness payments over the first four years of NIL can be treated as a workaround of the $20.5 million cap on what schools can now pay players directly or whether they’ll simply become a small cog in the new system.

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Miami quarterback Carson Beck, who transferred from Georgia, speaks at the Atlantic Coast Conference NCAA college football media days, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Steve Reed)

Several ACC teams have turned to the transfer portal for high-level QBs in 2025

Eight of the top 25 quarterbacks in the transfer portal have landed in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Carson Beck moved from Georgia to Miami, seeing himself as a fit for the Hurricanes’ offensive scheme. Miller Moss left USC for Louisville to work with coach Jeff Brohm. Tommy Castellanos transferred from Boston College to Florida State, aiming to upend Alabama in the season opener. Each quarterback has unique reasons for transferring, including NIL money and aspirations of NFL success. The ACC also boasts talented returning quarterbacks like Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. The conference is shaping up to be highly competitive this season.

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San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers (16) celebrates his three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Verlander ends historic 16-game winless streak as Devers’ 2 homers power Giants past Braves 9-3

Justin Verlander has ended the longest winless streak for a Giants pitcher in a single season. He led San Francisco to a 9-3 victory Wednesday over the Atlanta Braves. Verlander, who signed a one-year deal in January, allowed just one hit in five scoreless innings. Rafael Devers drove in four runs with three hits, including two home runs. He hit a homer in the fifth inning and added a three-run shot in the sixth. The Giants outscored the Braves 18-3 in the final two games of the series. Matt Chapman added a two-run homer for San Francisco.

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander (35) delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Verlander finds bottle of his favorite wine waiting at his locker after elusive 1st win with Giants

Justin Verlander overcame the Atlanta Braves — and the rain — to end the longest winless streak in a season in Giants history. The 42-year-old Verlander had been winless in his first 16 starts with San Francisco before allowing only one hit in five scoreless innings to beat the Atlanta Braves 9-3 on Wednesday. His teammates helped the three-time Cy Young Award winner celebrate by leaving a bottle of wine at his locker. The win was more than a personal drought-breaker for Verlander. It gave the Giants the series win after Tuesday night’s 9-0 victory ended a six-game losing streak.

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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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New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws as quarterback Russell Wilson (3) watches during practice at the team's NFL football training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Giants open camp with Jaxson Dart in the spotlight but Russell Wilson still starting quarterback

So much of the attention going into New York Giants training camp is on first-round pick and quarterback of the future Jaxson Dart. But coach Brian Daboll made it clear the plan hasn’t changed and that Russell Wilson is the starter. Wilson took all of the first-team snaps in the first practice of camp, with Dart and journeyman Jameis Winston rotating second and third. Daboll won’t say whether the backup job to Wilson is up for grabs this preseason. General manager Joe Schoen deferred to the coaching staff to determine when it might be time to turn to Dart.

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‘Happy Gilmore’ became a cult comedy. 29 years later, Adam Sandler is swinging again

Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” became one of the most beloved comedies of the ’90s and codified the hockey-style swing as a mainstay on golf courses. “A hop, skip and a hit,” as Sandler says. “Happy Gilmore” made comic heroes of Bob Barker, Christopher McDonald and Carl Weathers, and turned lines like “Are you too good for your home?” plausible things to ask golf balls. Now, nearly three decades later, and after years of batting away pleas for a sequel, Sandler has finally put Happy’s Bruins jersey back on. “Happy Gilmore 2” debuts Friday on Netflix and is arguably the most anticipated streaming release of the summer.

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FILE - The guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale leaves Naval Base Coronado Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, in Coronado, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

NASCAR will hold first street race on active military base at Naval Base Coronado in 2026

NASCAR will hold a street race on Naval Base Coronado in Southern California next June as a replacement for its downtown Chicago event that ran the last three years. The move to the San Diego area doesn’t eliminate a return to Chicago, where NASCAR will still maintain an office and effort an eventual return, perhaps as early as 2027. But the shift next year will allow NASCAR to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy by hosting all three of its national series over a three-day weekend on June 19-21.

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Venus Williams celebrates her win over Peyton Stearns during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

45-year-old Venus Williams becomes the oldest woman since Martina Navratilova to win a singles match

Venus Williams has become the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova. Williams delivered some of her familiar big serves and groundstrokes at age 45 while beating Peyton Stearns — a player who is 22 years younger — by a 6-3, 6-4 score at the DC Open. Tuesday night’s victory in Washington was the first for Williams in nearly two years. Navratilova was 47 in 2004 when she won for the final time. The former No. 1-ranked Williams had not played singles in an official match since March 2024 in Miami, missing time while having surgery to remove uterine fibroids.

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FILE - Stanford's new coach Frank Reich listens as he's introduced during NCAA college football news conference, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Emily Steinberger, File)

Frank Reich excited about Bryce Young’s resurgence after ‘terrible’ start to QB’s NFL career

Former Panthers coach Frank Reich recently reflected on his time coaching quarterback Bryce Young. Speaking at ACC media days on Tuesday, Reich expressed happiness for Young’s late-season resurgence in 2024. Young, who struggled early in his career, was benched in his second season but made a strong comeback after an injury to veteran Andy Dalton. He ended the season with impressive stats, giving the Panthers hope for the future. Reich, fired after 11 games in 2023, said starting Young as a rookie was the right decision. Young now enters his third season as Carolina’s clear starting quarterback.

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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Rich Hill becomes oldest player in majors at 45 with start against Cubs

Kansas City’s Rich Hill seemed a bit rusty in his return to the majors as baseball’s oldest active player. His Royals teammates didn’t make the 45-year-old left-hander’s start against the Cubs any easier. Hill gave up three runs and six hits over five innings in his first major league appearance since last September with Boston.  He threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one. He left with Chicago leading 3-0. Hill’s start at Wrigley Field marked the debut of his 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record. Hill became the oldest player to start a major league game since May 27, 2012, when lefty Jamie Moyer tossed his final game with Colorado at age 49.

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San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers (16) makes the tag on Atlanta Braves' Nick Allen (2) at first base in the fifth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Rafael Devers debuts at first base for Giants after refusing to play position for Red Sox

Rafael Devers has made his debut at first base for the San Francisco Giants. Tuesday night’s start at Atlanta was the slugger’s first at the position that he refused to play for his previous team, the Boston Red Sox. Boston traded Devers to San Francisco in June after his relationship with management deteriorated less than two years into a 10-year, $313.5 million contract he signed in 2023. After the trade, Devers said he felt he had “earned some respect” because of his production in Boston. But he added that he’d be happy to play first for the Giants.

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New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu, left, talks with Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark during the second half of a WNBA All-Star basketball game against Team Collier, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Caitlin Clark’s injury woes continue, misses second straight game against New York

Caitlin Clark missed her second straight game against New York while recovering from an injury to her right groin. The Fever’s star guard also was absent from the team’s game against the Liberty before the All-Star break. She was supposed to compete in the 3-point contest as well as Saturday’s All-Star Game, but missed both events. Clark told reporters on Saturday night that she had been getting treatment during the festivities, which took place in Indianapolis. She was injured in the final minute of last Tuesday’s victory at Connecticut.

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Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters, right, speaks as head coach Dan Quinn, left, looks on during a news conference at the NFL football team's training camp in Ashburn, Va., Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

Commanders GM says non-football topics such as President Trump’s comments don’t reach him

Washington’s NFL franchise used to be in the news all the time for reasons other than football. That seemed to have changed under new team ownership, but President Donald Trump’s remarks about the team name and possibly holding up a stadium deal are making waves just as training camp opens. Still, Commanders general manager Adam Peters made clear Tuesday — at a news conference with coach Dan Quinn a day before the team’s first training camp practice — that he doesn’t expect any of that sort of outside conversation to interfere with their real jobs.

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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons runs off the field after training camp Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Micah Parsons: ‘Not really much movement’ in contract extension talks with Cowboys

Micah Parsons has not seen progress in negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys but does not intend to hold out of training camp as the two-time All-Pro defensive end seeks a contract extension that would likely make him the highest-paid defender in NFL history. Parsons reported to camp Monday and worked out on a limited basis with the team as it started practicing Tuesday. He then responded to comments made by Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones during a news conference the previous day.

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